December 24, 2025 — Carmel by Current Publishing

THE ELMO COLA. OUR HOUSE OR YOURS?

St. Elmo Steak House’s signature cocktail is the envy of drunken cherries everywhere. Simply pour over ice and add a splash of Coke to make the famous Elmo Cola at home.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY DINE IN DEALS!

Mon: 20% off total bill

About us

136th & Meridian or 131st & Towne Rd

Tues: 1/2 price bottles of wine

Sat: FREE: kids meal, dessert or appetizer when you spend $25 or more

Neighborhood planned at 146th, Towne ‘massively different’ than original proposal

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Lennar Homes has significantly altered its vision for a new neighborhood on the southeast corner of Towne Road and 146th Street since filing planning documents with the City of Carmel earlier this year.

CITY NEWS

Originally set to include 92 dwellings and a commercial node, the latest proposal has 87 residential homes, no commercial area and full preservation of wetlands on the southeast corner of the 16-acre site.

The neighborhood is proposed to include 58 two-story townhomes surrounded by 29 one- and two-story single-family homes, with expected prices ranging from $325,000 to $400,000. Lennar will offer a first-floor master bedroom option in the two-story homes and commit to rental restrictions to prevent the homes from being initially purchased by institutional investors.

The changes occurred as the petition to rezone the land for a planned unit development went through the Carmel Plan Commission, which voted in favor of the concept 6-1 in November. Now, the Carmel City Council is reviewing the proposed PUD, which sets development standards specific to the site. The council introduced the ordinance at its Dec. 16 meeting but did not take a vote.

Carmel City Councilor Adam Aasen said the revised plan is proof that the city’s planning process works and can lead to better developments.

“Sometimes people send us emails asking us to vote yes or vote no on a proposal as soon as it’s been filed with the plan

commission or even before, but often I tell them to watch the process, see what’s going to happen. This is a really good example of the plan commission taking something and really putting in a lot of work,” he said. “This is massively different than what was originally proposed.”

Four residents spoke during a public hearing and thanked Lennar for altering the original proposal. But they said they still have concerns, especially about density. The proposed density of the development is 5.5 units per acre, which is higher than adjacent developments in Carmel.

“Those densities are found in that area, but it’s found on the north side. Westfield pursues densities that are 5.5 units per acre,” said Audra Moor, who lives in Carmel near the proposed development. “My chief concern is that when we do pursue densities, sometimes you lose the quality

of life that comes from those open green spaces.”

Carmel resident Dee Fox asked that the city require the single-family homes to include first floor master bedrooms to ensure they remain an option for senior citizens looking to downsize and remain in the city.

“If the first buyer doesn’t put it in, it will never be built to accommodate aging in place,” Fox said.

The city has been working to address a shortage of housing options for seniors, as many have moved to Westfield or elsewhere after being unable to find the right type of home in Carmel.

The ordinance will be reviewed in greater detail by the council’s land use committee before sending it back to the full council for a vote. The land use committee will not meet again until early 2025.

President pardons Carmel resident — President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of James Burkhart, a Carmel resident and former CEO of American Senior Communities, who pleaded guilty to his role in a fraud, kickback and money laundering conspiracy. In 2018 he was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the commutation — along with 1,498 others and 39 pardons — Dec. 12 as Biden’s term nears an end. According to federal prosecutors, Burkhart and his co-conspirators funneled nearly $19.4 million in fraud and kickbacks to themselves through shell companies over nearly six years.

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 8

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.

A neighborhood planned at 146th Street and Towne Road in Carmel includes 29 single-family homes and 58 townhomes. Originally, the proposal included a commercial node, but that element has been removed. (Image from documents filed with the City of Carmel)

If you can’t hear your family and friends at your year end celebrations, then start 2025 off with an appointment at Meridian Audiology

Meridian Audiology will help you determine your HEARING STATUS, HEARING NEEDS AND HEARING SOLUTIONS! Don't let another year go by not hearing the voices and conversations of those around you! Make your appointment today!

Ali and Kira have a collective 40 years of Audiology experience and have entered private practice to be able to give you the time, information and expertise you deserve when making a big decision like pursuing hearing aids. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our patients and the number of patients who refer their family and friends to us. Let us help you put your hearing needs as a top priority in 2025

Woman sentenced for racially motivated stabbing on bus

COURTS

A Bloomington woman who stabbed an Indiana University student from Carmel on a bus last year has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to the federal hate crime.

Billie Davis, 57, attacked an 18-year-old woman of Chinese descent in January 2023 on a Bloomington Transit bus, stabbing the victim in the head with a folding knife seven to 10 times and causing injuries that required sutures and staples.

said she attacked the woman so that there was “one less enemy.”

Davis used racist slurs when speaking with investigators about the incident and

“Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated in a press release. “This defendant targeted a young woman, who was simply riding a public bus to school, solely because she was Chinese. The sentence imposed for these vicious hate crimes should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable.”

Davis pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim with a knife.

City aims to simplify bid process

CITY NEWS news@youarecurrent.com

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The City of Carmel is aiming to foster a more open and competitive bidding process by adopting OpenGOV, a procurement software that replaces the paper-based process.

The city plans to begin using OpenGOV in January 2025.

“Currently, our bid process is somewhat restrictive. This makes it challenging to access information and results in a limited pool of recurring bidders, which hinders competition,” Mayor Sue Finkam stated in a press release. “With OpenGOV, we are providing a more efficient and accessible tool for interested vendors, city team members and the community.”

The city will pay $50,720 annually to subscribe to OpenGOV through Vertosoft, a verified reseller. A city spokesperson

stated that the city expects “significant savings” during the three-year contract but did not specify an amount.

Through the city’s existing system, vendors pay to access bid documents, which puts smaller businesses at a disadvantage, according to the city. In addition, each city department is managing its procurements, and the transition to OpenGOV is expected to streamline the process.

The new system is expected to simplify registration, access and electronic submissions for contractors.

Through OpenGOV, all bid documents will be submitted electronically but will not be accessible until a bid opening at the Board of Public Works meeting. Bid results will be immediately available online. The process is expected to increase security and transparency, according to the city.

To sign up to become a registered vendor, visit the City of Carmel’s OpenGOV portal at procurement.opengov.com/signup.

DISPATCHES

Recycle holiday lights — Carmel residents may recycle holiday lights through Jan. 10, 2025, at White’s Ace Hardware & Garden Center at 731 S. Range Line Rd. The recycling drive is sponsored by Carmel Clay Schools’ Green Teams, Carmel Utilities, the City of Carmel, Technology Recyclers and White’s Ace Hardware & Garden Center.

Carmel resident tapped to lead agency –Governor-elect Mike Braun has announced his intent to appoint Dr. Gloria Sachdev as Indiana’s Secretary of Health and Family Services. Sachdev, a Carmel resident, is the president and CEO of the Employers’ Forum of Indiana. Under her leadership, Sachdev developed Sage Transparency 2.0, a public dashboard for healthcare cost and quality data.

Davis

Improv show set for Dec. 28.

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Former Noblesville resident Andrew Lemna is bringing improv comedy to his hometown at the end of the month.

NONPROFIT

Lemna, who graduated from Noblesville High School in 2011, co-founded a Chicago-based nonprofit improv theater, Logan Square Improv, with Carmel High School graduate Alex Prichodko in 2018. They are teaming to present a one-night show at 7 p.m. Dec. 28 at Preservation Hall, 1274 Logan St., in Noblesville.

“We’re going to have long-form improv from Alex and I, as well as a team based in Indianapolis, Behind the Couch Improv,” Lemna said. “We’re hoping they can promote their team and create a new audience by performing at this show.”

“We decided to do the show in our hometown to share what we do in Chicago with all of our friends and family, as well as the Indianapolis community,” Lemna said. “There’s a lot of comedy in Chicago, but

there’s also great comedy in Indianapolis. Our goal is to show everyone what a typical show at Logan Square Improv looks like.”

Prichodko said he looks forward to the show and for the audience to enjoy Lemna’s improv skills.

“Andrew is truly the best,” Prichodko said. “It’s been so incredible being on this improv journey with him and watching him grow as a performer and leader.”

After graduating from NHS, Lemna attended Purdue University, where he majored in Agribusiness and met Prichodko. Lemna briefly moved to Noblesville after graduating. Prichodko then introduced him to improv at INDYPROV in Indianapolis.

Prichodko also relocated to the Chicago area, where he and Lemna started a weekly variety show, the “Thursday Show,” in a bar in Chicago. The show expanded into what is now Logan Square Improv.

For more about Logan Square Improv, visit logansquareimprov.com.

Tickets cost $10.

Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=251921.

Calling ‘Carmel Kids’ back home

Commentary by Carlton Anker and George Gemelas

We are young professionals who grew up in Carmel and, in recent years, decided to move back to the area and reclaim the city as home. It was far sooner than imagined — we haven’t even turned 30 — yet today we’re making the case for fellow Carmel kids to also consider finding their way back to our great city.

TEAM BOUNCEBACK

This idea began with Mayor Sue Finkam, who inspired a group of us young professionals to help lead “Team Bounceback” (or, as we might more plainly call it, “Come Back to Carmel”), a mission to enhance our city by working with city leaders to draw “Carmel kids” like us back to our hometown and weave them into the community. We’re excited by this mission because Carmel has transformed into an exciting place for younger people, and, admittedly, lured us back, too.

Carmel has undergone quite the evolu-

tion; today it has a whole new scene for younger folks. The downtown strip along the Monon Greenway is teeming with intergenerational life, during the day and at night. Our foodie ecosystem is growing. There’s access to good jobs. The city is safe and clean. For families, we house a world-class school system. And in a special mix, the community character is simultaneously classically Midwestern, dynamic and diverse, and future-looking.

We agree with the initial proposition the mayor put to us: Carmel should have onramps to bring homegrown talent back home. That’s why in the coming months we look forward to working with business and community leaders and fellow Carmel kids alike to build out this new effort.

We kindly encourage you to share this news with anyone potentially interested and follow us at @ComeBacktoCarmel.

Carlton Anker is a local litigation attorney and chairman of the Team Bounceback committee.

George Gemelas is COO of the Climate Solutions Fund and a 2022-24 Fellow of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation.

Lemna Prichodko

FHS girls basketball player’s game grows with confidence

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior forward

Nevaeh Dickman admitted she has struggled with confidence in the past.

“But now, I feel like I’ve grown into myself as a player and know my strengths and I believe in myself more than I ever have,” Dickman said.

Fishers girls basketball coach Lauren Votaw has noticed the progress.

“Nevaeh has grown tremendously in her overall poise and willingness to be aggressive through contact,” Votaw said. “Nevaeh’s role is much the same as it was last year, in that we need her to step up and defend the other team’s best scorer on many nights as well as be an active presence for us on the offensive end. She is in a new leadership role this year as her teammates are looking to her in big moments. She has handled this well and continues to grow in her confidence as a leader.”

Dickman said she has grown as a leader in several ways.

“Learning how to communicate on the

NEVAEH DICKMAN

Favorite athletes: JuJu Watkins, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Carsen Edwards

Favorite TV shows: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dexter,” “You,” “Criminal Minds”

Favorite subject: Science/ anatomy

Favorite musician: Drake

court efficiently has helped me better connect with my teammates and coach,” she said. “I feel like I’ve also been more outgoing this year and willing to meet new people, so that has helped me grow as a

leader because my relationships with my teammates are stronger.”

The 6-foot Dickman has been averaging per-game team highs of 16.2 points on 50

percent shooting and seven rebounds for the Tigers (8-4). She averaged 10.6 ppg last season. The Tigers graduated top scorer Talia Harris last year.

“Talia was obviously a huge part of our team last year and was a large part of our scoring,” Dickman said. “This year in her absence, I wouldn’t necessarily say I feel the need to score more. I think right now I’m trying to do whatever it takes to win more games, and recently that has meant scoring more. But our team this year has a lot of great pieces that can score and create for themselves and others as well, so just doing whatever I can to win games is where I’m at.”

Basketball wasn’t love at first sight for Dickman, who will play for the University of Buffalo next season.

“I started playing when I was really young but didn’t like it that much, so I quit for a couple years,” she said. “But in fourth grade, I tried again and I started to fall in love with it and I’ve played ever since then.”

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

Fishers High School senior girls basketball player Nevaeh Dickman leads the team in scoring and rebounding. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Votaw)

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

Faith Carmel inspires women to launch nonprofit to help neighbors in need

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel residents Maria Bedford and Molly Tittle wanted to help a friend in need. Their faith inspired them to do even more, as they co-founded the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation in November 2019.

“We had a friend, Jennifer Schmidt, who has MS (multiple sclerosis) and was struggling in her daily life and couldn’t get to her power wheelchair, which was in the back of her car,” Bedford said. “At the same time, she was falling a lot in her bathroom, specifically, which was not handicap accessible.”

Bedford and Tittle became friends with Schmidt as they all attend Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Bedford said they tried to help Schmidt, writing to larger medical corporations to seek assistance.

“Molly and I tried to brainstorm things and at one point we were led by the Holy Spirit to this idea of not only helping Jennifer but our neighbors in need,” Bedford said. “Since it was November and in the Christmas spirit, Molly and I both have fathers who are deceased, but they both loved Christmas and playing Santa. It was important to them that they instill generosity in us and the spirit of giving.”

That inspired the nonprofit’s name.

“Jennifer was the impetus, but we knew there was a greater need in wanting to help others, too,” Tittle said. “Our mission is to provide quality-of-life improvements for people who suffer from long-term disability, injury or illnesses and other life challenges.”

In the first month after launching the nonprofit, they raised enough money to purchase an accessible van for Schmidt and to remodel her bathroom in her Westfield home.

Schmidt said her friends had noticed she had been struggling to get in and out of her car and get the wheelchair in the back. They surprised her on St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) in 2019 when a man dressed as St. Nicholas delivered her a certificate for bathroom remodel at Freddy’s restaurant and then showed her an accessible van parked outside.

“It was amazing,” Schmidt said. “It has changed my life. It is just such a blessing. I have a beautiful heart painting on my bathroom wall, and in it are all the names of people who donated. Every day, I am able to pray for them.”

The nonprofit has helped 15 families, the

most recent being the Wooldridge family in Noblesville. Tittle said money was originally raised by word of mouth through emails and letters. They followed that by doing small fundraisers and then started Giving Gatherings.

“Our Giving Gatherings are modeled af-

ter the spirit of giving exemplified by our patron saint, St. Nicholas,” Tittle said. “We bring people together to raise funds for those in need and learn something new as well. During these small gatherings, one half of all funds collected from these learning events goes toward one lucky person who comes prepared to the event with an organization/person in mind whom they desire to gift their winnings.”

This year, instead of the Giving Gathering, they hosted a much larger event, a cookie exchange at the Lucas Estate Pavilion in Carmel.

Tittle said the event was held with “the desire to spark the spirit of St. Nicholas and provide opportunities for people to gift items they gathered from the event like cookies, gift cards and other gestures of kindness to spread to our local community.”

Learn more at stnicholasneighborinneed. squarespace.com.

Attendees, including St. Nicholas, sample treats at the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation inaugural Cookie Exchange fundraiser, held Dec. 4 at Lucas Estate. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The St. Nicholas Neighbors in Need Foundation recently presented an accessible van to the Wooldridge family in Noblesville. From left, Draven Wiggins-Sandlin, Isaiah Wiggins-Sandlin, Andrea Wooldridge and Ryan Wooldridge. (Photo courtesy of Molly Tittle)

ON THE COVER: St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation co-founders Molly Tittle, left, and Maria Bedford, right, introduce Jennifer Schmidt, their friend and first recipient of an accessible van from the nonprofit. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

CHS graduate pays tribute to great piano men

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Craig A. Meyer was often told that he resembled Elton John.

That led Meyer to create a tribute act 15 years ago, during which he dons replicas of some of Elton’s most famous garb.

The 1981 Carmel High School graduate will return to Feinstein’s cabaret in Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael on New Year’s Eve for the third consecutive year. His “Elton, Billy & Barry — They Write the Songs” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m.

“Their catalog is so rich and so deep,” Meyer said. “Billy Joel has epic songs like ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.’ Barry Manilow has thoughtful songs like ‘Mandy’ and ‘Could It Be Magic” as well as fun stuff like ‘Copacabana.’ It’s such a deep catalog of music that really is the soundtrack of at least my generation on the radio.”

Meyer said he tries to split the setlist as evenly as possible between the three piano men during the 75-minute shows.

“In the full two-hour version, it’s a little more even, but you try to do the best you can with the time you are given,” Meyer said. “It will cover all the greats. In addition to that, I got some really great footage from my show that I get to share in the show, talking about working with Barry and being on tour with him. It’s really fun.”

Meyer was part of an ensemble of two men and three women performing with Manilow during his “Showstoppers” tour in 1991-92.

“He gave each of us the opportunity to step out on our own and take the stage,” Meyer said.

Meyer will recount his journey in his two Feinstein’s performances.

“I have fun every time I step out on stage, but performing as myself and being able to tell my story is really fun,” Meyer said. “Getting feedback from the audience in hearing my own stories is just a lot of fun.”

Based in Atlanta, Meyer said visiting

Carmel is a good time to connect with friends and extended family.

“I’m looking forward to a rocking New Year,” he said.

Elton John hits he performs include “Bennie & the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Crocodile Rock.” Billy Joel songs include “You May Be Right” and “Piano Man.”

In addition to his vocal performances, Meyer has appeared on Broadway in “Meet Me in St. Louis” and toured nationally in “Cats” and “White Christmas.” He has acted in TV shows, such as “Will and Grace” and “General Hospital.” Meyer also has made film appearances in “Leatherheads” and “Identity Thief.”

ON TAP

Dan Farrell will return to Feinstein’s at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond.” He will present “Thank You for the Music” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Farrell, a Westfield resident, stepped away from his role as one of the three

co-founders of Actors Theatre of Indiana In 2023. He has created tribute shows to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett and Barry Manilow. He will perform his Bennett show Feb. 22 at Feinstein’s. For more, visit feinsteinshc.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

“Murder Mystery Night” is set for Dec. 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

Civic Theatre’s presentation of “White Christmas” concludes Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

DISPATCHES

Songbook Foundation hires communications manager — The Great American Songbook Foundation has hired an experienced professional for a new staff position focusing on communications. Brian Bosma has begun work as the Foundation’s first communications manager, creating and managing content for a comprehensive communications strategy that includes newsletters, social media, event publicity, web updates, marketing materials and other digital and print communications. Bosma served most recently as director of marketing and communications for Damar Services in Indianapolis. Previous work has included overseeing digital media for Ivy Tech Community College and Traders Point Christian Church and managing media relations and communications for the Indianapolis Indians.

Kingston Trio concert set — The Kingston Trio will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 2025, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Kingston Trio is known for such folk hits as “Tom Dooley” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Craig A. Meyer, a 1981 Carmel High School graduate, will perform a tribute to Elton John, Barry Manilow and Billy Joel. (Photo courtesy of Craig A. Meyer)

BUSINESS LOCAL

Bonjour, Josephine!

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Josephine, a French-inspired dining concept, is set to open in late January 2025 in an anchor space at Sophia Square.

The 125-seat restaurant owned and operated by Ambrosia Hospitality Group will offer full dinner service featuring a menu that ranges from steak frites to croque monsieur. It will include a selection of French wines and a range of Cognacs.

“Josephine, a nod to namesake Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte’s cherished wife, will be a premier dining destination for the Carmel community, with elegant French flair and cuisine to delight anyone new to French food or to the biggest Francophile,” stated Dan Cage, owner and operator of Ambrosia Hospitality Group, in a press release. “We wanted to create something that was ambitious, but approachable and fun.”

Cage lived in Paris for three months after graduating college and said the architecture of Sophia Square, which is owned

Josephine is set to open in January 2025 at Sophia Square in a space that previously housed The Pint Room.

(Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The 5,162-square-foot space at 110 W. Main St. previously housed The Pint Room, which closed in late 2023. The interior has undergone significant renovations that are nearly complete.

Ambrosia Hospitality Group also owns Ambrosia, an Italian restaurant in Broad Ripple; Nowhere Special, a cocktail lounge on Mass Ave.; Bocca, an Italian restaurant in Fall Creek Place; and The Commodore, a speakeasy in Fountain Square.

Company installs solar canopies

By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com

Capital Group celebrated a green milestone Dec. 12 with the completion of the installation of 4,230 individual solar panels at its Carmel location.

The solar canopies are over the parking lots of the company’s service center at 12811 N. Meridian St. and 12911 North Meridian St. The financial services company employs more than 800 people in Carmel.

The objective of the nine-month project, technically called a 2.5 MW system, is to offset approximately 50 percent of the site’s annual electrical load. A 2.5 MW system is a medium-sized industrial solar installation that can generate up to 2.5 megawatts of power. In total, the installation encompasses more than 100,000 square feet.

The company’s Central Indiana sustainability initiative is not new territory — the solar panels were first introduced 13 years ago at Capital Group’s office in Irvine, Calif. City of Carmel staff and the Carmel Plan

parking lot. (Photo courtesy of Solar One) by Keystone Group, reminds him of his time abroad.

Commission reviewed the design of the project and worked with Capital Group to preserve trees on the site.

“By adding renewable energy to their property, Capital Group is reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, which also helps lower the overall greenhouse gas emissions for the City of Carmel,” said Alexia Lopez, planning administrator in the city’s Department of Community Services.

Lopez said the Capital Group project also furthers the goals of the city’s Carmel Climate Action Plan, a guide toward achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Capital Group recently celebrated the completion of solar canopies built over the

The most precious gift of all

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

As the holiday lights twinkle along the Monon Trail and the Christkindlmarkt brings its magical atmosphere to our city center, Carmel residents have a unique opportunity to give a gift that costs nothing yet enriches everyone — the gift of civility.

CIVILITY

In this season of giving, while we browse local shops for perfect presents and plan festive gatherings, consider that the most meaningful gift we can offer our community is the conscious choice to embrace and extend civility in every interaction. This gift, unlike material presents, multiplies when shared and grows stronger with each passing day.

Choose to express appreciation freely. Spread warm smiles, offer to help before asked, share kind words and compliments. Listen more than you speak. Demonstrate patience and express thank you, thank you, thank you.

The beauty of gifting civility lies in its

ripple effect. When we choose civility at the Christkindlmarkt, it spreads through the crowd. When we practice it at holiday gatherings, it enhances everyone’s experience. When we demonstrate it in our neighborhoods, it strengthens our community bonds.

This holiday season, as we celebrate in our beautiful city, let’s wrap our interactions in civility, tie them with ribbons of respect, and top them with bows of kindness. In doing so, we give Carmel the most precious gift of all — a stronger, more connected community that carries the spirit of the season throughout the year.

Remember, every civil interaction is a gift that keeps giving, creating a more welcoming, respectful and joyous community for all who call Carmel home.

READER’S VIEW

Recognize national holidays with equal fanfare

Editor,

The Carmel library usually surpasses expectations, but I was disappointed when I took my grandchild on Dec. 9 hoping to find some Christmas treasures. Although this is a national holiday — there was no acknowledgement of Christmas! It seems other holiday displays took front and center in the children’s section throughout the

year. But when I asked for the Christmas book section, it was relegated to the back corner and the bookshelves were already bare. The kind librarian suggested I find books online and put them on hold.

Let’s recognize all national holidays with equal fanfare.

Maureen Morgan, Carmel

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

Exclusive ways of thinking

Commentary by Terry Anker

Aren’t we so lonely during the holidays? Aren’t we so frustrated by the body politic? Aren’t we suffering so greatly from our various grievances? Perhaps. There are many of us who are. And it is good to hope for all who may not be in precisely the spot they might wish to be that their suffering will end soon, and joy will be delivered. We live in an inclusive age. Maybe it is the most inclusive ever known to emerge amongst us here on this big blue marble. Good. Gathering with our fellow humans is ripe with abundant reassurance. We are not alone on this journey. We are confronted with many of the same challenges and beliefs. We want to be good people and are happy to find others seeking the same. But even as we work to include some, are we necessarily excluding others? Should cranberry sauce be homemade or expelled in a single gelatinous plop from its tin can? Should the stuffing for the holiday include oysters or definitely, absolutely not? Jane won’t eat it without, and Steve won’t eat it with. As we bend to the preferences of

ESSAY

But even as we work to include some, are we necessarily excluding others?

– TERRY ANKER

one, are we necessarily omitting those of another? But what if Steve is allergic? Does that need prevent Jane from expressing a choice? Sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free, free-range, GMO-free and shellfish-free are all reasonable enough. If we meet the need of each individually, are we necessarily taking something from the rest?

As we have now just passed the shortest day of the year, we might use the long evenings to consider if our pursuit of our own interests leads to the exclusion of some others’. If we are not lonely, not frustrated and not suffering, can we still go to the party? Or can one be excluded by the inclusive?

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Opulent primary bath in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2006 in the Hunt Country Preserve section of Zionsville, this primary bathroom featured lots of great space but lacked modern style. Our team reimagined the layout to create a luxurious retreat that makes every day feel like an opulent spa day.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Natural elements like oak, cedar, natural stone and crystal are expertly combined with man-made components like porcelain, glass and metals for a dynamic material mix that makes a statement.

• The new vanity creates a dramatic focal point thanks to custom oak cabinetry, quartzite counters and arched brass mirrors.

• The hardware and fixtures convey the perfect balance of classic style with modern appeal thanks to luxe gold tones and contemporary lines.

• The sauna, clad in tongue-and-groove eucalyptus, provides the ultimate at-home spa experience.

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

LIFESTYLE

25. Twice tetra-

27. Tell on 28. Gov. Holcomb

30. Not working

32. Info-filled

33. Bahamas capital

36. “It’s true!”

38. Indiana House Minority Leader in GIANT QUAIL HIP?

43. Siam Star cuisine

44. Vivacity

46. Rushed toward

50. X-ray alternative

52. Unusual

53. Lacking principles

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Prime Storage - Fishers Ford Dr. located at 12650 Ford Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at a Auction. The sale will occur or otherwise disposed as an online auction via www. selfstorageauction.com on 1/9/2025 at 12:00PM. Rahmel Freeman unit #884. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

55. Kevin Gregory winter forecast, maybe

58. Indiana tax ID

59. Hotel room amenity

61. Sound of a perfect Pacers shot