CFD’s SAFE House provides immersive experiences to teach safety, save lives / P23
Clay Cottages PUD proposes for-sale properties / P3
Park resource officers to begin in early 2025 / P5
City, committee to present inaugural Diwali festival / P13 SpartanNash to purchase Needler’s / P27
SATURDAY OCT 26 2024 | 5 –
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Less than six months after Luxe BTR scrapped plans to construct a build-to-rent neighborhood and seven estate homes on 37 acres in west Carmel, another developer is proposing a variety of for-sale housing options on the site.
Taylor Morrison Homes of Indiana is petitioning the City of Carmel to rezone the land southeast of Towne Road and 126th Street from S-1 residential to a planned unit development, meaning development standards would be specific to the project and must be approved by the Carmel City Council.
The Clay Cottages development is proposed to include 99 single-family detached homes, 36 attached-paired homes and seven estate lots. Most of the home prices are expected to range from $400,000 to $600,000, with the estate homes expected to cost $1.25 million to $1.5 million.
Many of the homes are proposed to include a primary bedroom on the first floor, according to a project description filed with the City of Carmel. The document
states that the PUD proposal meets several objectives identified in the Carmel Mayor’s Housing Task Force Findings and Recommendations Report released in September, including home designs that are desired by senior citizens and increasing the supply of smaller homes.
Several common areas are planned as part of the community, which also is set
to include a pond along the southern part of the site. Amenities within the common areas could include public gathering spaces, fire pits, a dog park, picnic shelter and recreation area.
The developers will hold a meeting for nearby residents from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Village of WestClay Meeting House to share project details and gather feedback.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council recently approved an ordinance designed to discourage street takeovers, which have recently become a problem in Indianapolis and elsewhere. During street takeovers, groups gather on a public roadway or at an intersection and often perform reckless driving maneuvers. In Indianapolis, police have sometimes met resistance when trying to break up street takeovers, according to local news reports.
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At the Oct. 7 city council meeting, Carmel
Police Department Chief Drake Sterling said the ordinance will allow the city to “take a stronger stance” against street takeovers and that Indianapolis and Louisville recently passed similar measures.
The ordinance bans reckless driving exhibitions, which include burnouts, doughnuts, drifting or wheelies on city streets. It declares these activities a public nuisance and sets a $250 fine for a first offense and $2,500 for subsequent offenses. The ordinance also states that vehicles used in reckless driving exhibitions may be towed.
CPD Deputy Chief D.J. Schoeff said the ordinance is a proactive measure, as he is not aware of any street takeovers that have occurred in Carmel.
“We’ve had a few informal, social media-driven car groups that have shown up, most of which have not been really problematic,” he said. “We’ve had a few issues with a couple people in the midst of those, where they’re driving a little dangerously.”
Samantha Karn, corporation counsel for the City of Carmel, told the city council she expects the state legislature to address street takeovers when it reconvenes.
“This is sort of a band-aid until the legislative session,” Karn said. “I’m certain this will come up. Indianapolis is not the only city that has been seeing this activity.”
The council approved the ordinance on first reading.
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By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The drive-up mail collection boxes at the Carmel post office at 275 Medical Dr. are taped up and closed for repairs as the United States Postal Inspection Service investigates the damage and what caused them.
“At this time, we cannot confirm what, if anything, was stolen. There was still mail in the boxes when the damage was discovered,” stated Megan Redman, the public information officer for USPIS Indiana.
Redman did not respond as of press time to a request for additional information, including when the incident occurred, if it was captured on video footage and when the boxes might reopen.
The Carmel Police Department stated that it is not involved in the investigation.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County has submitted a proposal request for $6,955,084 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which has $100 million in grants available through its Pathways to Removing Obstacles, or PRO, housing program.
A grant proposal request was submitted to HUD Oct. 3. It has yet to be announced when grants will be awarded.
PRO Housing supports communities that are taking steps to remove barriers to affordable housing, such as gaps in available resources for development, deteriorating or inadequate infrastructure and lack of neighborhood amenities.
Hamilton County Community Development Program Manager Michelle Westermier told the Hamilton County Commissioners last month that the county needs more affordable housing options. Any grant money received would go toward affordable housing initiatives over the next five years.
The grant covers all of Hamilton County, with particular attention given to Carmel,
Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield as the cities grow.
If the county receives the grant, funds will focus on four areas:
• Policy: Analyzing and proposing updates to land use and development strategies in each community as well as countywide.
• People: Increasing the organizational capacity of new and existing entities for the development of affordable housing and preservation of existing affordable units.
• Production: Addressing funding barriers and land-cost challenges to build a robust pipeline for the development of affordable units.
• Promotion: Engaging and informing the community about the urgent need for affordable housing and its benefits to the community.
“A CDBG-funded housing assessment released in 2022 estimated it will take 286 years at the current pace of construction to meet Hamilton County’s existing need for affordable housing,” the proposal states.
Center fills new director position — Dave Wilson has been named to the new position of director of corporate development at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation. Wilson comes to the post from a similar position at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. In his new role, Wilson will cultivate relationships locally and nationwide to build and expand the corporate sponsor portfolios of Allied Solutions Center and the Songbook Foundation. A longtime Indianapolis resident, Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing from Indiana University.
Trick-or-treating hours – The City of Carmel’s official hours of trick-or-treating will be 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Homes welcoming trick-or-treaters should turn on their porch lights. Those not wanting to participate, or who run out of treats, should turn off their porch lights.
500 Festival Miler Series dates announced — Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, through Feb. 2, 2025. The series, held at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis, includes three races designed to help participants train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-Miler Feb. 8, followed by a 6-Miler March 8, and concludes with a 10-Miler April 5. For more, visit IndyMini. com/Challenges.
State of the City — Mayor Sue Finkam will highlight progress and detail plans for the City of Carmel as part of her first State of the City address, set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at The Palladium. General admission tickets start at $20 and are available at thecenterpresents.org. The event is presented by OneZone.
Toastmasters Club open house — The Polished Brash Toastmasters Club will present an open house from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Delta Faucet Company, 55 E. 111th St. in Carmel. The event is for anyone interested in improving their communication and leadership skills to observe a meeting. RSVP by emailing vpm-9666@ toastmastersclubs.org. Learn more at polishedbrash. toastmastersclubs.org.
news@currentincarmel.com
Matt McNally (D)
Occupation: Retired military officer and airline pilot
City of residence: Westfield
Education: B.A. in history, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
Website: McNallyForIndiana.com
Danny Lopez (R)
Occupation: Executive vice president, Pacers Sports & Entertainment City of residence: Carmel
Education: M.S. –Sports administration
Website: LopezForIndiana.com
WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE?
McNally: As the son of a Vietnam veteran, and a veteran of Afghanistan myself, I believe in service. I have spent my life serving my country and now want to serve our community. I am running because Hoosiers deserve representation that will listen to them and be responsive to them, regardless of political party.
Lopez: As the son of political refugees, I was instilled with an appreciation for the incredible opportunities this country and our state have to offer me and my family. I am running to ensure more Hoosier families experience those same opportunities. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT?
McNally: I am not a politician running on issues, I am a community member working towards solutions for those issues. Whether I’m fighting for disabled veterans at the statehouse, reducing veteran suicide in Hamilton County or testifying in support of better breast cancer treatment, I am already actively working for Hoosiers.
Lopez: The priorities of Carmel and Westfield must be front and center in the Statehouse. That requires someone with the experience, relationships and collaborative approach to be effective on Day 1. I have worked directly on many of our state’s most important issues in the public and private sectors, and I am prepared to represent this district effectively on Nov. 6.
McNally: 1. Keeping government out of your family planning decisions, including IVF and contraception. 2. Keep our schools great by keeping public tax dollars with our public schools, ensuring that our students and teachers have the resources they need. 3. Taking care of our veterans, first responders and their families.
Lopez: First, improving literacy and numeracy outcomes, resources for teachers and more dollars reaching the classroom. Additionally, addressing mental health, which impacts families, schools, courts and law enforcement. Finally, working to keep property taxes down, particularly for those on fixed incomes, while preserving the ability of our cities to invest in amenities and key services.
McNally: We need a plan that will ensure we maintain current funding for police and fire. By capping the amount our property taxes can increase annually and increasing our property tax deductions and personal exemptions on our tax filings, we can rein in property taxes while also ensuring our cities maintain needed funding.
Lopez: Hoosiers, particularly those on fixed incomes, should never be squeezed out of their homes, and our mayors and city leaders must have the resources to invest in the amenities that have made our community among the best in the country. If we are thoughtful, we can achieve.
McNally: Indiana ranks 47th in public health funding, resulting in an unhealthy state. I believe (addressing) this requires multiple answers, including increased competition and transparency, and investing the taxes on cigarettes and e-cigarettes into wellness, mental health and smoking cessation programs.
Lopez: Indiana has taken important steps to reduce costs by increased transparency, more funding for local health departments, and greater availability of quality care. This remains one of the most important considerations for employers and talent, and steps to increase competition and put patients in the driver’s seat of their own care will ultimately bring costs down further.
Read the full Q&A at youarecurrent.com.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Clay Schools is planning to issue a $6.25 million general obligation bond, primarily to pay for technology devices for students, after district officials decided to use funds originally set aside for that purpose in a previous bond to pay for replacement of the tennis courts at Carmel High School.
this fall. Demolition of the existing courts is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be complete by spring.
The district planned to replace the courts in 2026, but large cracks forming on the surface made the project more urgent.
“I was personally concerned — and others, too — that somebody could trip over the cracks, not to mention they aren’t great for playing tennis,” said Roger McMichael, CCS associate superintendent of business affairs. “Certainly, safety was a priority.”
CCS plans to bid the tennis court project
McMichael said the funds in the previous bond set aside for technology covered a three-year cycle of purchases, so CCS will use the funds for the final two years to pay for the tennis court repairs. If the proposed bond is approved, none of the planned technology purchases will be delayed.
Other projects in the proposed bond include expansion of the early childhood playground at Woodbrook Elementary and a CHS cafeteria exhaust hood upgrade.
The school board on Oct. 15 unanimously approved a preliminary resolution outlining the district’s intent to issue the bonds and set a public hearing on appropriation of the proceeds for 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Educational Services Center, 5201 E. Main St.
The proposed bond is not projected to raise the district’s tax rate.
The comment period is open through Nov. 8 on the second draft of the Indiana Department of Education’s proposal to redesign diplomas for Hoosier high school students starting with the Class of 2029.
The revised proposal reflects public feedback of the first draft, according to a news release from IDOE.
The release of the second draft Oct. 11 was accompanied by a statutorily required public comment period. Parents, educators, community members and other stakeholders can provide written feedback online. The comment period will close Nov. 8. Feedback will be reviewed prior to publication of the final draft.
An initial draft of the new diploma rule was first presented in March. That draft received more than 8,000 online comments and hours of testimony from residents across the state. The IDOE stated that feedback centered on the need to balance flexibility and student choice while ensuring a well rounded educa-
tion; ensuring diploma requirements are rigorous and attainable and prepare every student for success regardless of their post-high school plans; elevating the importance of experiential learning opportunities; and providing sufficient resources needed for school corporations to implement this work statewide.
While the first draft proposal included two diploma options, the revised proposal includes one base diploma with minimum requirements for every student, as well as the opportunity for students to earn readiness seals aligned with their unique path.
Students will have the option to earn readiness seals in enrollment, employment and/or enlistment.
The IDOE and the State Board of Education will hold a public hearing to gather feedback on the second draft at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Indiana Government Center South Conference Room B, 402 W Washington St., Indianapolis.
Learn more and provide written feedback at in.gov/doe under the “second draft” link near the top of the page.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Juggling two sports in college has become rarer through the years.
Sophomore Eva Bellotti is achieving the unusual combination of playing on the women’s ice hockey and women’s lacrosse teams at Trine University. The Angola school plays at the NCAA Division III level.
A 2023 Carmel High School graduate, Bellotti said the hardest part is during preseason.
“Both sports hold practices at the same time,” Bellotti said. “This is the first chance to meet the incoming freshmen and any new members on the teams, so I try my best to make it to both sports.”
Bellotti said she only focuses on the sport in session once the season begins.
“There is a little bit of overlap, and I usually am in hockey championships during the first lacrosse games,” she said. “I am thankful that both my hockey and lacrosse coaches work together to allow me to be a dual athlete.”
Bellotti, whose hockey season begins Nov. 8, was named the hockey team’s Most Improved Player last season. She followed that up by being selected as the lacrosse team’s Rookie of the Year.
Despite the hectic schedule, Bellotti has maintained her grades.
“I have set a goal to make the dean’s list every semester, as learning is very important to me and the reason I am in school,” she said. “Practices take up three
to five hours of my day. I am taking 17 credit hours, and keeping up with schoolwork has definitely been a challenge. We are on the road a lot for both sports, so I have to miss class often.”
Bellotti said most of Trine’s professors are understanding and work with student-athletes to make up assignments and assessments.
“I have been able to maintain my grades and make the dean’s list both semesters so far with discipline, focus and organization,” she said.
Bellotti began playing hockey when she was 8 years old and lacrosse when she was 13.
“Both teams have a strong family environment that is really special to be a part of,” she said.
In hockey, she said she is confident in her role, since she has played a similar defensive role for the past decade.
Bellotti plays on the defense side for the lacrosse team, too.
“Last season, I was able to increase my team’s clearing percentage and helped get them to the conference championship game,” she said. “Great coaching and great teammates make both experiences exciting for me.”
Bellotti played lacrosse for four seasons at CHS and was on the Icehounds’ Blue team for two seasons.
“I was the first girl to be voted as a captain of the Icehounds,” she said. “That team was very special to me and it was a lot of fun leading them throughout the season. I was one of five amazing ladies to play with the Icehounds.”
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Maverick McCoy isn’t taking his opportunity for granted. Instead, he is absorbing all the knowledge he can.
Since January, the 17-yearold Carmel resident has trained as a member of the Indy Eleven soccer team, which plays in the USL Championship league. McCoy is on a USL Academy contract, which allows him to maintain his collegiate eligibility.
McCoy, a 6-foot-2 defender, saw some action in two preseason games. He hasn’t played in any games in the regular season but has been on the bench for three home games and one road game.
“The experience of just being able to learn from pros is the biggest thing,” McCoy said. “I’ve learned how to be a professional and what it takes. You just have to do the little things right. I see that every single day. They just do these little details to perfection. It’s seeing how the guys prepare mentally and physically. It’s hard to be a pro because it’s a long season. I’ve learned a lot just by being around it, watching and observing.”
McCoy, a junior, has been taking online high school classes since eighth grade after completing seventh grade at Clay Middle School. He fits in his studies between practices.
“My role at training is to make everyone better,” McCoy said. “I’m training and playing against the starters.”
McCoy started with Indy Eleven in the preseason in January. He has been with the Indiana Fire, which is now Indy Eleven Academy, since he was 12.
“I’ve been playing soccer as long as I can remember,” said McCoy, who started playing in the Carmel Dads’ Club.
He then played with Carmel FC before joining the Indiana Fire.
“I’m keeping my options open,” he said of whether he will play at the collegiate level or turn pro after graduating. “Right now, I’m focusing on how I can make this team better as we prepare for the playoffs.”
Indy Eleven plays its regular-season finale Oct. 26 against the host Tampa Bay Rowdies. Prior to the Oct. 19 home game against Birmingham Legion FC at Carroll Stadium, the Indy Eleven were fourth in the standings. The top eight teams make the playoffs. The top four teams host opening playoff games.
The Indy Eleven made its debut in 2014.
“I’ve been an Indy Eleven fan since I was younger,” McCoy said. “I remember going to games when Indy Eleven was playing at Lucas Oil Stadium. I always enjoyed going to the games and the atmosphere.”
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
The City of Carmel and its Diwali Committee will present the inaugural Diwali Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Midtown Plaza. The event is free and open to the public.
Diwali, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
“It is celebrated as a triumph of light over darkness,” said Dr. Anita Joshi, a Joshi
“People can expect to be thoroughly entertained and have a great opportunity to sample a variety of wonderful foods,” Joshi said. “We have the joy in Carmel of having five Indian restaurants, very uniquely different Indian restaurants, and all of them are going to be represented at this event. We’ll have a number of cultural performances representing the wide diversity of the Indian community.”
Another Diwali tradition is “removing darkness and lighting the lamps, lighting diyas,” Joshi said.
“That’s what the name Diwali comes from, diyas,” Joshi said. “The lighting of diyas dispels ignorance, it dispels darkness.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jason Padgett’s amazing story is being pitched as a full-length feature film. The Carmel resident developed acquired savant syndrome after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a 2002 mugging in Tacoma, Wash. Even though he only completed one pre-algebra math class, Padgett began seeing equations in his head.
The proposed film will be based on Padgett’s book, “Struck by Genius,” which is the working title of the movie.
Rick Telles has signed on as a producer. He was the producer for “A Million Miles Away,” a 2023 biopic about Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez. Telles learned about Padgett’s book from a friend.
“He found out the rights were available, and he and I had worked together many years ago,” Telles said. “When he pitched it to me, I said, ‘This is a great story.’ We optioned the book.”
Salvador Paskowitz, who co-wrote “The Age of Adaline,” has joined as a scriptwriter.
“He’s working on a treatment for the studios to pitch our project to them,” Telles said. “Hopefully, we (will) get one to bite and have (Paskowitz) write a full script and keep it moving along.”
The movie will tell the story of Padgett’s personal transformation after the brain injury.
“It’s not a lesson in physics. If it was, people are going to fall asleep,” Telles said. “How do you go from a guy that doesn’t like math at all to someone who is obsessed with math? A lot of people
have head trauma and they don’t become geniuses and become obsessed with mathematical equations.”
Although Padgett understands the fascination with his story, he is much more interested in what the equations that come to him mean.
Padgett said there are plans for a science documentary that will examine the scientific implications of a topic on which he focuses — quantum information holography.
“To me, this is so much more important than the movie,” he said.
Padgett also is working on a market state vector tensor field to predict when stocks will go up and down.
“So far, it’s 68 to 78 percent accurate,” Padgett said. “So far, it’s performing better than any algorithm that is out there.”
For more, visit jason-padgett.pixels.com.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School junior soccer goalkeeper Alex Eberhart made a quick transition from junior varsity to varsity.
“I think I made the most improvement in my decision making this season, which was something I really had to work at to make big decisions in split-second moments,” Eberhart said.
The Millers, who had won the past three IHSAA Class 3A boys soccer state titles, reached the sectional final Oct. 12 before losing to Carmel 1-0 to finish with an 11-2-6 record.
“Alex is the main reason we were successful this season,” NHS coach Ken Dollaske said. “He has grown so much since last year. Alex was a JV goalkeeper last year and this year he had to fill the shoes of an All-American (Cole Thompson), and he did so admirably.”
Thompson, now a freshman goalkeeper
ALEX EBERHART
Favorite athlete: Matt Turner, goalkeeper for Crystal Palace
Favorite subject: Spanish
Favorite movie: “Surf’s Up”
Favorite band: Red Hot Chili
Peppers
Favorite vacation spot: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
at Oakland University, was the 2023 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year.
Eberhart played in every game this season, allowing only 11 goals in 18 games. The 6-foot-1 goalkeeper had eight shutouts.
“His reaction saves improved so much
from last year to this year,” Dollaske said.
“His vision and communication from the back have been huge bright spots for us this season. He made saves this year that he would not have made last year. The growth was amazing. Plus, he had never saved a (penalty kick) in his career. This year, he saved two. His senior year will be something special.”
Eberhart said he expects the team will be strong in 2025.
“Given that it was a younger team and many of our guys had never played a varsity minute until this year, I think we absolutely made strides,” he said. “To play the schedule we did and get the results we did was not an easy task at all. We consistently challenged ourselves and made big improvements throughout the year, thanks to our coaching but also the strong, growth-focused mindset of our players.”
Eberhart’s favorite high school memory was watching the Millers defeat Warsaw on penalty kicks last year in the Kokomo Regional semifinals.
“It was great to watch and be able to learn from Cole,” he said.
Eberhart has played for Indy Premier for five years.
“I started playing soccer at 5 years old and started to play goalie around age 10. I played goalie and other positions, too, until I was around 13 and that is when I started playing goalie only,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
"Shapiro & Wheeler are committed to fostering productive and positive relationships among our teachers, staff, administration and community. This partnership is essential to ensuring 'Together We Achieve' in Carmel Clay Schools."
Mark Wien CTA President
"Our schools are the most important economic development partners ensuring Carmel's success in preserving our high quality of life & providing the foundations that keep our property values high. These candidates will in my opinion preserve the correct focus for our youth."
Jim Brainard Former Mayor of Carmel
What's at stake this election? Our Schools. Our City. Our Future.
"I am running to ensure our students have the resources they need to be successful, to see to it that our educators have the support they need to leverage their expertise in teaching our children, and to be a partner with families as we work together to make our already excellent public schools even better."
Carmel Dad | 12-Year Carmel Resident | School Volunteer Education Professional | Advocate for Teachers & Parents Program & Fundraising Director at Hope Academy Recovery High School
Qualifications & Dedication to Our Schools:
between CCS and the wider among educators and the community’s
• A 25+ year career in youth-focused nonprofits and educational organizations
• Extensive experience in multi-million-dollar budget management and oversight
• Former Program Director at Simon Youth Foundation, managing district partnerships and scholarships
• Board member for several nonprofit organizations
• Co-chair for "Yes 4 CCS" Operating Referendum campaign to keep our schools fully funded
• Participant in Carmel Clay Schools Expedition and Digital Safety Programs
"I come from six generations of Indiana public school teachers. I want to continue that legacy by using the skills I’ve developed in my career to serve the schools where my daughters have thrived. I will ensure Carmel remains a beacon of excellence where all children can find success."
Attorney & Partner at Bose, McKinney & Evans
Carmel Education Foundation VP
Commitment to Our Community:
• Use taxpayer funds responsibly, guiding resource allocation to prioritize teacher pay
• Ensure the safety of our schools through funding for School Resource Officers and our Ascension St. Vincent partnership
• Support all students by ensuring they have the resources they need to be challenged at their level
• Make parental involvement easier via a parent liaison line to connect parents to helpful resources
Qualifications & Dedication to Our Schools:
• Expert in local government law with 25 years+ experience navigating state and local budgets
• Former teacher with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education
• Certified public mediator, adept at building bridges across policy differences
• Vice President of Carmel Education Foundation
• PTO Executive Board member at Prairie Trace, Clay Middle School, and Carmel High School over last 10 years
• Experience navigating 504 plans and committed to making the process easier for parents
Former Mayor of Carmel
Jim Brainard
Former CCS Superintendent
Dr. Jeff Swensson
Former Carmel High School Principals
Dr. Tom Harmas
John Williams
Current and Former CCS Board Members
Katie Browning
Angela Corley
Mike Kerschner
Pam Knowles
Tricia Hackett
Sue Richardson
Layla Spanenberg
Support CCS is a nonpartisan group of Carmel families - all volunteers - working to elect School Board members who have the experience, qualifications and passion for public school leadership needed to help elevate Carmel Clay Schools. To earn our endorsement, candidates were vetted by a politically diverse team of Carmel residents: 4 Republicans, 3 Democrats and 1 Independent. They all recommended Shapiro & Wheeler.
Commentary by Sara Holtz
Did you know 80 percent of clothing is landfilled or incinerated, and approximately 35 percent of microplastics released to oceans globally originate from washing synthetic textiles, like nylon and polyester?
Here are some ways to adopt more sustainable practices when it comes to your wardrobe:
• Assess your closet regularly. Keep what you love and wear often, then donate or sell good condition items you don’t wear.
• Thrift and buy second-hand. Before you purchase new clothes, shop vintage or local consignment stores. Participate in a clothing swap, whether it’s via friends or a local organization.
• Invest in quality. Shift your mindset to view clothes as more of an investment and take a capsule wardrobe approach where you intentionally select pieces that are essential yet versatile. Prioritize higher quality fabrics that will last longer over lower quality pieces that are inexpensive and not
durable. Eco-friendly natural fibers include organic cotton and linen, hemp, bamboo and Tencel Lyocell.
• Consider sustainable brands. Instead of shopping for cheap, mass-produced, trendy clothing, focus on finding brands that have fair labor practices and ethical production practices with certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard, Certified B Corporation or OEKO-TEX, to name a few. Goodonyou.eco has a directory to vet sustainably rated brands.
Afterglow Market is a Carmel-based online boutique where you can find sustainable brands such as Pact, MATE the Label and Toad & Co.
Being more conscious and intentional with your wardrobe habits (and pocketbook) does not mean you need to sacrifice your style.
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S. after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
many patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and many patients refer friends and family to us and that is a testament to our relationships with them.”
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
“We want our patients to know that we are here for them, and we will not rush them out the door so we can get on to the next patient. We love to get to know our patients, and we feel we treat them like we would treat our own family,” VonBlon said. “We’ve had
Meridian Audiology provides hearing evaluations, hearing aid sales and service, tinnitus counseling and auditory processing disorder evaluation and treatment. They accept most major insurances, offer convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm MondayFriday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@ meridianaudiology.com. Website: meridianaudiology.com
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Nominations will be accepted November 28, 2024 - December 24, 2024; Winner will be announced December 30, 2024 and the fitting will be early January 2025
(Advertorial)
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
To Carmel Fire Department Public Education Officer Renee Butts, the SAFE House in the Carmel Clay Community Building has “unlimited potential.”
Within its walls, visitors of all ages can be immersed in a variety of scenarios, from a house fire to an ambulance ride and even how to safely navigate a roundabout. The goal is that those experiencing the simulations in a controlled environment will know what to do if faced with similar circumstances in real life.
“What I’m hoping is that if they’re ever in a terrible situation, it’ll just click,” Butts said. “(They’ll know), ‘I can’t open that door,’ or ‘I know what firefighters sound like. I’m not going to be afraid when I see them.’”
The SAFE House, which stands for Stay Alive Family Education, includes several areas designed like a home, such as a bedroom, where harmless smoke can be pumped in and the doorknob checked for heat; a kitchen, where guests can learn about stove and microwave safety; and a utility room, complete with a hot water heater, panel box and washer and dryer.
Videos projections on walls show fires or a tornado, and speakers add sound to make the experience more realistic. Videos also can be projected onto the floor, including one that shows a roundabout and gives visitors the chance to practice safely crossing the intersection. Bloomington-based Blockhouse Studios, which created the Palladiscope light shows, designed the audiovisual presentations in the SAFE House.
The space also has an area designed to look like the inside of an ambulance and the cab of a retired firetruck for an upclose look at both types of vehicles.
“We can sit a bunch of kids in (the ambulance), and we can talk about all kinds of different things that happen in the ambulance,” Butts said. “For older kids that are thinking about a career in EMS, we can do different scenarios.”
The SAFE House is expected to begin welcoming class field trips in early 2025. Tim Griffin, CFD public information officer, said he would like to see the school visits inspire families to implement or improve
safety practices.
“My hope is it starts conversations at the dinner table, so moms and dads and brothers and sisters are all talking about their fire plan,” he said.
Other groups encouraged to visit the SAFE House include assisted living residents, students preparing to head off to
There is no cost to visit the space. Butts said she is working to create a foundation to help pay for maintenance and additional programming for the SAFE House. Once the foundation is launched, which Butts hopes will be in early 2025, donations will be tax deductible.
To learn more about the foundation or to make a donation, contact Butts at 317-5714245 or rbutts@carmel.in.gov.
The SAFE House is part of the Carmel Clay Community Building at 210 Veterans Way, which also includes the Carmel Fire Department headquarters, Carmel Fire Buffs Museum and 210 Midtown event venue. The building was constructed on the site of CFD’s first headquarters, which operated there from 1950 to the late 1980s.
Clay Township funded the majority of the building, providing nearly $12.8 million for the project. The Carmel Redevelopment contributed $1 million, the Koorsen family gave $500,000 and another private donor provided $300,000.
A grand opening celebration for the building was held in August.
college and families.
Griffin said the SAFE House allows CFD to be proactive in preventing tragedies. “They may prevent the emergency from happening with what they do here,” he said. “And with that, they’re going to save lives. At the end of the day, that’s what we got into this job to do.”
“The Carmel Clay Community Building not only honors our past with its location on the site of our original fire headquarters but also represents a significant leap forward in public safety and community engagement,” Mayor Sue Finkam stated. “This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Carmel Clay Township, the City of Carmel, and our dedicated private donors. We are excited to see how this space will enhance our ability to serve and educate our community.”
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Nestled in the heart of Carmel on Medical Drive, Artist Development Studio is a new full-service, state-ofthe-art facility to help musical artists achieve their dreams.
A resource for the music and performing arts community, the studio offers private coaching lessons in a variety of musical crafts.
“The idea is to cultivate artists, to get them to be the best that they can be,” said Blair Clark, who has coached young artists for more than 25 years.
Instrumental lessons are offered in bass, drums, keyboard and guitar. Voice lessons in show choir and musical theater, as well as other skills such as audio engineering, looping and DJing, are also offered. Additionally, the studio provides rehearsal and recording space rentals. Clark, 32, of Carmel, is president of Artist Development Co., which operates as a booking agency between artists and community businesses. As an extension of ADC, he created the Artist Development Studio, designed to focus on the artists.
“What I realized is something that’s needed in the community of art is an organization that takes you from the beginning to the end,” Clark said. “Gives you goals, helps you get prepared and then sets you free to go out and get those opportunities in high school, middle school and in the professional marketplace.”
Clark saw the need for a place that appeals to younger artists as well as more advanced performers who want to improve. His solution was a space that could meet the needs of the artists at their skill level and help them grow.
“Blair is a creative force and visionary with an ability to bring together and showcase talents,” said Joseph Filipow, a local musician, DJ and entertainer who has worked with Clark for several years. Coaches work with artists to identify
long- and short-term goals.
“From the beginning to adult, sometimes the career is just, ‘I’m going to high school (and) I want to get the leads in the musicals,’ and we want to help them with those goals, as well as the ones who decide after college or after high school, ‘I want to be a professional artist,’” Clark said.
Additionally, coaches work with individuals who are interested in the nonperformance, business-side of the industry, as well as prepare artists for the professional environment.
“In the music business, you have to know a lot of different things that have nothing to do with the actual music,” Clark said.
The space has state-of-the-art equipment sourced locally through Piano Solu-
tions. It also has rehearsal rooms with 10- to 20-foot-high ceilings, double-glass doors and drapes for privacy. ADS has collaborated with local artists in the community to feature local artworks.
ADS has hired Indianapolis-based company Vertical Studios, a hands-on marketing educational program, to assist in getting the word out about the unique services ADS provides.
Lessons are offered Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Friday and Saturday options based on instructor schedules. Rehearsal space rental dates are available online.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 23, with the grand opening scheduled for Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
For more, visit artistdevstudio.com.
‘FIDDLER
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com
“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for Oct. 24, followed by Dueling Pianos Oct. 25 and “The Ahlwardts Present Human Jukebox” Oct. 26 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Floyd Nation’s Experience Pink Floyd is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, “Bridgerton” and Beyond is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
“Andersen: A Fairy Tale Life,” about the life of Hans Christian Andersen will be performed Oct. 25-27 at Butler University’s Shelton Auditorium in Indianapolis.. For more, visit butlerartscenter.org/ performance/indy-bard-fest/.
CHS grad to perform at Egyptian Room — George Pippen, a 2015 Carmel High School graduate, will open for David Kushner at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in Indianapolis. Pippen released his debut EP “Magnolia Nights” Oct. 11. The six-track EP features breakout hits such as “Indiana Knows My Name,” which has amassed nearly 400,000 views on TikTok), and “Silence in the Suburbs” and “Speedin’.”
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Gregory Hancock, travel is essential for learning and inspiration.
Hancock, executive director of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, spent time this summer in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. In Latvia, he visited the Salaspils Memorial, site of a former Nazi concentration camp and prison from 1941 to 1945. Now, it is a memorial commemorating the lives lost at the prison.
Hancock had visited Latvia numerous times but had not been to Salaspils.
“When I entered the memorial grounds, inspiration arrived so quickly,” he said. “The seven large concrete statues that depict the different prisoners in the camp had a brutalist, yet very emotional, feel. I immediately saw a dance piece in my mind where the statues would tell the stories of this place.”
The result is “Beyond These Gates The Land Groans,” which will open GHDT’s “Autumn Nights” Oct. 25-26 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The second half of the show will be reprisals of “The Seven Deadly Sins” and “The Visit.”
Hancock said the memorial was a fascinating place and there were no signs describing anything.
“It is designed to elicit an emotional response from visitors that can be very personal,” Hancock said. “I have designed the piece in the same way. Even though the dancers have a character and a story, I have left the interpretation up to the viewer. I was at the memorial grounds in late July and began to construct the piece at that time. For this performance, the dancers have worked about 6 1/2 weeks on
the piece. Inspiration often comes unexpectedly and from interesting experiences. Often, pieces are very clear in my mind immediately, but other times it becomes a gradual process.”
Hancock said the soundtrack for the piece is the sound of a human heart beating and nothing else until a 2-minute violin solo at the end.
“My choreography is usually extremely music-driven,” he said. “To not have music but just the sound of a heartbeat was a wonderful new way for me to create where the movement was not dictated by the music, but the story, emotions and individual strengths of each dancer. This way of working provided me with a new artistic freedom, where the movement remained extremely organic.”
“The Seven Deadly Sins” was previously performed in 2019 and “The Visit” was presented in 2009.
Andersen: A Fairy Tale Life
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm; Sunday 2:00 pm
Shelton Auditorium Butler Arts Center
DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES: SLOW BURN TOUR SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
Directed by: June McCarty Clair
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm; Sunday 2:00 pm
Written by: June McCarty Clair, John Clair, & Derek Hakes
Shelton Auditorium Butler Arts Center
Music Director: Derek Hakes
SCAN HERE!
Chorus Director: Rachelle Woolston
Tickets: bit.ly/afairytalelife
For tickets scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/afairytalelife
Questions: 317-410-9933
presented by:
GRUPO NICHE FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM THE PIANO GUYS SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
By Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is reaching a fundraising crescendo with a rebranded event Nov. 8 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.
Previously called Big Fun Event, the annual fundraiser has been rechristened The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala. There will be more singing, more activities and two auctions. There also is an increase in expectations. Last year, $49,000 was raised. The goal this year is $65,000.
including caroling at the cocktail hour and multiple times during dinner. Bids will be taken from an auctioneer to bring the choir back for an encore in a finale called “Call for the Choir.”
Speaking of auctions, there will be a silent and live auction at the gala. The highlight of the live auction is a jersey signed by Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark and a week’s stay at a home on Lake Michigan.
“This is the first time we are officially calling this our ‘gala’ to let our supporters know to expect a very nice evening,” said Joshua Pedde, ICC’s executive artistic director and a Carmel resident. “Plus, the vintage holiday theme this year ties into our concert season as singers prepare to present ‘A Vintage Holiday’ concerts in December.”
Guests will hear choir voices of approximately 100 singers throughout the evening,
The night also will include a holiday photo booth, an audio guest book where attendees can use a rotary phone to leave a message about the ICC, and a signature mocktail, the Holiday Sparkle.
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala is open to the public and will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. Individual tickets are $125 and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, beer and wine and the musical programming. Tables of eight are available for $1,000. The deadline to purchase a ticket or table is Oct. 24. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more, visit iccchoir.org/gala.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
British blues singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor finds herself in a prolific period.
“Since COVID and not being able to tour as long as we were, it feels good to be creative,” Taylor said. “It’s one of those magical things where you get a load of ideas and you never know how long that is going to last.”
Taylor, who was born and raised in England, lived several years in Detroit before moving to Nashville, Tenn.
Taylor released a single “All The Things I Said” from a yet-to-be-released album earlier this month. She previously released “Black and Gold,” which is the title track of an album due out in 2025. Her 2024 album, “Heavy Soul,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart.
Taylor will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Taylor, 39, said getting older has likely helped her improve as a songwriter.
“It’s getting more comfortable with yourself,” she said. “I always suffered from anxiety attacks and depression, and I did a lot of work on that and got myself in a lot better frame of mind. Those things combined got me into a good place where I’m thankful for what I do, and I really enjoy myself. It’s a lucky thing to be able to love what you do for a living.”
Taylor was inspired by listening to renowned blues guitarists.
“Growing up, I was obsessed with blues guitar,” said Taylor, who was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics when she was 16. “I think I would have been a different artist if I had been born a man because of all my idols on guitar. I could try to copy Albert Collins or B.B. King, but when I was teaching myself to sing, I knew I would never be able to sound like them. So, I had to find female voices to imitate and learn from them, and most of them were outside the blues, like Tina Turner and Mavis Staples.”
For more, visit joanneshawtaylor.com.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Needler’s Fresh Market will soon have a new owner.
Fresh Encounter, Inc., which operates 49 supermarkets in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, is selling its retail operations, which includes the Needler’s Fresh Market in Carmel’s Brookshire Village Shoppes, to Michigan-based SpartanNash. Siblings Michael Needler Jr. and Julie (Needler) Anderson are third-generation owners of FEI, which has been a customer of SpartanNash, a food solutions company, for nearly 60 years.
“We are proud of the business our family has built and look forward to advancing our relationship with SpartanNash,” Needler, FEI CEO, stated in a press release. “As their customer, we have seen firsthand the People First culture at SpartanNash, and we appreciate the career opportunities and growth this will unlock for Fresh Encounter team members.”
The sale is expected to close in late November. SpartanNash plans to continue
employing for all FEI workers.
“Fresh Encounter has been a successful family-owned and operated business for decades, and we are proud to continue this legacy,” SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam stated. “This acquisition is an exciting milestone in our company’s strategic growth plans. Not only will we welcome 2,500 new associates to the SpartanNash family, we will also begin serving shoppers in Kentucky and grow our existing footprint across Ohio and Indiana. Retail is a critical component of our business model and long-term strategic plan, as we meet consumer needs and leverage insights from our stores to continuously innovate our products and operations across our wholesale business.”
Besides Needler’s Fresh Market, FEI brands include Community Market, Remke Market and Chief Market. SpartanNash is expanding its retail footprint by 33 percent with the acquisition. Earlier this year, SpartanNash acquired Metcalfe’s Market.
Needler’s Fresh Market opened in Carmel in 2021, replacing an O’Malia the Marketplace that closed in 2017 after its parent company went out of business.
sidered medical emergencies
All three aforementioned symptoms
Some people describe the flashes of light associated with a retinal detachment like lightning bolts in their peripheral vision or seeing stars after getting hit in the head. Floaters can appear as specks, lines or cobwebs. Seeing a few floaters is normal, but a sudden increase of floaters, especially in your central vision, is cause for concern. Finally, if you notice reduced peripheral vision or a shadow of a curtain moving across your field of view, you may
If you experience any of these ocular warning signs, it is imperative that you do not delay in scheduling an appointment with your eye care provider. With early detection, retinal detachments can be treated to preserve your vision and keep you seeing clearly for many years to come.
nourishment. This is painless, but the longer a retinal detachment is left untreated, the greater the possibility of permanent
Dr. Hannah Wilson is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES and Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care in Carmel. She is happy to answer any questions regarding family vision needs and can be reached at DrWilson@Revolution-EYES.com.
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My proofreader, Heidi, quit about a year ago. Just as well. I was going to dump her, anyway. She kept correcting me. Who needs that?
Then my wife, Mary Ellen, took over the job. That was an easy transition for her; she has been correcting me for 45 years. She is now my corrections officer.
Mary Ellen does a good job editing, but I downloaded an app called Grammarly as a backup in case Mary Ellen was out of town, or out of sorts. Grammarly is a form of AI. The program suggests different ways to improve my sentences when I write a column. I can accept its suggestion or dismiss it. Being a dismissive person by nature, I only occasionally take its advice. I also can yell at the screen without getting any backtalk, a luxury I didn’t enjoy with Heidi — or now with Mary Ellen.
Each month, I receive an analysis of my writing from the previous four weeks. My work is evaluated in several ways. For example, here’s what it told me for September.
It said I used 9,879 different words, even though my weekly column is only 500 words. I have no clue where that number came from. Then it said I didn’t use enough unique words. I wasn’t going to take that writing down (I mean, lying down), so I emailed the company.
Dear Grammar People:
The juxtaposition of ontological paradigms often precipitates a plethora of dialectical conundrums in the realm of epistemological and writing inquiry.
I sure told them. I just don’t know what I told them.
It also identified 743 errors. This is obviously another mistake — unless it had access to all my old seventh-grade book reports?
Also, I was informed that I did not use the question mark correctly. Do they think
Mary Ellen does a good job editing, but I downloaded an app called Grammarly as a backup in case Mary Ellen was out of town, or out of sorts.
– DICK WOLFSIE
I am stupid. I hope not?
The app did state that I was more productive than 78 percent of its users. How could that be? Like I said, I only write 500 words a week. What are these other people doing with this app? Name tags for their kids?
It commented that my writing was spreading joy. I knew I was spreading something, but this was a total surprise. The program also scans the internet to see if I have been plagiarized. So far, no one has been that desperate, but (true story here) about 10 years ago, I inadvertently learned that someone was stealing my column for a newspaper out in Minnesota. The only thing the reporter changed was substituting his wife’s name for Mary Ellen’s. When I called the publisher to report this, he fired the guy and told the readers it was no big deal because, “The guy wasn’t that funny, anyway.”
Finally, Grammarly informed me that, “Your area of focus for next week is clarity.” OK, how’s this? Cancel my subscription.
I hope that’s clear enough.
Contact
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.
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ESSAY Commentary by Terry Anker
The polls are open and early voting has begun. Lawns and public rights-of-way are littered with signage emblazoned with pleas for support or threats of an imagined coming dystopia if the wrong lever is pulled. We get a rest from advertisements for fast food and automobiles during the morning news shows — only to be bombarded with slickly produced “media buys” targeting the unicorn-like independent voter. Good, one could suppose — suffrage matters. An informed electorate is better equipped to meet the minimum expectation of our shared civic duty. Still, a short survey of the ephemera makes it clear that some are all too eager to manipulate and deceive the uninitiated. Like the “small print” in a predatory contract, the commercials make it nearly imposible to discern the bias of the message. Do all office workers, teachers, business owners or baristas support a candidate because the ad says so? Or is a union, chamber or political strategist behind the message —
assuming far more authority to represent the identity group than is justifiable?
National politics tend to suck all the oxygen out of a room. Countless will opine about Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, but few will take time to fully explore the important local candidates. In a world with imperfect information, how do we commit to a vote? We could attend or watch a debate, read position papers or greet the candidates when they knock on the door. But absent the time or inclination, what is right? Do we skip the responsibility and stay home or go with our perception of the top-of-theticket candidate? How hard is it to ballot line by line? If we like the direction of our communities, we should vote to keep that leader group in power. If not, we could vote otherwise — if we could figure out what that means.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.
Editor,
In a recent letter, Mr. (Greg) Garnes suggested that common ground can exist on which library books should be accessible in our schools. He indicated parents should make individual decisions for their kids. I concur. The district has in place policies to do just that. Parents can work with media specialists and teachers to request different book assignments or to limit what books can be checked out of libraries. Citizens can challenge specific books, and the district has policies in place for such challenges that adhere to state laws. Those policies were followed to the letter recently for a book at the high school, and after the process was followed, the book was kept in circulation. In the future, a challenge may yield a different outcome, and this is as it should be. I support two candidates, Jon Shapiro and Kris Wheeler, for election to the Carmel Clay school board. On the issue of
books, they support the rights of individual parents to guide choices for their own children. They support our well-trained and experienced media specialists and teachers in choosing appropriate books and resources and encourage discussion when parents have an issue with a particular book or reading assignment. They do not feel one parent or group should dictate choices for an entire school and its students.
We have seen the adverse effects on communities, such as with the Hamilton Southeastern (Schools) library issue, when a small minority seeks to dictate policy for all and limit access to books. Electing school board members such as Shapiro and Wheeler who will work to ensure close partnership between parents and schools will keep our schools and community strong.
Jeffrey Boldt, Carmel
Editor,
The Sept. 24 edition of Current in Carmel contained an article titled “CTA makes first school board endorsements.” In this article, CTA (the Carmel teachers’ union) President Mark Wien stated that the two school board candidates it endorses “have proven their dedication to building strong partnerships between teachers, staff, administration and the community.”
It seems a very specific and important group of people have been forgotten in this statement. Hmmmmm… ah, yes! Parents! Parents are the most
important part of a child’s life, development and education. Maybe Mark Wien doesn’t believe so, but I do, and I’m willing to bet almost everyone in Carmel believes this, also. A strong partnership as well as transparency with parents in this school board race is paramount, which is precisely why I will vote for Dina Ferchmin and Robin Clark. They will ask tough questions and keep Carmel citizens and parents informed on school board issues. Don’t forget, Mr. Wein, forgetting about the parents is a bad idea.
Jason Kistler, Carmel
Editor,
In a letter to the editor in the Sept. 17 edition of Current in Carmel, Darin Bibeau wrote a letter to the editor affectionately of Democratic State Rep. candidate Matt McNally’s military service.
I, and most people, are appreciative of Mr. McNally’s service. However, should Mr. McNally’s military service have a talismanic effect so voters disregard his positions on important issues?
Case in point: Mr. McNally’s website supports his proclivity for abortion. There is no mention of any
Editor,
proposal from him to moderate current Indiana law. This leaves one to wonder, does he favor unlimited abortion? Such a position does not lend itself to a “moderate” candidate.
Military service is highly commendable. We can reward Mr. McNally with our ongoing appreciation and respect for his service.
Yet, because of Mr. McNally’s extreme abortion position we should not reward him with a seat in the Statehouse.
Sherm Johnson, Carmel
I am very concerned that people are easily assuming that being registered for a specific political party defines the values of a person. In particular, the letter from Jacob Johnston in the Sept. 26 edition of Current states that decisions related to K-12 education are by nature political because of values.
Per the Oxford dictionary, political is defined as “relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.” Values are defined as “a person’s principles
or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.” Values are intrinsic to the person and not because of the political affiliations of that person.
Please choose the board candidates based on what you hear from the person and try to select the best candidates based on the qualifications.
Armando Hernandez, Carmel
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
In the realm of social change, we often assume that massive numbers are needed to make a difference. But what if I told you that just a small fraction of our population could create dramatic change in Carmel?
A groundbreaking Harvard University study by Erica Chenoweth proposes that when just 3.5 percent of a population engages in peaceful protest, they can bring about significant social and political change. This finding, known as the 3.5 percent rule, has profound implications for community activism.
So, what does this mean for Carmel and our civility project? With a population of approximately 100,000, it would take only approximately 3,500 committed individuals to reach this tipping point. A Carmel High School basketball game can easily draw 4,000 spectators.
Imagine the impact if we filled the Eric Clark Athletic Center with passionate citizens dedicated to positive change. These 3,500 people could represent a cross-section of our community — students, parents, professionals, retirees — all united in their desire to make Carmel an even better place to live.
The power of this 3.5 percent lies not just in their numbers, but in their commitment and persistence. They’re the ones who show up to town halls, organize community events, volunteer their time and consistently advocate for improvement.
So, the question is: Will you be one of the first? Will you join the ranks of those dedicated to shaping Carmel’s future? Remember, every person counts, and you could be part of the critical mass that tips the scales toward positive change.
In Carmel, it doesn’t take a multitude. Just 3,500 determined individuals can make a world of difference.
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS REGARDING A DECISION OF THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The taxpayers of the City of Carmel Redevelopment District (the “District”), are hereby notified that on September 18, 2024, the City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), adopted a resolution (the “Resolution”) determining that the Commission will take all actions necessary to enter into a lease agreement (the “2024A Lease Agreement”) with the City of Carmel Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”), which in turn will allow the Authority to issue bonds (the “2024A Bonds”), payable from the lease rentals received from the Commission pursuant to the terms of the 2024A Lease Agreement. The Bonds may be issued in one or more series or issues, in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, for the purpose of procuring funds to pay for all or a portion of the costs of the Refunding, as defined and fully described in the Resolution. The Authority adopted a resolution on September 17, 2024, approving the form of the 2024A Lease Agreement and authorizing the execution thereof. Following the public hearing and approval of the form of the 2024A Lease Agreement by the Commission, the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, adopted an ordinance on October 7, 2024, approving the 2024A Lease Agreement, the 2024A Bonds and matters related thereto. Rental under the 2024A Lease Agreement shall be payable at a rate not to exceed $6,000,000 per year in semiannual installments. The 2024A Lease Agreement shall have a term ending no later than July 15, 2027. Rental under the 2024A Lease Agreement will be payable from a special benefit ad valorem property tax to be levied and collected on all taxable property within the District.
Dated this 15th day of October, 2024.
CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS REGARDING A DECISION OF THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The taxpayers of the City of Carmel Redevelopment District (the “District”), are hereby notified that on September 18, 2024, the City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”), adopted a resolution (the “Resolution”) determining that the Commission will take all actions necessary to enter into a lease agreement (the “2024B Lease Agreement”) with the City of Carmel Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”), which in turn will allow the Authority to issue bonds (the “2024B Bonds”), payable from the lease rentals received from the Commission pursuant to the terms of the 2024B Lease Agreement. The Bonds may be issued in one or more series or issues, in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $96,000,000, for the purpose of procuring funds to pay for all or a portion of the costs of the Projects, as defined and fully described in the Resolution. The Authority adopted a resolution on September 17, 2024, approving the form of the 2024B Lease Agreement and authorizing the execution thereof. Following the public hearing and approval of the form of the 2024B Lease Agreement by the Commission, the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, adopted an ordinance on October 7, 2024, approving the 2024B Lease Agreement, the 2024B Bonds and matters related thereto.
Rental under the 2024B Lease Agreement shall be payable at a rate not to exceed $8,500,000 per year in semiannual installments. The maximum term of the 2024B Lease Agreement shall not exceed twenty-two (22) years from the date the first series of Bonds are issued, provided however, that the lease rental schedule allocable to any given series of the Bonds may not exceed twenty (20) years. Rental under the 2024B Lease Agreement will be payable from a special benefit ad valorem property tax to be levied and collected on all taxable property within the District.
Dated this 15th day of October, 2024.
CITY OF CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
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Carmel Office
Hiring full time
Maintenance Tech
HOA MGMT office – work would be performed on locations around Indy area. Company vehicle provided, Gas card included. $20-$24 with benefits. Please send resume to: dennell.pluymert@associa.us
