December 31, 2024 — Carmel by Current Publishing

December 31, 2024

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FULL STEAM AHEAD

Mayor plans to continue ‘robust pace’ of progress in 2025 / P8

TIF agreement could spark redevelopment at Clay Terrace / P3

County surveyor to retire after 51 years in role / P5

Girls wrestling program grows at CHS / P7

Vintage boutique now open at City Center / P14

JOHN KIRK

Hamilton County, Indiana

Carmel, Hamilton County TIF agreement could spark Clay Terrace redevelopment

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County might relinquish parts of its tax increment financing allocation areas that include Clay Terrace to allow the City of Carmel to establish its own TIF zone there, giving the city more authority to guide future development at the shopping center.

CITY NEWS

The Carmel Redevelopment Commission approved an interlocal agreement Dec. 18 outlining the plan, which includes the county removing BJ’s Wholesale Club and the southeast portion of Clay Terrace from its TIF allocation areas and allowing the city to replace them with new ones. The agreement also states that the city will give the county all TIF funds generated from the BJ’s allocation area and 5 percent of funds from the other new allocation area.

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12/20/2024, 11:04:12 AM

Both sites have been within a county allocation area since 2000, when some of the land wasn’t yet incorporated into the City of Carmel. State law prohibits two government units from concurrently using the same site as a TIF allocation area.

The county TIF areas expire in 2030, but the city plans to work with Clay Terrace owner Washington Prime to redevelop portions of the site before then.

“This (agreement) is an important partnership between the county and the city. Everybody benefits. It’s a win, win,” Mestetsky said at the CRC meeting. “It allows us to control our own destiny in Clay Terrace so that it doesn’t sit the way that it’s sitting now for another five years. It allows the county to have its bond obligations be protected. It generates excess revenue that benefits both the county and the city in terms of improvements to 146th Street.”

Hamilton County is expected to receive $2.5 million to $4 million more in funding by resetting the TIF allocation areas than it will if the allocation areas remain untouched.

“This was something we worked on with the City of Carmel for several months,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “We believe this will be a mutually beneficial agreement that will promote growth in the Clay Terrace area.”

Clay Terrace unveiled plans in 2020 to

Hamilton County is considering removing two areas in and near Clay Terrace from its tax increment financing allocation areas to allow the City of Carmel to set its own TIF zones there. (Illustration by Zach Ross/Map Data Source: Hamilton County GIS)

demolish retail buildings in the southeast portion of Clay Terrace and replace them with a four- to six-story office building and mixed-use buildings with retail, restaurants and luxury apartments. Later that year, the city approved amendments to the planned unit development ordinance outlining development guidelines for Clay Terrace to allow the concept to move forward.

The buildings were demolished in 2022, but the shopping center is yet to publicly unveil a specific plan for what will replace them. Mestetsky said that likely won’t happen as envisioned by planners without a public private partnership between the city and Clay Terrace.

“It’s such a perfect flexing of parking spaces between those daytime retail users and the nighttime parkers in a future (multifamily project). It needs a garage, and that’s not happening without TIF,” Mestetsky told Current. “While the overall PUD has been approved from a planning/ zoning perspective, this (interlocal agreement) enables the financial conversation to take place.”

Clay Terrace officials declined an interview request but issued a statement.

“We are thrilled with all the recent activ-

ity at Clay Terrace including the additions of Sweetgreen, Drybar, Bluemercury and soon to come Body20 (opening early 2025),” Clay Terrace Marketing Director Christine Foulke stated. “We look forward to providing details on the redevelopment once we are able.”

The interlocal agreement states that any TIF generated in the new allocation areas and sent to the county in excess of what is needed to cover existing debt obligations must be used to pay for improvements to 146th Street, a county-managed thoroughfare on Carmel’s northern border.

If TIF revenue falls short, the interlocal states that the CRC will provide $25,000 per year for up to five years to cover the difference. Mestetsky said a scenario that would trigger the backup funding is a near impossibility and unlikely to ever occur.

The Hamilton County Redevelopment Commission and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement Dec. 17 and Dec. 20, respectively. The Hamilton County Council will vote on it at a future meeting. The Carmel City Council is expected to vote on the interlocal agreement Jan. 6, 2025.

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Surveyor to retire after 51 years

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward, a Noblesville resident, will retire at the end of the year after serving 51 years in the elected office.

PROFILE

Ward, 70, was 22 when he became the county’s surveyor in 1977. The Association of Indiana Counties named him the state’s Outstanding County Surveyor in 1984, 2004 and 2024.

maintaining a corner record book showing original government section corners; and maintaining annexation descriptions and dis-annexation descriptions for each city and town, among other duties.

“I was going to school for construction and technology, and surveying was part of the courses we had to take,” Ward said. “I needed a part-time job, so I asked the previous surveyor for a job during my freshman year, and he gave me one.”

Ward has been responsible for maintaining a legal survey record book for all legal surveys within the county; keeping and

“A long time ago, the job involved a lot of field work, like surveying, inspection and looking at problem areas,” Ward said. “It’s graduated to reviewing work from my staff and preparing documents — a lot of office work. I miss going out in the field.”

Ward said he looks forward to traveling when he retires and that his wife, Robin, told him he was not allowed to say yes to anything for one year.

“I want to travel. I’ve got four more continents to hit to get all seven. I want to visit Antarctica, see the family castle in Wales and go on a safari in Africa,” Ward said. “I’m going miss the people in the office.”

Charles “Chuck” Marcus Hiland, 87, of Carmel, IN, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024. He was born February 25, 1937 in Lebanon, IN to Edward “Ed” and Verla (Downing) Hiland.

Following his 1955 graduation from Rushville High School in Rushville, IN, Chuck joined the US Marines where he served 4 years before retiring to Indianapolis. Chuck worked for General Motors in management for 33 years.

Chuck was a member of the Carmel American Legion Post #155 for many years. He was an avid reader, especially of history, loved playing golf, and enjoyed watching all sports.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his son, Chad Hiland; brother, Harold Hiland; and nephew, Mark Hiland.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna (Gust) Hiland.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Having met Donna Gust of Merrillville, IN at IU, the couple married in 1962 and moved to Carmel, where Donna taught in the Carmel School system for 30 years. In 1972, they were blessed with a son, Chad.

Philip Anthony Quinet, 80, died at his home in Carmel, Indiana on December 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret (nee Erskine) and Octave Quinet. Philip was born in Vincennes, Indiana April 22, 1944. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kenna Quinet, and three sons, Bart Quinet of Nashville, TN, Matthew (Stephanie) Quinet of Nashville, TN, Andrew Quinet of Toronto, Canada and bonus daughter Dae Smiley of North Salem, Indiana. Philip is also survived by his brother Mike Quinett of Vincennes, Indiana and his sister Patricia Quinet of O’Fallon, Missouri. He leaves behind beloved and

In memory of Charles, donation may be made to Entry Church, P.O. Box 263, Fishers, IN 46038.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the Hiland family with arrangements.

wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.

Philip was a man of many passions and pursuits, and he lived life with incredible zeal. His turn of phrase, brilliant sense of humor, and the courage to accomplish anything he set his mind to will forever be remembered by all who knew him. He sure was a hammer swinger.

As per Philip’s wishes, there will be no services. Cremation rites were accorded and his ashes will be scattered at a later date. In lieu of flowers you can donate to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org or the Elephant Sanctuary www.elephants.com or the wildlife rescue charity of your choice.

Ward

CHS senior swimmer Shackell caps a golden year

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior swimmer Alex Shackell had a sweet cap to a special year.

Shackell, who earned gold and silver medals for participating in Team USA relays at the Paris Olympics, had a strong showing at the World Short Course Swimming Championships Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary.

Shackell was on the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team, which captured the gold with a world record time of 3:25.01.

“Being a part of the world record relay was the most unreal experience,” Shackell said. “Going into the race I had no idea what the world record was. It came as a total surprise. It was great to be able to represent a USA relay at finals again. I’m happy with the two golds I earned but that’s not how I base my success.”

Shackell earned a second gold medal for the 4x100 medley relay since she was a member of the relay in the preliminaries. She won a silver in the 4x100 mixed medley and a bronze in the 4x50 mixed medley and

ALEX SHACKELL

Favorite Athlete: Lilly King

Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”

Favorite subject: English

Favorite vacation spot: California

was fourth in the 200-meter butterfly.

“I am pretty proud of my 200 fly prelims swim,” she said. “I thought I swam it smart and was happy with the time. I was actually pretty upset with my 200 fly finals performance. The time I went in prelims would have gotten me on the podium, so I was pretty frustrated. I’ve been working on being able to finish my 200 fly better when

racing elite competition, so this is a good experience for me and the disappointment is only going to make me better.”

CHS boys and girls swimming coach

Chris Plumb served as the USA head coach at the meet.

“Alex had some terrific performances and is now a world record holder,” Plumb said. “At the same time, getting experiences at the world level will continue to help her grow and develop.”

Shackell said Plumb did a great job of leading the national team.

“Although he was head coach, I didn’t really see him any differently,” Shackell said. “We both just kept things as normal as possible.”

Shackell decided to defer her college enrollment for a year and continue training with the Carmel Swim Club for a year after graduation. She originally committed to the University of California at Berkeley.

“Training at Carmel is working for me and I’m super happy with where I am, so for now taking the extra year is best for me,” Shackell said.

Shackell, who has won 11 IHSAA state titles, will seek to add to her total Feb. 15 at the 2025 state meet.

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

Carmel High School senior Alex Shackell won two gold medals at the World Short Course Swimming Championships Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary. (File photo)

CHS girls wrestling team grows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School girls wrestling coach Josh Baxter didn’t know what to expect in the team’s first meet at Sullivan in November.

SPORTS

“We came in with a small number of girls and were able to place really high at a good tournament,” said Baxter, who also is the Clay Middle School boys and girls wrestling coach. “I think every girl has a chance to make it out of sectionals.”

This is the first year of girls wrestling being an IHSAA-sanctioned sport. The Greyhounds, who have seven wrestlers, will compete Jan. 3, 2025, in the Alexandria Monroe Sectional.

Sophomore Grace Sharp, who is in her third year of wrestling, has a 14-2 record at 115 pounds. Sharp said she wanted to compete in a more physical sport.

“I think Grace has a chance to go far,” Baxter said. “I think all the girls are awesome to work with. Our beginners don’t wrestle like beginners and our more experienced wrestlers do a great job leading the other girls. We’ve had mostly highs as

a team this year but when we’ve had some lows, they’ve really rallied around each other.”

One of the first-year wrestlers is freshman Tess Seif, a 105-pound athlete. Seif said she has made the most improvement in taking shots.

Sophomore Masha Newsome, a 120-pounder, is eager to show what she can do in the sectional.

“This is my third year with the sport,” she said. “I managed one year (in eighth grade) and my coaches pushed me to wrestle. I got injured last year so I didn’t get to fully finish my season, so I’m trying to place in sectionals.”

Newsome’s identical twin sister, Sonya, wrestles at either 125 or 130 pounds.

Bakery features employee’s art

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

No Label at the Table has been showcasing artists’ work for several years, but its most recent exhibit — “Celebrating Women through Comic Style” — is special because the drawings were created by employee Nicole Atkins.

The gluten- and dairy-free vegan bakery at 145 W. Main St. in Carmel employs people on the autism spectrum in a variety of roles. Atkins has worked at the shop for nearly two years, packaging items and interacting with customers. Her favorite part of the job is getting to see the different people who come in and socializing with them.

Atkins has loved art for as long as she can remember. In high school, she developed a passion for theater, which then led her to write fan fiction. As a visual learner, Atkins wanted to see the characters in her stories. The exhibit at No Label at the Table showcases individual portraits of Atkins’ characters with unique colors and bold

personalities.

“I found that digital art was better for me because I tend to be heavy-handed, so with pencils in traditional drawings, that created difficulties in erasing,” she said. “Then the more I practiced, I really became good at it.”

The exhibit opened Nov. 30 and will be on display through the end of March 2025, with pieces priced for sale. Each is printed on a rectangular metal plate with a solid white background, ready for framing.

The Carmel High School girls wrestling team will compete in the Jan. 3 sectional. (Photo courtesy of Josh Baxter)

Nicole Atkins displays her artwork.

(Photo by Shelly Gattlieb)

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Mayor plans to continue ‘robust pace’ of progress in 2025

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The year 2024 was one of transition for Carmel, with the city’s first new mayor in nearly three decades and a majority new Carmel City Council ushering in changes to policy, positions and more.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam doesn’t necessarily expect to slow down in 2025, but — with a year in office under her belt — she is hoping for a bit of a smoother journey.

“I’m always a pedal down-type of leader, so I want to keep a robust pace,” Finkam said. “However, I want to make sure that we don’t overload things to the point that we can’t do things effectively or that we overburden our resources. But I still have a lot I want to accomplish, and I know our leaders do as well, and our community has high expectations. So, I expect to make sure that we can get as much done as possible in 2025.”

Finkam said she plans to continue working to streamline city finances and is aiming to “crystallize” the city’s plans for long-term fiscal sustainability.

“The City of Carmel has never developed long-term fiscal plans for our capital assets, and so we have to get that in place and make sure that we are reserving dollars, so we have no surprises,” she said.

Early in 2025, the city plans to unveil new branding. Previously set to debut in the fall of 2024, Finkam said she slowed the process after receiving some pushback from the city council.

“There are misconceptions there, and I want to make sure that we can address those concerns and go forward in a positive way,” she said. “I’m really excited about the brand platform we’ve developed. We’ve not yet done our visual identity. That’s where I paused it, so that’s the last step we have to do.”

In addition, the city is considering some new events for 2025, including a Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring and an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September.

REDEVELOPMENT BEGINS, CONTINUES

More than a dozen redevelopment projects are in the works, with much progress expected in 2025. They include:

• Gramercy and Marketplace — The project is planned between Carmel Drive and 126th Street primarily west of the existing Gramercy Apartments. Construction on the suburban multifamily dwellings on the north part of the site is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025. There is no timeline set for construction of the Marketplace area to the south.

• Proscenium III — The mixed-use development with apartments, retail, office space and a hotel is set to begin construction in late 2025. The project is at the corner of Range Line Road and Executive Drive just north of the original Proscenium development.

• Ardalan Plaza — A three-story mixeduse building with retail and restaurant space, luxury condos and a private third-floor residence will replace single-family homes on the south side of Main Street in downtown Carmel. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

• Monon Square North — Construction is expected to begin in the first

quarter of 2025. The project on the northwest corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive includes retail space, multi-family units and a parking garage.

• Civic Square Condos — Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 on 24 for-sale condos to wrap two sides of the Civic Square garage at Veterans Way and Red Truck Road.

• Carmel City Center — The plan to transform a field into a development anchored by a performing arts campus began in the 1990s and is set to wrap up in early 2025 with completion of the Windsor and Wren buildings.

• Icon on Main — Construction will continue on the mixed-use redevelopment on the southeast corner of Main and Old Meridian streets. The $75 million project includes apartments, for-sale condos, office and retail space, a parking garage and public plaza. Completion of the apartments is expected in 2026.

• Penn 111 — Planning continues on Penn 111, a $700 million mixed-use project on the northeast corner of 111th and Pennsylvania streets. The full project is expected to take many years to complete, and it is unclear when construction might begin.

• Proscenium II — Construction on Proscenium II, just east of the original Proscenium redevelopment, is set to be complete in 2025. The project includes luxury apartments, condos, office and retail space and a parking garage. Retail tenants are expected to be announced in early 2025.

• Magnolia — Construction on the condominium buildings is expected to continue in 2024. The city continues to work with developers on the design of the multifamily building on the southeast corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive.

• LOR/1933 Lounge — Construction will finish on a three-story building at 111 S. Range Line Rd. that will be anchored by 1933 Lounge. The third floor is already open; the first floor is expected to be completed in April.

• Former AT&T site redevelopment — The former AT&T building at 210 3rd Ave. SW has been demolished, and work on the six-story mixed-use development replacing it is expected to be complete in 2026.

In addition, developing a plan to revitalize the Meridian Corridor will be a priority for the city in 2025.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE COMING AT CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS

Carmel Clay Schools will see new leadership next year, as Superintendent Michael Beresford is set to retire after the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year. Tom Oestreich, assistant superintendent of staff and student services, will succeed Beresford in the role.

New school board members Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler will take office, replacing Katie Browning and Louise Jackson, who decided not to seek reelection.

Also in 2025, CCS will unveil its 2025-28 strategic plan, which outlines the district’s visions and goals for the next three years. The plan is expected to be presented to the

Continued on Page 9

FInkam

Oestreich

The Proscenium II mixed-use development on the northeast corner of Range Line Road and Executive Drive is set to be complete in 2025. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Continued from Page 8

school board in the summer.

Carmel High School will see several construction projects wrap up, with expected openings of the polytechnic wing, new tennis courts and the debut of the homeside facility at the football stadium.

CCPR:

INDOOR PLAYGROUND, WHITE RIVER BRIDGE SET TO OPEN

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation expects several major projects to be complete and open to the public in 2025. They include:

• The Monon Community Center’s indoor playground, which is expected to open in the spring. It will include a large climber with two slides, Imagination Playground, kiddie playground, Litezilla and more.

• The White River Greenway extension to 146th Street, which will add 1.3 miles to the existing trail. The project, which includes a new trailhead with restrooms, parking and a river overlook, is expected to be complete by summer 2025.

• Hazel Landing Park’s new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the White River, which will connect to Hazel

Landing Park in Fishers. The bridge is expected to open in the fall.

Other projects are expected to begin in 2025, such as the first phase of construction of Bear Creek Park at the southwest corner of 146th Street and Shelborne Road. Work is expected to begin at the end of 2025 or in 2026.

CCPR also expects to continue plans to expand its trail network. It is working with the city to create the Autumn Greenway, which will stretch east-west from Midtown/City Center to the Old Meridian Street corridor; and a north-south greenway connecting Autumn Greenway to Main Street. Land acquisition and planning is expected to occur in 2025, with development set to begin in 2026, according to CCPR Director Michael Klitzing.

ON THE COVER: (Top photo) Construction crews work on a mixed-use development at the former site of the AT&T building in Midtown. (Bottom left) A trailhead for the White River Greenway is under construction. (Bottom right) Construction is nearly complete on a three-story mixed-use building at 111 S. Range Line Rd. that will be anchored by 1933 Lounge. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

2024 REWIND

Mayor pleased with progress, collaboration during 1st year in office

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam has accomplished many of the goals she set for her first year in office, from conducting a communitywide survey to launching a financial transparency portal to hiring new chiefs for the police and fire departments to replace retirees.

Looking back, she sees much to celebrate from 2024.

“I’m really pleased with the level of talent we’ve been able to retain and attract in the city. I’m happy that we were able to get out fast and make some big changes this year, and I am super excited about the increased community engagement we’ve been able to do,” she said. “Having come from the private sector, I’m continually impatient about getting more done and the challenges that working for even a local municipality poses to being agile, but overall, I’m really pleased with the work that the council, the clerk, the judge, the mayor and the community have

been able to do together.”

Finkam drew criticism during the year for some of her decisions, including a sudden closure of the All Things Carmel store on Main Street and removal and replacement of members of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt board less than two months before the market was set to open for the season.

But overall, Finkam said her first year as mayor went mostly as anticipated. She said her previous service as an elected official helped ease the transition to the city’s top position.

“Having 12 years of experience on (the Carmel City Council) and working closely with Mayor (Jim) Brainard, I knew most of how the work got done,” she said. “There were certainly some things I didn’t anticipate, and I’ve certainly been personally challenged in new, fun and crazy ways, but for the most part it has been (what I expected).”

Coral Reefer Band veteran McAnally set to keep party going at Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The night before Jimmy Buffett died in 2023, he had a special message for band members Mac McAnally and Mike Utley.

McAnally said they all understood the end was near.

“He was in as good a spirit as someone who just won the lottery,” McAnally said. “He was smiling that smile Jimmy Buffett always had on his face and talking about what a hell of a ride his life had been. He specifically said, ‘Keep the party going.’ He never wanted anyone to be sad. He liked to spread joy. In his particular case, he left a body of work that is going to keep spreading joy for generations and we get to be part of that.”

McAnally, a longtime Coral Reefer Band member and frequent Buffett songwriting partner, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025, at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert is nearly sold out.

“I give Mr. Buffett credit for selling tickets for me from the great beyond,” McAnally said. “A lot of Jimmy’s fans have graciously supported those of us who are still going on and playing.”

McAnally said the plan is for the Coral Reefer Band to play some shows later in 2025.

McAnally tours with percussionist Eric Darken, another former Coral Reefer member.

“He makes a drum kit out of pots and pans and auto parts,” McAnally said. “Eric brings a whole lot to the table. We did almost 80 shows, just Eric and myself. We love traveling together and making records together.”

The setlist includes a mix of Buffett songs and McAnally’s solo work.

“Sometimes, the mix gets influenced by a particular crowd on a given night,” McAnally said. “We try to be light on our feet. If it’s a night when everyone wants to sing Jimmy’s songs, we’ll do that.

We’re always going to sing some, but we’ll steer that more if everyone enjoys singing along.”

McAnally said there might be a crowd that wants to hear some of McAnally’s solo songs or songs he wrote for other country artists.

“I’m happy to go in any direction,”

McAnally said. “I’m fortunate that I’ve had a lifetime of work that I’m not only proud of but fortunate to be connected to.

I’ve been fortunate to open shows with some of my heroes and make records with some of my heroes, then on top of that be able to tour several decades with Jimmy to the point that he’s just basically my big brother. It’s been truly a blessing and I’m just celebrating that every night I play.”

McAnally likely will play some songs from Buffett’s final album, “Equal Strain on All Parts,” which was finished shortly before he died.

“We’re always going to do ‘Bubbles Up’ because the fact that he wrote that song when he was going through the toughest time of his life and the hardest thing he had to deal with, he wrote such a positive message,” McAnally said. “I think it’s

as good as anything he ever wrote.”

McAnally said Buffett worked as hard as he had ever seen him work on the last batch of songs. Paul McCartney played bass on one of the songs, “My Gummie Just Kicked In.”

“You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the music world or out of the music world that ever spent time around Jimmy that didn’t love the guy,” McAnally said.

McAnally said an example is the diverse group of performers who appeared in the Hollywood Bowl tribute show to Buffett in April. McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney and Brandi Carlisle, among others, performed.

“His fans are loyal in the way that almost no one’s fans can compete with,” McAnally said. “There are Parrotheads clubs that are doing good charitable work based around his music.”

McAnally said the first song he wrote that Buffett recorded was “It’s My Job.”

“It’s the first song we sang together and it turned out to be the last song we ever sang together,” he said. “I’ll always have that in my show.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.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

“Elton, Billy & Barry — They Write the Songs” is set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

GREGORY’S XIT

Gregory’s Xit performs at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Scharbrough makes children’s series debut

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Scharbrough

Professional musician-songwriter Sarah Scharbrough will make her first appearance in the “Peanut Butter & Jam” series at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Scharbrough’s interactive show features singing, rhythm and movement.

“Our aim is to make this show both fun and instructional,” the Noblesville resident said.

Tickets to the program, which is designed for ages 1-7, are $10 per child and include two free adult admissions.

“It’s been an incredibly busy holiday season,” she said. “I kicked off the season with my annual Christmas shows at the Jazz Kitchen, then I hit the road with gospel music group Point of Grace for a national tour (which ended Dec. 21).”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Mac McAnally)

NIGHT & DAY

Carmel resident devoted to arts

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Allow me to introduce you to Carmel’s own “Renaissance woman,” vivaciously living and walking and dancing among us! Who knew? The stunningly brilliant Tina Mangos is all of that and more. Her fine arts degree from Indiana University and master’s from Northern Illinois University are the foundations for launching her diverse career.

CREATIVITY

Her parents and family immigrated “a while back” on a boat from Greece with all their belongings in two oversized trunks. She grew up in Gary and discovered herself in Chicago as an art teacher by day and operated her dance business at night. Then, she launched a corporate training business, including a “Fit to Work” video side hustle with several Fortune 500 businesses as clients.

Today, Mangos personifies the modern definition of retirement and is thoroughly enjoying her Renaissance self. She is well known for her handcrafted ceramic art, with an impressive list of shows and representations, but focuses primarily on her

art and dance classes.

Her dynamic seven-week art classes are geared for students ages 8-12 and are 1 1/2 hours each.

Mangos brightens up even more when discussing her love of teaching dance. She focuses on couples’ social dance lessons with practical moves that are fun and look natural on the dance floor.

Mangos’ life motto is “Take your brain on a dance through life” and observes that “the arts are critical to maintaining brain health. Interested in learning more about adult dance, youth art lessons or her ceramic art? Visit TinaMangoArts.com or email her at tinatango@aol.com.

Classes Start in January

Beginning Bridge

• Offered Sundays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. or Thursdays at 9 a.m. • 9 weeks • $10 for the instructional materials; non-members price $180

the Hand • Offered Mondays at 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Tina Mangos with her handcrafted ceramic pieces. (Photo courtesy of Tina Mangos)

Vintage boutique joins City Center

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

A.D.A Vintage Boutique recently opened at Carmel City Center in The Nash Building. The boutique offers a variety of pieces for women, men and children, in a range of sizes and styles. It also has exclusive luxury pieces from around the world and features the debut of A.D.A Luxe, a custom line from A.D.A Vintage Boutique.

RETAIL

The shop also offers custom diamond sequin gowns and suits in a variety of shapes and sizes for both men and women. Materials include silk, cashmere, highgrade leather and rhinestones. A large reason the boutique prefers to stock luxury fashion pieces is because of its durability and timeliness appeal, which allows for years of usage, according to owner Mikkayla Beckum.

Beckum was inspired to found her own boutique to combine her passions for fashion and styling. She also was inspired by her great grandmother, Ada, with whom she shared a love of fashion.

“I am thrilled to open my first flagship

brick and mortar store and bring my love for fashion and styling to the Carmel community,” Beckum stated in a press release.

Beckum’s other services, in addition to A.D.A Vintage Boutique, include personal styling, wardrobe analysis and revamp, personal shopping, styling consultations, style coaching, creative direction, private events and more.

A.D.A Vintage Boutique is at 846 S. Range Line Rd. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

A.D.A Vintage Boutique owner Mikkayla Beckum styles a client. (Photo courtesy of Mikkayla Beckum)

Sweetgreen brings healthy, fast offerings to Clay Terrace

By Lavanya Narayanan news@currentincarmel.com

National salad chain Sweetgreen recently opened a franchise in Clay Terrace at 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd.

NOW OPEN

“Sweetgreen is all about connecting people to real food and building healthier communities,” said Hope Winter, Sweetgreen area leader.

Launched in 2007 by three college students at Georgetown University who faced a paucity of cost-effective, healthy food options nearby, Sweetgreen focuses on making farm-to-table options accessible and convenient.

“We work with farmers and suppliers we trust, use high-quality ingredients and cook everything from scratch daily,” Winter said.

Sweetgreen also offers warm bowls, protein plates and sides. While customers can pick from a preset menu, they can also create their own salad bowls using a

Sweetgreen opened in November at 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd. (Photo courtesy of Sweegreen)

variety of greens, salad bases, fruits, vegetables and toppings.

The company made its debut in Indiana two years ago with a location in the Fashion Mall at Keystone. Since then it has opened in Fishers, downtown Indianapolis and Bloomington.

“As we continue to grow, we’re focusing on opening locations where we feel right at home. Carmel has such a great community, and Clay Terrace felt like a natural fit with its mix of shops and restaurants,” Winter said.

Learn more at sweetgreen.com.

Nifty, thifty ways to stretch $100

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Every year in late December, the Wolfsie family sits down and decides where we will donate money. We try to spread our giving to as many well-deserving charities as possible rather than giving a more considerable sum to only one or two.

HUMOR

One of my favorites is Centered Around Christ, or CAC, a service organization dedicated to helping those with food and housing needs. Two of our friends have dedicated much of their lives to this organization. When I wrote them a check, I knew it would be used for their mission, but my frustration with such donations is that you don’t know exactly how those in need benefit. That’s why I never pass someone on the street corner asking for money without giving. I know that’s a controversial issue, but I like the human contact. I ask their names and wish them luck. So, when I wrote a check to CAC, I stuck a $100 bill in the envelope with this note to my friends:

“Please use this cash to buy necessary items for those experiencing homelessness.”

I did this because my friends are geniuses at getting stuff like socks, cereal, candy bars, underwear and canned goods at incredibly low prices. They use coupons, beg from

“My friends are geniuses at getting stuff like socks, cereal, candy bars, underwear and canned goods at incredibly low prices.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

store managers and keep an eye out for overstocked items that a store might be happy to let go of at a rock-bottom price. I also knew they would keep me apprised of their negotiations and the specifics of their shopping purchases. Here were their texts to me for the first week:

• Dick: We just got three boxer briefs packs for $4.50; Retail was $38, an 88 percent saving.

• Dick: 36 boxes of cereal for $11.33

• Dick: 70 Granola bars for $15.72

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket Number PZ-2024-00221 PUD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Plan Commission will conduct a meeting on the 21st day of January, 2025 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-2024-00221 PUD (the “Request”). The subject real estate is approximately 1.6 acres, is located north of and adjacent to 116th Street and west of Springmill Road and is identified per the records of the Hamilton County, Indiana Auditor’s Office as Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-09-34-0000-020.000 and is commonly known as 510 W. 116th Street, Carmel, IN (collectively, the “Real Estate”). The Real Estate is surrounded to the west, north and east by the Jacksons Grant Village Planned Unit Development District, Ordinance Number Z-653-20, (the “Jacksons Grant Village PUD”), which was approved by the City Council in 2020.

The Real Estate is zoned S-2/Single Family Residential and is within the West 116th Street Overlay. The Applicant, Homes by McKenzie, Inc., (“McKenzie”), has filed a rezone request which seeks to rezone the Real Estate to the “Jackson’s Grant Village Phase II Planned Unit Development District” (the “Jacksons Grant Village Phase II PUD”) in order for McKenzie develop eighteen (18) custom 2-story and 3-story townhomes on the Real Estate with anticipated average sales prices of $1.2 to $1.3 million with average square footages of 3,000 square feet. If the Jacksons Grant Village Phase II PUD is approved authorizing the additional 18 custom townhomes on the Real Estate, the actual net overall increase in townhomes within the Jackson Grant Village area would be 12 townhomes.

The Jackson Grant Village Phase II PUD adopts the same underlying townhome development and architectural standards as the Jacksons Grant Village PUD and the townhomes proposed for Jacksons Grant Village Phase II will be of the same design and character as the other townhomes McKenzie is currently building and has built in Jacksons Grant Village that surround the Real Estate.

The Request and the associated plans and exhibits may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above Request are encouraged to submit written comments to bbutler@carmel.in.gov, up to 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, via email to Bric Butler Administrative Assistant City of Carmel Plan Commission, and/or, present their comments in-person by attending at this Plan Commission meeting. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

City of Carmel, Indiana:

Bric Butler, City of Carmel Plan Commission Administrative Assistant Carmel City Hall

One Civic Square

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 571-2416

Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov

Attorney for Applicant Homes by McKenzie, Inc.:

Jim Shinaver, Attorney

Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC

550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210

Carmel, IN 46032

• Dick: Just got 12 cans of soup for $5.52.

• Dick: What a deal: Nature’s Path, 15 boxes for $9.30.

• Dick: 1,260 Kit Kats for $37.08, a savings of $333.

• Dick: We spent the rest of your money today. We got 33 pairs of thermal socks for $16.50.

• Dick: Your final total shows that for your hundred bucks, we purchased food and clothing worth $829. I also got a spreadsheet. Oh, to be so organized. By the way, I’ve added this up, and I think they still have a nickel left over. I hope they don’t squander it. With those 5 cents, they could treat me to a dozen Kit Kats.

Although they work as a couple, my buddy does most of the finagling (I love that word). I won’t tell you his name, but he’ll answer to any grocery store manager screaming, “Cereal, 10 cents a box!”

So, if you see a completely bald, 6-foot-4-inch man stuffing 30 boxes of Froot Loops in his trunk, that’s him.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket Number PZ-2024-00222 PUD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Plan Commission will conduct a meeting on the 21st day of January, 2025 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-2024-00222 PUD (the “Request”). The subject site includes three (3) parcels of real estate that consist of approximately 22 acres that are located west of and adjacent to Michigan Road, south of and adjacent to Outback Lane and north of and adjacent to 99th Street, and are identified per the records of the Hamilton County, Indiana Auditor’s Office as Tax Parcel Identification Numbers 17-13-0700-10-007.000; 17-13-07-00-08-002.001; and, 17-13-07-00-10-003.000 and commonly known as 9998 N. Michigan Road, Carmel, IN (collectively, the “Real Estate”).

The Real Estate is currently zoned I-1 Industrial and is within the US 421 Corridor Overlay, and the request seeks to rezone the Real Estate to the “US 421-WCD Planned Unit Development Ordinance” to permit the development of a mixed-use, high-end development that will consist of a Multi-family residential component and a Commercial/Retail component.

The US 421-WCD PUD proposes two (2) use districts. The Area A Use District, located internal to the Real Estate and consisting of approximately 20 acres, will have I-1 Industrial as its underlying base zoning classification and will include the Multi-family residential component of the development consisting of a total of approximately 360 apartment units in 3-story and 4-story buildings. The Area B Use District, located directly west of and adjacent to Michigan Road and consisting of approximately 2-acres, will have B-3 Business as its underlying base zoning classification and will be subject to the US 421- Michigan Road Overlay District development standards. The Area B Use District will permit various Retail/Service related uses, as well as Cultural/Entertainment related uses.

The Request and the associated plans and exhibits may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.

City of Carmel, Indiana:

Bric Butler, City of Carmel Plan Commission Administrative Assistant Carmel City Hall

One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 571-2416

Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov

Attorney for Applicant Edward Rose Properties, Inc.:

Jim Shinaver, Attorney

Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC

550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210 Carmel, IN 46032

LIFESTYLE

Bistro, e.g.

2024 Pantone color of the year

39 Finally 42 Sprinkler attachment

43 I-465 sight

46 Word with “rapid” or “mass”

48 Make good as new 50 Poet Teasdale

51 Indy’s Landmark for Peace Memorial sculpted

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2024-00228 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of January 2025 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 5.02 (B)(3): The combined square footage of ground floor area shall not exceed 75%, 97% requested. Build new garage/ accessory building.

With the property being known as: 2535 Durbin Dr. Carmel IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00228 V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Crossfields subdivision, Lot 93 zoned S1/Residence

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Pete Caccavallo PETITIONERS

53 Margarine

54 Coffee-flavored liqueur

Firehouse Subs offering

PNC Bank cash machine

2023 Pantone color of the year 64 Kawachinagano Japanese Garden pond fish

Laudatory verse 66 “Let’s Stay Together” singer 67 Before, poetically

Zionsville HS volleyball

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2024-00231 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of January 2025 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 2.08: 30’ easement setback in front yard, 24’ setback requested. Install 7’x13’ roof structure over front door.

With the property being known as: 1531 White Ash Dr. Carmel, IN 46033.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00231 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Cool Creek North, Lot 75 Zoned R1/Residence

Mike Shultz

PETITIONERS