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Ardalan Plaza proposed as district ‘cornerstone’
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A three-story mixed-use building is proposed to replace single-family homes on the south side of Main Street in downtown Carmel, but several commitments tied to the land must first be removed and four variances approved.
REDEVELOPMENT
Ardalan Plaza is proposed to include 8,000 square feet of retail and an art gallery on the first floor backed by five private residential garages; four luxury condominiums on the second floor; the Ardalan family’s personal residence on the third floor; and a rooftop terrace and greenhouse for the private use of the family. Specific retail tenants have not been finalized, according to Henry Mestetsky, director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.
The $20 million building is proposed on the north half of the block between 3rd Ave. SW and 4th Ave. SW. A new alley is planned behind the building to allow access from both streets.
“Ardalan Plaza will be an architecturally significant cornerstone to our city’s Arts & Design District, welcoming visitors coming from the west as they drive past the fountain,” Mestetsky said.
The Ardalan family did not respond to a request for comment, but according to planning documents filed with the city, “the proposed mixed-use building is elegantly and exquisitely designed, as the architecture is modeled and themed after an Italian Villa including details such as decorative columns, cornices, and balustrades.”
To construct the 65-foot-tall building as proposed, the petitioner is asking the Carmel Plan Commission to vacate three sets of commitments tied to the three parcels along Main Street. The commitments for the middle and eastern parcel include a maximum building height of 45 feet, and all parcels contain a commitment that new construction with frontage on Main Street should follow Old Town Overlay Zone District Guidelines. The commitments have
been in place since 2016.
“Those commitments tie the property to the Old Town Overlay, which may have been appropriate in 2016, when no project was yet planned for the property,” said Mike Hollibaugh, director of Carmel’s Department of Community Services. “Given there is now a project to consider, we believe the provisions in the Old Town Overlay no longer make sense and should be removed.”
The new building is proposed in a Character Sub-Area within the overlay zone.
According to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, the maximum lot coverage is 70 percent for new buildings in the sub-area.
It also states that when guidelines for the overlay district and the base zoning conflict, the overlay zoning will prevail.
Among the four variances sought by the developer are a maximum building height of 65 feet (35 feet is permitted adjacent to single-family homes) and a maximum lot coverage of 90 percent (80 percent is allowed in C2 zoning, 70 percent in the Character Sub Area in the Old Town Overlay District). The site is adjacent to single-family homes on the south and west sides.
“The project will build out and dedicate an alley to the city, which would benefit a future project to the south,” Mestetsky said. “While nothing is definitive with respect to the southern parcels and they remain single-family homes, (a concept plan) shows how a potential future for-sale
townhome development could lay out.”
Several neighbors who live near the site have expressed concerns about the project, including its height, the proposed alley leading to headlights shining into nearby homes and loss of privacy.
In a Nov. 25 letter to the city’s planning department, Kelly Baskett, who lives in a single-family home adjacent to the proposed project, stated that her “neighborhood is in an uproar” about the plan.
“A lot of people do not understand why projects keep being approved by the DOCS that do not meet the requirements and restrictions of the UDO. These sorts of projects then get presented asking for variances or removal of commitments, so they can become approved,” Baskett stated. “The track record is that these projects keep getting pushed through.”
The Carmel Plan Commission is set to consider the request to remove the commitments at a meeting set for 6 p.m. Dec. 17. The meeting will include a public hearing on the proposal.
The variances will go before a joint hearing with the plan commission hearing officer, Hollibaugh, and BZA hearing officer, Leah York, at a meeting set for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19. Because the parcel is zoned C2, the variance requests will be considered by a single hearing officer rather than the full BZA. Both meetings will be at Carmel City Hall.
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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 6
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Ardalan Plaza is a three-story, mixed-use development planned south of Main Street between 3rd Ave. SW and 4th Ave. SW. (Image from planning documents filed with the City of Carmel)
January 17– 19, 2025
The 2025 Festival of Ice at Carter Green features:
• Professional ice carving demonstrations in the Arts & Design District
• Fast-paced ice carve-off competition at The Ice at Carter Green
• Firehouse chili cook-off
• And more!
A special thanks to Allied Solutions for participation and sponsorship of many of our holiday events.
Council OKs ACES tax abatement
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council met Dec. 2 to approve a tax abatement for a west side business, vote on an amendment to an interlocal agreement with Clay Township regarding the governance of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and discuss end-of-year transfers of funds within department budgets.
What happened: The council approved a resolution granting a tax abatement to the Alliance for Cooperative Energy Services Power Marketing, an energy management company also known as ACES Power.
What it means: ACES Power plans to invest $6.5 million — with $4 million qualifying for the five-year abatement — at its site at 4140 W. 99th St., which is home to the company’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 city will monitor ACES Power’s progress to ensure it meets requirements to receive the abatement.
What happened: The council approved an amendment to the interlocal cooperation agreement that outlines the governance structure for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.
What it means: The amendment maintains the makeup of the nine-member parks board through 2026. It allows the current structure to remain in place as CCPR, the city and Clay Township work together to solve a looming funding shortfall tied to the January 2025 payoff of the 2004 bond issued to develop Central Park. The payoff triggers a change in how local income tax dollars are distributed, with Carmel receiving less.
What’s next: To go into effect, the Clay Township board also must approve the amendment. The board is set to vote at a meeting at 9 a.m. Dec. 17 at the John W. Hensel Government Center.
What happened: The council discussed but did not vote on two resolutions transferring funds within the 2024 Mayor’s Office Budget and 2024 Marketing and Community Relations Department Budget.
What it means: The $197,500 transfer request within the mayor’s office budget covers staffing changes that occurred within the year and renovations to the mayor’s office. Councilors said they had questions about the amount spent on renovations and wanted to gather more information before voting. The $230,000 MAC budget transfer also covers staffing changes that occurred within the year and furniture purchases to meet needs of the growing staff, although the amount of furniture requested was reduced. Councilors also wanted additional time to review and discuss the MAC budget transfer before voting.
What’s next: The council is expected to vote on the resolutions at the Dec. 16 meeting.
City may donate unused funds
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The City of Carmel could provide a financial boost to two local nonprofits with unused funds from its 2024 budget.
The Carmel City Council is considering an ordinance and resolution that would result in $100,000 donations to PrimeLife Enrichment, which serves
senior citizens, and the Carmel Clay Historical Society, which recently opened the Carmel Clay History Museum. The council discussed the donations during its Dec. 2 meeting but did not take a vote.
The Carmel Police Department has $200,000 in unspent funds designated for health insurance that would be transferred to the Marketing and Communications
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Thanks to your generosity, last year United Way invested $59.3 million to help our neighbors.
City, homeowner settle short-term rental suit
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The owner of a home the City of Carmel alleged was being used as a short-term rental without required approval will be subject to a $5,000 per day penalty for any future listings of the property on Vrbo, Airbnb or any other similar platforms.
CITY NEWS
The penalty is part of a Nov. 21 settlement agreement between the city and Vacation Homes LLC and its owner, Serena Burkard.
The city filed a lawsuit in July against Vacation Homes LLC alleging the company was using a home on Singletree Court as a short-term rental. According to the city, Vacations Homes received notices March 21 and May 31 of violations of the Unified Development Ordinance, which prohibits most short-term rentals of less than 30 days without city approval.
The settlement agreement states that all the city’s claims will be dismissed with prejudice. It also states that Burkard and Vacation Homes do not admit liability.
Burkard declined to comment on the settlement. Typically, the maximum fine for not following the short-term rental ordinance is $1,000 for a first offense with subsequent violations escalating the fine by $1,000, up to $5,000.
MEDICAL INCIDENT LEADS TO CHARGES
The City of Carmel filed the lawsuit against Vacation Homes LLC four days after first responders carried multiple people out of the home on Singletree Court on stretchers in what appeared to be a “mass drug overdose,” according to a neighbor, who described the occupants as short-term renters.
The incident led to the arrest of Dion Chapman of California, who was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. According to a probable cause affidavit, first responders found four adults unconscious on the property: a man in the front yard, two women on the first floor and Chapman on the second floor.
After regaining consciousness, Chapman told police he had a red bag “full of marijuana” on the property, according to the affidavit. Officers found a bag with 31 grams of marijuana on the first floor.
A police report states that Chapman “advised he was from California and had rented the Airbnb” to visit with family from Ohio. He told officers he had consumed six Coors beers and multiple shots of vodka and that the other guests on-site had passed out from drinking too much alcohol.
Chapman’s bench trial is scheduled for Dec. 11.
Continued from Page 5
Department’s special projects fund to cover the donations. The proposed resolution transfers the funds between departments, and the proposed ordinance allows MAC to give the funds to the nonprofits.
Carmel Police Chief Drake Sterling told the council that CPD is on track to spend $3 million less than budgeted in 2024. He said multiple factors led to CPD ending the year with a significant surplus.
“I can’t speak to the budgeting habits of the previous administration, but there was a bit of overbudgeting,” said Sterling, who joined CPD in February. “Another component is we’ve been understaffed this year.”
Councilors asked how the nonprofits planned to use the funds, but Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson, who presented the measures, did not have details.
City councilors signaled their support for donating the funds to the nonprofits but some questioned the short notice and lack of detail on how the funds would be used.
PrimeLife Executive Director Gary Wagner told Current Dec. 3 the $100,000 would help cover unexpected repairs; update the member check-in system; cover a gap caused by a grant award that was $10,000 less than expected; and expand its transportation program.
Debbie Gangstad, CCHS executive director, said the funds would allow the nonprofit to purchase some capital needs and support 2025 operations and outreach programs.
The city’s 2025 budget includes an additional $50,000 each for CCHS and PrimeLife.
The council is set to revisit the matter Dec. 16.
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CCS launches community survey
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Clay Schools is gathering community feedback through an online survey open through Dec. 21. The results will help administrators draft the 2025-28 strategic plan, which outlines the district’s visions and goals for the next three years.
EDUCATION
All members of the community are invited to take the 10-minute survey at CCSsurvey.com, whether they have children who attend CCS or not.
“The main question, so to speak, is, ‘Has Carmel Clay Schools created an environment where students can thrive and feel supported?’” said Tom Oestreich, CCS assistant superintendent. “We will also want to know how we’re doing, so we ask questions similar to that. So, thinking about Carmel Clay Schools and our overall mission of educating students for the world of tomorrow, how would you describe Carmel Clay Schools’ performance? We want to know, ‘How are we doing and how can we improve?”
Oestreich said CCS students are also encouraged to fill out the survey. Middle school and high school students will have
an opportunity to take the survey during the school day (it will not be required), and elementary school students are invited to fill it out with their parents. A child-friendly version of the survey is available for Carmel’s younger residents.
Research logistics provider Qlarity Access is working with CCS to conduct the survey and assess results. Oestreich, who will become CCS superintendent in July 2025, expects to present the findings to the school board in January. Then, he will conduct listening sessions and focus groups in the following months to continue gathering feedback and build the strategic plan, which is expected to be presented in the summer of 2025.
This marks the first time CCS has used a communitywide survey to gather feedback for a strategic plan, Oestreich said, but he expects it won’t be the last. He said the results of the initial survey can be used as a baseline to help the district track its progress over time.
“I’m happy that we have a way to gather feedback from every single person in the Carmel community,” Oestreich said. “I look forward to taking the next step after this and ultimately developing our strategic plan.”
Board dismisses complaint against Carmel holistic doctor
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Medical Licensing Board on Dec. 5 dismissed an administrative complaint filed last year by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office against a Carmel holistic doctor.
The attorney general’s office filed a motion Nov. 7 asking the board to dismiss with prejudice the case against Dr. Clifford Fetters, who operates Health and Wellness of Carmel at 11900 N. Pennsylvania St.
“Since filing the Complaint, the Respondent and Petitioner have engaged in discovery, including the deposition of Respondent. Petitioner has re-evaluated the evidence against Respondent. Based on new evidence and information provided
Special Events
Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., German Sing-Along & Ornament Exchange
Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m., Glühwein Gallop 5K
Dec. 15, 12-8 p.m., Military Appreciation Day
Werkstatt
Dec. 11-15, Emily Gödicke & Luise Renner, Woodworking Students from Seiffen/Erzgebirge
Kinderecke
Dec. 11, 4-9 p.m., Cookie Decorating
Dec 12, 4-9 p.m., Button Ornament Craft
Spielhaus
Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m., Singing Mrs. Clause
Dec. 14, 12-5 p.m., Roz Puppets
to Petitioner, Petitioner now lacks the evidence to support the charges against Respondent,” the motion states.
Josh DeFonce, media director for the attorney general’s office, declined to comment on what led to the change in direction, citing the information as “confidential.”
Current reached out to Fetters’ office and his attorney but did not receive a response.
The 13-count complaint filed by the attorney general’s office in May 2023 asked the board to consider disciplinary sanctions for Fetters, who was accused of using false or misleading advertising, failing to inform patients of potential side effects and ordering tests and treatments not indicated for conditions present in multiple patients.
Dec. 15, 2-6 p.m., Santa & Mrs. Claus
Entertainment
Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m. & Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m., Mollie B & SqueezeBox with Ted Lange
Dec. 14, 7:30-9 p.m., Blackjack Davey
Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Brasshaufen
November 23 - December 24
Oestreich
GIFT TO YOU
Items range in price from $3 to $300 and can be purchased at the vending machine
The Giving Machine will be at 14540 Clay Terrace Blvd. through Jan. 5, 2025.
White Chapel Church welcomes you to attend Wreaths Across America.
We will be placing wreaths at the graves of our fallen soldiers.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, AT 2:00PM 5155 E. 116th Street
Across from the flowing well
Veterans are welcome to wear their honor awards and uniforms.
Wreaths Across America happens every year in December, before Christmas. This event happens across the country at over 4,000 locations. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that brings communities together to remember our fallen heroes, honor their sacrifices, and teach future generations about the cost of freedom.
Westfield senior linebacker’s improvement key to team’s success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School senior linebacker
Keegan Krupp’s strengths kept growing though his high school football career.
“Keegan is a textbook example for what it looks like to buy into our program’s ‘outwork, outlove’ culture,” Shamrocks coach Josh Miracle said. “Since Keegan’s freshman year, his dedication in the weight room, on-field preparation and consistent practice habits have helped him become one of our team’s most productive players. Keegan was an excellent special teams player as a junior, but this season he took on a larger role defensively, becoming our team’s leading tackler. Keegan really improved defending the run this season and was a huge part of a defense that gave up 14 points per game.”
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Krupp led the Shamrocks (12-2) with 105 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. He was named to the all-Hoosier Crossroads Conference first team. Westfield reached the Class 6A state championship game Nov.
KEEGAN KRUPP
Favorite athlete: J.J. Watt
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
Favorite vacation spot: Chicago
Favorite subject: Biology
29, losing to Brownsburg 22-17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Krupp started playing special teams his junior year but moved into a starting role in the second half of the season.
He said he made the most improvement with his overall physicality and his eye for the game.
“Everything seemed to slow down for me and I was understanding everything,”
he said. “When I was watching film, I could tell what every team was doing. My entire mentality from my junior year to senior year was to make this the best year I
have.”
Krupp moved from an outside linebacker spot to an inside spot as a senior.
“Everything has been going up — my muscles, speed and agility,” Krupp said.
Although Krupp said the team didn’t accomplish its ultimate goal of winning the state title, he is proud of what the Shamrocks accomplished.
“Going through the program is like nothing I’ve gone through,” he said. “The bonds and culture of the entire Westfield program not only shapes you as a football player but shapes you as a man.”
Krupp, who moved from Carmel to Westfield in seventh grade, played linebacker and running back until his freshman year before focusing on linebacker.
“It’s a big dream to go on and keep playing at the collegiate level,” he said.
Krupp has football offers from NCAA Division III and II schools. He also has received interest from Football Championship Subdivision programs Indiana State University and Lindenwood University.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Westfield High School senior linebacker Keegan Krupp led the team in tackles. (Photo courtesy of Keegan Krupp)
JOY IN THE JOURNEY
Mentorship program helps Carmel dogsitter grow business, pursue passions
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
As a working mother, Andréa Black wanted the flexibility to spend more time with her school-age daughter. So, she decided to take a few years off from her career in the nonprofit world to launch her own business, Dréa’s Dogsitting.
Six years later, she hasn’t gone back. Instead, she expanded her company and hired employees as she branched out to explore pet photography, finding renewed joy in a skill she first explored as a teen.
“One of the best feelings in the whole world to me is getting an amazing picture of a pet being cute, being adorable. Their cute muzzles, their cute faces, they’re just so scrumptious,” she said. “I started posting my pictures on (my business) Instagram years ago, and I would just live for those moments of these beautiful photos.”
The Carmel resident has been encouraged to pursue her passions as a career by key mentors, including from SCORE. The nonprofit provides free mentoring, workshops and educational services to small business owners throughout the U.S., including Indianapolis.
Black met her SCORE mentor, Thomas Morgan, while scuba diving in Honduras.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Andrea,” said Morgan, SCORE Indianapolis chapter chair. “It has been especially rewarding to see how she has expanded her capacity from being just herself walking dogs, to increasing the number of customers that she can serve by hiring contract employees. It has also been wonderful to see her bring her dream of dog photography to life.”
Black said she is a big believer in mentorship.
“To have an outside perspective of somebody that you can talk to to really help you see the things you can’t is completely a treasure,” Black said. “We can’t see things ourselves when we’re right in the thick of things. It really takes that outside eye to observe us and our potential and to encourage us. If one person believes in us, it changes everything.”
In recent years, Black also has become a mentor, serving as a sounding board for others exploring entrepreneurship.
At the same time, she’s worked to
grow her photography business — and it’s brought her great joy.
“My daughter’s nickname for me has always been ‘Lioness,’ because of the crazy hair, and I like to think (also) the strength. (I decided) I’m going to establish Lioness Photography because I want to show the strength, but also the gentleness that a lioness can display with her family,” she said. “I am still finding my way. But the things that I really love are dogs and families and joyful moments. And I love food photography.”
Black has hired two subcontractors to allow her to grow Dréa’s Dogsitting but still does much of the work herself.
“I’ve just met the neatest people through having a dog of my own but also walking dogs and being in the community and getting to know people I would have never met otherwise,” she said. “So, it’s been a huge blessing.”
Learn more about Drea’s Dogsitting, which primarily serves clients in Carmel and Westfield, at facebook.com/DreasDogsitting. Learn more about Lioness Photography at PhotographyLioness.com.
A GROWING SCORE
In 1964, a group of retired executives launched SCORE, a nonprofit that helps small businesses launch, grow and thrive. Sixty years later, its mission remains the same, but it has grown and adapted with changing technologies, and now half of its volunteers are still in the workforce.
Between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, SCORE Indianapolis provided 2,500 mentoring sessions and presented 20 workshops attended by 400 business owners.
“While the businesses and guidance sought vary dramatically among our clients, the common thread is the valuable resource that SCORE mentoring provides,” SCORE Indianapolis Chair Thomas Morgan said. “Our chapter is proud to have played an integral role in the development of more than 250 new businesses and the creation of more than 800 new jobs.”
Learn more at score.org/ Indianapolis.
ON THE COVER: Andréa Black holds Bijou, owned by a Carmel client of Dréa’s Dogsitting. (Photo courtesy of Andréa Black)
One of Andréa Black’s specialties is photographing dogs. (Photos courtesy of Andréa Black)
Andréa Black recently began spending more time photographing food.
Andréa Black with her dog, Parsnip, at the Barktoberfest event in Westfield.
CSO celebrates Viennese waltzes, polkas
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra guest conductor Vladimir Kulenovic has a special connection to Vienna holiday concerts, such as the ones the CSO will perform this month with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory.
“I grew up on the Danube River myself. It wasn’t in Vienna,” he said. “I grew up in Yugoslavia and we had a place in Belgrade, a country house on the Danube (River). It’s nice for me, particularly, because it’s like coming back home. People here in Carmel are so wonderful, it feels like home. It’s nice for me to bring a piece of my home with the Danube.”
The holiday shows will feature waltzes and polkas, including “The Blue Danube” waltz by Johann Strauss. There will be two Dec. 15 holiday concerts. They are “Family Pops: A Viennese Christmas” at 2 p.m., followed by “A Holiday in Vienna” at 7 p.m. at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Both shows are sponsored by IU Health North.
“It’s a very elegant program for the holidays,” Kulenovic said. “The beautiful thing about it is that the afternoon performance is family oriented, so it’s surrounded by activities outside of the concert in the lobby. It’s cold, so you can have some warm drinks. The Christkindlmarkt will be going on.”
The program will include dancers from the Indiana Ballet Conservatory, performing select pieces from “The Nutcracker.”
“Waltzes are nice and graceful, and polkas are fast and exciting,” Kulenovic said.
CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain said Kulenovic is an exciting conductor.
“Vladimir is an extremely expressive
conductor who brings a lot of fun and flair to the podium,” Chastain said. “We are excited to work with him twice this holiday season.”
This is Kulenovic’s third time conducting with CSO. He has conducted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra several times, the first time in 2015.
Kulenovic, who splits his time between Chicago and San Diego, made his CSO debut in a July 4 concert and returned to join the orchestra Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 during the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”
“We’ll have performances by local musical groups in the lobby before both shows, as well as special holiday drinks for the grownups,” Chastain said. “Santa will stop by the 2 p.m. show and be available in the lobby for pictures, and Saint Nicholas will visit us at the (evening) show. Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio is sending dancers who will be accompanying the orchestra during the show and also teaching waltz lessons in the lobby before the 7 p.m. show.”
Chastain said the concerts will conclude with “Radetzky March” by Strauss.
“Hands down, my favorite part of the concert will be the sing-along, especially with the song ‘Edelweiss,’ a classic from ’The Sound of Music,’” Chastain said. “‘Edelweiss’ is such a sweet piece. I feel like Carmel has a very special personality and this song captures a feeling of love for this very special community which so many of us share.”
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
‘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
Carmel High School’s Holiday Show with Select Sound is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and The Ahlwardts present Human Jukebox is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-15 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘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.
‘WINTER FEST’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Winter Fest” Dec. 13-15 at The Florence at the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘GREETINGS!’
Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Greetings!” runs through Dec. 15 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’
Jon McLaughlin & Friends: “Home for the Holidays” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSIC
The Indiana Ballet Conservatory will perform with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of CSO)
Vladimir Kulenovic will serve as Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s guest conductor for two Dec. 15 holiday shows. (Photo courtesy of Vladimir Kulenovic)
CHS freshman gets key role
in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy and Grandma Stahlbaum. She has been with MYB since age 10, when she danced in her first “Nutcracker” in the role of Clara.
ropolitan Youth Ballet’s four performances
performances.
Corsaro said MYB has been a big part of her life.
“It’s like my second home,” she said. CHS junior Anya Stephenson performs
Miriam Danek, an Indianapolis resident who is a junior at Cardinal Ritter High School, also plays Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy and Grandma Stahlbaum. Stephenson and Danek have performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy once before, but the other roles are new for them.
“Our ‘Nutcracker’ boasts the same charming story line and many of our iconic sets and backdrops,” MYB Artistic Director Jane Hachiya-Weiner said.
The four men scheduled as guest artists are Gabriel Weiner, a senior at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music ballet department; Tyler Leach, a freshman at the Butler University Jordan College of the Arts dance department; Justin Hamilton, a trainee at Joffrey Ballet Chicago; and Luke Derkson, a freshman at IU Jacobs School of Music ballet.
For more, visit my-ballet.org.
‘Seussical’ set at The Cat
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Audrey Larkin has a strong attachment to “Seussical.”
“I have been involved in seven productions of ‘Seussical’ before now as a performer in every single one,” she said. “I am so excited to get to direct one of my favorite shows for the Carmel Apprentice Theatre. I think ‘Seussical’ is one of those shows where everyone has a moment to shine, and it truly does showcase the mission of the Carmel Apprentice Theatre, amazingly.”
MUSICAL
Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of “Seussical” runs Dec. 6 to 22 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. The musical is based on children’s author Dr. Seuss characters.
“We have a really lovely mix of very experienced performers and those who are either new to the stage or returning after
years away from the stage, including a couple of mother-daughter pairs that are doing the show together,” Larkin said. “It’s been really fun to see some of our Carmel Apprentice Theatre alumni come back for this show, including Piper Williams, who was our original Wednesday Addams when we did ‘Addams Family’ six years ago.”
Williams, a Carmel High School graduate, plays JoJo in “Seussical.”
Another Carmel Apprentice Theatre alumni member is north Indianapolis resident JB Scoble, who plays The Cat in the Hat. “JB is a character actor through and through,” said Larkin, a Westfield resident who grew up in Carmel. “He’s always bringing something new to the stage and trying on different voices and all of the different exaggerations for character voices and movements.”
The musical features a cast of 26 and a crew of nine.
For more, visit thecat.biz.
saro’s ballet goal has been to portray Clara
Corsaro
Photo by Paul Retzlaff
Larkin
Scoble Williams
Honey relocates to City Center
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
Jewelry store Honey quickly found a sweet spot in Carmel. Barely two years old, the business moved to its second home the day after Thanksgiving, a bigger 1,300-square-foot space in the Wren Building at Carmel City Center.
RETAIL
The new store affords space for a “design-your-own-jewelry” experience that is expected to become a destination for bachelorette parties, graduation get-togethers and gatherings of friends, according to store owner Anna Fehribach.
Six large tables will be available for groups to participate in the jewelry-making. Fehribach, who designed the space, said the idea came to her as she watched groups make candles at a candle store and wondered why the same thing couldn’t be done with jewelry.
Customers can choose from thousands of beads, pearls, gemstones and charms and more than 70 chain options in solid gold, gold-filled and sterling silver at the “bead and charm bar.” Each piece can be
crafted as a necklace, bracelet or anklet. An on-site welder completes the look.
Groups of four or more can book an appointment with the store.
Fehribach, 27, said the original Honey space served its purpose.
“It was perfect for getting started, but I knew it wouldn’t hold us,” she said. “My dream has always been to come up to City Center.”
Honey’s new address is 750 Veteran’s Way, Suite 222. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more, visit shop-honeyboutique.com.
Honey includes space for customers to design their own jewelry. (Photo courtesy of Anna Fehribach)
This holiday season, we’re excited to announce our special New Year, New Ears, New You event! In the spirit of giving, we are offering the gift of hearing to a deserving individual: a pair of premium, rechargeable hearing aids will be provided completely free, along with 3 additional visits at no charge.
Do you know someone whose life could be transformed by better hearing? Nominate them by writing a short essay (300 words or less) explaining how these hearing aids could make a difference in their life. Nominees must be 18 years or older, reside in the state of Indiana and self-nominations are not allowed.
To enter, scan the QR code with your phone and fill out the form submission or visit our website at meridianaudiology.com to submit your nomination by December 24, 2024. The recipient will be announced on December 30, 2024.
Our friends and neighbors trust Meridian Audiology for:
Hearing aid service, fittings, and consultations to fit every lifestyle and budget
Comprehensive hearing testing to help you understand what you’re hearing and what you’re missing
Assistive listening devices for individuals and professionals
Tinnitus management solutions
Hearing aid repairs and cleanings
317-731-5386
Practice rebrands, adds services
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
With expanded services, it was time for the Carmel husband and wife team of Dr. Melissa Shrout and Dr. Derek Shrout to rebrand their medical practice.
In November, Shrout Family Chiropractic became Shrout Wellness. The business opened in Carmel in 2006 and moved to its current location at 14555 Hazel Dell Pkwy.
Ana Everett, the business development manager for Shrout Wellness, said a new feature is IV infusion therapy.
“It’s the ability to hydrate and take in vitamins and nutrients in their veins,” Everett said. “The benefit is helping people feel their best. Whether that comes from an energy boost, a lot of that comes from hydration. It helps with inflammation and
Everett said a new addition is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Steven Foley has joined the staff as medical
“We’re just helping people feel great as
they balance their hormones and make sure their thyroids are working as they should,” Everett said.
Derek has a certification in functional medicine. The practice now offers StemWave, a noninvasive technology designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. He also helps with weight-loss management.
Melissa received her acupuncture certification earlier this year. The practice also brought in a technology called Emsculpt Neo to help patients recover and rebuild muscle strength.
Learn more at shroutfamilychiropractic. com.
the Merciful Help Center. Both Stores will be open until 7 pm on the 12th and 13th!
Most Needed Items: toothpaste, canned tuna, cereal, shampoo, and spaghetti sauce
On Thursday and Friday, bring in a donation from the list or donate $5 or more and receive 15% off a single item.
Bash Carmel Store: 30
The Shrout Wellness team is, from left, Sophia Shrout, Ana Everett, Dr. Steven Foley, Dr. Melissa Shrout and Dr. Derek Shrout. (Photo courtesy of Ava Everett)
Kira S. VonBlon, M.S. Practice Owner
Alison Wyss, Au.D. Practice Owner
BOLTING TO THE FINISH LINE
Runners near the finish line at the Bolt for the Heart 5K Nov. 28 at Carter Green in Carmel. The Thanksgiving Day race raises funds to place AEDs in law enforcement vehicles, sports facilities and elsewhere. More than 2,600 people registered for the race, which raised approximately $225,000. On Dec. 16, Bolt for the Heart plans to donate AEDs to the Indiana State Police, Westfield Police Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Corydon Police Department. Learn more at BoltForTheHeart.com. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Reclaiming reasons to smile
ESSAY Commentary by Terry Anker
“You know I can’t smile without you,” so crooned 81-year-old American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow (nee Barry Alan Pincus). The song, among those hits that Manilow did not pen, was first recorded by David Martin in 1975, then The Carpenters in ’76 and then by Manilow in ’77. The lyrics resonate because we humans are routinely afflicted by the sense of despair and loneliness that accompanies personal loss. If our loved one cannot be with us, do we really care to soldier on?
More than in the exit of our romantic partners, we lament the retirement of a great player from our favorite team; the departure of an outstanding leader in business, education or nonprofit; and the loss of a special friend in life. We indulge our pain in asking, “What’s the point of going on?” We “can’t” do this without them. It all seems too hard to bear. How could it be fun any longer? The world would seem so empty without them in it. We mourn that cold and vacant space once filled with warm and joyful. We have
“Is the question not if we are able to smile again but whether we choose to do so?”
– TERRY ANKER
a right to be angry. It won’t be the same. It won’t be what it was. Yet even as we rage against the fickle finger of fate that pointed its boney appendage at us, upending our stable and comfortable existence, those around us remain in motion. A new order has already begun to form. Our resistance to it makes it no less likely to inhabit our lives. Is the question not if we are able to smile again but whether we choose to do so? Are we capable of deciding to bring joy into our lives or are we captive to our accumulated loss and pain? Is it that we won’t smile or that we can’t?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
READERS’ VIEWS
Carmel Clay History Museum a community treasure
Editor,
Thank you to Current in Carmel for the great cover story, “A Gift to Our Community,” about the opening gala and ribbon cutting for the new Carmel Clay History Museum.
As co-chair of the Museum Advisory Committee, I was in a unique position to observe the progress during the planning, fundraising and construction of the building. While many people and organizations were involved in the process, which encountered several obstacles, the leader
during every step of the way was museum Executive Director Debbie Gangstad. Thanks to her strong leadership, this community treasure is now open to the public and with free admission!
As Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said at the gala, “I enjoyed visiting this amazing museum to learn more about the people who built Carmel into what it is today.” She concluded her remarks by inviting people to “come here and learn about the heartbeat and the backbone of our community.”
Frank Basile, Indianapolis
My trust in mayor was misplaced
Editor,
Mayor Sue Finkam wants to create a new image for Carmel. She is investing quite a bit of money in this rebranding, and all I can see is the image of a city that does not value the hard work of artists and creative volunteers, nor of actual employees. The new motto: “Carmel, the City that Does Not Care.”
The first example of this was the way All Things Carmel (store) was shut down, overnight, without any advance notice to the employees nor to the artists who had contracts with the business with months to run. This is indicative of the modern business ethos of “move fast and break things.” The confidence of the artist community that had been so carefully nurtured in the past decades was destroyed.
Events to enliven Main Street, like Meet Me on Main, have been (weakened) by this administration and businesses who have
participated for years in such events are being left in the dark.
The next example of this tactic was the abrupt dismissal of members of the Christkindlmarkt board, a move not even the chair was apprised of until it had already happened. If one wanted to reorganize the board, the time to do that would have been in January after the 2024 Christkindlmarkt was successfully wrapped up, not six weeks before the opening of the event these board members had been carefully guiding for years.
I supported Sue Finkam in last year’s primary and I am sorry to have to say, my trust in her good governance was misplaced. I hope there will be a thorough investigation around both the Christkindlmarkt and the All Things Carmel executive actions by our representatives on the city council.
Alison
Brown, Carmel
Gifts that never measure up
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen has returned every piece of clothing I have ever bought for her birthday, our anniversary, Mother’s Day and Christmas. She has returned more blouses, jackets and robes than she has library books. And she’s a big reader.
HUMOR
Next year, we are going to Iceland for vacation, and I thought a great gift idea would be a pair of snow pants to keep her toasty on some of our daily hikes.
In the past, I’ve gone into her closet to look for sizes on other items. For shirts, the sizes ranged from petite to large. This freaked me out because it reminded me of “The X Files” episode where this guy’s wife turned out to be an alien and could change into three different women. I love my wife, but one is enough.
Back to snow pants. I logged on to a clothing size calculator, which asked me many questions I had no idea how to answer. The weirdest was bust size. I don’t think Mary Ellen hikes up her pants that much.
Of course, the most common question
asked for pants is the inseam. I would have thought that after almost 45 years, I would know the length of my wife’s inseam. Not a clue.
So, I snuck into her closet one day while she was out shopping and, armed with a tape measure. Suddenly, Mary Ellen walked in while I had several pairs of her pants spread out on the bed.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“I can’t tell you, Mary Ellen. It’s a surprise.”
I told her I wanted to get her something for Christmas that she would not have to return.”
“OK, Dick. How about a gift certificate to my favorite clothing store? And I am going make this even easier for you.”
“How will you possibly make a gift certificate purchase even easier?”
“I’ll tell you how big I want it.”
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Blueprint for Improvement: Modern kitchen makeover in Carmel
Commentary by Larry Greene
Our Woodland Springs clients completely reinvented their kitchen — and they weren’t afraid to start from scratch! Our team reimagined the space, expanding the kitchen’s footprint and maximizing storage with custom cabinetry and clever design solutions. The result? A balance of form and function. From builder-basic to beautifully bespoke, this kitchen combines modern style and practicality in perfect harmony.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Taking space from an underutilized dining room allowed us to reimage the layout for improved function and flow.
• Soapstone countertops offer durability and beauty, perfectly complementing the natural oak cabinetry.
• White upper cabinets and an expanded window above the sink enhance the room’s bright, airy feel.
• Handcrafted subway tiles and recycled glass pendant lights add texture and visual interest, completing the look with a touch of character.
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.
After
Before
LIFESTYLE
33. MCL’s Blue Plate Special (on Monday)
37. Like Indy 500 cars
38. Dictionary abbr.
39. Small island
43. MCL’s Noon Special (on Saturday)
48. Soap bubbles
51. Greyhound, e.g.
52. Colts stats
53. Actress Lupino
54. Indianapolis Opera solo
57. GOP center
59. MCL’s Blue Plate Special (on Thursday)
64. Yemeni port
65. Pack down
66. Online show offering showbiz gossip
68. One of 52
69. Troop group
70. Underwater hazard
71. Indiana tax IDs
72. Nordstrom department
73. Lone Ranger’s sidekick Down
1. ___ Jones Expressway
2. Hoofbeat sound
3. Chewy candy
4. Chicago airport
5. Maroon or ruby
Relinquish
Doing perfectly
Valerie Harper title role
Siren luring sailors to shipwreck
Like most Pacers
Ring of color
More cunning
Broadsided, informally
Boone Village Barber Shop powder 22. Cincinnati team
32. Fan noise
Engrave 35. Butler profs’ aides 36. WIBC news legend Heckman
40. Ind. National Guard rank
41. Was ahead
42. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital triage sites, briefly
44. Be all ears
45. Printing mistake
46. Timely benefit
47. Least attractive
48. Spring bloomers
49. IU athletics shoe sponsor
50. Matt the Miller’s, e.g.
55. Foolish
56. Online moderator, for short
58. “Tiny Bubbles” singer
60. Concludes 61. Chooses
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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 my LinkedIn bio/About near Carey Road & 146th Carmel
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
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
