CHS students complete intensive FBI National Academy youth program / P21
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2-4 pm
Carmel Clay School Board
Ushering in a new era.
For more than a decade, the Center has been a cornerstone for creativity in our community. Welcome to the center for art and culture in Central Indiana. Welcome to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
TheCenterPresents.org
Council trims, approves $232.6M 2025 budget
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council unanimously approved the 2025 budget Oct. 21 at a meeting that lasted more than four hours as councilors proposed and reviewed last-minute revisions to several line items in various departments.
CITY NEWS
The end result was a $232.6 million budget, with $143.9 million for the general fund. The final version decreased by more than $2 million from the budget proposed in September and is 11.3 percent larger than the 2024 budget.
Budget priorities included adding first responders and boosting their compensation, implementing a wheel tax and surtax to fund road improvements and a lease rental bond to fund various infrastructure projects. The council did not vote on the bonds Oct. 21 because a notice on a related public hearing was not publicized in time, so the bond vote will be on the agenda for a special meeting Oct. 30.
“Thanks to broad input from the community and the support of the council, we have aligned our planned spending with our community’s evolving needs,” Mayor Sue Finkam stated. “Like any prosperous
city, we are addressing competing needs in a time of escalating costs and our budget prepares us to thrive.”
In her first year in office, Finkam used a zero-based budgeting approach, meaning department leaders were required to explain and justify every expense rather than using the previous budget as a baseline. Between the new method and a council with more than half of its members in their first year in office, the budget review process took longer and at times grew more heated than in years past.
“We are trying to understand the new process, and that takes time, but all of us must be allowed to fail, because it’s been through that that we have arrived at a document that is so far different (than it started),” said Matt Snyder, a first-year councilor. “This is part of democracy. We’re not all going to agree, but we will leave here as friends and knowing we did the best we could for the people of Carmel.”
As the discussion began Oct. 21, Carmel CFO Zac Jackson presented the council an updated version of the budget with $1.7 million in cuts made as a result of previous discussions with councilors. Changes included reducing the Marketing and Communications budget by $350,000, removing $184,000 for rebranding efforts and
eliminating a proposed intergovernmental affairs position.
The council also removed $600,000 for Carmel Christkindlmarkt expenses unrelated to labor costs but may reallocate the funds based on further review and discussions of the city’s role in the holiday event.
Amendments made and approved Oct. 21 include giving members of the Board of Public Works a $125 stipend for each meeting they attend rather than paying them $7,800 per year; removing $40,000 for the Make My Move economic development program (councilors said they did not find a program to entice people to move back to Carmel necessary when the city already has a housing shortage); and adding $104,000 to the city’s arts grant fund.
Before introducing the budget ordinance Oct. 7, Jackson made other reductions in response to feedback from councilors at workshop meetings in late September. Those cuts included removing $100,000 to refresh the Palladiscope light show, reducing the number of new MAC positions from four to two and removing $30,000 for the Make My Move initiative.
See the budget at carmel.in.gov/government/departments-services/finance/ city-budget.
Tax abatement, CCI board changes discussed
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council met Oct. 21 to discuss a tax abatement for a west Carmel company, share thoughts on recent changes to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board and more. Read the full story at youarecurrent.com/?p=249743.
What happened: Councilors expressed different opinions on whether the council should continue looking into Mayor Sue Finkam’s decision to replace a majority of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board members and the impact of the new partnership agreement between the city and CCI.
What it means: Some councilors, including President Tony Green, indicated they were ready to move on from discussing the topic, while others, including Jeff Worrell, who previously served as a CCI city council liaison, said he still had several questions and would like the council to consider continuing the discussion in a public forum.
What’s next: The council did not commit to continuing the discussion, but Green said any councilor can bring the matter up for review again at a future meeting.
What happened: The council approved a preliminary resolution designating the property at 4140 W. 99th St. as an economic revitalization area and granting a partial abatement of property taxes.
What it means: Energy management company ACES Power plans to invest $6.5 million — with $4 million qualifying for the five-year abatement — at the site, which is already home to it’s headquarters. ACES Power plans to add 45 full-time employees compensated at an average annual wage of $118,000 by the end of 2028.
What’s next: The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed abatement at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 before taking a final vote.
What happened: The council discussed a request from the owner of the building that houses Woody’s Library Restaurant at 40 E. Main St. to order an adjacent alley vacated or obstruction removed.
What it means: Property owner Christine Altman said a handrail was built along part of the alley north of the building that makes the alley unusable, especially for large delivery vehicles. She is requesting the handrail and curb it rests on be removed.
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We Love Our Schools: An Open Letter from CCS Parents Supporting Shapiro &
Wheeler for School Board
Hello Carmel,
We are a group of engaged parents who are extremely supportive of the CCS schools our kids currently attend. For all of us, Carmel Clay Schools’ reputation of excellence was a key factor in the decision to raise our families here. We very much appreciate the benefits of its amazing staff, resources and program development, all of which work together to support the learning needs of each of our kids.
However, it is extremely frustrating to watch county and state political entities in partnership with a new political action committee trying to buy seats on our local school board for their two “Carmel Excellence” candidates. It is equally frustrating to see false claims being made about the schools we love.
• They are claiming our schools are in academic decline, as if CCS wasn’t one of the highest performing school districts in the state (#2 in fact). The schools are one of the top reasons many families move here, especially those who have chosen Carmel as part of a family relocation for work.
• They are claiming thousands of students have left our public schools—as if parents wouldn’t notice a mass exodus of fellow families. Were that happening, we'd be the ones raising the alarm.
• Instead of letting our schools' nonpartisan school board have a fair election that reflects our community’s wants and needs, the county and statewide GOP have poured unprecedented amounts of money into a NONPARTISAN election, in the hopes of buying their candidates the level of name recognition that traditionally wins school board seats. In our opinion, this type of oddly outsized investment from outside interests does not bode well for what will happen to the independence of the CCS school board if their candidates are elected.
As parents, we’re short on time, resources and districtwide organization. Word-of-mouth, yard signs in front of our own homes and wearing Shapiro & Wheeler shirts at events only get us so far. We encourage you now to find out more about the candidates we are supporting this election—Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler. Jon and Kristina’s passion for the continued success of our schools is clear. The Carmel Teachers' Association also endorsed Jon & Kristina, as they know they are the right leaders for our district and will keep the focus on our kids, not politics.
This open letter is us, a small group of parents, pushing back with what little time is left before voting booths close. While we hope you find value in our perspective, we’re not asking you to take our word for it. Instead, if you don’t have kids in the schools, please seek out and talk to parents who do. Ask about their experiences. Talk to the teachers and other staff working in the schools.
No school system is perfect, but CCS is among the best in the state and country. We are lucky to have an administration and board constantly focused on how they can improve. Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler are both committed to growing that success. We hope you’ll join us in supporting them.
Sincerely, 100+ families of current CCS students & the family of an esteemed former board member who offered to stand with us
Susan & Michael Abel - A Mohawk Trails family | Abbi Achterberg - A Cherry Tree family | Meghan & Patrick Adkins - A CHS family
Mary & Craig Ajango - A Cherry Tree & Clay Middle family | Alvin & Amal Anthony - A Clay Middle & CHS family
Ian & Amanda Areces - A Woodbrook family | Steve Auslander - Parent to Creekside Middle & CHS students
Robert & Tricia Back - A CHS family | Carlton Bale & Nicole Harter-Bale - A Smoky Row & CHS family
Mike & Quinn Bensi - A Forest Dale & CHS family | Brian & Hillary Blake - A Forest Dale family
Lindsay & Jason Blythe - A Cherry Tree & Clay Middle family | Maribeth & Drew Brennan - A Woodbrook family
Doug & Connie Brune - A CHS family | Lisa Calderon & Shawn Thompson - A CHS family | Jeff & Sarah Callahan - A Clay Center family
Chris & Jennifer Cassidy - A CHS family | Adam & Sarah Cook - A Woodbrook family | Erica Crowl - A Forest Dale family
Corey & Brandy Dangler - A CHS family | Amber Davis - A Clay Middle & CHS family | Rebecca Dawley - A Carmel Elementary family
Angela & Joe Delise - A Clay Middle & CHS family | Shannon Dowell - A Clay Middle & CHS family
Chris & Jessicah Duckworth - A CHS family | Todd & Alicia Duffy - A Smoky Row & CHS family
Christine & David Dworkin - A Cherry Tree & Clay Middle family | Ryan & Mallory Elkins - A Cherry Tree family
Jeremy & Missy Eltz - A Woodbrook & Clay Middle family | Doug & Tiffany Etter - A Woodbrook family
Sarah & Jason Gray - A Clay Middle & CHS family | James Gregory - A Forest Dale family | Drew & Kathleen Grimes - A Clay Middle & CHS family
Ellen Gullet - A CHS family | Charlotte & Paul Hadley - A Smoky Row & Carmel Middle family | Gretchen Haist & Zulq Alam - A Prairie Trace family
Tom & Diane Hannah - A Woodbrook family | Alane & Andy Helmer - A Forest Dale family | Jennifer & Bryan Hershberger - A CHS family
David & Jared Hoff - A Mohawk Trails family | Erika & Ben Horan - A CHS family | Aaron Parker & Cheryl Ingram - A Carmel Elementary family
Hayley Jacobsen - A CHS family | Alyssa & Corey James - A Forest Dale family | Michelle & Cameron Jeffreys - A CHS family
Sapna Joshi - A CHS family | Nick & Cassie Justice - A Woodbrook family | Drs. Martin & Sara Kane - A Cherry Tree family
Rick & Brooke Kanner - A Clay Center family | Matthew & BethAnn Kelley - A Cherry Tree family
Jennifer Kost-Barker & Aaron Barker - A Carmel Middle family | Kirsten Kowalewski - A CHS family | Chris & Michelle Maddox - A CHS family
Luis & Jamie Marciano - A Carmel Elementary & Carmel Middle family | Jim & Elise May - A Woodbrook family
Laura & Brian McCarthy - A Woodbrook family | Jake & Erin McGrew - A Woodbrook family | Dana McNutt - A Woodbrook & Clay Middle family
Ken & Christin Micklash - A College Wood & Creekside Middle family | Anne Miller - A Clay Middle & CHS family
Kyle & Larissa Muellner - A Carmel Elementary & Carmel Middle family | Darlene & Scott Mundy - A Creekside Middle family
Ryan & Ashley Murray - A Smoky Row family | Ken & Kristin Nalbone - A Carmel Elementary & Carmel Middle family
Jake & Amy Nichols - A Carmel Middle & CHS family | Karl Niemiec & Erin Harkess-Niemiec - A Clay Middle & CHS family
Michael & Shannon O'Toole - A Woodbrook family | Lindsay & Toby Ohmer - A Prairie Trace family | Jeff & Karlon Olson - A Clay Center family
Jennifer & Eric Orman - A Clay Middle & CHS family | Scott & Martha Pauley - A Carmel Middle & CHS family
Sam & Abby Perry - A Towne Meadow & CHS family | Caroline Pflum - A Carmel Elementary family
Peter & Chelsea Primason - A Carmel Elementary, Carmel Middle & CHS family | Larry & Melissa Putts - A Carmel Middle & CHS family
Natasha & Keith Reilly - A Forest Dale & Carmel Middle family | Sandra Richardson - A Carmel Elementary family
Robyn & Jason Rickel - A CHS family | Nate & Laura Ridderman - A Forest Dale & Carmel Middle family
Matthew & Erika Robertson - A Cherry Tree family | Tiffany & Jeff Rydz - A Clay Center family
Gina Shockley - A Smoky Row & Carmel Middle family | Terri Siler - A CHS family | Matt & Noelle Sinex - A Creekside Middle & CHS family
Steve & Reannon Smiles - A College Wood & Creekside Middle family | Sarah Smith - A Clay Center & Creekside Middle family
Brad & Leslie Smulyan - A Carmel Elementary & Carmel Middle family | Layla & William Spanenberg - A CCS alumni family
Jacelyn & Justin Spicer - A Woodbrook family | Jennifer & Ryan Strutz - A Prairie Trace, Clay Middle & CHS family | Katie Surfleet - A CHS family
Jeannie & Ryan Taylor - A Clay Middle family | Erin Vahrenkamp - A CHS family | Kelly Vrtis - A CHS parent
Krista & Joe Wanko - A Mohawk Trails, Clay Middle & CHS family | Russell & Jennifer Wareham - A Clay Middle family
John & Erica Watkins - A Clay Center family | Lesley Wells - A Forest Dale family | Tyler & Jessica Willits - A Carmel Elementary family
Nathan & Michelle Wise - A CHS family | Jeremy & Brandy Wittenborn - A Clay Center & CHS family | Sarra Yoder - A Mohawk Trails family
Mona & David Youngblood - A Prairie Trace & CHS family | Timo & Sheila Yuckman - A Creekside Middle & CHS family
Jon & Stephanie Zircher - A Clay Middle & CHS family | Erin & Jason Zoch - A Woodbrook family
Water feature to replace sand
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The play features at Founders Park are set to get a refresh.
PARKS
Most notably, the winding creek full of sand will be removed. Michael Klitzing, director of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, said drifting sand has caused the safety surfacing throughout the playground area to deteriorate faster than expected.
Upgrades will include replacing the safety surfacing, repaving the parking lot and installing a water feature to replace the sand area. Klitzing said it won’t be a “full-fledged splash pad” but could include a misting area to cool off or water table activities.
“We’re working with a design team to figure out exactly what we’re going to do, but we don’t want to take something out without replacing it with something that at least is equally cool,” Klitzing said.
If enough funds are available, the project could include a pier or boardwalk system over the pond and potentially working with the Indiana Department of Natural
CCPR
UNVEILS BANNER TO CELEBRATE CAPRA REACCREDITATION
Resources to stock the pond with fish.
“(That would create) more public interaction with that water feature, because it’s a hidden treasure in the park,” Klitzing said.
“You don’t necessarily see it unless you know it’s there.”
CCPR approved $1.5 million in its 2025 budget for the project. Construction at the park at 11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy. is set to begin in the fall of 2025 and be complete before the summer of 2026.
“Hopefully we can get everything done in the offseason so that by the time we get into the heart of summer, the renovated park will be fully open for the public to enjoy,” Klitzing said.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation officials unveil a banner during a ceremony Oct. 22 at the Monon Community Center to celebrate CCPR’s reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. Only three park departments in Indiana have CAPRA accreditation. CCPR became accredited in 2014 and received its first reaccreditation in 2019. According to its website, CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation departments. It measures a department’s quality of operation, management and service.
The sand area at Founders Park is set to be replaced with a water feature. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
(Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Park resource officer program set to launch in early 2025
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is partnering with the Carmel Police Department to station two full-time officers in city parks.
CPD
The park resource officer program is modeled after CPD’s school resource officer program, which places at least one officer on each Carmel Clay Schools campus. The PROs will be based at the Monon Community Center but will spend much of their time in parks, including along the Monon Greenway.
gagement. CPD will hire two more officers to replace those who become PROs.
Schoeff said CPD had some of its SROs work in the parks over summer as a test run, of sorts. CPD and CCPR are still working to determine what type of specialized training the PROs will receive, but Schoeff said he is recommending they complete SRO training as part of it.
“We anticipate a lot of youth interaction with our parks, but quite frankly, (the SRO) training really dives into a lot of different topics that are beneficial for adults, as well,” he said.
“We have a very capable police department that is nationally recognized, and they’ve developed a phenomenal SRO program that also is nationally recognized,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing said. “So, it seemed to make more sense — instead of creating a second layer of law enforcement in the community — to work with the existing structures in place and build off of the SRO model to enhance the already great relationship we have with the police department.”
CCPR budgeted $320,000 in 2024 and has designated the same amount for 2025 for the PRO program. Most of the 2024 funds are covering equipment, such as police vehicles, and the 2025 dollars will include officer salaries.
CPD Deputy Chief D.J. Schoeff said the department is working to identify which two of its officers will be assigned as PROs. Schoeff, who has worked closely with the SRO program, said the PROs will ideally be experienced officers with an interest in community education and en-
Klitzing said the PRO program is designed to be proactive and is not being launched in response to a specific incident or safety concern.
“What we are finding is, especially with all the renovations that we’ve done, more and more people are using the parks,” he said. “When you have more and more people using the parks, even if the percentage is the same, more people can create more total issues.”
Klitzing said he anticipates focus areas for the PROs will include The Waterpark, which frequently draws large crowds when it is open during the summer, and year-round along the busiest areas of the Monon Greenway.
Schoeff said the PROs are expected to spend much of their time educating and building connections with the public.
“We don’t anticipate a large amount of reactive work, but we do anticipate some,” Schoeff said.
Schoeff said he anticipates the PROs being in place in the first quarter of 2025.
Klitzing
CEREMONY CEREMONY 2024 VETERANS DAY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, NOON
The Tarkington Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
• Patriotic music by Carmel Middle School Choir directed by Trisha Scheidies
• Remarks by Mayor Sue Finkam, Retired U.S. Navy
Captain Dr. Tim Hannon and Carmel Clay Schools
Superintendent Dr. Michael Beresford
• Keynote Speaker Harold "Rock" Effron, Carmel VFW Post 10003 Chaplain, U.S. Army Veteran, Vietnam War
• Recognition of "A Legacy of Loyalty and Service" student poster and essay contest winners
• Carmel VFW Post 10003 Honor Guard
• Remarks by John Govin, U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant, Carmel Police Department Sergeant
• Cindy Ensign Baney and Lauren Baney
• Performance by Actors Theatre of Indiana
DISPATCHES
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.
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 the OneZone chamber of commerce.
Concert to benefit Komen Foundation — To wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local band the HiDives will host a fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Union Brewing, 202 Gradle Dr. The band, which plays at 8 p.m., and Union Brewing have partnered to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation with donations. Attendees are urged to dress in their best costumes as part of a contest. In addition to live music and locally brewed beverages, there will be a food truck and basket giveaways. For more information, email fedfit4u@gmail. com.
Find voting locations — The Hamilton County Election Office recently teamed up with the Hamilton County GIS team to make finding voting locations easier. A new interactive map allows voters to find early voting locations nearest to them, offering the dates and operating hours of each. Early voting is available at nine locations throughout the county, with two locations in Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield, and three in Carmel. To access the interactive map, visit geohub.hamiltoncounty.in.gov.
County surveyor honored — The Association of Indiana Counties recently named Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward Outstanding County Surveyor at its 66th annual conference in Switzerland County. Ward has served as the Hamilton County surveyor since 1977. He will retire at the end of this year. This is the third time Ward has been selected for the AIC’s Outstanding County Surveyor Award.
Ward
Heritage Fellowship award presented — Kwan Hui of Carmel is a recipient of the 2024 Indiana Heritage Fellowship Award, which recognizes traditional artists who have made outstanding contributions while celebrating art forms rooted in community life. He is a performer and instructor of the traditional Chinese art of lion dancing. He is a member of the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans, which has been a recipient of an arts grant from the City of Carmel for the past eight years.
Learn about Altrusa — Learn about service organization Altrusa from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 16 at Carmel Christian Church, 463 E. Main. St. in Carmel. The event will include coffee, light refreshments and the opportunity to learn about Altrusa’s efforts in Hamilton County. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toiletry or personal care item to be donated to Prevail clients.
Legacy of Hope breakfast — Indianapolis-based Brooke’s Place, a nonprofit that provides support to children suffering with grief, will host its 12th annual Legacy of Hope breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Nov. 14 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and hear from speakers and Brooke’s Place representatives. November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month, which spotlights children’s grief and honors families experiencing grief during the holiday season. Founded in 1999, Brooke’s Place provides support groups, therapy services and community education to empower children, teens, young adults and their families to thrive in the midst of grief. Brooke’s Place has provided services to more than 24,000 individuals. To register for Legacy of Hope, visit brookesplace.org/events/2024loh.
From left, Kwan Hui and his wife, Hsin, display a plate commemorating the 2024 Indiana Heritage Fellowship Award. (Photo courtesy of Kwan Hui)
Q&A: District 24 House race
news@currentincarmel.com
Democrat Josh Lowry and Republican Hunter Smith are running for the District 24 seat in the Indiana House of Representatives. Smith did not return the Q&A. Read Lowry’s full Q&A are youarecurrent.com.
ELECTION
Learn more about Lowry at LowryForIndiana.com and Smith at HunterForIndiana.com.
Why do you want to run for this office?
I first ran for office after Roe v. Wade was overturned. We adopted my two oldest daughters from foster care in Pennsylvania, and I felt guilty for bringing them to Indiana where they had fewer rights than they had in Pennsylvania. A woman’s rights shouldn’t be determined by which state she is in.
What sets you apart from your opponent?
My opponent will defund our amazing public schools by stripping school districts
of their funding and using the public funds to pay private school tuition for people who can already afford it. I want to properly fund our public schools, empower our teachers and keep politicians out of educational decisions.
What are your top campaign issues?
Defending reproductive rights. Properly funding and empowering public schools.
Controlling skyrocketing costs.
How do you plan to address rising property tax bills?
We need to diversify the tax base to ensure our communities remain desirable while keeping taxes low. For example, the commercial development coming to Westfield will allow residents to live, work and play in the community while reducing the tax burden on homeowners by establishing Westfield as an entertainment destination for central Indiana families and those traveling to Grand Park. This will increase spending in our communities, create more tax revenue and, in turn, help keep tax bills stable.
PICKETT FOR CONGRESS PICKETT FOR CONGRESS
DEMOCRAT for Indiana 5th Congressional District
BATHROOMS
BATHROOMS KITCHEN REMODEL
OBITUARY
Charles “Chuck” Hughes Webster, Jr., 76, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on October 1, 2024, after a diagnosis of glioblastoma. Known for his care and concern for others, deep love for his students, and even deeper love for his family, Chuck left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
School, he continued to teach classes on literature and to mentor students—the role he cherished most.
Chuck was born on June 16, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Hughes Webster, Sr. and Bette Williams Webster, both of whom preceded him in death. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Oakland University in Linguistics, a field that sparked his lifelong love of language, Shakespeare, and the art of telling a good story. Chuck was a remarkable writer and an avid reader of many texts, including what some might consider exceptionally boring books. He was also known for carrying a New York Times with him wherever he went, even to prom. Chuck’s career as an educator began in 1979 at The Roeper School in Michigan, where he served for 19 years as a teacher, Upper School Director, and ultimately the Head of School. In 1998, he made the bold decision to leave Roeper and start a new high school in the middle of a cornfield in Carmel, Indiana. He became the Founding Head of School for University High School of Indiana where he served until his retirement in June 2020. Chuck’s vision of a high school that takes students seriously— not for what they will become but for who they are now—shaped everything about University. He saw schools as places where we learn to be more human, and he treated the cultivation of those spaces as his life’s work. Throughout his time as a school leader, Chuck’s passion for teaching never wavered; even while serving as Head of
Chuck was a man of many loves—long walks with his beloved dog Lizzy, weekend getaways to West Baden, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. His heart also belonged to the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan, where Chuck spent his summers reading on the beach, visiting the old growth cedars on South Manitou Island, and reconnecting over wonderful meals with friends, family, and former students. The truest true blue Trailblazer, Chuck could always be found supporting University students at performances, academic competitions, and athletic events. There is already a plaque in place marking his favorite cheering spot in the University High School gym. But perhaps Chuck’s greatest joy was found in his family. Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Ronayne Webster, his daughter and son-in-law, Rachael and Hung Trieu, his son and daughterin-law, Cullen and Kristen Webster, his grandchildren, Avery Jeanette Trieu, Taylor Hopkins Trieu, Benjamin Jenkins Webster, and his devoted Executive Assistant and friend of 13 years, Jennifer Thompson.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16 at University High School of Indiana at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Chuck Fund at University High School in support of the school’s continued mission to expand the hearts and minds of students. Visit universityhighschool.org/thechuckfund to donate.
Lowry
Focused on Academic
Excellence
Robin and Dina are ready to bring education back to what matters most – academic excellence. Our children deserve an education built on facts, not feelings, and data-driven results, not divisive agendas.
endorsed by teachers
I am voting for Clark and Ferchmin because I believe they will support and listen to teachers’ voices while also bringing back a focus on academics, discipline, and respect in classrooms and schools.
Straw
Carmel Clay school board race gets more expensive
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Despite having fewer candidates and seats on the ballot, significantly more funds have poured into this year’s race for the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees than the 2022 election.
ELECTION
Campaign finance documents show that as of the end of the reporting period on Oct. 11, nearly $155,000 has been contributed to the four candidates for two seats and the two political action committees backing them. In 2022, the eight candidates for three seats and one PAC raised approximately $88,000.
Candidate Dina Ferchmin has raised the most funds this year ($34,878), followed by Robin Clark ($22,570), Jon Shapiro ($17,699) and Kristina Wheeler ($11,835). Support CCS PAC, which backs Shapiro and Wheeler, reported contributions of $50,840, while Carmel Excellence, which is supporting Ferchmin
Carmel Excellence PAC (supporting Clark and Ferchmin)
and Clark, brought in $16,940.
Ferchmin and Clark, who have been open about their conservative values, have received thousands of dollars in donations from several Republican politicians. Shapiro and Wheeler, who have not publicly campaigned in alignment with a party, have received smaller donations from Democratic elected officials and candidates.
Support CCS received a $194 contribution from CCS Superintendent Michael Beresford.
Carmel Excellence has more than $18,000 in debts owed, with CCS school board member Greg Brown lending more than $12,000. Support CCS does not have any debt.
Although it doesn’t show up in the latest round of cam-
paign finance reports, Ferchmin and Clark have also received support from the Hamilton County Republican Party, which has sent out mailers on behalf of the candidates. As of press time, party chairman Mario Massillamany did not provide information about how much money the party had spent on the Carmel school board race.
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Jocelyn Vare said the party has not financially supported any of the school board candidates.
The following shows contributions, expenses and debt for the candidates and PACS.
See top individual contribuors at youarecurrent. com/?p=249733.
Kristina Wheeler for Carmel Clay School Board
Clark Ferchmin
Wheeler Shapiro
ELECT DUNCAN FOR SURVEYOR
Meet the District 5 Congressional candidates
news@currentincarmel.com
Four candidates are running for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, representing parts of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Grant, Tipton and Howard counties.
Lauri Shillings Party: Libertarian City of residence: Carmel
Education: Bachelor of Science in Sociology — community and nonprofit leadership, from the University of Indianapolis.
DREAM HOME
Website: lauriforliberty.com
Victoria Spartz (incumbent) Party: Republican City of residence: Noblesville
Education: Graduate schools
Website: spartzforcongress.com
Robby Slaughter Party: Independent City of residence: Elwood
Education: Mathematics, University of Texas at Austin
Website: robbyslaughter.com
Deborah Pickett Party: Democratic City of Residence: Carmel
Education: Bachelor of Science, Skidmore College
Website: pickettforcongress.com
WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR THIS OFFICE?
Shillings: I believe in responsible government spending, modern education and accessible healthcare. I am a lifelong Hoosier with working-class roots who has become exhausted by the disconnect between our federal government and its people. I will bring a locally rooted, common-sense point of view to Washington D.C.
Spartz: To deliver on some major tough issues neglected by many Congresses for a while, like national debt, so we stop governing by crises.
Slaughter: “A bad system will defeat a good person, every time.” That old quote illustrates what’s happened in our political system: the parties and special interests make sure our government responds to money instead of voters. We need independent candidates to have a Republic again. That’s why I’m doing this.
Pickett: I am running for office to serve my fellow Hoosiers, and to fight for our democracy and the institutions, rights and freedoms that have been denigrated or taken from us by a former Republican president and his complicit followers in Congress.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENTS?
Shillings: I am not a career politician. I have worked service and labor jobs my entire life in Indiana — from detasseling popcorn, waitressing, bartending, local newspaper graphic designer, to a marketing creative director and adjunct professor in higher education. I want to represent regular voters and their needs, not corporations, life-long politicians or the elite.
Spartz: Experience, determination and proven track record of results.
Slaughter: They are partisans, I am an independent. They must follow what their parties demand or suffer consequences; I am for the people. They have spent $8.5 million so far in this race; I’ve spent almost nothing. Their party allowed them to run; I collected 6,000 signatures from voters.
Pickett: My military experience as a U.S. Army Reservist, knowledge of international trade and economic issues acquired from working at Hudson Institute, and my many years of community service set me apart from my opponents. Affection, concern and respect for Hoosiers of all ages makes me their fierce advocate.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP CAMPAIGN ISSUES?
Shillings: Inflation: The government’s inability to balance its budget drives inflation, passing the bill onto the people. Individual choice: In a free society, the government has no role to prohibit such behavior as long as people do not resort to violence, force, fraud or theft. Education: I look to free-market approaches to provide education that best suits individual students and their families, while building a system that
Shillings
Spartz
Slaughter
Pickett
COMMUNITY
Continued from Page 14
makes our future workforce competitive in a global marketplace.
Spartz: Economy, national debt and health care, border security.
Slaughter: The greatest challenge in our nation is not foreign policy, education, the budget or the border. It’s trust: we don’t trust our leaders anymore. And the only way to restore trust is to give up power: term limits, radical financial transparency and fighting corruption and incompetence.
Pickett: My top three campaign issues are protecting our democratic republic, fighting for and codifying our reproductive rights, and restoring trust in government by working with others to make our government effective and efficient for the people.
HEALTH CARE COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE. HOW DO YOU PROPOSE REINING THEM IN?
Shillings: A true free market in healthcare can reduce inequality and provide better outcomes for all. Special interest lobbying for insurance corporations have ensured that there are policies in place so provider prices remain high to overcome the costs of insurance, necessary procedures are denied and insurance profit margins continue to skyrocket.
Spartz: Increasing transparency for consumers; eliminating barriers to entry, perverse incentives and unreasonable subsidies to large stakeholders; and incentivizing competition for value — not fee-forservice transactions.
Slaughter: We subsidize the world’s healthcare. Other countries need to pay their fair share for our drugs, treatments, research and medical training. At home, we need a radical shift in focus from disease care to preventive care and wellness. And we need more competition to drive down prices.
Pickett: Health care costs are a great financial burden for many Hoosiers who struggle with serious health issues. The problem is even greater for those in rural areas without hospitals and physicians. All the stakeholders need to work together toward price transparency and operational cost savings that make the system less cumbersome and expensive for all.
INFLATION HAS SLOWED, BUT HOOSIERS ARE STILL FEELING THE IMPACT OF RISING PRICES. HOW CAN YOU ASSIST CONSTITUENTS FEELING THE FINANCIAL STRAIN?
Shillings: Rising prices are directly tied to inflation. I would advocate for cutting spending on programs that do not directly benefit the entire population. I would
challenge the government to tighten its belt, just as it asks citizens to do during economic downturns. As citizens, we have to hold our policy makers accountable for their wasteful spending habits and mismanagement of our tax dollars.
Spartz: By growing the economy and jobs and getting real inflation under control: 1) establishing fiscal commission and getting national debt and spending under control; 2) developing smart energy policies; and 3) diversifying supply chain and mitigating dependencies on China.
Slaughter: Inflation is simply what companies decide to charge. Americans don’t want a government that controls prices. But we can expand job training, small business loans and tax incentives for those struggling. And we can influence supply by building housing and enhancing civilian workforce programs.
Pickett: Fortunately, inflation has come down and the Federal Reserve is expected to reduce interest rates, which will mean lower rates for mortgages, car loans and credit card debt for my constituents. Tariffs, which are taxes on producers and consumers, should be removed on many imported goods.
IN A POLITICALLY POLARIZED SOCIETY, HOW WILL YOU WORK TO ENSURE YOU REPRESENT ALL HOOSIERS IN YOUR DISTRICT?
Shillings: Government should focus on preventing force, fraud and abuse — not over-regulating every aspect of our life. Our nation grows prosperous when we work together as a community and declines when we point the finger of blame at others. Talking to your neighbors and your community builds strength, and I hope to do the same to understand their needs.
Spartz: I hold regular in-person town halls open to all constituents and listen to all sides for every issue on the agenda. I’ve also established a very strong constituent services and outreach team in the district to assist with a variety of issues and deliver results in a speedy manner.
Slaughter: By not being a member of a political party. I already go to Republican, Democratic and Libertarian events (they rarely go to each other’s). I am building relationships with leaders and everyday citizens regardless of their voting history. If anyone can move beyond toxic partisanship it is the nonpartisan candidate.
Pickett: I love to listen to people and to bring them together to solve problems. Americans are great problem solvers. We do audacious things when we work together, respect the framework, adhere to the principles and rules and listen to the people.
Brebeuf wins boys tennis title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Not only did the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School boys tennis team win its first IHSAA state title in 51 years, but coach Brandon Gill made history himself.
ACHIEVEMENT
The Carmel resident became the first person to have won individual and doubles state championships as a player and a state title as a coach.
Gill, who played at Park Tudor School, won the state singles title in 2000 and state doubles title with Wade Knall in 1998.
The No. 1 Braves edged No. 4 Center Grove 3-2 Oct. 19 in the state championship at North Central High School.
“It’s amazing. The boys worked their tails off,” Gill said. “I feel this is all about the boys. I just tried to show them the path and they kicked the door down. I’m just so happy for them.”
Gill said the Braves knew how good Center Grove was from Brebeuf’s 3-2 victory last month.
“They have a great team and great
coaches,” Gill said.
With the match tied 2-all, Tony Tancredi got the winning point at No. 2 singles, topping Yuvraj Dasari 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
“It was awesome,” said Tancredi, a Carmel resident. “It was exciting for me and my team, all the seniors and the coaches.”
Tancredi played No. 1 singles much of the year before he changed spots with senior Will Hutchison.
Tancredi said this was special after losing to Park Tudor 3-2 in last year’s sectional. It was 2-2 when Tancredi lost his match.
Brebeuf’s other victories in the final were by Owen Birge at No. 3 singles and Andrew Held and Harry Stutler at No. 2 doubles.
On Oct. 19, the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School boys tennis team won its first IHSAA state title in 51 years. (Photo courtesy of IHSAA)
ZCHS athlete excels in juggling three sports, academics
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson likes her role as an athlete for all seasons.
“For me, it actually hasn’t been too horribly hard to juggle three sports because I have been playing multiple sports my entire life,” said Sampson, who plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse for the Eagles. “I thrive when I constantly have something to do. I think that playing three sports has helped me prevent injury because I am constantly cross training and training different muscles in each. I would say the hardest part is the first couple of weeks of each season where I kind of have to shake the rust off from not playing that sport in a couple of weeks and get in the right mind-
CAROLINE SAMPSON
Favorite athlete: Tyrese
Haliburton
Favorite subject: Anatomy
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
Favorite musicians: Drake and SZA
ming, track and football. Jack competed in
head coaches for each sport,” Sampson said. “So far, the transition with these new coaches has been very smooth and exciting,
Klatte said. “But even more so, she has proven to be a wonderful teammate and leader for our soccer program. She is attentive and does the small things consistently well, trains with a smile on her face, pushes and encourages others while still striving to be her best. Driven on the field and in the classroom, Caroline epitomizes the term student-athlete.”
Sampson said she has received some interest from colleges to play either lacrosse or basketball at the next level.
“So, I am keeping my options pretty open towards my future,” she said. “I have been pretty consistent in narrowing down my choices in that I want to stay closer to home, just because my family is so important to me.”
Sampson has a 5.0 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. She plans to major in pre-med in
Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson is a three-sport athlete. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Sampson)
Skip the tricks & just treat CARMEL to continued success by voting for the most
& SHAPIRO WHEELER
"For the first time since its formation, the Carmel Teachers' Association is endorsing candidates for the Carmel Clay School Board. Jon Shapiro & Kristina Wheeler are committed to fostering productive positive relationships among our teachers, staff, administration and community. This partnership essential to ensuring 'Together Achieve' in Carmel Clay Schools."
Wien
Teachers' Association President
Mark
Carmel
Jon Kristina FOR CARMEL CLAY SCHOOL BOARD
CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS most qualified & experienced School Board candidates
Jon Shapiro:
• 25+ year career in youth-focused nonprofits and education
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets
• Board member of several local nonprofits
• Co-Chair of "Yes for CCS" campaign to keep our schools fully funded
Kristina Wheeler
• 25+ years as an attorney with expertise in local government law
• Former teacher with undergraduate degree in elementary education
• Vice President of Carmel Education Foundation
• PTO Executive Board member at Prairie Trace, Clay Middle School and Carmel High School over 10 years
Jon Shapiro & Kristina Wheeler are also endorsed by:
Former CCS Superintendent: Dr. Jeff Swensson
Current and Former CCS Board Members: Katie Browning, Angela Corley, Tricia Hackett, Mike Kerschner, Pam Knowles, Sue Richardson, and Layla Spanenberg
Former CCS Principals: Dr. Tom Harmas and John Williams
Former Mayor of Carmel: Jim Brainard
Mental health expert to speak
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
University High School Head of School
EVENT
Alicia LaMagdeleine believes all parents can benefit from hearing Lisa Damour speak. An expert on youth mental health and a New York Times best-selling author, Damour will soon visit UHS to discuss themes in her book, “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable & Compassionate Young People.” Her previous books are “Untangled” and “Under Pressure,”
2825 W. 116th St. in Carmel. The free public event is open to parents. To register, visit tinyurl.com/4zj83seu.
Books will be available, and she will hold a book signing at the end of the event. Her visit is presented by UHS and The Orchard School.
“What Lisa Damour does in her writing is to examine the best ways for parents and adults in kids’ lives to help support them emotionally,” LaMagdeleine said. “She gets into two specific things we want kids to do. We want them to express their emotions in a healthy way and we want them to be able to control those emotions and manage them in a healthy way as well.”
Damour, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan, will speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at UHS,
“Dr. Damour’s expertise in adolescent development offers invaluable guidance for navigating the complex challenges young people face today,” said Edward Hollinger, interim head of school for The Orchard School. “Her insights will resonate deeply with our families and educators, and I encourage everyone to attend what promises to be a memorable and impactful event.”
LaMagdeleine said Damour believes parents should be concerned about mental health.
“But she wants to help parents understand that not every strong emotion is the sign of a mental health crisis,” LaMagdeleine said. “It’s also about tempering that teenagers are emotional and it’s OK for them to be emotional.”
Damour
‘LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP’
CHS students complete intensive FBI National Academy youth program
By Tirzah Rowland news@currentincarmel.com
Training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., alongside FBI agents and top law enforcement professionals is something few teenagers experience, but two Carmel High School students got to do just that as participants in the intensive FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program.
Junior Drew Organ was the Indiana delegate in 2023, and sophomore Nicole Scott participated this year.
“Both Drew and Nicole exhibit traits that indicate that they take the needs of others and put them in front of their own desires,” said Lt. Col. Terry Hyndman, an Indiana Department of Conservation officer and chair of the Indiana YLP chapter. “They understand and practice servant leadership and are very involved and committed to their communities. They were both exceptional representatives for the State of Indiana.”
Each summer, a select 62 incoming sophomores and juniors attend the program’s leadership training sessions and participate in physical challenges, including portions of the 6.1-mile Yellow Brick Road obstacle course built by the U.S. Marines and used for the FBI National Academy’s final fitness challenge. Named for yellow bricks placed along the course, each finisher receives one to take home.
“It was probably one of the best experiences from being at the program. There was a lot of problem solving involved,” Organ said. “We had to make a people bridge to get up to monkey bars that we had to go across to cross a muddy river. It was really bonding for our group.”
Organ’s brick sits on his nightstand and he counts many of his fellow participants as his closest friends.
Counselors are FBI National Academy graduates. Major Mike Janes from the Fishers Police Department has served in the role for three years.
“For me, it’s just a great opportunity to try to have a good influence on the youth today that will be our leaders tomorrow,” Janes said.
Scott said the experience confirmed her desire to pursue a career in law enforcement or with the FBI.
“I feel like this really solidified my de-
cision, because I can see how passionate these people are and how excited they were to teach us these important life skills,” Scott said.
Chosen based on GPA, extracurriculars and community involvement, each applicant writes an essay and participates in a formal interview.
SCOTT: IT GAVE ME A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Scott, 15, learned about the program through family friends.
“It feels like quite an honor because a lot of people apply and couldn’t get in,” Scott said.
For Scott, the people she met and field trips the group took were highlights of the week.
“We got to talk to different officers and FBI agents as well. And we got to see DC and the capital and take a tour,” Scott said. “We were able to see demonstrations from the bomb squad and the hostage rescue team.”
The program emphasized how to be a good leader and the importance of being passionate about leadership, according to Scott. Each day started at 5 a.m. with a physical challenge.
“It gave me a new perspective on leadership and giving back. After seeing the firsthand account of people who are hostage rescue team and field agents and how they’re willing to go out and serve for the betterment of the community and to keep
people safe, it really resonated with me,” Scott said. “And it just makes me want to give back to the community and help them find what they’re passionate about.”
For now, Scott said she’s enjoying a criminal justice class at CHS and continuing leadership roles in 4H and Girl Scouts.
ORGAN: NOT AN AVERAGE EXPERIENCE
Organ, 16, learned about the opportunity through an email sent by CHS. His mom encouraged him to apply.
“I thought it was another one of those police academies that everyone goes to but then I read more into it, and I realized that a lot of these things that I was reading is not something the average student gets to experience,” Organ said.
He describes the application process as “intense” and said the interview as well as the essay were in depth. His essay question was, “What is one of the major things impacting teenagers today?”
“I chose the impact of not having social media and how that can distance someone from high school life,” Organ said.
He credits Hyndman with helping him prepare for the interview and get through the application process.
“Something I really took out of it was we had a lot of lessons on leadership from a theoretical perspective that you don’t just learn from watching other people; you have to actually study the theory of it,” Organ said.
Learning about how the FBI works, Organ said, will help him formulate his thoughts and opinions about current events.
“Some of the things they do impact us more than I might normally have thought,” Organ said.
He isn’t sure of his future plans, but as a self-described history buff and member of the model United Nations at CHS, he knows he would like to pursue a career that involves international relations.
“It impacted me wanting to be a leader more rather than just following what other people do and opened my eyes to helping other people,” Organ said. “I can take that with me to college, into my career and be an outspoken person and a helpful person, as well as being a leader in whatever field that I end up getting into.”
ON THE COVER: From
Carmel
WHAT IS THE FBINAA?
The FBI Youth Leadership Program is funded through the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., a nonprofit alumni organization for graduates of the 10-week FBI National Academy, a network made up of more than 14,000 of the top 1 percent of law enforcement professionals from around the world, according to the FBINAA website.
“J. Edgar Hoover had an idea for the FBI to bring in local law enforcement leaders and help train them up and build up the relationship between the FBI and local law enforcement throughout the country,” said Major Mike Janes of the Fishers Police Department, a 2018 FBINA graduate.
One student from each participating chapter is selected for the youth leadership program each year, including international chapters. Applications for the 2025 session will be available Nov. 29. For more, visit fbinaa.org
left,
High School students Drew Organ and Nicole Scott completed the FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
From left, FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program counselor Mike Janes, a major with the Fishers Police Department, with CHS student Drew Organ. (Photo courtesy of Drew Organ)
From left, CHS student Nicole Scott with FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program counselor Mike Janes, a major with the Fishers Police Department. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Scott)
Saxophonist James keeps honing craft as success grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Saxophonist-composer Boney James has a definite reason for the name of his latest album.
“Slow Burn,” his 19th album, was released Oct. 18. Two of his most successful albums were his previous two — “Solid” in 2020 and “Detour” in 2022.
“Things have been trending upwards,” James said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m calling my new record ‘Slow Burn,’ because even though it’s my 19th record, I feel I’m just hitting my stride. I feel like I’m getting better every day. I’m still dedicated to being a better musician, a better saxophone player, a better songwriter and producer. I’m really in love with the new music I’m making and thankfully the fans are still there as well and growing.”
James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will be James’ fourth Palladium visit, having previously performed there in 2016, 2018 and 2023.
“It’s one of our favorite places to play. It’s a beautiful building,” James said. “The last time we played the Palladium, it was completely sold out, even those seats behind the stage. It was one of the greatest shows we ever had. The band and I still talk about it. Hopefully, we can recreate that experience.”
James, 63, said he plans to perform four songs from “Slow Burn.”
“It’s always a challenging thing to drop things from the show that we’ve been playing and people are enjoying,” James said. “This is my 19th record now, so it’s getting more and more challenging to squeeze in new material. There are songs from my earlier records that people would be disappointed if we didn’t play. That stuff never gets old to me.”
James loves to see the audience’s reaction to all his music.
“That’s what made me want to become
a musician in the first place is that feeling of being on stage and the communal spirit you get with the band,” he said.
“It’s something I find I can’t experience anywhere else. I only discovered I enjoyed writing songs and making records.
The joy and passion I have for playing live has not diminished at all over the years.”
James, a four-time Grammy Award nominee, also plays Keyboards on the album.
“Sometimes, I’ll replace myself on the record who is a better keyboardist than I am, which is just about everybody,” he said.
James started out playing the clarinet but switched to saxophone when his teacher recommended he give it a try.
“I didn’t want to change. (The saxophone had) a much heavier case that I was going to have to carry to school,”
James said. “As soon as I picked it up, I just loved it. When I was a kid in the ‘70s, there was an awful lot of sax on pop radio. There were a lot of sax solos you could hear, and bands with horn sections. That was something that I could all of a
sudden participate in and I just got excited by it. For me, it’s still my favorite thing to do is to play that saxophone.”
James said he loved rhythm and blues music, so he would hear sax on a Marvin Gaye song. He said Earth, Wind & Fire was a horn-driven band, along with Tower of Power.
“I heard Grover Washington Jr. in about 1975 when I had been playing for three or four years,” James said. “He was the first solo artist who was playing saxophone as the lead instrument with the funky R&B groove behind him. That is still sort of the tradition I am carrying on today.”
James said he still practices the saxophone every day.
“I feel like I’m making progress and more connected to the horn,” he said. “I’m more expressive and have ideas of things to do. The songs on this record are really special. I’m crazy in love with the record. I try not to let anyone hear anything until I realize it’s possibly the best it can be. It’s ready to be born.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and boneyjames.com.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Dinner with Divas,” a drag performance, is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
The Live at the Center series features Chad Mills Band at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘SHE LOVES ME’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “She Loves Me” from Nov. 1-17 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
ZAKIR HUSSAIN AND RAHUL SHARMA
The duo of Zakir Hussain and Rahul Sharma will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
CSO fundraising brunch set — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra League’s Musical Morning brunch is set for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel. There will be a short concert by Melanie Mashner, CSO principal harpist, and Layne Anspach, horn and visiting lecturer in chamber music at Indiana University. A panel discussion, “Harmony in Action,” will feature Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Carmel City Councilmember Shannon Minnaar and CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain. The fundraiser will support the CSO’s music programs for families and young artists. For information and special requests, call 317-800-8322.
Saxophonist Boney James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Boney James)
ATI cast embraces
‘She Loves Me’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Like many of his cast mates, John Vessels has always wanted to perform in “She Loves Me.”
MUSICAL
“What I love about the musical is if it’s possible for a musical to be all heart, this show is all heart,” said Vessels, a former Indianapolis resident who lives in Louisville. “It’s one of the sweetest stories. It’s a beautiful score.”
Vessels plays Sipos in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s presentation of “She Loves Me” Nov. 1-17 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.
“There’s been a lot of iterations of this show,” Vessels said.
The storyline from the 1937 play by a Hungarian playwright was featured in “The Shop Around the Corner” with Jimmy Stewart; the 1949 musical version of “In the Good Old Summertime” with Judy Garland; and “You’ve Got Mail” with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in 1998.
The story centers on Budapest shop employees Georg and Amalia, who don’t get along at work but are not aware they are secret pen pals through lonely hearts ads.
“There’s something wonderful about how we can look at each other in different aspects, if we’re expecting it to turn out a different way,” Vessels said.
Sophie Jones, who is based in New York, is glad to be finally playing Amalia.
“I was an external understudy a couple years ago, but I never got to go through the rehearsal process with the rest of the cast,” she said.
She loves the character’s many dimensions.
“A lot of time in musical theater, the leading lady or ingenue is kind of there to be the love interest,” Jones said. “Amalia
is so deeply flawed and has a backbone. She has different facets of her personality that are so easy to find and portray. Plus, she’s a huge nerd, which is also really fun to play.”
Jones said she identifies with Amalia’s literary references.
“She’s constantly late, and I identify with that, too,” Jones said. “She’s deeply empathetic and truly a good person.”
Jones said the music is gorgeous.
“Some of my favorite songs in musical theater are in this show,” she said.
Josh Maldonado, a Lawrence resident, plays a private eye and optometrist. He also is understudying the role of Georg.
“This is genuinely my favorite show in the world,” he said. “I would have paid to be in this, and I suckered them into paying me. I’m excited to understudy Georg. It’s one of my favorite roles.”
Maldonado said Georg is on stage for the entire show, so he has had to learn a lot of lines.
Maldonado, 30, saw the musical for the first time as a freshman at Anderson University.
“I was reintroduced to it with the 2016 revival cast on Broadway,” Maldonado said.
“I saw that through a streaming service. I fell in love with it. Everything leads to another thing directly. It doesn’t feel like there’s any fluff. It’s cute.”
Director Richard Roberts said it is his favorite musical. Roberts, who is a dramaturg at Indiana Repertory Theatre, said IRT performed the musical 31 years ago.
“I was in the marketing department,” Roberts said. “This is kind of a dream come true for me. It’s a romantic comedy and rom coms are always popular. It’s genuinely funny. It has a ton of music. The lyrics are very clever.”
For more, visit atistage.org.
“What I love about the musical is if it’s possible for a musical to be all heart, this show is all heart.”
– JOHN VESSELS
DECEMBER 15 | 7:00 PM
IN VIENNA JANUARY 25 | 7:30 PM
Jones
Roberts Maldonado
Vessels
‘Looney’ version of ‘Barber’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gabriel Preisser will make his first appearance with the Indianapolis Opera, but he is no stranger to “The Barber of Seville.”
INDY OPERA
Figaro gets to break the fourth wall and kind of be the instigator and the puppet master in many ways and gets to have fun on the stage.”
Preisser said the first time he played Firgaro was in 2010.
Preisser, a baritone based in Orlando, Fla., said he has appeared in the classic opera five or six times, each time in the lead role of Figaro.
The Indianapolis Opera’s production of “The Barber of Seville” runs Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s one of the greatest roles in the repertoire and has one of the most iconic arias, thanks to Bugs Bunny,” Preisser said.
The Looney Tunes cartoon features the music from the classic opera in an episode called “Rabbit of Seville.”
“It’s fun music, the slapstick element of the comedy, the beautiful (Gioachino) Rossini music,” Preisser said. “It’s a pleasure to get to do it. It’s one of my favorite roles.
“You try to keep him youthful. They’re all young characters,” Preisser said.
Director Jessica Burton said she embraces the Looney Tunes spirit of the production.
“People will get that reminiscence of childhood of the first time seeing opera on the tiny little TV screen,” she said.
Preisser said he has seen productions that feed off that wackiness.
“I saw one production where they replicated the Bugs Bunny set from that script,” he said. “All the productions I’ve been in are more on the traditional side. But there is nothing wrong with either one. Anything we can do to make opera more accessible or relevant, I’m all for it.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Preisser
Burton
‘La Cocina’ wins grand prize
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Heartland International Film Festival grand prize winners had different routes to the major cash prizes.
HEARTLAND
“La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, re ceived the $20,000 Narrative Feature Grand Prize, and “Porcelain War,” directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, earned the $20,000 Documentary Feature Grand Prize at the 11-day festival, which concluded Oct. 20.
it has been selected to play at.”
Sorvig said it was surprising an independent documentary, “Champions of the Golden Valley,” won the Overall Audience Choice Award, beating out every other film in voting, including major Oscar contenders and dramas.
“There’s a wide range of movies, styles and topics every year and the burden is really with our juries when it comes to the Grand Prizes,” said Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “‘La Cocina’ premiered in Berlin and we were the first major festival award that it has won, whereas our documentary winner ‘Porcelain War,’ about artists in Ukraine, has taken the festival circuit by storm since premiering at Sundance and continues to win awards at nearly every festival
“Of the big Oscar contenders, ‘September 5’ won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Choice Award, which is the first festival award for the film that premiered at Venice and then played Telluride,” Sorvig said. “Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Winner ‘Zurawski v Texas,’ featuring Hoosier natives Amanda and Joshua Zurawski, who attended their first screening, also won our Documentary Audience Choice Award.”
Actor Craig T. Nelson attended the Awards Presentation to accept the Pioneering Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelson stars in “Green and Gold,” which had its World Premiere at Heartland and won the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.
Sorvig said the world premiere of Noblesville filmmaker Rocky Walls’ “Dirty Laundry” was sold out and electric.
Sorvig
Brightstar Care continues growth
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurent.com
BrightStar Care in Indianapolis goes beyond home health care and medical staffing to provide compassionate patient-centered services to central Indiana residents, according to its owners.
HOME HEALTH
“We view this as a vocation, and it’s a mission to serve others, and that’s been the driving force behind continuing the traditions of excellence that have been in place with this agency,” said David Stordy, a Westfield resident who co-owns the franchise with his wife, Jeanne.
The team of 115 staff and caregivers offers in-home infusions, therapeutic procedures and injections, as well as wound care and medication management. BrightStar nurses treat patients of all ages.
Patients are assigned a registered nurse with at least two years of experience to develop patient care plans and provide care.
One of the first Brightstar Care franchises in the nation, which was opened in 2007 by Carmel resident Jon Olson, it is now one
of the top-performing locations. When Olson and his wife Jill Gilmer decided to step away from the company to focus on their growing family, they knew the franchise was in good hands when the Stordys took ownership in early 2023.
“They are wonderful people, and we thought their background and their morals and everything about them would be a good fit for BrightStar and keep the legacy,” Olson said.
To contact Brightstar Indianapolis, call 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.
From left, former BrightStar Care owners Jon Olson and Jill Gilmer with their daughter, Olivia, BrightStar branch manager Iona WIlliams and new owners Jeanne and David Stordy. (Photo by Zach Ross)
GameDay eases clinic visits
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
GameDay Men’s Health aims to provide a more comfortable and convenient visit for men.
WELLNESS
Scott Sargent, a Westfield resident and owner of GameDay Men’s Health at 301 E. Carmel Dr., Suite F-300, in Carmel, said the clinic, which opened in April, focuses on hormone therapy for men.
“Our mission is to help men improve their health by making our clinic a comfortable environment to visit while removing financial commitments until the patient is comfortable moving forward with our services,” Sargent said.
Sargent owns the franchise rights for Hamilton and Boone counties. The Carmel clinic opened in April, and Sargent is negotiating on a Fishers location. He said the clinic tries to simplify the financial process for men by letting them know the cost upfront.
“We’re going to take you through our process for one hour,” Sargent said. “We take a blood sample and we take all their
Alissa Chaudion, GameDay Men’s Health general manager, and Scott Sargent, owner, in the Carmel clinic. (Photo courtesy of Scott Sargent)
vitals. We take them back to the waiting room with snacks and drinks. We have an in-house laboratory where we run a testosterone test to look at hormones and a PSA test to look at prostate health.”
Sargent said a clinician takes a health history. The lab results are presented when the client is in the consultation room.
There are multiple options for hormone therapy, but injections are the most popular. Insurance is not accepted.
For more, visit gamedaymenshealth.com/ carmel.
Read the full story at youarecurrent.com.
and thank them for their courage and commitment in protecting our country and safeguarding our freedoms. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we are forever indebted.
Blueprint for Improvement: Bright and beautiful Zionsville kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1998, this kitchen in Zionsville’s Austin Oakes neighborhood needed a refresh. Through modern aesthetics and efficient functionality, the outcome is an inviting and practical space that radiates brightness and beauty, significantly elevating the homeowners’ everyday living experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• White perimeter cabinetry offers timeless style, complemented by warm wood tones on the island and bar for a touch of organic warmth.
• The reimagined appliance layout enables the inclusion of a statement double range with custom hood, establishing a functional focal point.
• Smart storage solutions, including a knife block drawer, tiered utility drawers, utensil pull-outs and roll-out shelves keep essentials close at hand while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
• The integrated quartz counter and backsplash provide the sophisticated appeal of natural stone without the upkeep.
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.
Turkey, tension and talking points
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
Ah, the holidays! That magical time when we gather with loved ones to argue about politics over dry turkey and lumpy mashed potatoes. But fear not, intrepid family member! Our handy guide will help you navigate the minefield of Uncle Bob’s conspiracy theories and Aunt Karen’s impassioned rants about the latest Twitter outrage.
First, remember the sacred family motto: “I come for the pie, not the political science.” When conversations heat up, try our patented “Deflect and Distract” technique. Simply point out the window and yell, “Look! Is that a new piece of roundabout art?” and run to the kitchen to “help with the dishes.”
For the brave souls determined to engage, we recommend the “Nod and Smile” approach. It’s like playing dead when confronted by a bear, but with more cranberry sauce.
Remember, family bonds are stronger than political divides. So, what if cousin Tim thinks the moon landing was faked? He still makes a mean green bean casserole.
In the end, love trumps politics. And if all else fails, there’s always next year’s gathering to look forward to. Or dread. Your choice!
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
READER’S VIEW
No need to kill Hoosier bobcats
Editor,
I was appalled and saddened to hear that the Indiana Natural Resources Commission is proposing to allow 250 bobcats to be killed across 40 counties using archaic methods like steel traps, strangling wire snares and cage traps. Why? Not for any scientific or conservation purpose. Instead, it is simply to allow the miniscule number of trappers in the state — about 4,000 statewide — to add bobcats to the list of animals they can kill while participating in the barbaric hobby of trophy hunting.
Bobcats are still recovering in Indiana after being endangered for decades. Even if they were fully recovered, species like bobcats don’t overpopulate, instead regulating their own population through competition for territory and availability of food. Bobcats primarily eat squirrels, rabbits, mice, rats and other rodents. Conflicts between bobcats and livestock (such as chickens) are extremely uncommon, but anyone who has an issue can obtain a permit to kill the bobcat. Only 28 people requested such a permit in 2023. There are also lots of ways to protect livestock from wild animals, including wildlife-proof chicken coops.
I will be respectfully submitting my comment to the Natural Resources Commission, asking them to set a bobcat quota of zero, not 250. I hope my friends and neighbors will do the same.
Jessica Irvine, Carmel
October 29, 2024 Current in Carmel
ORDINANCE D-2745-24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA, ADDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 6-84 TO THE CARMEL CITY CODE
Synopsis: Ordinance prohibiting reckless driving exhibitions.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code Sections 36-1-3-4 and 361-3-6, the City of Carmel, Indiana (“City”) is authorized and entitled to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to exercise its police powers—Indiana Code § 9-21-1-3 also provides authority for the City to regulate standing or parking of vehicles, to regulate traffic, and to regulate or prohibit processions or assemblages on the highways; and
WHEREAS, the use of a motor vehicle to engage in reckless driving exhibitions in the City’s corporate limits results not only in unsafe traffic conditions for other vehicles, children, and pedestrians, but also attracts rowdy, uncivil, intimidating, and criminal activity to the vicinity of such events, which engenders fear and disinvestment among neighborhood residents and prevents the full and peaceful enjoyment of the use of their property, or otherwise negatively impacts the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, such reckless driving exhibitions can result in damage to persons and private property and also public property, including the streets, which costs are born by the public and surrounding property owners, and can also necessitate the assignment of City personnel or equipment to protect the health, safety, welfare, and/or property of citizens; and
WHEREAS, such reckless driving exhibitions have been occurring with greater frequency, including recent incidents in the Indianapolis area where streets and intersections were shut down to other motor vehicles and public property was damaged; and
WHEREAS, reckless driving exhibitions are therefore declared to be a public nuisance where action necessary to abate the public nuisance may be required, including the towing of the motor vehicles connected to the nuisance; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council wishes to prohibit reckless driving exhibitions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing Recitals are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. Chapter 6, Article 5, Section 6-84 of the Carmel City Code is hereby added and shall read as follows:
Ҥ 6-84 Reckless Driving Exhibitions Prohibited.
(a) Definitions:
Burnout. A maneuver performed while operating a motor vehicle whereby the motor vehicle is kept stationary, or is in motion, while the wheels are spun, resulting in friction which causes the motor vehicle’s tires to heat up and emit smoke. Doughnut. A maneuver performed while operating a motor vehicle whereby the front or rear of the motor vehicle is rotated around the opposite set of wheels in a continuous motion which
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION Docket Number PZ-2024-00173 PUD
may cause a circular skid-mark pattern of rubber on the driving surface and/or the tires to heat up and emit smoke from friction. Drifting. A maneuver performed while operating a motor vehicle whereby the motor vehicle is steered so that it makes a controlled skid sideways through a turn with the front wheels pointed in a direction opposite to that of the turn. Participate. Any act done for the purpose of organizing, facilitating, participating in and/or supporting a Reckless Driving Exhibition within the City of Carmel’s corporate limits, including but not limited to:
1. Collecting or exchanging money or anything of value in connection with a Reckless Driving Exhibition.
2. Riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle engaging in Reckless Driving Exhibition;
3. Causing or encouraging one or more motor vehicles to gather at a predetermined location within the City of Carmel’s corporate limits in connection with a Reckless Driving Exhibition;
4. Causing or encouraging one or more persons to gather on, or adjacent to a street, highway, public property, parking garage, or parking lot in connection with a Reckless Driving Exhibition;
5. Causing or encouraging one or more persons and/or motor vehicles to impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic within the City of Carmel’s corporate limits by acts, words, or physical barriers;
6. Standing or sitting in a location to act as a Reckless Driving Exhibition event official, including but not limited to a starter, steward, or announcer;
7. Promoting a Reckless Driving Exhibition, including any advertising, posting, or sharing the location of a Reckless Driving Exhibition or taking video or photographic images for purpose of promoting and/or profiting from the event.
Reckless Driving Exhibition. The use of a motor vehicle to perform or engage in any Burnouts, Doughnuts, Drifting, Wheelies, or other dangerous motor vehicle activity.
Wheelie. A maneuver performed while operating a motor vehicle whereby a motor vehicle is driven for a distance with the front wheel or wheels raised off the ground.
(b) A Reckless Driving Exhibition is specifically declared to be a public nuisance.
(c) No person while operating a motor vehicle shall engage in a Reckless Driving Exhibition on any street, highway, or public property within the City of Carmel’s corporate limits.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Plan Commission will conduct a meeting on the 19th day of November, 2024 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at the Carmel City Hall, Council Chambers, One Civic Square, 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Number PZ-2024-00173 PUD (the “Request”). The subject site includes the parcels that are identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Tax Parcel Identification Numbers 17-09-33-0000-003.000; 17-09-33-00-00-001.000 and 17-09-33-00-00-001.001 and consist of approximately 37 acres and are located at the southeast corner of Towne Road and 126th Street with a common address of 12411 Towne Road, Carmel, IN 46032 (collectively, the “Real Estate”).
The Real Estate is located east of the Laurel Lakes subdivision and is surrounded by the Village of Westclay to the north, east and south. The Real Estate is currently zoned S-1 Residential, and the request seeks to rezone the Real Estate to the “Clay Cottages Planned Unit Development Ordinance” (the “Clay Cottages PUD”). Clay Cottages will consist of a mix of for-sale housing options ranging from estate homes, single-family detached homes and attached paired-patio homes.
The Request and the associated plans and exhibits may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above Request are encouraged to submit written comments to bbutler@carmel.in.gov, up to 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, via email to Bric Butler Administrative Assistant City of Carmel Plan Commission, and/or, present their comments in-person by attending at this Plan Commission meeting. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
City of Carmel, Indiana:
Bric Butler, City of Carmel Plan Commission Administrative Assistant Carmel City Hall
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 571-2416
Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov
Attorney for Applicant Taylor Morrison of Indiana, LLC:
Jim Shinaver, Attorney
Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner
Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC
550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210
Carmel, IN 46032
(d) It is unlawful for any person to Participate in a Reckless Driving Exhibition within the City of Carmel’s corporate limits.
(e) Any Person who violates this Section shall be guilty of an ordinance violation punishable by a fine of $250 for the first offense and a fine of $2500 for each subsequent offense.
(f) Any motor vehicle used in a Reckless Driving Exhibition as defined in this Section may be towed at the direction of the Carmel Police Department to an area designated by the City at the owner’s expense. The owner shall also be required to pay any and all towing and storage fees resulting from this action.”
Section 3. The remaining provisions of Carmel City Code Chapter 6 Article 5 are not affected by this Ordinance and shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 4. All prior ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, to the extent of such inconsistency only, as of the effective date of this Ordinance, such repeal to have prospective effect only.
Section 5. Should any provision or portion of this Ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions shall not be affected so long as they can, without the invalid provision, be given the effect intended by the Common Council in adopting this Ordinance. To this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing by the Mayor and such publication as is required by law.
PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 7th day of October, 2024, by a vote of 8 ayes and 0 nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL
Anthony Green, President Adam Aasen, Vice-President
Rich Taylor Matt Snyder
Jeff Worrell Teresa Ayers
Shannon Minnaar Ryan Locke
(Not Present) Anita Joshi
ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this 8th day of October 2024, at 3:30 P.M.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 8th day of October 2024, at 4:00 P.M.
Sue Finkam, Mayor
ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION HEARING OFFICER
Docket Number: PZ-2024-00191 DP/ADLS
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission Hearing Officer in-person meeting on Friday, the 22nd day of November 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Plan application to:
Seek approval for construction of a mixed-use building to be known as the “Ardalan Plaza” that will consist of (i) retail uses (a restaurant space, retail tenant spaces and an art gallery) and five (5) enclosed private residential garages on the first floor; (ii) four (4) luxury condominium residences on the second floor; (iii) the Ardalan’s personal residence on the third floor; and, (iv) the Ardalan’s private roof-top terrace including a greenhouse.
For property being known as (address): 311 W Main Street
The application is identified as Docket No.: PZ-2024-00191 DP/ADLS
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax Parcel ID Nos.
16-09-25-16-01-003.000 ; 16-09-25-16-01-001.000
16-09-25-16-01-003.001 ; 16-09-25-16-01-002.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Petitioner: Studio M Architecture & Planning
Notice of Self Storage Sale
Please take notice Prime Storage - Fishers Ford Dr. located at 12650 Ford Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at a Auction. The sale will occur or otherwise disposed as an online auction via www.selfstorageauction.com on 11/14/2024 at 12:00PM. Brian Maslowski unit #376; Brandon Milller unit #409; Carole Meyer unit #971. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.
VIEWS
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS & CARMEL PLANNING COMMISSION
Docket Number: PZ-2024-00196 DP/ADLS; PZ-2024-00197V; PZ-2024-00201V; PZ-2024-00202V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals/Carmel Planning Commission Hearing Officers in-person meeting on Friday, the 22nd day of November, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
Seeking site plan and design approval for a 4-story tall 24-unit condominium building that will wrap the Civic Square Parking Garage.
Request variance approval for a maximum 80% lot cover, No shade trees in Monon Green Blvd ROW requested, and Transportation Plan compliance – reduction of street typologies and streetscape facilities for Veterans Way.
For property being known as (address): 50 Red Truck Road
The application is identified as Docket No.: PZ-2024-00196 DP/ADL; PZ-2024-00197V; PZ-202400201V; PZ-2024-00202V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
16-09-36-00-00-009.000 ; 16-09-36-00-00-009.002
16-09-36-00-00-010.201 ; 16-09-36-00-00-011.001
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Petitioner: Studio M Architecture & Planning
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket Numbers: PZ-2024-00192V; PZ-2024-00193V; PZ-2024-00194V; PZ-2024-00195V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officers in-person meeting on Friday, the 22nd day of November 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Plan application to:
Seek approval for four (4) variances: (i) maximum 80% lot cover allowed; 90% requested; (ii) maximum 35-ft building height allowed when adjacent to single family residences; 65-ft requested; (iii) transportation plan compliance is required; requesting Thoroughfare Plan Map, Mobility & Pedestrian Plan Map, Street Topographies, and Streetscape Facilities modifications; (iv) minimum bufferyard width shall be equal to the building height of the nearest building to each side or rear lot line, not to exceed 35’; 5’ width requested. Also, minimum planting standard shall be Bufferyard C; Requesting the planting standard be per the submitted landscape plans.
For property being known as (address): 311 W Main Street
The application is identified as Docket No.: PZ-2024-00192V; PZ-2024-00193V; PZ-2024-00194V; PZ-2024-00195V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax Parcel ID Nos.
16-09-25-16-01-003.000 ; 16-09-25-16-01-001.000
16-09-25-16-01-003.001 ; 16-09-25-16-01-002.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Petitioner: Studio M Architecture & Planning
NOTICE FOR QUOTES
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Carmel Police Department 1000 S. Rangeline Rd., City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: Carmel Police Department Vehicles Purchase
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed quotes, during regular business hours, up to, but not later than 9:00 am local time Wednesday, November 20, 2024 via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/carmelin for the following project:
Carmel Police Department Vehicles Purchase
Quotes will be opened and read aloud at 10:00 am on Monday, November 20, 2024 at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on the 2nd floor of Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN. No late quotes will be accepted.
The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin.
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 4:00 pm on Monday, November 18, 2024. All responses will be publicly posted to the portal. Please call the Carmel Police Department at (317) 571-2500 to confirm whether any such written questions and/or responses exist.
No quoter may withdraw any quote or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving quotes or proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all quotes or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said quotes or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all quotes, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible offeror.
Jacob Quinn, City Clerk
Speak for yourself?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. was noted for his long and illustrious military career, including the distinction of becoming the youngest fourstar general in the history of the United States Army, followed by terms as secretary of state and as chief of staff under two U.S. presidents. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, a Purple Heart and other commendations for merit in American conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. In the late 1970s, he served as NATO’s supreme allied commander.
ESSAY
Despite his many accolades, Haig is often remembered for a statement made in the aftermath of the near assassination of President Ronald Reagan. As Reagan was undergoing emergency surgery at George Washington University Hospital, Haig announced, “I am in control here, in the White House.” The U.S. Constitution outlines that, in the event of incapacitation or death of the president, the vice president becomes “acting” in that role, followed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, the
president pro tempore of the Senate and then the secretary of state (Haig’s job at the time).
Eventually, Reagan recovered, and Haig attempted to explain that he was only endeavoring to show that the government was secure and not to initiate a coup d’etat. But the damage was done, and the late-night comedians had a field day. Haig did not have the authority to speak for Reagan or the U.S. government. His intentions, good or bad, did not matter.
Many fall into the trap. We assume that we know what to say and presume that we are the ones to say it. What makes us think that we have the authority to speak for others? And who believes that they have it for us? Do they take our voice from us against our will or do we blithely relinquish it?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF CARMEL
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety, City of Carmel, Indiana, will receive sealed bids or proposals during regular business hours at the office of the City Clerk, 1000 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032 until 10:00 a.m. E.S.T. on November 20th, 2024 for the following materials:
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 – 8,000 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.
Bid shall include specific information about where the Rock Salt originates from.
On a separate line, please quote price per ton for the Rock Salt.
On a separate line, please quote delivery price per ton of Rock Salt.
On a third separate line, please quote total rock salt + delivery charge per ton.
A bid bond or certified check in the amount of 10% of the contract price is required for the Rock Salt bid.
Carmel Utilities preferred transport and delivery company is listed below
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.
Carmel Utilities will consider other transport companies. Bidders must specifically state the company that will be doing the transport and delivery, provide specific information on the type of vehicles that will be used to transport, and visited the delivery locations prior to bidding.
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 at the Utilities Department Water Plant 1, located at 3145 E 106th Street.
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 5-22-18-2.
46. Challenged
48. IND safety org.
49. The “P” of USPS
52. DVD forerunner
53. Jazz Kitchen genre
55. Inane
58. Fishers YMCA workout site
60. Mystical glow
61. Burn a bit
64. PC alternative
67. Replies to an evite
71. Cherished starting position at the Indy 500
72. Fuzzy fruit
73. Wicker material
74. Years and years
75. 20-20 or 50-50
76. Some tomatoes at the Zionsville Farmers’ Market Down
1. CD precursors 2. Tennis do-over 3. Toothpaste tube inits. 4. Unknowing
5. WNAP classic tune
Knucklehead
Hamilton Town Center map phrase: You ___ Here
Spasm
Job safety org.
Kind of eclipse
Indianapolis Bridge Center card
12. Camera type, for short
___ Paulo, Brazil 21. USN rank 23. ATM button array
Jamaican music
Bewilder
Owed for
41. Indiana Fertility Institute lab eggs
43. Monument Circle musical grp.
44. Loch ___ monster
45. Handicapper’s hangout, briefly
47. IU Health personnel
50. Advil rival
51. Baton Rouge school (Abbr.)
54. Fairy tale monsters
56. Victory Field fielding statistic
57. Rodeo rope
59. Sen. Braun
61. Tax pro
62. Boone County Fair critter
63. Union Brewing Company brew
65. Roman 1004
66. Astound
68. Vigor’s partner
69. Green shade
C&H TREE SERVICE
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UNLEASHED SCOOPING
Save your back and your time!
Family/locally owned dog waste scooping service with 16 years of experience. Prices start at $16/week for one visit for up to two dogs. More frequency also available. Email: UnleashedScooping@gmail.com. Phone 317.764.4777.
GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL Professional & Economical
Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.
Guitar Lessons
LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years
• FALL CLEAN-UP
• LEAF REMOVAL
• MOWING
• FERTILIZING
• TEAR OUT/REPLACE
FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491
SALE
HOLIDAY MART
Christmas Items
GARAGE–THRIFT-BOUTIQUE
*Gently Used: Mens & Womens Clothes Med – XXL
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
*Furniture, Dishes, Lace 12780 Old Meridian St. (Inside salon- Rain or Shine) No Early Birds
Thursday Nov 7, Friday Nov 8 Saturday Nov 9th 9-6 PM 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 WILL DO FALL CLEAN-OUTS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Pants: BELL BOTTOMS, CAPRI, CARGO, CHINOS, JEANS, STIRRUP; Roll: CALIFORNIA, DRUM, EGG, HONOR, TOOTSIE; Birds: CARDINAL, DOVE, ROBIN, SPARROW; Cheeses: BRIE, CHEDDAR, SWISS; Colleges: BUTLER, MARIAN; Site: JASPER
