December 3, 2024 — Carmel by Current Publishing

THE LEO SOFA

BARTOLA END TABLE 18”x24”x20”

ALLIE SWIVEL CHAIR

BERNIE SWIVEL CHAIR

Carmel High School basketball court’s new name honors longtime coach, AD

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The basketball court at Carmel High School has a new name that honors a local legend.

SPORTS

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees voted Nov. 25 to name the playing floor Bill Shepherd Court in honor of William “Bill” Shepherd, who served as Carmel High School’s basketball coach from 1958 to 1970 and was the school’s athletic director for more than three decades.

During his tenure as coach, CHS made an appearance in the IHSAA state final and the team won 50 consecutive games at home. As athletic director, CHS won its first state title (1970 in boys golf) and added 48 more before he retired in 1992.

“Bill Shepherd left his mark on the Carmel community as an administrator, coach and visionary leader during the time when Carmel was a small town becoming a larg-

er city,” CHS Principal Tim Phares said. “Bill laid the groundwork for the extracurricular success of Carmel High School.”

Two of Shepherd’s sons won the Indiana Mr. Basketball title: Billy in 1968 and David in 1970. They remain the only two CHS players to earn the distinction. Another son, Steve, played on the 1977 state championship team.

After he retired, Shepherd continued to

support the Greyhounds until he died at age 91 in 2019.

CCS Superintendent Michael Beresford said two former CHS athletic directors, Bobby Cox and Lee Lonzo, approached him in February 2020 suggesting the court be named in honor of Shepherd. The COVID-19 pandemic put the plan on hold, but Beresford said it was brought to the forefront earlier this year when Indianapolis hosted the NBA All-Star game.

“Part of the festivities included these huge basketball statues, and one of those featured the Shepherd boys and coach,” he said. “That kind of brought it back up and to our attention.”

A ceremony to commemorate the court’s new name is set to take place Jan. 11, 2025, at halftime of the CHS boys basketball game against Westfield High School. The court is in the Eric Clark Activity Center, a facility named after the CHS basketball coach who led the team from 1970 to 1977.

NPR’s Inskeep shares thoughts on life in Carmel, essence of democracy

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Steve Inskeep barely recognizes much of his hometown when he returns for visits.

CCHS

The co-host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” got his start in broadcasting at Carmel High School’s WHJE radio station, graduating in 1986. He stopped by the newly opened Carmel Clay History Museum Nov. 21 to speak about journalism and politics and to reminisce about growing up in the area.

“When I drive around, walk around, run around Carmel, I feel like your history is now, which is exciting,” he said. “This is the moment when so many things are changing and so many things are happening. The world is evolving at a rapid and even terrifying pace, and you get to live that. It’s amazing to be here in this community.”

Inskeep, whose WHJE jacket is on display at the museum, also has written books about historical figures and said

understanding the past helps him report on the present. His most recent book, “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America,” examines President Abraham Lincoln’s interactions with those he disagreed with, which Inskeep said offers insight into strengthening relationships in modern times.

In fact, Inskeep believes healthy conflict is necessary to keep government functioning as it should.

“The essence of democracy is disagree-

Steve Inskeep, co-host of NPR’s “Morning Edition,” makes a recording for WHJE with Carmel High School students Paulina Arana, right, and Claire Hustel. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

ment. It’s people with different backgrounds and different ideas and different opinions and different interests getting together and maybe beating each other up a little bit, figuratively, having an argument, having a debate, calling a vote, arguing some more, voting again, and nothing is ever over,” he said. “Nobody is supposed to ever win forever, which is how we remain free citizens.”

Inskeep ended his presentation by answering questions from the audience.

About us

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 5

Current Publishing, LLC

525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact Managing Editor

Ann Marie Shambaugh at annmarie@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentincarmel. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Share your thoughts

Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Carmel market (38,529 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Carmel advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community facebook.com/currentincarmel x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

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

From left, Dave, Bill and Billy Shepherd. (Submitted photo)

Holiday Porchfest

MIDTOWN PLAZA

Join us at Holiday PorchFest, a free holiday event in Midtown Carmel with performers singing our favorite Holiday songs. Vendors will be onsite o ering warm beverages and snacks.

2:00 p.m. Bach to Rock Band

3:00 p.m. Carmel PorchFest Grant Presentations

3:10 p.m. School of Rock Band

Midtown Plaza is a Trolley Stop for the Carmel Holiday Trolley.

Tourism nonprofit hires CEO

By Les Morris news@youarecurrent.com

David West is comfortable in a learning environment. The son of two Michigan State University professors, the new CEO of Hamilton County Tourism is getting a crash course on the county’s landscape as he navigates his new gig, which started in October.

COUNTY

training for most of my life to be in this business.”

West is meeting with, among others, public officials, board members and executives at various attractions to get a better feel for his new surroundings. He replaced Brenda Myers, who retired this summer after leading the organization for 19 years.

West, 53, was seemingly born into the world he inhabits, a milieu built on tourism and adventure. His father, a professor of education at MSU, organized university programs abroad and the family lived in Europe for a time. The college environment in East Lansing, Mich., provided opportunity as well.

“I grew up with people from all over the world,” West said. “It was always around my house.”

“Tourism is in his blood. His entire background touches tourism in many different sectors.” said Scott Spillman, executive director of Mudsocks Youth Athletics and incoming Hamilton County Tourism board chair.

After earning an undergraduate degree at the rival University of Michigan, West returned to MSU for a graduate degree with an economic emphasis.

“One of the big things we’re doing in Hamilton County is economic development, and my background in economics is really playing out,” West said. “This has been my

West has more than two decades of professional experience in the tourism and destination management industry, including stints at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. — he led the “Pure Michigan” marketing initiatives — and for the last seven years as an executive with Herschend Family Entertainment based in Atlanta, Ga. Herschend’s notable tourism properties include Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Kentucky Kingdom, the Newport Aquarium and the Harlem Globetrotters.

West was not unfamiliar with central Indiana. A devoted gamer and Gen Con fan, he attended the group’s annual convention in Indianapolis and he said he’s been to a few Big 10 championship football games at Lucas Oil Stadium. When he heard about the Hamilton County opportunity, he jumped.

“There is so much they want to accomplish, where they want to go, and the excitement and passion for growing the county,” West said. “They were speaking my language.”

His objective is for Hamilton County to create a sense of place — to have visitors come for a weekend baseball or soccer tournament at Grand Park in Westfield but stay a couple of extra days after the headers and hits to enjoy all the county has to offer.

“People want to go out and want to have experiences,” he said. “They are starved for things to do. If we can just get people here, the next thing they’ll ask is, ‘What else is there?’ Your enemy is people doing nothing.”

For more about Hamilton County Tourism, visit visithamiltoncounty.com.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

9:00 - 10:00 am

Lutheran Church 3650 West 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032

KKK fliers found in county

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Some Hamilton County residents — including in Carmel — reported finding fliers in neighborhood streets Nov. 18 and Nov. 19. The fliers ask people to “track and monitor illegal immigrants” and “report them Jan. 20” to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. The fliers claim to be distributed by the Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from Maysville, Ky. According to a statement released by the Carmel Police Department, investigators have identified the person responsible and believe he lives out of state. CPD stated that the fliers appear to be placed randomly and do not appear to be targeting specific addresses or individuals.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

consult with the prosecutor’s office if any action rises to a level of a criminal act.”

Fliers were also discovered in Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers.

Westfield Police Department Captain Rob Dine said although a report was made, the fliers are considered protected speech under the First Amendment.

“Although this action is deplorable and certainly not reflective of our wonderful community, in consulting with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, we have determined that the random distribution of the flyers does not rise to the level of a crime,” CPD stated. “We will continue to

“The KKK is considered a hate group, but it’s not illegal to be a member,” Dine said. “The literature may be disturbing to Hamilton County residents, but unfortunately, it’s not illegal.”

Anyone in Carmel observing suspicious behavior or individuals may contact CPD at 317-773-1282.

Current in Carmel Senior Managing Editor Ann Marie Shambaugh contributed to this report.

Fliers purported to be distributed by the Ku Klux Klan were discovered Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 in Hamilton County. (Photo provided)

Scout spruces up mini museum

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior Mark Andres was seeking an Eagle Scout community service project, and the Museum of Miniature Houses happened to have some work that needed to be done.

GIVING BACK

It proved to be a great fit. Stephanie Marshall, managing director of the Museum of Miniature Houses, said Lions Club President Matt Best had suggested seeking assistance from Boy Scout Troop 112, which meets in the Lions Club building.

“The museum entrance needed some love and care, as did our benches,” Marshall said. “Our free library, outside of the museum, needed to be replaced as well.”

Marshall said Andres was given free rein in choosing the design and paint scheme for the miniature library.

“Working with his father in the family workshop, he created a beautiful piece,” Marshall said. “The memorial benches in front are teak and needed many hours of sanding to bring out the grain of the wood. With the help of other Scouts and Lions,

Daniel, Mark and Melissa Andres with the free library that Mark and Daniel built for the Museum of Miniature Houses. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Marshall)

they brought new luster to the benches. The entrance and ramp, newly stained, are now a warm welcome to our visitors.”

Andres, who has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 112 since sixth grade, said he only needs paperwork to complete his Eagle Scout badge.

Andres said he liked that the project was in the middle of Carmel Arts & Design District at 111 E. Main St.

“I thought it would be cool to fix it up and it’s right near where we meet for Boy Scouts,” he said.

Carmel swim coach to lead U.S. team in Hungary

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This has been quite the year for Carmel High School boys and girls swimming coach Chris Plumb.

Following his stint as a U.S. Olympic team assistant coach, Plumb — who also is the Carmel Swim Club head coach — has been named a head coach for a senior-level international team for the first time for the World Short Course Swimming Championship, which is set for Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary.

“You need to prove yourself as an assistant to be a head coach,” said Plumb, who also served as an assistant at the 2023 World Championships. “There are not many club coaches selected to go to this. The college coaches who are assisting me are great coaches in their own right, and for many of them it’s their first trip (with the U.S. team to an international meet). I should be able to help them with the experience I’ve had.”

The four assistant coaches are all associate head coaches at their collegiate programs: Josh Huger, University of California/ Berkeley; John Long Jr., Indiana University; Katie Robinson, Stanford University; and Jake Shrum, University of Virginia. Shrum was an Olympic assistant with Plumb.

CHS senior Alex Shackell, a 2024 Olympian, is one of the 32 swimmers on the team. Shackell announced in October she was decommitting from University of California/ Berkeley and will defer her college enrollment by one year to keep training with the Carmel Swim Club.

“When you are fifth or sixth in the world, it’s not always the best fit to go off and swim in college,” Plumb said. “There is a lot of merit to sticking with what got you there. Her family and I came to the decision of ‘let’s see what happens after a year and go from there.’”

Shackell finished sixth in the 200-meter butterfly in the Olympics.

Plumb, who is leaving Dec. 6 for Hungary, will have three days with the team to prepare for the meet.

Image: Aren Straiger

Plumb

Powerlifter nabs overall gold

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sky Simpson was able to quickly shake off any nerves.

ACHIEVEMENT

“He had some anxiety at the beginning, but anyone would on a stage that big,” said his father, Steve Simpson. “We have never seen a platform that big. The first time he walked out, he looked anxious, but he got right to work. The next time he came out, he did a fist bump and hyped the crowd. It was great.”

Sky Simpson, who has Down syndrome, won three categories, including overall, and took second place in age 21-23 and 205-pound division in the International Powerlifting Federation’s World Open Equipped Powerlifting Championships in Iceland, which was held Nov. 11-16.

The 2020 Carmel High School graduate was victorious with 280.5 pounds in the squat, 214 pounds in bench press and 733 pounds total. He finished second in the deadlift with 236.5 pounds.

“He killed it,”Steve Simpson said. “It was an amazing experience, the way the

Sky Simpson on the podium with his medals from the International Powerlifting Federation’s World Open Equipped Powerlifting Championships. (Photo courtesy of Steve Simpson)

people responded to Sky and the way Sky responded to the people. It was very cool.”

Sky said lifting on that huge stage was his favorite thing. His next favorite, he said, was reading all the comments of support on his phone. In addition, he said he enjoyed traveling for the USA Team and “winning first place in the whole world.”

Sky is coached by Carmel resident Kyle Moran, who owns Moran Academy.

“Sky came in as the favorite, which sounds nice, but the pressure to execute and post a total becomes a lot higher when you’re in the position,” Moran said. “He had some adversity and overcame it to become a world champion.”

Special Events

Dec. 4, 4:30-9 p.m., Christkind ChoralFest

Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sankt Nikolaustag

Dec. 7, 12:30-3 p.m., KulturFest

Werkstatt

Dec. 4-8, Falk Bauer & Katrin Zapf, Lauscha Glassblowers

Kinderecke

Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m., String Art Craft

Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m., Dry Snow Globes Craft

Spielhaus

Dec. 4, 4-9 p.m., Market Magic Show

Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m., Storytelling & Music

Dec. 8, 12-6 p.m., Santa

Entertainment

Dec. 5, 4:30-6 p.m., Matt Tolentino Trio

Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio

Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m., Alex Meixner

Dec. 7, 6:30-9 p.m., Alex Meixner

Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m., Alex Meixner

November 23 - December 24

Westfield High School senior improves her post presence

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

In her first year as a starter, Westfield High School senior Samantha Price has made a significant impact on the girls basketball team.

“She has good size and athleticism inside and we want to get the ball into her when we can,” Shamrocks coach Kelsey Steele said. “Sam can run the floor well for us and put pressure on the defense in those ways.”

Price saw limited action as a sophomore. As a junior, she averaged 3.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Shamrocks, who finished 13-11 last season. She sank 61 percent of her shots and was 36 percent from the free throw line.

Prior to the Nov. 26 game at Pike, the 6-foot-1 Price was averaging team-highs of 14 points on 65 percent shooting and 8.7 rebounds per game for the Shamrocks (2-3).

“Sam has made the most improvement in her post game at the rim. We are continuing to work on this with her but we are proud of the growth we have seen so far,” Steele said.

SAMANTHA PRICE

Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite vacation spot: Florida

Favorite subject: Math

Price said she has become more comfortable with the ball in the post.

“I’ve had to step up more and lead more than I did last year,” Price said.

Steele said Price is growing as a vocal leader and growing her game.

instincts around the ball and impacts the game in so many ways.”

“Sam does so much more than just score,” Steele said. “An underrated part of her game is her ability to affect the game on the defensive end. She has incredible

Westfield graduated three starters, Ellie Kelleher, Kiki Loveless and Reagan Lorenzen, from last season’s team. All three are playing college basketball. Kelleher is at Indiana Wesleyan, Lovelace is at Indiana Tech and Lorenzen is at Rose-Hulman.

Price’s goal for the season is “to win sectionals and make it to state.”

Price will play basketball for Mount St. Joseph University, an NCAA Division III pro-

gram in Cincinnati.

“I just felt the most comfortable and at home there,” she said. “Everyone was really nice and welcoming.”

Price started playing basketball in recreation leagues in second grade.

“(I) started playing competitively in ninth grade,” said Price, who also played softball growing up.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

Westfield High School senior Samantha Price has become a solid scorer in her first year as a starter. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Price)

Wright returns as football coach

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kevin Wright is returning as Carmel High School’s head football coach, CHS Athletic Director Jim Inskeep announced Nov. 26.

CHS

Wright left CHS after the 2014 season to become head coach at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He had a 54-10 record in five seasons at CHS, winning a Class 5A state title in 2011. His teams were Class 6A runners-up in 2013 and 2014.

Wright won three Class 5A state titles with Warren Central prior to his first stint at Carmel. He has a 229-65 record in 21 years as a head coach.

Collegiately, Wright was on former Indiana University coach Tom Allen’s staff as tight ends coach from 2020 to 2023.

Interactive Nativity

Date: December 18th

Interactive Nativity

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Date: December 18th

Location: Ascension St. Vincent Carmel

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Ascension St.

Interactive Nativity

Wright replaces John Hebert, who won two Class 6A state titles in his 10 seasons as head coach. The Greyhounds were 5-5 in 2023 and 3-7 this season. Hebert had previously served as a defensive coordinator under Wright.

DISPATCHES

911 team receives accreditation – The Hamilton County 911 Communications Team recently completed the process for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The milestone was celebrated during the CALEA Conference from Nov. 13 to 16, marking Hamilton County as one of very few, it not the only, county in the nation to have all its municipal police departments, Sheriff’s Office, and 911

Center nationally accredited.

Christkindlmarkt coloring contest – Current in Carmel is sponsoring a holiday coloring contest. Coloring sheets may be picked up in the children’s area at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Two winners will be highlighted in Current in Carmel and receive a $100 gift card. The Christkindlmarkt runs through Dec. 24 at Carter Green.

Date: December 18th

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Ascension St. Vincent Carmel This event will take you back in time to the scene of the Christmas Nativity. Hear the story of Mary and Joseph's travels to Bethlehem, and interact with the animals likely present in the area during the birth of Jesus Christ

This event will take you back in time to the scene of the Christmas Nativity. Hear the story of Mary and Joseph's travels to Bethlehem, and interact with the animals likely present in the area during the birth of Jesus Christ

Wright

DISPATCHES

FULL SERVICE CLEANERS

• Can be used with Sensitive Fabrics

• Removes Oil & Grease

• Aids in removing Water Soluble Soil

• Virtually Odorless

• Compatible with Fabric-Finish Additives

common use by drycleaners. Since that time, DF-2000 Fluid has gained widespread acceptance and today is used in thousands of drycleaning plants in the United States alone.

The growth of DF-2000 Fluid has outpaced all of the alternative technologies offered for drycleaning. This is a result of many factors including health, safety and environmental benefits, excellent cleaning performance, proven equipment technology, commercial practicality, and a reduced regulatory burden.

DF-2000 Fluid provides you with the peace of mind that comes from a well-developed, broadly supported technology with a track record of proven performance.

• Proven Cleaning Performance

When used with properly designed processes, additives and equipment, DF-2000 Fluid provides cleaning performance comparable to perchloroethylene.

• Consistent, Premium Quality

DF-2000 Fluid is manufactured and packaged to high standards of consistency and purity to deliver the same high-quality performance time after time. DF-2000 Fluid remains stable through multiple distillation and reclamation cycles.

• Virtually Odorless

Solvents with a higher level of aromatics contain more solvent odor. DF-2000 Fluid has the lowest aromatic content of any HFHC drycleaning solvent.

• Gentle on Dyes, Safer on Trims

The gentle cleaning action of DF-2000 Fluid is safer for most dyes and trims, so you can rely on it to safely clean a wider range of fancy and fragile articles with less risk of dye bleeding.

• Cost Effective

There are no usage, franchise or royalty fees required. In states where a solvent usage tax has been imposed, DF-2000 Fluid is either exempt or the usage tax per gallon is minimal. When coupled with effective processes and additives, labor and production costs are reasonable.

• Proven Equipment Technology

Equipment makers have more experience with DF-2000 Fluid than any other alternative solvent. Modern filtration, distillation, solvent recovery, water separation and safety technologies are refined and well developed to give you reliable,

• Proven Additive Technologies Detergent and fabric finish additives are essential to provide important enhancements to cleaning performance in any

Pelych named Principal of the Year — The Indiana Association of School Principals recognized Steven Pelych, principal at Creekside Middle School, as the 2024 State Middle School Principal of the Year. He was also named District Middle School Principal of District 5. District 5 is in central Indiana and is made up of Hamilton, Boone, Howard, Madison, Miami and Tipton Counties. The Nov. 24 ceremony was a part of the 2024 Principals of the Year Recognition Celebration, a part of IASP’s annual Fall Professional Conference.

CCS to conduct survey — Carmel Clay Schools is preparing to to release a communitywide survey to gather feedback as administrators shape the 2025-28 strategic plan. The survey will be available through Dec. 4 to 21. Administrators will present survey results to the school board in early 2025 and will conduct listening sessions and focus groups from February to April 2025. The strategic plan draft will be presented in the summer of 2025. The survey will be available at CCSsurvey.com.

Mail letters to Santa – Several mailboxes are stationed around Carmel to collect letters to Santa. Letters will be accepted through Dec. 15 and should include a name and return address. Mailboxes are next to The Carmel Arts Council Children’s Art Gallery (40 W. Main St.), outside of Sun King (351 Monon Blvd.), near Hotel Carmichael (1 Carmichael Square) and Santa’s House at the Indiana Design Center (200 S. Range Line Rd.).

Free conference on brain health — Carmel senior citizens are invited to a free conference highlighting the positive aspects of aging and ways to enhance brain health. The Age-Friendly Brain is set for 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. Dr. Malaz Boustani, chief innovation and implementation officer for Indiana University’s Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, is the event’s featured speaker and will speak about senior brain health. After a provided lunch, attendees will participate in a more interactive program during the afternoon featuring a comedian and specialists in the arts. Registration for the conference is not required.

Pelych

RECLAIMING HISTORY

Family next door buys one of the oldest homes in Carmel, works to give it new life

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

What started as a growing eyesore has become a thing of beauty for Matt and Erin Uber.

For the last 14 years, the couple has lived in northeast Carmel, raising their four daughters in a home that — for most of that time — backed up to acres of quiet woods. That changed in recent years when Epcon Communities built luxury ranch homes on much of the property but left untouched a 2.1-acre parcel with one of the oldest remaining homes in the city.

The home at 2724 E. 136th St. — known as the Wilkinson-Hull House — is adjacent to the Ubers’ backyard. It has been vacant since its previous resident, Hank Hull, died in 2014, and since then, nature and vandals have left their mark on the property. So, when the family first took interest in the property, they weren’t aware of the structure’s historical significance.

“It really, truly was self-interest. Our initial goal was preserving as much of the acreage back there and privacy as we were able to, and that was an avenue to accomplish it,” Erin said. “So, I was (as) surprised as anybody when Matt was like, ‘She’s catching my eye back there.’”

The home was built in 1834 as a log cabin, according to Mark Dollase, vice president of preservation services with Indiana Landmarks. The Wilkinson family expanded it with brick additions twice in the 1850s, with the resulting structure resembling Greek revival style.

The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission granted interim protection to the home in 2018 after the area became a target for redevelopment. In the following years, two developers proposed but scrapped plans for the site before Epcon purchased it. Epcon donated the Wilkinson-Hull property to Indiana Landmarks in 2023, and since then, the nonprofit had been searching for the right buyer to renovate and preserve it.

Dollase said “it was a total shock” that they were right next door.

“Once we worked through all the details, it seemed like the perfect fit,” Dollase said. “Matt and Erin Uber are fantastic people, and they have a great family and are very ingrained in the Carmel community. I know they want to do not only what’s best for themselves in doing this project, but also they take on the responsibility of restoring a local landmark. They’re very excited about that.”

The Ubers purchased the home in September after spending approximately six months carefully weighing whether renovating the property was feasible for their family. They had no previous interest in historic properties but have a newfound appreciation for them after jumping

into the project — especially Matt.

Matt said he’s been fascinated to learn about building techniques and home layouts dating back to the 1800s as he consults with experts and discovers surprises through the renovation process. He said he learned that most of the bricks in the structure were likely made on-site, and local historians have urged him to unearth artifacts near a dilapidated outhouse.

“I shamefully admit I am excited about digging into the ground around the outhouse someday,” Matt said. “They would’ve put things there they were done with, and 150 years later, talk about trash to treasure.”

1822 — William Wilkinson is deeded land from the U.S. government that now contains the house

1834 — David Wilkinson builds log cabin

1853 — David Wilkinson builds Greek revival addition 1900 — Margaret Youart Shackelford buys the property 1920s — Shackelford’s daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Shackelford Dinkelaker and Herman Emil Dinkelaker, operate Dinkelaker’s Dairy on the property

Erin also has enjoyed coming across unexpected personal touches of the previous residents in the house and has been surprised at what’s stood the test of time.

“Even in its grotesque graffiti and broken windows and trash and rotting animals, if you see beyond that, there is somebody that has coordinated floral wallpaper and pasted it up and matched her pink cast iron bathtub to her coordinating the sunroom paint color. You can hardly see it because there’s so much to look beyond,” she said. “There’s not much left, but there’s a little glimpse of it.”

The Ubers are working to uncover and restore the home to much of its original state while modernizing it where appropriate. They are also working with Indiana Landmarks and the CHPC to pursue local landmark status, which must be granted by the Carmel City Council and would protect the home from demolition and major changes.

The home is expected to be inhabitable in the next nine to 12 months, Matt said. Initially, the Ubers might rent out the house for a few years but later hope to make it available to their daughters as they grow and potentially start families of their own. And eventually, Matt and Erin may live there.

“Hopefully, someday it’s the Wilkinson-Hull-Uber home,” Matt said. “I hope that we live there and our people live there long enough for us to put a third name on the end of that tag for Carmel history.”

Learn more about the house and follow the Ubers progress at tinyurl.com/3ndvs3ue.

ON THE COVER: Matt and Erin Uber at one of the entrances to the Wilkinson-Hull House, which they are renovating. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

1944 — The Dinkelaker’s inherit the property

1950s — The Dinkelaker’s daughter, Margaret Dinkelaker Hull and her husband, William Henry “Hank” Hull move in 1960s — Extension of Keystone Parkway bisects farm

1987 — Family sells 67 acres east of the historic house to develop the Smokey Ridge neighborhood

1992 — Family sells land west of Keystone Parkway to be used as Carmel High School athletic fields

2014 — Hank Hull dies, land bequeathed to Margaret Dinkelaker Hull’s sister’s children

2017 — Beazer Homes proposes development on the property (later withdraws plans)

2023 — Epcon Communities acquires the property and donates Wilkinson-Hull House to Indiana Landmarks

2024 — Matt and Erin Uber purchase house

*Source: Carmel Historic Preservation Commission, Wilkinson-Hull House Historic District Preservation Plan WILKINSON-HULL HOUSE TIMELINE

The Ubers’ home visible through a broken window in the Wilkinson-Hull home. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Matt Uber

Erin Uber

‘WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen’ set for Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Steve Perry’s group originally started out as a punk rock/ska band.

“Our first music was swing music, so we’ve really been playing swing music from the beginning along with the other stuff,” Perry said.

The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will perform its “WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

“We’re basically known for being a swing band, which is a large amount of 20th century popular jazz,” Perry said. “We run the gamut from ragtime to hot jazz to all the way to 1961 with the Rat Pack and Frank Sinatra vibes. We touch on all of these subgenres of music that swings. It’s very danceable and very 20th century.”

Perry calls the “Xmas Canteen” concert a swing spectacular

“We ended up playing in Hawaii as part of Pearl Harbor celebrations on Dec. 7 and started doing this 1940s music,” Perry said. Perry said the night before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, there was a battle of the bands between U.S. Navy ships.

“Different ships sent their bands to compete in it and I’m sure it was a wild night,” he said. “They were probably hung over and then Dec. 7 hit.”

The concert will include 1940s classics. The band’s latest album, “At the Pink Rat,” focuses on the golden era of swing music of the 1940s highlighted by Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.

“The biggest job is to be a popularizer of this kind of music because it kind of fell out of favor in the early 1960s,” Perry said. “After The Beatles came, it was pretty much gone forever. This last record I tackled that as well. I hadn’t really written in that style, which means big band (music) with major chords. We also have our own music, which is very danceable and upbeat.”

One of the original songs is “Brown Flight Jacket,” which is about a dying grandfather who bequeaths his jacket to his grandson who works at a Starbucks

“The kid hangs (it on) his closet door and stares at it, thinking about his own life compared to his grandfather, who dealt with life and death situations (in World War II),” Perry said. “It’s a modern take on old music.”

The musical setting is a military canteen during the holidays in Hawaii or the Pacific Theater from 1941-45.

“It’s Christmas, it’s 90 degrees and they are in the middle of the war,’ Perry said. “It’s a way for us to address the golden era of swing in our way. There will be fun Christmas songs you can dance to as well, such as ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ and ‘Roll ‘Em.’ We hit a few different eras even though it’s a 1940s theme for the most part. It’s very upbeat and fun.”

Perry said the band plays the late-Steve Allen’s song “Cool Yule.”

“We recorded that for a movie,” Perry said. “I asked him if I could change a chord and he tongue-lashed me like you wouldn’t believe and he said, ‘If every note I wrote cannot be played, there will be no symphony.’”

Perry founded the band in Eugene, Ore., in late 1988.

“We have a lot of material and could have three different bands with all the material we have,” Perry said. “It’s a project that’s never been completed quite to my satisfaction until this era. I’m 61 and I’m finally getting it to touch on all the things I want to touch on. In the next couple of years, I’ll finally reach the goals I’ve set for myself.”

Two other members, bassist Dan Schmid and trumpeter Dana Heitman, have been part of the band for the entire time and several members have been a part of it for several years.

“We caught fire in Southern California, where there is a huge retro music appreciation,” Perry said.

The band’s first compilation album of its first three studio albums, called “Zoot Suit Riot: The Swingin’ Hits of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.’” was released in 1997 and enjoyed commercial success.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and daddies.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 5 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Holiday Blues at the Club with Zach Day is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, and Indiana Christmas with Ahlwardts is set for 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

Civic Theatre presents “White Christmas” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘ANY KIND OF CHRISTMAS’

Home Free’s “Any Kind of Christmas” tour stops are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FOUR PHANTOMS

The Four Phantoms Holiday Show is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

‘A

SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS’

Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘ENJOY THE HOLLY DAYS’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Enjoy the Holly Days” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

ALABAMA

Alabama’s Roll On II North America Tour stops at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fishers Event Center. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

MUSIC

The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will perform its “WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies)

GHDT presents ‘Winter Fest’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gregory Hancock felt it was time for a

change.

DANCE

So, he created “Winter Fest,” which debuts Dec. 7-8 and 13-15 at The Florence at The Academy of the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at Carmel.

“We decided to retire our contemporary production of ‘The Nutcracker’ to the GHDT vaults for a while in order to present another holiday option for entertainment,” said Hancock, GHDT’s executive artistic director. “Our production of ‘The Nutcracker’ had an extremely global feel with all the international variations, and we have maintained this same feeling by celebrating the global holidays of the season, including Ukrainian St. Nicholas Day, Kwanzaa, Diwali, St. Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas.”

Hancock said the students and professional dancers are enjoying learning and refining all the new choreography for “Winter Fest,” along with learning about global traditions of all the holidays being celebrated.

From left, Abigail Lessaris, Olivia Payton and Josie Moody perform in “Winter Fest.” (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody)

“Having performances in the intimate setting of The Florence allows us to offer more dates and options for the holiday production,” Hancock said. “Audience members love to attend performances in the beautiful setting of The Florence as it provides them with an up-close and personal dance experience, completely different from a proscenium theater setting.”

Hancock said 15 dancers from the student ensemble will be featured in the production.

For times and tickets, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

IWS features holiday favorites

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Wind Symphony’s holiday concert should evoke many memories.

CONCERT

“We’re doing a combination of works that will appeal to children in the audience as well as the adults,” IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said. “We’re doing a medley of music from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’”

and orchestras. “She is top-notch. She has performed with my ensembles on three different occasions. My Purdue world absolutely adores Twana. She really made a connection with my Purdue audiences.”

That is just part of the 70-minute show set for Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Enjoy the Holly Days” concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Twana Harris is the special guest and will perform “O Holy Night.” The North Central High School graduate is a pastor and music director at a church in Detroit.

“She sings more a gospel style than a classical opera style, but I think she will be well-received by the Indiana Wind Symphony community,” said Gephart, who is a chair of the Purdue University bands

Harris will be accompanied on piano for “Some Children See Him.”

“Santa has committed to being there in his busy schedule,”

Gephart said. “So will Mrs. Claus, who narrates ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas.’”

There also will be Christmas music from various Broadway shows and a performance of late jazz composer and arranger Sammy Nestico’s “Good Swing Wenceslas.”

Gephart said more serious work is a transcription by H. Robert Reynolds of Morten Lauridsen’s “O magnum mysterium.”

“It was originally written for chorus by Morten Lauridsen and then transcribed by H. Robert Reynolds, who was the former director of bands from University of Michigan,” Gephart said.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

Dancers set for sweet debuts

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be Westfield resident Maddie Neff’s 11th appearance in Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s presentation of “The Nutcracker,” and this one is extra special.

PERFORMANCE

“I’ve had many different ‘Nutcracker’ roles, but I’ve never danced the role of Sugar Plum before,” said Neff, who recently graduated early from Westfield High School.

Neff shares the role of Sugar Plum with Carmel High School senior Claire Barbour. Neff will perform as the Sugar Plum at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Barbour will take over as Sugar Plum at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15. All performances are at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

“This role has always been a dream of mine,” said Neff, who also plays Candy Cane. “It’s always been my favorite part to watch, and I am so excited to finally get to dance it. It’s a very physically demanding role but feels so rewarding every time I

rehearse it.”

From left, CIDE performers Maddie Neff, Claire Barbour and Ella McNeely have key roles in “The Nutcracker.” (Photo courtesy of Paul Rezlaff)

This is Barbour’s first time as the Sugar Plum, too. She also plays Arabian.

“What I enjoy most about the classic role is having the freedom to perform it as my own,” said Barbour, who has attended CIDE for seven years. “Most of the time I will either be by myself or with my partner on stage, so I won’t have to prioritize matching other dancers around me as much as I have had to in previous ‘Nutcrackers.’”

Barbour said she plans to attend college with a focus on dance.

Fishers High School senior Ella McNeely is cast as Snow Queen. For more, visit cidedance.org.

JANUARY 25 | 7:30 PM

BREAKIN’ CLASSICAL

Liven up your

romantic Viennese pieces evoking the old-world charm of Vienna.

Presented by IU Health North Hospital

Harris

Koz’s holiday show returns

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This is the 27th year saxophonist-composer Dave Koz has taken his Christmas show on the road.

CONCERT

Koz said a stop in Carmel has become a given the last several years.

“The Palladium is one of my personal favorite venues in the entire United States, maybe even the world,” Koz said. “It’s a spectacular place to play. I love the way the staff makes you feel. I love the way the audience wraps fully around you and you are immersed in the audience. It’s a gorgeously sounding room. The audience that comes to see us is so full of love and energy and warmth. We love (going) there. It’s a very special part of this tour.”

Jade.

“Jonathan is like my musical brother, partner, especially at Christmastime,” Koz said. “We love making music any time, but at Christmas, it’s very special. He brings all that emotion, all that heart and soul from his background.”

Ingala and Hawley are new to the tour while Jade is making her fourth appearance.

The Dave Koz & Friends Christmas show is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature Jonathan Butler with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley and Rebecca

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. Koz

“Adam Hawley is a young guitar player and the future of contemporary jazz guitar,” Koz said. “We have a single together that is moving up the (Billboard smooth jazz) charts now called ‘Automatic.’ Vincent Ingala is an incredible saxophone player, singer and guitar player. He’s an all-around entertainer. He’s been doing a competing Christmas tour for the last (several) years. This is the first year he’s been able to do our tour and bring all of his good vibes with us. We have a lot of new (performers) and a lot of veterans to bring a heartfelt, highly energetic and fun show, which I think we really need right now.”

Why choose pediatric eye care?

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

There are a couple of common questions we receive at Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care from parents related to their children’s basic eye health. Let’s take a closer look. Why would I take my child to the eye doctor if they aren’t having any problems?

VISION

Analogous to the same logic parents use when taking their children to their other wellness exams, parents want to confirm their child’s eyes are developing properly. But ensuring the child has great vision is just one of the aspects of a thorough pediatric examination.

In addition to testing their vision, we are also screening for colorblindness, eye turns, measuring depth perception and of course making sure their eyes are healthy. There are many children who can “see” well but are using excessive muscular intervention to get clarity. In these cases, we can alleviate tremendous strain the child is putting on their visual system that they aren’t even aware of. What’s the difference between a pedi-

Ensuring the child has great vision is just one of the aspects of a thorough pediatric examination.

– DR. JEREMY CIANO

atric specialist and a regular doctor?

All doctors in given fields have the same degree, but as we all know, most doctors specialize in a specific area. Most parents take their children to a pediatrician, pediatric dentist, childrens hospital/ER, etc. The same holds true in eye care.

All optometrists are licensed to see patients from the cradle to the grave, but some choose to concentrate their skills, continuing education and passion in a specific type of practice. Pediatric clinics also have different testing devices, contact lens fitting sets and an overall flow/look that is more welcoming to children than a regular clinic.

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

Ruoff Music Center to begin charging for general parking

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Concertgoers will see a change at Ruoff Music Center beginning next year.

CONCERTS

The outdoor amphitheater at 12880 E. 146th St. in Noblesville will begin charging for general parking, which was previously free. VIP and premier parking options have been available as upgrades for years.

Marissa Lyons, who is part of the Ruoff Music Center communications team, said at each concert, one parking pass must be purchased per vehicle. Parking will be an additional cost when buying concert tickets. The change applies to all future shows.

“It is going to be one parking pass per show, per vehicle,” Lyons said. “This puts the music venue in line with other local venues that charge a parking fee for general parking.”

Lyons said parking options start at $20

per vehicle for general parking if purchased online in advance. Parking passes starting at $25 can be purchased with a credit card on the day of the show.

Lyons said Ruoff Music Center encourages rideshares.

Four parking pass options are available when purchasing tickets online:

• General parking: Attendees will enter through Gates 1 and 4.

• Premier parking: If coming from the interstate, guests will enter from Bergen Blvd. through Gate 4. If coming from Ind. 37 and 146th St., guests will enter Gate 1. Guests will enter Gate 2 on Boden Road if coming from the north.

• VIP parking: Access to the VIP parking lot is on 146th St. at Gate 1A, located between Gate 1 and Gate 3.

• Limo/Oversized parking: Attendees will enter through Gate 4. Parking prices will vary per show. For more, visit ruoffmusiccenter.net.

KLaunch announces free access

news@youarecurrent.com

KLaunch, a leader in omni-channel conversational AI technologies, has officially opened its cutting-edge AI Cloud Innovation Lab, and in a groundbreaking move, it’s entirely free. The initiative allows businesses, entrepreneurs, startups and innovators to experiment, prototype and deploy AI-driven solutions without the usual financial barriers.

TECHNOLOGY

As a result, KLaunch aims to accelerate technological advancement, making AI innovation accessible to everyone.

The AI Cloud Innovation Lab is equipped with resources, a team of AI experts, and sophisticated conversational AI frameworks like KBot Lightning and HumanX, along with all other major LLM’s that can integrate into the ecosystem. It is designed to empower users with the tools they need to tackle real-world concepts with AI, unlock new growth avenues, and transform industries.

By offering free access, KLaunch is

breaking down financial barriers, inviting organizations of all sizes to explore and deploy AI solutions that can enhance cus tomer experiences, drive operational effi ciency, improve workforce productivity and scale innovation.

“We’re committed to advancing human interaction by making sophisticated AI tools and technologies available to every one. The AI Cloud Innovation Lab is a nat ural extension of our mission to empower businesses to solve complex problems, improve customer experiences, and push boundaries without limits. We’re excited to see what lab users will create,” stat ed Josh Ross, CEO of KLaunch.

Businesses, developers, and innovators can sign up for free access to the AI Cloud Innovation Lab by visiting klaunch.io/con tact and putting in their information with AILab in the comments. Once registered, participants will gain immediate access to the KBot Lightning and HumanX ecosystem, along with expert guidance and support to bring their AI-driven ideas to life.

For more information, visit klaunch.io.

SHOPPING MADE SIMPLE!

Forget to place an order? No problem! Brighten someone's day with a Menards eGift Card! You can purchase eGift Cards online instantly and send them directly to the recipient or keep one for yourself. Enjoy the convenience of no bulky packaging and the assurance that it will arrive on time!

SCAN HERE TO PURCHASE AN eGIFT CARD! Or visit /GiftCards

Leave well enough alone?

Commentary by Terry Anker

ESSAY

We have all been tempted to take the little shortcuts that make life easier. From time to time, we swing by the drive-thru window rather than bust out a pan to feed the kids. At least they got dinner, right? The world is driven to provide us with easier, faster and, presumably, better things with each iteration. The task of laundering our clothing has never, in the history of all humanity, been more convenient, safe and, largely, better for us. With the advent of artificial intelligence and the hopefulness for its potential, one can imagine countless more labor-intensive tasks that will become quickly forgotten as new solutions emerge. Our ovens are self-cleaning. Our meals are ready in minutes. Even our cocktails are premixed and ready to pour. Whew. Somewhere when we were off doing things, new technology seems to have surpassed our need to do them. When we are young, we lack the context to understand that which came before us. We assume that the music we are hearing is the best music ever heard. Then as we mature, we

A quick drive-thru is faster, but are we sacrificing the time spent teaching the children their way around the kitchen?

– TERRY ANKER

listen to other types and time periods until we can best judge our taste with some degree of perspective. We might consider that which is done for us now in the same fashion. What have we gained and what do we lose?

A quick drive-thru is faster, but are we sacrificing the time spent teaching the children their way around the kitchen? Most of what we leave behind deserves to be. Progress is good. Still, can we set aside the rose-colored glasses and see that some things were better off unchanged — or unimproved?

Editor,

READER’S VIEW

Happy with your choice?

In the Nov. 12 edition of Current in Carmel, Shelley Carey’s letter to the editor stated how she didn’t vote in the recent election, much of which was bashing the winner of the presidential election. Below I would like to point out what she did vote for in the election.

What you did vote for in the election was:

• Gross incompetence at the highest level of our federal government.

• Continued lying to the American people on a number of issues, including Joe Biden’s health, the southern border being secure, the state of the economy, inflation and other issues.

• A candidate who could not articulate in plain language what her position was on various issues confronting the American people.

• A candidate who had not won a single primary, ever!

• Promotion of actions including “Drag Queen Story Hour” and encouragement to bring young children.

• A person running for vice president of the U.S. who placed tampons in the boys bathrooms of the schools in his state.

• A person representing her party that used “lawfare” to attempt to eliminate their opposition.

• A person and party calling her opposition “Nazis” and an “existential threat to democracy.”

And probably the worst was the opening and encouragement of people from countries around the world to enter the U.S. unlawfully and to support those people with American citizens’ tax dollars. This includes people convicted of homicide, sexual assualt and various other heinous crimes who now are committing them against American citizens. And to top it off, the families of those murdered never received a call or apology from the current administration. Just to reiterate, this is who you voted for in the election. I hope you are happy with your choice!

Paul

Bostrom, Carmel

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES BUDGET (#1201) Ordinance D-2748-24

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, that the proper legal officers of the City of Carmel, at their regular meeting place at Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on the 16th day of December, 2024, will consider the following appropriation in excess of the budget for 2024:

$100,000.00 from the Human Resources Budget (#1201) To Human Resources Budget (#1201): Line Item 4110000 – Full Time Regular - $10,000.00 Human Resources Budget (#1201): Line Item 4340400 – Consulting Fees - $90,000.00

The source of revenue for the above is the General Fund (#101).

Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have a right to be heard. The additional appropriation as finally made will be referred to the Department of Local Government Finance. The Department will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a certified copy of the action taken.

Jacob Quinn, Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

ORDINANCE No. Z-695-24

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, meeting on the 16th day of December, 2024 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at their regular meeting place in the Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for approval of the “2024 Gramercy PUD Amendment Ordinance”, Ordinance Number Z-695-24.

The subject site includes the parcels that are identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Tax Parcel Identification Numbers 16-10-31-00-00-002.202; 16-10-31-00-00-001.000; 16-10-31-00-00003.000; 16-10-31-00-00-002.402 and 16-10-31-00-00-002.412, which parcels consist of approximately 33 acres which are located south of and adjacent to City Center Drive along the east and west sides of Kinzer Avenue (the “Real Estate”).

The Real Estate is currently zoned pursuant to the Gramercy Planned Unit Development District, Ordinance Number Z-493-06 (the “Gramercy PUD”), and Buckingham seeks to amend the Gramercy PUD with a plan designed as an urban residential development on the Real Estate and the zoning request is referred to as the “2024 Gramercy PUD Amendment Ordinance” and the portion of the development that is the subject of the 2024 Gramercy PUD Amendment is referred to as “Gramercy East”.

The proposal details are on file at the Department of Community Services, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2417, under Docket Number PZ-2024-00140 OA and may be viewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copies of the proposed request are also on file for examination at the Clerk of the City’s Office, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2414.

Interested persons appearing at the hearing for this matter shall have the right to be heard or may file written comments prior to the hearing. In addition, the hearing may be continued by the City Council as it may find necessary.

Clerk of the City of Carmel

Jacob Quinn

This notice prepared by: James E. Shinaver, Attorney and Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC, 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 844-0106.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION Docket Number PZ-2024-00205 CA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Plan Commission will conduct a meeting on the 17th day of December, 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-2024-00205 CA (the “Request”).

The City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission is the owner of parcels of real estate that are identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Parcel Numbers 16-09-25-16-01-003.000 and 1609-25-16-01-001.000 (collectively, the “CRC Parcels”). Abdolaziz M. & Masoomeh Ardalan, as Trustees of the Abdolaziz M. Ardalan Living Trust and the Masoomeh Ardalan Living Trust are the owners of parcels of real estate that are identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Parcel Numbers 16-09-25-1601-003.001 and 16-09-25-16-01-002.000 (collectively, the “Ardalan Parcels”). The CRC Parcels and the Ardalan Parcels are collectively referred to herein as the “Real Estate”.

The Real Estate is zoned C-2, is slightly less than 1 acre and is located south of and adjacent to Main Street, west of and adjacent to 3rd Avenue SW and east of and adjacent to 4th Avenue SW.

In order to permit the development of a mixed-use building to be known as “Ardalan Plaza”, the Request seeks Commitment Amendment approval related to three (3) zoning commitments affecting the Real Estate, which zoning commitments were recorded with the Office of the Recorder of Hamilton County, Indiana as Instrument Numbers 2016-027832, 2024-021895, and 2024-021901 (collectively, the “Zoning Commitments”), which Zoning Commitments were associated with the approval of a rezone request identified by Docket Number 15030009 Z and Ordinance No. Z-611-16. The Commitment Amendment requests to vacate the Zoning Commitments in their entirety in order to permit the development of the Ardalan Plaza mixed-use building.

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 the Applicants City of Carmel Redevelopment Commission and Abdolaziz M. & Masoomeh Ardalan, as Trustees of the Abdolaziz M. Ardalan Living Trust and the Masoomeh Ardalan Living Trust:

Jim Shinaver, Attorney

Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC

550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210 Carmel, IN 46032

December 3, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

ORDINANCE No. Z-694-24

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, meeting on the 16th day of December, 2024 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at their regular meeting place in the Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for approval of the “Towne 146 Planned Unit Development District 2024 Ordinance”, Ordinance Number Z-694-24.

The subject site is the parcel that is identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-09-21-00-00-001.000 which parcel consists of 15.7 acres and is located at the southeast corner of 146th Street and Towne Road (collectively, the “Real Estate”).

The Real Estate is currently zoned S-1 Residential and the request seeks approval to rezone the Real Estate to the “Towne 146 Planned Unit Development District Ordinance” (the “Towne 146 PUD”) in order to permit the development of a for-sale residential community consisting of a total of 87 lots which will include 17 ranch homes that have a first-floor primary bedroom, 12 ranch/2-story detached homes that offer a first-floor bedroom and 58 2-story townhomes.

The proposal details are on file at the Department of Community Services, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2417, under Docket Number PZ-2024-00028 PUD and may be viewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copies of the proposed request are also on file for examination at the Clerk of the City’s Office, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2414.

Clerk of the City of Carmel

Jacob Quinn

This notice prepared by: James E. Shinaver, Attorney and Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC, 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 844-0106.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: 20-ENG-13 Intersection Improvements – 106th and Westfield Roundabout

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana will receive sealed bids for the above described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, 1000 S Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana (2nd Floor) until 4:00 EST on or before December 17, 2024, or at City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (Front Desk) until 9:45 a.m. EST or in the Council Chambers between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST on December 18, 2024, and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – 20-ENG-13 Intersection Improvement – 106th and Westfield Roundabout”

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project is for the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of 106th Street and Westfield Boulevard in Carmel, IN. The project consists of installing storm sewers, communications conduit, new full depth asphalt pavement, curbs, driveways, truck apron, raised crosswalks, concrete sidewalks, and lighting.

Contract Documents must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on December 4, 2024 at 11:00 am EST in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids 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 bids, 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.

Jacob Quinn Clerk

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM THE HEALTH INSURANCE MEDICAL ESCROW BUDGET (FUND#301) Ordinance D-2750-24

$1,000,000.00 from the Health Insurance Medical Escrow Budget (Fund #301) To

Health Insurance Medical Escrow Budget (Fund #301): Line Item 5023990– Other Expenses$1,000,000.00

The source of revenue for the above is the General Fund (#101).

Jacob Quinn, Clerk

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: Neighborhood Drainage Improvements at Pawnee Road & Auman Drive Loop (23-04)

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, 1000 S Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana (2nd Floor) until 4:00 EST on “Date Before BPW Meeting,” or at City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (Front Desk) until 9:45 EST or in the Council Chambers between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST on December 18, 2024, and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – Neighborhood Drainage Improvements at Pawnee Road & Auman Drive Loop (23-04)

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

Construction of a new sidewalk and storm sewer improvements on the east side of Pawnee Road and Auman Drive Loop in the Auman-Newark Neighborhood. New curb and gutter, driveways and ADA ramps will be constructed adjacent to the sidewalk.

Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at the following locations: City of Carmel

Department of Engineering - 1st Floor One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 571-2441

Copies of such drawings and project manuals must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix. com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on December 4, 2024 at 10 am in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory.

Jacob Quinn Clerk

LIFESTYLE

Wayne

25. Cohort of Larry and Curly

38. Online community and slogan to promote area businesses

43. Dog command

44. Prefix meaning “skin”

45. Family and consumer sciences class, familiarly

48. Indiana House members, briefly

49. “Big Blue”

52. MCL dessert choice: pie ___ mode

53. Thai neighbor

55. Rolling Stones title woman

57. Alternative to drapes

61. Poisonous shrub

64. Mideast ruler

65. “Pop ___ the weasel”

66. Army uniform color

67. Actress Hatcher

68. Art Deco artist

69. Balance sheet plus

70. NASA force unit, for short

71. Not as much Down

1. Slapfish spot for oysters and clams

2. Possible reply to “Where are you?”

3. Twisted and turned

4. Dine at home

5. Auctioneer’s cry

6. “Happily ___ after”

7. Painter Magritte

8. :-(

9. Monon Trail jogger

10. Not new

11. Seek damages in Hamilton County Court

12. Tiny bit

13. Foxy

21. Civil rights org.

22. Colts QB stat

25. Hawaiian island

26. Gaze wantonly

27. White River slitherly fish

30. Butler frat letter

31. Kind of quarters

32. Tribal leader

34. The Hoosier State, briefly, and a hint to what can be found in the puzzle’s circles

36. Old stringed instrument

38. Marlboro competitor

39. Austen classic

40. Big foot designation

41. Little devil

42. Type of spray

43. Hornets, on a Pacers scoreboard

46. Evoke

47. Recycle bin item

49. Pay no attention to this clue

50. Upscale bathroom fixtures

51. Slob’s creations

54. Start of a poetic tribute

56. WIBC’s “The Hammer and ___ Show”

57. Waves from a boat on Geist

58. A sign of a kind

59. Electrical line

60. Ship’s jail

61. Jamaican music

62. Sounds of hesitation

63. More, in Mexico Answers on Page 27

GIFT PEACE + UNITY WITH YOUR TEENAGER THIS YEAR. LET US BUG THEM UNTIL IT GETS DONE

C&H TREE SERVICE

FIREWOOD SALE

Topping – Removal

Deadwooding – Landscaping

Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning

INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115

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.

Contemporary Window Cleaning & More Inc.

LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

• FALL CLEAN-UP

• LEAF REMOVAL

• MOWING

• FERTILIZING

• TEAR OUT/REPLACE

Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491

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 With Baker Scott Beginners thru Advanced All styles Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons Parent-Child Lessons I teach improvisation for all instruments. Gift Certificates Available Read

Airbnb. Looking to get away this winter? 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in gorgeous Gulf Shores!

So close to several sports complexes and everything else FUN when you stay here! Our condo is 1.5 miles from the beach & just 1 block off of Gulf Shores Pkwy - the MAIN DRAG. The condo is fully stocked & you can enjoy the cooler GS nights on the relaxing balcony. Beds are super comfy & the bedrooms have large Roku TVs! There are also games, books & a 65” TV in the living room when you feel like staying in. This is a 2nd floor unit with wide exterior stairs.

To rent, you must be at 25. We have a Snowbird discount you can’t pass up. Please email for pricing! mcnallygroupllc@gmail.com

Join an exciting and supportive team of personal trainers serving older adults! Full-time and part-time personal trainer positions availableNo selling required. Full-time includes generous paid time off, paid prep-time and paid continuing education. BA/BS 4-year or greater degree in exercise related field required. If you have a passion for changing the lives of older adults, you will want to be part of our welcoming work environment! Send resume and cover letter to: employment@motion4lifefitness.com

Discover cancer care that empowers you to simply focus on getting better. We o er state-of-the-art treatment programs and protocols, right in your backyard. With our team guiding you every step along the way, you’re never alone. eCommunity.com/cancer