August 20, 2024 — Carmel

MONDAY-THURSDAY

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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIV, No. 43

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Some Carmel school board members want to tighten book review policy

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

School board members in Carmel are split on whether the district’s policy for reviewing and removing books from campus libraries is adequate or should be tightened up.

EDUCATION

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees spent the final 45 minutes of its Aug. 12 meeting discussing Policy 5522, which governs selection, review and removal of school library materials. The board updated the policy in December 2023 to comply with changes to state law, including a new requirement that school boards have the final say on whether a book in question is removed.

In June, the board voted 3-2 to keep the memoir “All Boys Aren’t Blue” in the Carmel High School library after a community member requested it be removed. At that meeting, school board member Greg Brown, who voted in favor of removing the book along with school board member Louise Jackson, requested the board discuss the policy and how it is implemented at a future meeting.

During the Aug. 12 meeting, Brown described the existing policy as “polarizing” and said he would prefer to see controversial books moved to a separate area where they could be viewed by children with parental permission instead of being removed entirely. He suggested the board form a committee to review the policy and examine how controversial books are handled in other school districts. He also suggested controversial books be rated or identified as such.

Learn about solar — Carmel Green Initiative is hosting a solar info session at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. Attendees can find out how to turn a sunny roof into energy savings and how to protect against future rate increases. Visit carmelgreen.org to learn more.

“I’m looking at it from the parent perspective that wants a little more control over their child,” he said. “They know their child better than anyone else and know what they’re struggling with, and I think we need to honor their rights, as well.”

Parents can view a list of materials available at school libraries online and can request their child not be permitted to check out certain titles. But Jackson shared Brown’s concern that any student can pull any book off a library shelf and read it there without checking it out, including material some parents would not want their children to view.

“Even with our sexual education program, we send a permission slip home to parents, because we want them to know what we’re going to be teaching. And there is nobody on this board that would say — in the books that we’ve talked about that have a sexual nature — that that’s not graphic content,” Jackson said. “So, if we would not share that content in a sexual education class, if we would not share that content in a language arts book, in a math book, no way should we allow students to be able to walk into a library and pull that scene off the shelf.”

Jackson requested that school librarians increase screening for sexually graphic content before books are placed in school libraries and asked the board to consider implementing a process to keep students from accessing those types of books within a library without parental permission.

School board member Jennifer Nelson-Williams said she doesn’t feel books should be removed because they include content that is difficult or upsetting to

some, a measure she said is subjective and can turn into a “slippery slope.”

“This is a conversation that is broader or more important than controlling a book,” she said. “I think the first level of low-hanging fruit is sexual content, that is the way these conversations begin, and then it’s death by 1,000 papercuts. (One could say,) ‘You said you didn’t like the sexual books, can’t we all agree those slavery books are uncomfortable? Those should go, too, because we don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable we have a history in this country of slavery.’ I would caution you to use the same intention you did for every other difficult subject matter with your children and use that as the guiding force.”

School board member Katie Browning said the review of “All Boys Aren’t Blue” showed that the district’s policy worked as intended. She said the review of the policy is “reinventing the wheel” and that the board has “bigger fish to fry.” In addition, she said she believes the district’s highly trained teachers and media specialists “would never compromise our students’ learning.”

“There is a level of trust that Carmel Clay Schools are hiring media specialists to pick things, and if we feel that what they selected is not appropriate, then that’s where the policy comes in,” Browning said. “And of course, we send our kids off into the day and we’re not standing there and we’re not following them. I feel like at a certain point we have to trust our district, we have to trust the media specialists, and if we don’t, if we feel a book has been selected we don’t agree with, there has to be a path to remove that, and that’s what I feel like we have.”

Jackson and Nelson-Williams, the board’s policy liaisons, will work with Amy Dudley, CCS assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, to review suggestions made during the discussion.

New director at Family Promise — Alicia Klingerman has been named the executive director of Family Promise of Hamilton County. She will replace Nancy Ramsey, who is retiring this month. Klingerman previously held leadership roles at the Indiana Department of Child Services and Family Development Services.

Run for Wellness — The Trinity Free Clinic Run for Wellness 5K is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 28 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Rd. in Carmel. Cost is $35 per person. To register or donate visit trinityfreeclinic.org.

Brown

Browning Jackson Nelson-WIlliams

Board member questions ISBA appointment

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Kristin Kouka, president of the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees, will serve as the district’s next Indiana School Boards Association delegate and legislative liaison, two positions another board member wanted to land.

EDUCATION

Before the vote at the Aug. 12 school board meeting to appoint Kouka, school board member Greg Brown moved to appoint himself for the roles, first suggesting he serve alongside Kouka and — after that measure failed — to serve in the role himself.

Brown said he had expressed his interest in the role to other board members and was under the impression they would consider him for the appointment.

“I’m a detail guy, and I’ve got time. I thought I would be a good candidate for it,” Brown said at the meeting. “There was no discussion with me, and I find it interesting the board has now been cited as recommending Kristen, and I just found out in the last day by reading the (school board meeting) agenda. I had hoped to be it, that was the discussion. I felt there was some agreement that we could move me into that.”

Board member Katie Browning, who serves as the ISBA delegate and legislative liaison, said she could not support Brown serving in the role because of his involvement in local politics, including testifying in front of a state Senate hearing in January 2023 — without notifying the rest of the school board of his plans to do so — in favor of a bill that would have required school board candidates to declare a political party on the ballot.

“I feel you cannot represent the board in a nonpartisan way,” Browning said to Brown Brown, who had won election to the school board two months before the hearing, said he testified as a citizen and not as a school board member.

The board voted 3-1, with Kouka abstaining, against the motion for Brown and Kouka to serve together, and Brown’s motion to appoint himself to the role did not get seconded and failed without a vote.

Kouka’s term as an ISBA delegate and legislative liaison runs through June 30, 2025.

Officer shoots suspect in garage

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana State Police are investigating the shooting of a suspect in a parking garage by a Carmel Police Department officer.

According to ISP, Carmel police responded at 7:48 p.m. Aug. 11 to an apartment complex in the 12800 block of Old Meridian Street after receiving a report of harassment and stalking. They located a blue Dodge Charger matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle on the third floor of the parking garage approximately half an hour later occupied by an adult male.

his handgun into the windshield of the Charger.

After the shots were fired, the Charger’s wheels continued to spin, and officers broke a window to remove the suspect from the vehicle and handcuff him, according to ISP. The suspect had a gunshot injury and was treated on scene by the officers until paramedics arrived. One of the police officers suffered a cut hand during the incident and received treatment at a hospital.

An officer parked his vehicle in front of the car and exited it, ordering the suspect to get out of his car. Another officer soon arrived, but the suspect did not comply and instead drove the Charger into a police vehicle. One of the officers fired shots from

The suspect, 23-year-old Daniel Castillo of New Mexico, was transported to a hospital in stable condition. Police arrested him Aug. 12 after his release from the hospital. Castillo has been charged with attempted aggravated battery, resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.

The officer who fired his weapon has been placed on critical incident leave during the investigation.

Voicemails for Carmel principal lead to harassment charges

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A 2024 Carmel High School graduate and former member of the Carmel mayor’s transition team is facing two charges after reportedly leaving harassing voicemails for Carmel High School Principal Tim Phares. Liam Hansen, 18, who helped guide the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council as part of Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam’s transition team, allegedly left a harassing voicemail on Phares’ wife’s cellphone the night of July 7 and another voicemail on Phares’ phone two minutes later, according to a probable cause affidavit.

the (expletive) ground,” he said, “I’m going to try and make your life as hard as possible for the rest of my life, and I am 18 years old. … You can go (expletive) yourself and I will be watching. Watching peacefully, watching patriotically, and watching unviolently. OK, so you can’t report me for anything.”

Hansen did not respond to a request for comment. His attorney declined to comment.

Beginning in November 2023, Hansen served on the mayoral transition team for Finkam, who became mayor Jan. 1. He was tasked with revamping the CMYC program.

In both voicemails, the caller identifies himself as “Liam Hansen” and used a number that matched the one on file at CHS for Hansen. The caller names “Tim” as the intended recipient in both messages. In the first voicemail, the caller said he’d “like to see your head on a spike, but unfortunately it might not happen for a good 40 years.” In the second, after accusing Phares of “running this high school into

Rebecca Carl, chief of staff for the City of Carmel, said Hansen hasn’t been affiliated with the mayor or her transition team since around the time Finkam took office.

Phares did not respond to a request for comment. CCS spokesperson Emily Bauer stated that “the district is aware of the situation and is committed to supporting our staff.”

Hansen faces two misdemeanor charges of harassment by means of a telephone call. His trial is set for Nov. 13.

Castillo Hansen

City selects next CFD chief

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Joel Thacker, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, has been selected as the next chief of the Carmel Fire Department.

CITY NEWS

He will begin the new role Sept. 3.

“Joel has been repeatedly called upon at both local and state levels for his leadership and knowledge in public safety,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam stated. “I am thrilled to have his expertise focused on our community, leading an impressive team that is committed to the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors.”

served as chief since 2015.

Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Thacker to serve as executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in 2022. He previously served as state fire marshal, director of the state’s fire and building safety division and chief of the Plainfield Fire Territory.

The city will hold a public swearing-in ceremony. A date has not been announced.

“Preparedness is crucial for the success of Hoosier families, communities and the state, and I look forward to advancing training, while supporting all partners in ensuring the safety of the Carmel community,” Thacker said.

Thacker will replace David Haboush, who is retiring after 32 years with CFD. He has

A licensed paramedic, Thacker has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and public safety from Indiana University.

Harris campaign energizes local Democrats, party leader says

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

As chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, Jocelyn Vare spends much of her efforts focused on local politics.

POLITICS

But she said that job got a bit easier last month after President Joe Biden announced he would drop his reelection bid, with Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the new Democratic nominee at the top of the ticket. She said the change energized local left-leaning voters and reengaged some who had “checked out.”

“I’m not sure if it was (switching) from one candidate to another as much as from a candidate that people were familiar with to something new,” Vare said. “It’s a new kind of energy that is really infectious.”

With the change, Vare said she expects voter turnout to be higher than if Biden had remained in the race. And the increased interest is good news for local Democratic candidates, she said.

“What we see from this new excitement and awareness and involvement is this

is trickling down to our local candidates,” she said. “People are like, ‘How do I get involved? How do I learn about who else is on my ballot? Because now I care a lot more about what happens in November.’”

Mario Massillamany, chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party, said Biden’s announcement didn’t change anything for local GOP candidates. He said local voters were already engaged in the November elections and remain enthusiastic about their candidate at the top of the ticket, former President Donald Trump.

“I ordered 3,000 Trump yard signs. We’ve already given out or sold over 2,000 in about 65 days,” he said. “We’re about to have our Fall Dinner, and it’ll be probably the largest event in the state of Indiana, outside of our other event, which was our Lincoln Day Dinner in the spring.”

Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent, will be the featured speaker at the Oct. 1 GOP Dinner. Gabbard was a Democratic candidate for president in 2020 alongside Biden and Harris but since leaving the party has embraced more conservative positions.

• Maintenance-free living with seasonal lawn care and 24-hour maintenance

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Thacker

Vare Massillamany

Annual event benefits local children’s therapy nonprofit

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

FUNDRAISER

Andrew Khosrofian, CFA, CAIA Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

F. Ford

President

Banking

Jamie R. Britton-Blanck, CTFA Vice President Personal Trusts

When Noblesville resident Brandon Cass helped plan a backyard party for his co-worker in 2019, he never imagined it would grow into Mudsock Fest, an overnight, ticketed fundraiser with cornhole tournaments, a 50/50 raffle, a fishing tournament, live music and more.

The fifth annual Mudsock Fest was held Aug. 9-10 at Mystic Waters Campground in Pendleton. All proceeds benefit the Children’s TherAplay Foundation, a nonprofit pediatric outpatient clinic at 9919 Towne Rd. in Carmel.

This year’s event raised $7,000 for the Children’s TherAplay Foundation, which serves children with disabilities. The organization provides physical, occupational and speech therapies on horseback through hippotherapy treatment. Donations are continuing to come in on the Mudsock website and will be accepted until the end of the month.

The idea for Mudsock Fest materialized when Cass’ co-worker won a contest for a concert in her backyard in Fishers with American country pop singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson as the entertainer. Cass said the name Mudsock comes from Fishers being known as the Mudsock area.

“Jenna, my co-worker who won the contest, is an occupational therapist, and her son was born with disabilities,” Cass said. “All of his ‘firsts,’ like his first words, the first time he rolled over, his first steps, everything was at TherAplay. So, when we had the idea to expand this party, she suggested donating (all proceeds) to them. Since Mudsock started, we’ve always donated to TherAplay.”

Derek Declan, a Mudsock volunteer, said TherAplay provides services for children with a range of disabilities.

“So, you might have someone with spina bifida, cerebral palsy or even Down syndrome, and they will be able to cater to them with the use of the horses,” Declan said. “They provide these services to all types of kids in central Indiana, and it is actually the largest hippotherapy center in the United States. We’re fortunate to have it right in our backyard.”

Since starting Mudsock Fest, Cass has used proceeds to participate in TherAplay’s

sponsorships.

For more, visit mudsockfest.com.

‘VALUABLE SUPPORT’

The Children’s TherAplay Foundation in Carmel became a nonprofit in 2001. Through hippotherapy, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists use a horse’s movement, rhythm and repetition as a treatment strategy to help patients achieve therapeutic goals.

Katie Stratman, Children’s TherAplay Foundation’s development manager, said Mudsock Fest has provided “valuable support.”

“Each year, this music festival grows and delivers more fun, more music and more support of our organization’s mission,” Stratman said. “Money raised through Mudsock Fest goes toward funding a therapy horse for the year. For the past three years, Mudsock Fest has funded therapy horse Luna. Luna joined TherAplay in 2022 and is a great horse for our kids who need a larger horse with medium to high movement for their sessions. She is steady, attentive and reliable, which is just what our kiddos need.

“We are immensely thankful to Brandon Cass and the Mudsock Fest organizing committee for putting together such a wonderful event that helps us (and Luna) continue our mission.”

For more, visit childrenstheraplay.org.

From left, Katie Stratman, Brandon Cass, Luna the horse and Derek Declan outside the stall Mudsock Fest sponsors for the Children’s TherAplay Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Katie Stratman)

Submit questions for school board debate — Current Publishing will present a debate between the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees candidates at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green in Carmel. Current readers may submit questions or issues to be considered for the debate by emailing news@currentincarmel.com.

Winston and Sandra Long display their The

Centre for Public Media awards. (Photo

of Sandra Long)

OMNI Centre awards — Sandra and Winston Long of The OMNI Centre for Public Media won Best of Overall Excellence Award in Governmental programming in the 2024 Hometown Media Awards presented by the Alliance for Community Media at an annual conference in San Jose, Calif. The Overall Excellence video highlights Carmel’s culture, families and lifestyle with programs produced in 2023. The OMNI video “A Community of Many Cultures” won first place in the Racial Justice and Civil Rights category.

Model train car donations sought — The Carmel Clay Historical Society is seeking donations of O gauge train cars for a permanent display in the Carmel Clay History Museum. Those interested in donating or learning more may contact CCHS at 317846-7117 or info@carmelclayhistory.org.

Reduce food waste – The Carmel Green Initiative will present information on food waste at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. Attendees can learn simple ways to reduce food waste, including composting at home and compost collection services. Visit carmelgreen.org to learn more.

Class of ‘74 reunion – The Carmel High School Class of 1974 will have its 50th class reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 24 at the VFW Post 10003, 12863 Old Meridian St., Carmel. For more or to RSVP, email Jocko Conley at jockochs74@gmail.com or call Jenny Johnson Rundle at 317-501-3034.

Installation

OMNI

courtesy

Carmel’s Prather remembered as dedicated public servant

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Bruce Oldham’s description of Terry Prather is echoed by many community leaders.

IN MEMORIAM

“He truly was the embodiment of a public servant,” said Oldham, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation deputy director.

Prather, a Carmel High School graduate who lived most of his life in Carmel, died July 11 at age 80 at Brownsburg Meadows. A Celebration of Life is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 at Coxhall Mansion in Carmel. A Masonic service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Prather is survived by his wife, Donna Jo Briggs Prather, and two daughters, Andrea Prather Peoples and Kim Cockrill.

“Dad left a sizable footprint across Carmel and Hamilton County,” Peoples said. “His leadership, community service, generosity and kindness are some of the qualities I learned from him early on and loved most about him. He had a big heart of gold and wanted the best for everyone.”

Prather, a Vietnam War veteran and a

longtime insurance agent, was a strong advocate of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, Carmel Dads’ Club, Carmel Clay Historical Society and Carmel Fire Buffs Museum.

Prather was on the Hamilton County Parks board for 35 years, including a stint as president.

“He was a great public servant on that parks board and contributed many weeks, hours and years of dedication to building the Hamilton County Parks department for the people of Hamilton County,” Parks Director Chris Stice said. “He was an amazing leader for our community, a great networker to get things done and a great person and a mentor to me.”

To honor Prather, the River Road Park was renamed Prather Park in 2023.

Carmel Dads’ Club President Jack Beery said Prather had a huge impact on the organization. Prather, who was a longtime head coach and commissioner for the Carmel Pups football team, always had his players prepared for competition, Beery said.

“He put in a great deal of time and effort to make sure kids got better and had fun doing it. He helped a lot of kids over the years on and off the field,” he said.

Beery said Prather worked closely with then-CHS coach Jim Belden to make sure kids were being taught proper technique

and schemes that the high school teams were utilizing.

Prather was CDC president from 1976-78.

“Terry had many ways he supported CDC, which included cutting the grass at Wodock Fields and running the CDC concession stand,” Beery said. “He took great pride in that facility.”

Prather later helped start the Carmel Alumni Football Club.

CCHS Executive Director Debbie Gangstad said Prather supported her organization by volunteering in the Monon Depot to share his love of model trains as well as generously sponsoring CCHS events.

“He was a true-blue Greyhound,” Gangstad said.

Carmel Fire Department Chief David Haboush said Prather was a strong supporter of local firefighters along with the Carmel Fire Buffs Museum.

“He loved the fire service and was an honorary chief of the CFD,” Haboush said.

Fire Buffs Museum President Jim Martin, a former Carmel firefighter and assistant fire chief, said Prather was always willing to volunteer. Martin started the museum in 1989.

Terry Prather volunteered with several organizations in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Prather Peoples)

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CROSSTREK

Olympic success boosts interest in Carmel Swim Club

By Ken Severson news@currentincarmel.com

The Carmel Swim Club had already built quite a record of success, but with three of its athletes competing in the Paris Olympics this summer, interest in the organization is on the rise.

SWIMMING

That’s led CSC to conduct additional swim evaluations, inviting aspiring swimmers to join a supportive and competitive environment.

“We are seeing a definite increase with more than 100 kids signed up for evaluations on July 22,” said CSC Director of Business Development Maggie Mestrich, noting that CSC added a second evaluation session this month. “We have never had that many people sign up before.”

Mestrich, a Carmel resident and former competitive swimmer, has seen an increased interest within her own family, as well. She said her 9-year-old son Leo, whose primary sport is soccer, was inspired to focus more on swimming after watching CSC athlete and Carmel High School graduate Aaron Shackell make the Olympic team during the swim trials at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Mestrich, who also has experience as a CSC coach, said the club provides benefits to the community beyond providing an out-

let for swimming.

“Something that’s really important to us as an organization is to make sure that as many of our community members can be water safe as possible,” Mestrich said. “Swimming is the only sport that can save your life. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce a child’s risk of drowning by 88 percent. We have a two-fold goal, number one, we want to create swimmers who are safe around the water, but number two, if a child loves their swim lesson experience, we have a place for them to continue on in the sport and compete.”

The club offers programs for all ages and ability levels. Learn more at carmelswimacademy.org.

Breakfast for veterans — Hamilton County Veterans Corp will host a free breakfast at 9 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Barrington of Carmel, 1335 S. Guilford Rd. in Carmel, for American Legion and VFW post commanders and their Post Adjutant or other officers or members who want to help military veterans in Hamilton County. Breakfast is courtesy of Hamilton County Veterans Corp and Stronger Veterans Stronger Communities Coalition. Learn more at hamiltoncountyveterans.com.

Leo Mestrich participates in a Carmel Swim Club program. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Mestrich)

Local Author Fair returns after hiatus

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

The Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main. St., will host its first Local Author Fair in more than five years from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. The event celebrates literary talent and community engagement and will allow attendees to connect with dozens of local authors representing a variety of genres and backgrounds.

LIBRARY

case authors local to Carmel and surrounding communities. Additionally, authors will discuss their writing, sell and sign their books and give attendees an insight into their creative processes.

Participants can expect to see and interact with roughly 40 authors.

“There was an enthusiastic response from authors who wanted to participate,” said Brian Barrett, CCPL adult services librarian. “We have room for about 40 authors and received over 80 applications.”

Genres include fiction, biography, children’s books and science fiction and fantasy. Authors range from established writers to emerging voices, and the fair will show-

Available at AMAZON.com

“We’ve seen an increase in recent years in the number of authors in our community, especially as self-publishing has taken off,” CCPL adult services assistant manager Kendall Culbertson said. “This event will be a great way to connect those authors with new readers and for readers to learn about the writing process from the people who do it.”

The Local Author Fair was previously hosted from 2014-2018. CCPL aims to make it an annual event again.

“This will be the first Local Author Fair since the library was remodeled,” Barrett said.

The Local Author Fair is free and doesn’t require registration. Learn more at carmelclaylibrary.org/events.

Carmel Resident,

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COMMUNITY

FIELDS MARKET GARDEN BREAKS GROUND ON GREENHOUSE

OBITUARY

Lois Bowen, 97, a lifelong resident of Carmel, Indiana, departed this life on Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born, April 23, 1927 in Indianapolis to the late Harold W. and Carrie Marie (Weber) Barnes.

Lois attended Carmel schools for all twelve years starting her education in a one room schoolhouse and finishing in the old Carmel High School. Lois loved school, was a cheerleader her junior and senior years and participated in any sports available. With World War II approaching, Lois enrolled in the cadet nursing program offered by the United States Army. She earned her nursing degree with honors at the old St. Vincent Hospital. Although she enjoyed nursing (obstetrics), her real passion came when she helped found the Family Maternity League specializing in teaching expectant mothers natural child birth and breastfeeding; an era when the medical industry did not support natural childbirth. After nursing she decided to get involved in Carmel politics, Indiana state politics and national politics working for many years in the Indiana House and Senate, and assisting with many political campaigns. In 1978 she opened The Fashion Exchange a consignment shop specializing in high-end gently used women’s clothing and accessories - located in the old Lumberyard mall in Carmel. Lois was a

Fields Market Garden urban farmer Kate Sexton, left, and Rebecca McGuckin, chief culture officer at Old Town Companies, attend an Aug. 8 groundbreaking for the Fields Market Garden greenhouse. The cost of the greenhouse at 270 W. Smoky Row Rd. in Old Town’s North End development is $143,000, plus an additional $50,000 for infrastructure work. Funding for the project includes more than $78,000 raised through crowdfunding, a $50,000 matching grant from the IHCDA CreatINg Places program and a $81,000 grant from the Merchant’s Foundation Fund VII. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed greenhouse is expected in late fall. The garden is also adding a head house with public restrooms, garage space, a walkin cooler and more. Learn more at FieldsMarketGarden.com. (Photo courtesy of Kate Sexton)

licensed pilot and also enjoyed golf, art, linedancing and calligraphy.

She is preceded in death by her children, Constance Pfrang and Derek Earle; husband, Mark E. Bowen and former husband Lawrence H. Earle, brother Richard Hamilton Barnes, Sr and nephew Richard Hamilton Barnes Jr.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Lannie (Richard) Corbin and Karen (John) Klein; beloved son-in-law, Carl Pfrang, daughter-in-law Cheri Earle grandchildren Joey (Amy) Davidson, Jake Corbin, Ashley (Ian) Hoehn, Chad (Lauren) Corbin, AJ (Katy) Klein, Austin (Brittney) Klein, Addison (Sienna) Earle and Lyndsie Earle, nieces and nephews Kimberly Barnes, Mike (Edna) Barnes, Ron Barnes and Kit (Dee) Earle, and 13 great grandchildren. A memorial visitation for Lois will begin at 9:00am on Saturday, August 17th at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel and conclude after memorial service at 10:00am. Inurnment follows at Old Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lois’ memory are suggested to St. Vincent Nurses Alumni, Carmel Clay Historic Society or to Carmel High School Alumni Association.

Online condolences available at www. leppertmortuary.com

Cathedral High School congratulates Olympic Gold Medalist, Olympic recordsetter, and 2019 graduate Cole Hocker and extends a warm “you’re so welcome” to him. In a post-medal interview, Cole thanked Indianapolis, Indiana, and “especially Cathedral” for all the support. Cathedral is a faith-filled school where caring educators know, love, encourage, and support their students. And that support doesn’t end when a student graduates because of our Holy Cross value of Family. After winning Gold, Cole also stated, “I just felt like I was getting carried by the stadium and God.” How beautiful to see our Holy Cross value of Zeal on a world stage! Zeal, which is Cathedral’s Holy Cross Value for this school year, is the great desire to make God known, loved, and served. Those with this virtue fulfill their duties with eagerness, affection, courage, and perseverance. (Kind of like an Olympic Champion!) Greatness called, and you answered, Cole! You make our Holy Cross value of Excellence shine like GOLD!

Herrmann readies for Purdue football radio post

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Former Purdue University quarterback Mark Herrmann was accustomed to taking snaps from his former center, Pete Quinn.

BROADCASTING

Now, Herrmann is taking a different kind of handoff from Quinn.

The 1977 Carmel High School graduate and Geist-area resident is replacing a retiring Quinn as Purdue football radio color analyst.

Herrmann, 65, subbed in two games for Quinn in the booth last year and was the sideline reporter at Virginia Tech. Quinn, a former Geist resident who now lives in Carmel, had been the radio analyst for 32 years.

Herrmann played in the NFL for 11 seasons, concluding his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 1992. He then had a 10-year stint as a radio analyst for the Colts. Herrmann later served as an analyst on the Colts preseason games on TV for a few seasons.

“That was a lot of fun,” said Herrmann, who is the director of leadership and alumni engagement for the John Purdue Club.

“Then I did six or seven years for ESPN Plus, calling some Mid-American Conference football games.”

GOCATHEDRAL.COM

“He had a great run,” Herrmann said. “I congratulate him on that, it’s quite a commitment. I think he was ready to be a normal fan in the stands and watch the games with his family. I think he’s excited that I’m taking the reins now.”

When Purdue Sports Properties General Manager Mark Walpole asked Herrmann if he was interested in the opening, he quickly said yes.

“I thought it would be fun to do Purdue games, so we’ll give it a go here,” he said.

Tim Newton has served as Purdue’s football play-by-play announcer since the 2009 season.

“Tim is great and a real professional,” Herrmann said. “We worked on a couple of games last year, so we have a feel for one another. He’s easy to work with, so I’m really looking forward to that. We’ll try to be as descriptive and enthusiastic as we can. It’s fun for me to talk football and the fact that it’s Purdue amplifies that. It’s a very good schedule this year, probably more than (coach) Ryan Walters wants. It will be very difficult but fun to watch how Purdue competes this year.”

Herrmann said he will have a different approach as a former quarterback than Quinn’s approach.

“I’ll give the fans a little different view from reading coverages and blocking schemes,” he said. “It might be more of a comprehensive approach.”

Along with being a standout high school quarterback, Herrmann helped lead the CHS basketball team to its first IHSAA state title in 1977. Herrmann. a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, led the Boilermakers to victories in the 1978 Peach, 1979 Bluebonnet and 1980 Liberty bowls.

Herrmann

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Carmel Youth Assistance Program builds connections, confidence through mentorship program

By Jennifer A. Haire news@currentincarmel.com

For the past nine years, the Carmel Youth Assistance Program has provided resources and support to students in the Carmel area, and it added a mentoring program in 2017. CYAP mentors are tasked with providing children a safe, neutral third-party trusted adult in a casual and fun environment.

Kids identified for the mentoring program come from various backgrounds. Some are from single-parent households or nontraditional living situations, such as residing with a grandparent or other relative.

CYAP representatives collaborate with parents and school social workers to determine who might be a good fit to consider the program.

“Youth who are in mentoring really just need some adult 1-on-1 attention,” said Melissa Yarger, CYAP early intervention advocate. “They might have five other siblings at home and just sometimes get lost in the shuffle and need some extra care.”

Volunteer mentors meet with their mentees once a week and are required to commit for a minimum of one year. Mentors can decide how they spend their time but are encouraged to plan activities such as cooking a meal together, playing ping-pong at Midtown or going rock climbing.

“It’s really just about having fun together, enjoying new experiences,” Yarger said. “And with fun, those kinds of tougher conversations will come out naturally, because it’ll start to develop this positive relationship where kids will start to come to you for advice.”

Molli Salter has been a CYAP mentor for two years. The empty nester mom of three was looking for a way to volunteer and make a difference in the community. Her friend heard about the mentorship program and recommended they both apply.

Salter said the experience has been fulfilling.

“It’s just meant a lot to make a difference and just see the change in (my mentee’s) confidence and her personality since

I started,” Salter said. “It’s just amazing.” Students are not required to work with a mentor but may opt in if they choose. Yarger said program goals are to help kids broaden their horizons beyond home and school. By providing a chance to explore their community, they may see life and their future in a new way.

“Our kids in elementary school right now are one day going to be running our country,” Yarger said. “So, when we get those kids with mentors and strong leaders to set good examples, we’re setting ourselves up for success.”

Kids in the mentoring program range from fifth to 10th grade. CYAP averages

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Youth assistance programs are available throughout Hamilton County. In Carmel, the program is staffed by two full-time early intervention advocates and a part-time assistant and program coordinator.

The Carmel Youth Assistance Program works with children ages 3 to 17. In 2023, 170 students were referred to the program; mentors logged 510 hours; and

tutors volunteered 307 hours.

CYAP relies on partnerships with Hamilton County, the City of Carmel and Carmel Clay Schools.

“Those three entities really had to come together to support this program here in Carmel, and we couldn’t do it without them,” said Melissa Yarger, CYAP early intervention advocate. “They’re a great resource for us.”

nine to 12 matches at a time, many of which are long term, lasting four or five years. Yarger estimated that CYAP makes approximately five new matches a year, and there is often a waitlist.

Mentors must be 21 or older, pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license. The program uses grant funding to cover higher price activities such as attending a sporting event, visiting the zoo, museum or Topgolf. Smaller, daily activity costs are at the mentor’s expense.

“We really just need people who are flexible, compassionate and who are good listeners and who can have a little bit of fun and be silly,” Yarger said.

For more, visit youthassistance.org/ become-a-mentor-carmel.

ON THE COVER: From left, Carmel Youth Assistance Program mentor Molli Salter with her mentee, Lynzii. (Photo courtesy of Molli Salter)

Yarger

Carmel Youth Assistance Program mentor Molli Salter, right, is matched with her mentee, Lynzii, in 2022. (Photos courtesy of Molli Salter)

Carmel Youth Assistance Program mentor Molli Salter, right, spends time on the water with her mentee, Lynzii.

Actor returns as Jerry Lee Lewis in ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Brian Michael Henry, performing in “Million Dollar Quartet” expanded his musical horizons.

MUSICAL

“I love rock ‘n’ roll music, and I love getting to be able to play with a real band onstage,” he said. “The first time I played with a band was in this show and I’ve done it in many different situations since, but ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ taught me how to play with other musicians.”

Henry reprises his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” Aug. 29 to Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. Henry played Lewis in the 2018 production at Beef & Boards.

The musical recounts an event on Dec. 4, 1956, when a twist of fate brought Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash together at Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn., for a legendary jam session.

“There’s a new challenge every time I do it,” Henry said. “Sometimes, it’s the physicality. I’ll need to really stretch for the piano jumps and playing backwards. It’s also a lot of energy to keep up over the course of the show. Jerry Lee doesn’t really leave the stage once he enters at the beginning, so it’s a bit of an endurance test.”

Henry said he is in at least his 10th production of the musical.

“Some of those include productions where I was an understudy but went on and performed the role multiple times during the run,” he said. “I recently understudied Jerry Lee and Sam Phillips in both the Christmas version of the show and the original version. I was able to go on for Sam Phillips in both versions and it was really great to see the show from that vantage point.” Naturally, the show has become one of Henry’s favorites.

sicals, so doing this show is really a fun departure,” he said.

Henry looks forward to returning to Beef & Boards.

“When I did the show here in 2018, I just had a wonderful time,” he said.

“Working with Eddie (Curry) and Jeff (Stockberger) and everyone at Beef & Boards was so much fun and I’m really looking forward to seeing them again. I have some other great friends who will be in this production, so I’m looking forward to working with them as well. I also really enjoyed Indianapolis and I can’t wait to explore the city again.”

Curry returns in the role of Sam Phillips. Stockberger returns as director. Stockberger and Curry are Indianapolis residents.

hattan (N.Y.) School of Music.

Henry has written and recorded two albums, one EP and some singles

“I come from a classical music background, but with singing,” he said. “I went to school and grad school for opera. I’ve been playing piano since I was about 14, which is a little old to become a concert pianist, But, while I’ve gravitated toward classical music with singing, I’ve always been drawn to rock music at the piano. I used to have to barter with my piano teacher and if I’d work on my classical pieces, she’d in turn let me work on a Billy Joel song.”

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Simply the Best: A Celebration of Tina Turner” is set for Aug. 22, followed by “Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” Aug. 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

“Free Fallin: The Tom Petty Concert Experience” is set for Aug. 23, followed by “Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John” Aug. 24 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘THE WOMAN IN BLACK’

Carmel Community Players’ production of “The Woman in Black” runs through Aug. 25 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

IMAGINE DRAGONS

Imagine Dragons: Loom World Tour is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com

DISPATCH

“I tend to do a lot of ‘Golden Age’ mu-

Henry, who is based in New York City, grew up in Lock Haven, Pa., and earned his undergraduate degree at Penn State University and his master’s at the Man-

Making their Beef & Boards debuts are Sam C. Jones as Johnny Cash, Cody Craven as Carl Perkins and Jesse Plourde as Elvis. The production’s hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?”, “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Hound Dog.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Fishers Blues Fest announces headliners — The Nickel Plate District AMP will host the 12th annual Blues Fest Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The free two-night festival includes performances by local and national blues artists. Headliners for the all-ages, family-friendly concert lineup include Shemeika Copeland Aug. 31 and Bernard Allison Sept. 1. The full lineup for both nights will be released at npdamp.com/BluesFest. Tickets aren’t required for admission.

Brian Michael Henry reprises his role of Jerry Lee Lewis in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Henry

NIGHT & DAY

CARMEL JAZZ FESTIVAL ATTRACTS VISITORS

The second Carmel Jazz Festival’s Aug. 9 schedule included Danny Lerman on Carter Green stage and

as B.

Per

perform live. He attended the concert with his grandfather Marvin Miller (Carmel). Maceo plays trumpet, bass and flute.

FREE EVENT LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

Join Hamilton County Parks and Recreation for a free visual experience from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 at Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville, 19401 Allisonville Rd. The historical bridge will be decorated with luminaries and the event will have live music, food trucks, a beer truck and lighted canoes.

ALSO CHECK OUT

GREEKFEST — GreekFest, an event with authentic Greek food, live Greek bands, cooking demonstrations and more will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 24 at 3500 W. 106th St. in Carmel. Admission is free and items will be available for purchase.

September 29, 2024

October 5, 2024

November 16, 2024

Nov 30 & Dec 1, 2024

December 15, 2024

January 25, 2024

February 8, 2025

February 23, 2025

March 16, 2025

April 19, 2025

Super Diamond-A Neil Diamond Tribute

Beethoven Gala Celebration with Indianapolis Opera America the Beautiful

The Nutcracker with Indiana Ballet Conservatory

Holidays in Old Vienna

Breakin’ Classical-Breakdance with the Symphony

Moonlight & Lanterns

Carmel Young Artists Showcase

American Awakening: Appalachian Spring

Easter Parade

Ticket packages available.

Scan QR Code or visit carmelsymphony.org

NEXT

TICKETS: Scan QR Code or visit carmelsymphony.org carmelsymphony.org

Rob and Ingrid Perdue (Carmel)

Kenneth and Diane Wendeln (Carmel)

“America’s Got Talent” contestant Bryan Thompson, who performs

Thompson, opening for Antonia Bennett and Carmel Symphony Orchestra at the Palladium at the Center for the

forming Arts. The two-day festival concluded Aug. 10. (Photos by Jennifer A. Haire)

Barkeep Vodka hits market

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Craig Huse is convinced Barkeep Vodka will be popular with vodka drinkers.

“In my 35 years in the hospitality industry, I’ve had the privilege of sampling nearly every premium vodka on the market,” said Huse, CEO of Huse Culinary who also is one of four partners in Barkeep Vodka. “Yet nothing compares to the purity and smoothness of Barkeep Vodka, crafted using True Essence Foods’ patented compression filtering process. This groundbreaking technology has set a new standard for vodka and is poised to revolutionize the spirits industry as a whole. We are thrilled to pioneer this transformation with Barkeep Vodka, delivering the cleanest-tasting vodka experience to Hoosiers.”

Huse Culinary operates several Indianapolis-area restaurants, including St. Elmo Steak House, 1933 Lounge and HC Tavern + Kitchen.

“True Essence Foods Flavor Balancing equipment is a proprietary, nonadditive mechanical filtration system that uses

partners. (Photo courtesy of David Puimer)

controlled pressure to eliminate off-flavors, resulting in a cleaner, balanced, more consistent tasting spirit without additives or preservatives,” said Matt Rubin, CEO of True Essence.

The product is available at most package liquor stores and should be available soon at major grocery stores. Along with Huse Culinary restaurants, it is available at other area restaurants.

Along with Jones and Craig Huse, the other partners are Jamie Blake and Chris Clifford. All live in the Indianapolis area.

“We feel this is an important fact when zero of the top 10 best-selling vodkas in Indiana are both owned and operated in the Midwest,” Jones said.

For more, visit barkeepvodka.com.

Living the Hippie Dream

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

It’s inspiring that Carmel resident Don Keegan’s father, Bob, taught him his first few chords and pitched in to purchase his first guitar over 45 years ago! That was back in the ‘70s, when disco was the music to listen and dance to. But Don and his college buddies were “jamming” to The Beatles. And still are!

MUSIC

Mark Bennett and Don, then college buddies, decided to launch a band before they even knew how to play any instruments. Zero formal lessons and four decades later, Don has multiple bands he leads and plays in, from the two-piece Fab Too acoustic band to an eight-piece gig with horns, vocals and everything else that gives them their hip and diverse vibe.

GET YOUR CREATIVE ON

As a singer-songwriter, Don writes a lot of tunes and occasionally needs a creative boost, often fueled by getting out in nature, grabbing a walk or hike. He said, “Lots of inspiration out there if you open your eyes.” Crazy how getting out in na-

ture is the prevailing response to generate creativity.

The Hippie Dream is the primary band, and it focuses on classic rock. Great at requests, too. You can catch the group all over town in some form or another. Check out their schedule at The Musical Commune on Facebook and definitely show up at the Carmel International Arts Festival at 11 a.m. Sept. 26 on the main stage.

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

Barkeep Vodka was recently launched by four Indianapolis-area

The Hippie Dream will perform at the Carmel International Arts Festival. (Photo courtesy of Randy Sorrell)

CSO to hold Motown/disco concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Mélisse Brunet has a broad appreciation for Motown and disco classics.

MUSIC

Brunet

“A lot of people grew up with that music,” said Brunet, who grew up in Paris. “It’s a lot of nostalgia and it’s part of our DNA. I’m so glad a lot of this music also includes orchestra.”

Brunet will serve as guest conductor for Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Motown and Disco concert. She will be joined by Jeans ’n Classics, a group of musicians who blend rock music with symphonies, at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel.

Brunet, who lives in Philadelphia, is the conductor for the Lexington (Ky.) Philharmonic and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa.

Brunet conducted Jeans ’n Classics last year.

“It’s a great band,” she said. “I’m also working with them with my orchestra in Pennsylvania. I’m doing a Queen (tribute) show with them. They’re amazing. I love both disco and Motown. ‘Disco Inferno’ always makes me very happy. People are going to have a big variety of selections that are going to bring back memories to them. I hope to see a lot of costumes.”

She recently conducted a pop show in Lexington, where she wore a Tina Turner dress and Prince’s “Purple Rain” outfit.

There will be a disco costume contest at 7:30 p.m. before the CSO concert.

Brunet was featured in “Maestra,” a 2023 documentary about five international female conductors.

Brunet came to the U.S. from Paris in 2010 as an exchange student.

“I didn’t know that I would love the U.S. and American people,” she said. “I became an American citizen in February. I have a lot of qualities that are purely American and I didn’t know about that before I moved because each country is so different. The only thing that hasn’t changed is my accent.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

THE PALLADIUM

The Center Celebration 2024 presented by Ice Miller is SOLD OUT! We’re so grateful to the many generous people and companies who have signed on to support the Center’s wide range of arts and educational programming, from big-name concerts to classes and lectures to free events for schools to our Prism Project arts camp for youth with disabilities – and the list goes on.

Even if you missed this opportunity, you can still join us in continuing to bring these programs to the community. Just visit our website at TheCenterPresents.org/Donate to make a tax-deductible donation to the Center and its mission.

Proceeds benefit the Center’s arts and educational programming

Special thanks to our community partners, including Ice Miller, First Merchants Bank, Aaron Wealth Advisors, Open Gate Design, the Payne & Mencias Group, Studio M Architecture, Will and Yasmin Stump and Shiel Sexton

A CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL CONNECTION

FEATURING REPRESENTATIVES AND PERFORMERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!

CULTURAL DISPLAYS FROM:

Cortona, Italy | Jelgava, Latvia | Kawachinagano, Japan

Rueil-Malmaison, France | Seiffen, Germany | Visakhapatnam, India

Ataturk Organization (Turkiye) | Ukrainian Society of Indiana

DANCE PERFORMANCES BY:

Lielupe Folk Dance Ensemble (Jelgava, Latvia)

Holy Trinity Hellenic Dance Troupe (Greek Dance)

Visit carmelartsfestival.org for

and for performance times

Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos (Mexican Dance)

The Indianapolis Chinese Community Center

Lielupe Folk Dance Ensemble | Jelgava, Latvia

Weber Farms relocates stand

By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com

Todd Weber, co-owner of Brownsburg-based Weber Farms, sells fresh local produce to the Carmel community through a pop-up farmers market stand.

PRODUCE

For 13 years, the stand operated in the parking lot of the now-closed Vine & Table. Recently, it moved to a bigger and more visible parking lot at 160 W. Carmel Dr. Weber and his daughter, Brooke, recently answered questions about what it’s like working in the family business. (Learn more at facebook.com/WeberFarms.)

What is a workday like for you?

Todd: I start probably at four in the morning and work until midnight, seven days a week. I get about four hours of sleep.

Brooke: We work hard in the summer and relax a little bit in the wintertime.

What are some of your daily responsibilities?

Todd: In the beginning, there’s a lot of farming, a lot of planting. We have to keep up with the weeding, taking care of the product while it’s growing. When you get in season when it’s time to start picking, you go out first thing in the morning and you pick. We have a sorting shed. Everybody comes in, sorts and packs, and then we head out. Every day.

What is the best part of your job?

Todd: I enjoy supplying people with fresh, local produce that’s picked every day. That’s our goal. We have a huge clientele.

Brooke: And working with me!

What is difficult about your job?

Todd: The heat and the hours. The weather turns sometimes. You can’t control mother nature. That’s the really tough thing about our business.

What are some of your farm’s most popular items?

Todd: We sell tons of tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes. Sweet corn is a big hit. Sugar baby watermelon. Our peaches are a big hit. We’re here from July 1 through Oct. 31. You see a lot of pumpkins, apples, all kinds of fall stuff.

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

Hotel eyes summer ’26 opening

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel is preparing to open in the summer of 2026 in Carm el at 13285 Illinois St.

The 102-room hotel will include an indoor pool, 4,000 square feet of meeting space and a fitness center. It is expected to employ 30 to 40 people.

Hotel owners Sam Patel and Jim Jacob, who operate as Saamrajya LLC, are spearheading the project.

“This is not our first hotel,” Patel said. “We have several hotels throughout Indiana, Michigan and Illinois.”

Plans for the hotel began before the COVID-19 pandemic began, but progress slowed until the global crisis eased.

From right,Todd Weber and his daughter, Brooke, run the pop-up farmers market stand in Carmel from July through October. (Photo by Conrad Otto)

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel is set to be constructed at 13285 Illinois St. in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Sam Patel)

Women’s races include Get a MOVE on Cancer fundraiser

RUNNING By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Tarah Ballinger created the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s MOVE program in 2022 to provide exercise support for cancer patients.

MOVE stands for Multidisciplinary Oncologic Vitality and Exercise.

Running Festival, which is Aug. 31 in Carmel. Races begin at 7:30 a.m. and include a half-marathon, 10K and 5K.

“Exercise has a multitude of benefits for patients with cancer, including improved response to treatment, less side effects, better quality of life and even improved survival rates in some types of cancer,” said Ballinger, a breast oncologist at IU Health and an associate professor of medicine and the Vera Bradley Scholar in Breast Cancer Research at the IU School of Medicine. “However, there are often a lot of barriers to exercise for patients, and this is not a service covered by insurance. That is where our program comes in. We provide 1-on-1 or group exercise support, in-person or virtually, free of charge to patients. We are fully supported by philanthropic efforts like the Get a MOVE on Cancer run/walk.”

Ballinger views the MOVE program as a perfect partner for the Indiana Women’s

“Last year, the event was a 1-mile walk, and several of our patients participated and also raised money for our program,” Ballinger said. “Myself and our lead exercise physiologist, Danielle Halsey, walked the event with our patients. Our patients are a lot stronger than we think, so this year we are moving up from the 1-mile walk to the 5K. We hope to have a lot more engagement from patients in our program, but importantly from our IUSCCC employees and the community as well. It means so much to patients experiencing cancer to see their community showing up for them.”

Ballinger, an Indianapolis resident, knows the value of exercise herself.

“One of the reasons I am so passionate about exercise oncology is because I know how beneficial exercise has been for me, both physically and mentally,” Ballinger said. “I run regularly and it helps so much with my mood, stress and makes me better at the work that I do.”

The races moved from downtown Indianapolis to Carmel in 2023.

For more, visit womensrunningfestival. com.

DISPATCHES

Peachey Fund raises $131K — The Catherine Peachey Fund raised $131,356 at the ninth annual “Wine Tasting with Peachey” event, held June 24 at the Indiana Design Center in Carmel. The record-breaking amount will directly support breast cancer research in Indiana, furthering the Peachey Fund’s mission to advance innovative and impactful research projects. The fundraiser brought together community members, researchers and supporters who enjoyed an evening of wine, small bites, researcher updates and inspiring stories. Learn more at peacheyfund.com.

Vital records available online – Hamilton County has become the fourth county in Indiana to offer an online ordering system for birth and death certificates. Previously, birth and death records were only available in person or via mail-in application. Orders are processed within two business days,

excluding weekends and holidays, and customers can choose mail delivery or pick-up. Newborn records may take 10 to 14 days to become available through the Indiana Department of Health’s vital records system. Certified birth and death certificates are $15 per copy, and online orders will incur a nonrefundable $5 service fee. To order, visit the Hamilton County Health Department’s online portal, hamiltoncounty.in.gov/255/ Vital-Records.

Lung Support Group – Franciscan Health Indianapolis is hosting a monthly Lung Support Group at the hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. in Indianapolis. The meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Cardiac Testing Conference Room. Meetings include a guest speaker and focus on lung education and treatment information. For more, call 317-528-8901.

Ballinger

Anyone can act heroically

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

It’s that time again – back-to-school season! Some of those who will spend Monday through Friday in a place of education are pumped, while others might be feeling a bit nervous. That mix provides plenty of opportunity to foster a culture of civility both in the classroom and out.

CIVILITY

Regardless of grade level, acts of incivility may bubble to the surface, causing embarrassment and making a classmate feel uncomfortable. While stepping in as though a superhero, squashing the bad guy and saving the day might not be everyone’s strength, there is another way. Just don’t join in. Be obvious in your disapproval of the act. Do not condone, reinforce or accept bad, bullying behavior.

Beginning my first day of fourth grade, I made the critical mistake of wearing a lime green shirt that caught the eye of my classmate. She decided it was hideous and I needed to be shamed into never wearing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but anyone can act heroically. Make civility your heroic first choice.

— JEFF WORRELL

it again. Had her gang decided the issue was not worth their time, my brand-new first day of school shirt may have lived to see another day.

Not everyone can be a superhero, but anyone can act heroically. Make civility your heroic first choice.

Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.

READERS’ VIEWS

Current a comfort while deployed overseas

Editor,

I have just returned home from a ninemonth deployment to the Middle East. After arriving overseas into this huge life change, I was eager to enjoy comforts from home. My wonderful wife mailed me, among other things, editions of the Current in Carmel newspaper. It felt amazing to have a piece of home physically in my hands and catch up on Carmel news, even

if it was a month old when I read it. Many times, I almost forgot what some of Carmel’s streets, schools and businesses looked like until I read articles that refreshed my memory and my spirit.

Current is more than just a newspaper; it is a symbol of a great place to come home to. Thank you for being here for your citizens when we’re home and away.

Nick Justice, Carmel

LEGAL NOTICE OF RATE GSA – GREEN SOURCE ADVANTAGE SERVICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around August 21, 2024, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to create a new tariff, Rider No. 55, Rate GSA – Green Source Advantage Service, to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Rate GSA will provide non-residential customers an opportunity to bring new renewable resources online and receive the associated renewable energy certificates (RECs) to help meet their sustainability goals. Service under this tariff requires an agreement for service between the customer, renewable supplier and Company detailing the terms of service provided from a new renewable energy source. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center 101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 Telephone: 317-232-2703 Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor- PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: 317-232-2494

Brotherhood Designs utilizes their Retired Fire Hose Waste Reduction Program to create Patriotic art as well as to supply zoos and animal sanctuaries with material they upcycle for rehabilitation and enhancement of their habitat.

painted version Rustic, non-painted version

Now hear this (if you can stand it)

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

What is misophonia?

Well, if you have misophonia, you’re not going to like the sound of this. Actually, if you have it, you are not going to like the sound of a few things. The malady is characterized by an aversion to certain everyday sounds. This is a serious disorder, but let’s look at the lighter side of it by going to its website.

HUMOR

One primary care physician claims there are certain noises he can’t tolerate. Hopefully, “Ouch!” and “ahhh…” are not examples. He admits being overly sensitive to yawners and to people whose “saliva is audible when they speak.” By the way, if your saliva is saying anything interesting, I’d like to interview you for a column. Over the phone.

Many people expressed relief at discovering that other people had this problem. One man said that he suffered from the disorder way before he knew there was a word for it. This is not so unusual.  As a kid, I often took candy bars off the shelf at the supermarket and stuck them in my pocket. I had a bachelor’s degree in psychology before I realized I was a

kleptomaniac.

One woman hated the sound of heavy breathing, and when she heard anyone doing it, she immediately left the room. She signed her post as “Chastity.” Makes sense. Another lady said that she hated it when people whistled through their noses and still another said that she could not stand the sound of her own chewing. OK, lady, just keep your mouth shut. All the time.

The sound of people eating popcorn was mentioned in several posts.  And the crunching of apples drives a lot of people bonkers. One farmer said when her husband eats an apple, she must cover her ears, “but listening to my horse eating an apple doesn’t bother me at all.” Here’s another post: “I can’t stand any sounds that are emitted orally.” So, apparently if her partner doesn’t snore or burp, she’s happy with anything. A newlywed said that her husband’s eating sounds disgust her and she’s thinking of leaving him. What? She’s just now discovering this? Waiting until marriage for intimacy is one thing, but waiting for your first meal together? What cult is that?

The sounds made by ice cream eaters are also annoying to some people -- what with the lip-smacking and the spoon hit-

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

CITY OF CARMEL Water Utility

2025 ROCK SALT FOR DRINKING WATER SOFTENING

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, 1000 S Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana (2nd Floor) until 4:00 EST on September 3rd, 2024, or at City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (Front Desk) until 9:45 EST or in the Council Chambers between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST on September 4th, 2025, and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

To be purchased during the calendar year 2025:

NOTE: Price quoted must be “Firm” for the entire calendar year of 2025 Rock Salt for use in drinking water softening – 12,000 tons more or less of Coarse Southern United States Rock Salt.

The Rock Salt must meet American Water Works Association (AWWA) specification. B200-22 and be NSF60 compliant; clean and free of dirt and debris.

Please quote price per ton. A bid bond or certified check in the amount of 10% of the contract price is required for the Rock Salt bid.

Bid shall include transportation through: Jeff McClure Trucking LLC

4061 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Cedar Grove, IN. 47016

Attn: Jeff McClure Phone: (513) 479-2753, Email: jeffmtrucking@gmail.com

Delivery method: Semi End Dump Trailer with Slide gate and Grain Chute. All bids must be received sealed with the words “ROCK SALT BID” on the left-hand corner of the envelope.

All persons with an interest in bidding shall register a contact name and address with the Utility Department to ensure that all changes or questions and answers are available for review by all interested parties.

The specifications are set forth in detailed documents on file in the Utilities Department, 30 W Main St, Suite 220, Carmel, Indiana 46032.

Questions regarding this solicitation must be via email to lkempa@carmel.in.gov. All responses will be via email and made available with the specifications at the Department.

The submitted proposal must be compliant with IC 36-1-9-8.5.

The Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-2218-2.

ting the bottom of the bowl. One woman confessed she was thinking about doing away with her husband, but instead she told him he was lactose intolerant. A senior citizen said that when his wife slurps soup, he wants to ring her neck. By the way, ringing is another sound some people hate.

Check out the website Misophonia. com.  Are these real people with legitimate concerns? Who knows. Maybe it’s all just hearsay.

WILLIAM SNYDER

NOTICE

The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to declare your child to be dependent and neglected. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to serve upon Laura Beth Whitley, Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children Services, 600 Hearthwood Court, Cookeville, Tennessee 38506, (931) 646-3000, an Answer to the Petition to Declare Children Dependent and Neglected filed by the Tennessee Department of Children Services, within thirty (30) days of the last day of publication of this notice, and pursuant to Rule 103(c)(3) of the Tenn. R. Juv. P. you must also appear in the Juvenile Court of Smith County, Tennessee at Carthage, Tennessee on the 16th day of December, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. for the Hearing on the Petition to Declare Children Dependent and Neglected filed by the State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services If you fail to do so, a default judgment will be taken against you pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-117(n) and Rule 55 of the Tenn. R. of Civ. P. for the relief demanded in the Petition. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Juvenile Court Clerk’s Office, Carthage, Tennessee.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Stephanie Flittner (PO Box 30095, Indianapolis, IN 46230), is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction related activities associated with the Independent Senior Insurance – 146th Street Office project, located in Hamilton County, Indiana. More specifically, the project is located at 3309 E 146th St, part of Section 20, Township 18N, Range 4E. Cool Creek is the receiving water for this project site. Please direct questions to Gehan Mendis, EI of American Structurepoint at 317-547-5580 or by email at gmendis@ structurepoint.com.

BATHROOMS

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Different in the same way?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Studies have long shown that we humans tend to flock together. It seems that we are likely to earn about the same as those with whom we spend most of our time. That makes some sense, one could suppose, because we’d then have about the same disposable income to enjoy together and we’d be confronted with many similar financial challenges. Likewise, we are ordinarily within 20 percent or so in personal body weight to those in our social circle. OK, if we work out a lot or find ourselves to be barbecue masters, our proximity to the ideal BMI might direct us to collect with others similarly motivated.

ESSAY

The same can be said about education levels, political proclivities, religious identity and conception of justice. We absorb the world around us in the context of the way that others react to it. Still, many of us are confirmed in the belief that we are independent thinkers, free from the influence of social order and constraint.

Are we simply fooling ourselves by seeking those who are not a part of our peer group with whom to find a contrast? We stand on one side of the street with our people and point mockingly at those situated on the other. They might declare, “How can they stand to be in the sun?” At the very same time, others express, “We are so grateful for the warmth and light afforded over here!”

Perspective is important in forming our world view. Yet, what is the role of our innate human urge to be a part of the club? Perhaps, even more urgently, we fear being excluded. Doesn’t even the most eccentric of us search for a cohort of equally unusual persons to call partners? Don’t we want to be different in the same way as them?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

Blueprint for Improvement: Open concept overhaul in Carmel After

Commentary by Larry Greene

You had us at open concept! Our team was thrilled to help our clients reimagine their east Carmel home’s first floor. We transformed a dated layout into a modern, functional space that balances aesthetics and practicality. By removing walls and reworking the floorplan, a spacious open-concept kitchen and dining area were created — now ideal for entertaining both family and guests.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The former kitchen and dining room spaces were combined to create a new, larger kitchen that serves as the heart of the home.

• An underutilized formal living room evolved into the new dining room, improving flow and expanding gathering space.

• The new island is the perfect combination of form and function–increasing prep and convening space, while also defining the kitchen and dining areas.

• Rich wood tones on the new flooring and windows add a warm contrast to the cool hues of the cabinets, pendant lights and polished chrome hardware.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

LIFESTYLE

kayo count

32. Pub projectile

33. First-aid kit item

34. See 17-Across

36. Decrease

39. “In that case...”

40. Chum

43. Bird-related

44. Pound hound

45. Havana’s home

46. Pretzel topping

47. Viral GIF, e.g.

48. Arm part

49. Moving day rental

51. DePauw vs. Wabash, for one

53. Spoofs or pranks

55. See 17-Across

56. Common soccer score

57. Charged particle

58. Drug addict

59. Stoli and Smirnoff

60. Hoosier astronaut

Grissom

61. IU profs’ degrees Down

1. Sure thing

2. Create motion pictures? 3. Balkan native

4. Gym wear

5. Fourth rock from the Sun

6. Mess hall grub

7. UFO crew 8. Cried like a kitten

Workplace safety org.

No-nos for Olympians

Shapiro’s dessert choice

Non-Rx

Teensy

Stubborn beast

“___ It Be”

Chemical element in batteries 26. Buddhism branch

Opposite of WNW

29. Advise of danger

30. Kind of list

32. Day’s first light

33. Rose-Hulman, e.g. (Abbr.)

34. Geist docking device

35. “Please, go ahead”

36. Car fuel

37. Indianapolis Fertility Center lab eggs

38. Not at full strength

40. Put into print

41. Scrubbed, at NASA

42. Barnes & Thornburg staffers

44. A Simon

45. Keep mum

47. Ponders

48. Juan Peron’s first lady

50. Palindromic girl’s name

52. Brown County lodgings

53. WFYI film series

54. Numero ___

Zionsville HS volleyball team stat Answers on Page 31

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER

BorgWarner PDS (USA), Inc. seeks a Sr. Software Engineer based out of our office at 2151 E Lincoln Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned office address; from our technical center, 13975 BorgWarner Drive, Noblesville, Indiana 46060; and from home. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the aforementioned office address. Note, this position does not require travel. Design and implement embedded software solutions for automotive controllers, among other duties. Email resume to ccregar@borgwarner.com and reference job number R2024-1124.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Glaziers / Glass Installers –Gatsby Glass of NW Indianapolis is now hiring! Join now to support our rapidly growing business – apply by email at GG135@gatsbybyglass.com

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MONDAY-THURSDAY