CCPL sets records, loses, finds gecko last year / P3
Girls swim team wins 39th straight state title / P5
Bovaconti Coffee opens shop on Main St. / P11 INSERT INSIDE
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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 17
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JANUARY & FEBRUARY DINE IN DEALS!
Mon: 20% off total bill
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
Records set, gecko lost and found at Carmel library in 2024
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Last year was record-breaking for the Carmel Clay Public Library.
CITY NEWS
The main campus at 425 E. Main St. and Joyce Winner West Branch at 12770 Horseferry Rd. combined for 583,207 visits in 2024, setting records at both branches individually and collectively.
CCPL introduced a gadget library in 2024, which allows patrons to check out items that include a karaoke machine, Blu-Ray player, VHS to digital conversion kit, telescope and more.
CCPL Director Bob Swanay described the year as “a success story” during his annual update to the Carmel City Council, which he presented at the council’s Feb. 17 meeting.
The library also set a record for total circulation, with more than 2.1 million items checked out in 2024. Board games were among categories to rise in use from the previous year.
“I think there’s digital fatigue. People don’t want to stare at phones all the time,” Swanay said. “(Board games) are really popular this time of year when it’s cold and we’re stuck inside.”
Book lockers, which sit outside the library and allow cardholders to pick up items on hold at any time, also grew in popularity. Swanay said CCPL added another row of lockers, which expanded capacity by one-third, but said they still don’t have enough space to meet demand.
Swanay said he would like to add book lockers to other locations throughout Carmel. He is eyeing the west branch as a likely second site.
“This is the logical next location for book lockers,” he said. “It would be a great service to offer.”
Swanay wants to add the lockers as part of minor renovations planned at the branch this year.
Other areas of growth last year were digital items checked out, meeting room rentals and study room reservations.
Swanay said CCPL has been able to improve its offerings while decreasing its tax rate, which dropped to 5.93 cents per $100 of assessed home value for 2025. The rate has decreased more than 20 percent since 2019.
He said roughly 55 percent of the library’s $10 million budget covers personnel, with 20 percent spent on collecting materials for circulation.
“That is definitely considered the gold standard in libraries,” Swanay said.
Swanay wrapped up his presentation by introducing a program he’d like to see launch locally. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, launched by the Dolly Parton Foundation in 1995 in Tennessee, provides one free book a month for children in the
As the Carmel Clay Public Library added materials, cardholders and programs in 2024, it lost something special.
In May, Arlo, an 8-year-old crested gecko who lives in the children’s area, went missing. The reptile escaped from a temporary enclosure he was being housed in while his vivarium underwent renovations.
program from birth through age 5, allowing them to build a 60-book collection at home before starting kindergarten.
The library where Swanay previously worked partnered with the program, and he said it benefited the community in many ways.
“I’ve seen this in action,” he said. “I’ve seen the power of it. There are no downsides.”
The state of Indiana offered a 50 percent match to fund the program in 2023, and Hamilton County is the only county in the state that has no participation. Swanay said he has met with Hamilton County Council to discuss joining the program, and he said councilors expressed interest in funding it.
The state has proposed cutting funds for the program, but Swanay said he believes Hamilton County should still provide it, even if it must fund the entire cost.
Learn more about the library at carmelclaylibrary.org.
CCPL Director Bob Swanay said library employees did everything they could to locate and catch Arlo. He brought in a pet camera from home to try and capture Arlo’s movements, but it didn’t work. Eventually, CCPL alerted the public of the sad news of the gecko’s disappearance. But a few weeks after he went missing, Arlo suddenly appeared in early June on a staff member’s desk. He was soon returned to his updated enclosure, where he continues to greet the library’s youngest visitors.
Swanay
A MISSING GECKO
Arlo the gecko at home in his new enclosure after being lost for several weeks. (Photo courtesy of CCPL)
New CPD, CFD contracts aim to boost retention
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council on Feb. 17 approved two-year contracts for police officers and firefighters to boost retention and attract new hires.
CITY NEWS
The city worked with unions representing both departments to reach the deal, which adjusts wages and adds vacation days based on years of service and position. It also increases parity in the two contracts.
Before the vote, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam told the council the existing contract unintentionally discouraged some employees from applying for promotions. The new contracts remove those obstacles and maintain “very competitive” starting pay, she said.
“Our residents appreciate living in Carmel for many reasons, and the safety of our community is chief among them,” Finkam stated in a press release. “Our council members and I appreciate the importance
of attracting and retaining top talent on our police and fire teams and these new agreements help ensure that public safety remains among the many factors making our city a national success story.”
Representatives from both unions thanked the city for its work to reach a contract all sides support.
“This agreement clearly demonstrates the commitment of Mayor Finkam and the Carmel City Council to retain and recruit the best law enforcement professionals,” stated Blake Lytle, president of the Carmel Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 185.
Sean Sutton, president of the Carmel Professional Firefighters Union IAFF Local 4444, described the deal as a “fair contract that prioritizes public safety.”
“Their commitment ensures we have the staffing and training needed to protect our community effectively,” he stated. “Investing in firefighters and paramedics means investing in the safety and wellbeing of our visitors and residents.”
The agreements are valid through the end of 2026.
Woman arrested for prostitution in Brookshire neighborhood
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel police arrested a woman Feb. 17 who is accused of offering prostitution services in a home in the Brookshire neighborhood.
POLICE
According to a probable cause affidavit, since Feb. 10 Carmel police had received multiple complaints of possible prostitution occurring at a home in the 4700 block of Brookshire Parkway.
home in the last couple of weeks, staying for approximately 30 minutes each, the affidavit states.
“After one occasion, she walked a possible client out to his vehicle wearing a lingerie and high heels,” the affidavit states.
The affidavit states that a Carmel Police Department investigator identified an account on an erotic website belonging to Amanda Cole, a 35-year-old woman residing in the home. On the site, she listed her name as Monica and included pricing for services and contact information for potential clients.
Through surveillance, the investigator observed “several male suitors” visit the
An undercover detective contacted Cole Feb. 17 to set up an appointment. That evening at 10:04 p.m., she messaged the undercover detective to come to the front door. After entering the home, the detective asked Cole about pricing and services, and after receiving an answer, he signaled uniformed officers to come to the door.
The affidavit states that Cole gave a full statement to police admitting to prostitution. Cole did not respond to a request for comment.
She has been charged with misdemeanor prostitution and had an initial hearing set for Feb. 18.
Flu doesn’t stop CHS swim team
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The biggest obstacle the Carmel High School girls swimming team faced en route to its 39th consecutive IHSAA state championship was the flu.
ACHIEVEMENT
“Dealing with the flu was both a mental and physical challenge — not being at your best while competing against elite competition is a daunting task, and the team really came through,” Carmel coach Chris Plumb said. “This team was deep in all the events and speaks to how difficult it is just to even make the roster.”
The Greyhounds won the girls state finals with 448 points, easily outdistancing runner-up Fort Wayne Carroll’s total of 212.5. Fishers was third with 170.
CHS senior Alex Shackell completed her career as the first four-time 100-yard butterfly champion in state history.
“Being the first person to win the 100 fly four years in a row is really cool,” Shackell said. “It’s crazy to see how far I’ve come since I first won freshman year.”
Shackell won in a time of 50.67 seconds.
“When your best swimmer is your hardest worker, it makes your entire team better,” Plumb said. “Her attitude and drive
really push this team.”
Shackell, a 2024 Olympian who will delay leaving for college for a year to train with the Carmel Swim Club, was on all three winning relay teams.
“Winning state is always a highlight of the year,” Shackell said. “I love racing for Carmel, and to cap my high school career off with three relays was so much fun. There is no other way I would have wanted it.”
She was joined by freshman Ellie Clarke, junior Molly Sweeney and sophomore Faith Gorey on the 200 medley relay.
Shackell’s teammates on the 200 free style relay were Gorey, Sweeney and fresh man Alexandria Clark. On the 400 freestyle relay team, Shackell was joined by Clarke, Gorey and Lynsey Bowen.
Bowen, who will swim for the University of Florida next season, captured the 200yard freestyle for the third time in 1 min ute, 47.89 seconds.
“Lynsey swam a great 200 free to get her hand on the wall first,” Plumb said. “She is talented and that was a big mo ment in the meet.”
Clarke won the 100 backstroke in 54.34 seconds.
“Ellie is a consistent worker with ambi tions to be great,” Plumb said. “She has a bright future.”
Disco-themed Taste of Carmel fundraiser set for March 7
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
The Carmel Education Foundation’s annual Taste of Carmel fundraiser returns at 7 p.m. March 7 at 502 East Event Centre.
EDUCATION
This year’s disco-themed event aims to raise more than the $90,000 collected at last year’s fundraiser, which was attended by more than 1,100 people.
Proceeds directly benefit programs that enhance the educational experience at all Carmel Clay Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, mental health initiatives and real-world readiness programs. Since its founding in 1966, the Carmel Education Foundation has awarded more than $2.1 million in college scholarships and $1 million in education grants.
Dishes and drinks will be available to sample from local restaurants including Ocean Prime, Convivio, Prime 47, Aber-
deen Social House, Monterey Coastal Cuisine, Bier Brewery, 1933 Lounge, 101 Craft Kitchen and many more.
“We are especially thrilled with the number of restaurants that are joining us who are new to the area,” said Jennifer Penix, CEF’s executive director. “We look forward to working with these chefs to showcase their specialty dishes and to really promote the growing restaurant scene here in Carmel.”
Guests are welcome to dress in disco chic or however they wish to represent the era.
“This event is very significant for us as it is our largest fundraiser and really drives what services we can provide to our school communities,” Penix said.
General admission tickets are $100; VIP admission, which includes early entry and access to the First Taste VIP Party, is $200; and reserved tables for 10 are $1,500.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit tasteofcarmelindiana.com.
‘Gram’ influencer teams with Current
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Sean Hartwick gained a lot of experience in the real estate business as a child, with his family moving every couple of years for his dad’s work. That early experience led him to a career as a Realtor, which then led to a gig as an Instagram influencer.
COLLABORATION
“I brought Amanda back to Indianapolis for a month in February, just to test out if she liked it at the absolute coldest time it could be,” he said. “And she liked it.”
Hartwick regularly posts videos on his Instagram account, @the317agent, about what’s happening in Fishers and the north Indy area, along with videos specific to the real estate market. He’s gained about 23,000 followers after only a couple of years and now he’s teaming up with Current Publishing to promote local news and events through social media.
Indiana was a repeat stop on his family’s moving adventures, Hartwick said, and the Indianapolis area felt like home base.
He earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and eventually made his way to Southern California, where he met his wife, Amanda, who had lived in that area her whole life. After about four years in sunny, warm California, he said they chose to move to Fishers about three years ago.
Hartwick started working in the local real estate business and said he wanted to find a different way to generate leads for home sales. He said he doesn’t like some of the traditional methods, like cold-calling people, which is how he ended up on Instagram.
“I wanted something where I could have people come to me … rather than the other way around,” he said. He said his account is a low-key pitch for his business, with maybe 40 percent of posts focusing on housing and 60 percent about the community in general. He’s made videos about the new Fishers Event Center, for example, and his first collaboration with Current focuses on the Jan. 29 grand opening of the new Kroger store at 116th Street and Allisonville Road.
Hartwick said he’s excited about working with Current.
“Living here, we get the Current every single week, and it’s an awesome publication and I enjoy it,” he said. “I probably throw away most mail, and I keep the Current every time and I bring it inside.”
Follow Hartwick on Instagram at @the317agent.
DISPATCH
CHS names girls soccer coach — John Simmonds has been named Carmel High School girls soccer coach. Simmonds, who has coached soccer at the club and high school level for more than 30 years, had a 108-15-5 record in his six years as Park Tudor coach, winning IHSAA Class A state titles in 2019, 2022 and 2023 and a state runner-up finish in 2020. Simmonds became the second coach in Carmel girls soccer coaching history as he replaces Frank Dixon, who won 10 IHSAA state championships and one state title before soccer became an IHSAA sanctioned sport in 1994. Simmonds’ older two daughters, Claire and Celia, played soccer at CHS. His youngest daughter, Emory, is a sophomore at CHS.
Hartwick
Fishers High School senior guard saving best for last
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School basketball player Justin Kirby was a key contributor off the bench on the team’s 2023-24 Class 4A state championship team.
This season, the 6-foot-3 guard has taken everything up a notch in helping lead the Tigers to a 22-0 record prior to Feb. 21 action.
“Justin is, in my opinion, the most improved player in the state of Indiana,” Tigers coach Garrett Winegar said. “He has improved in virtually every area of his game — ballhandling, outside shooting, finishing through contact and decision-making. What makes Justin special is his continual improvement. He has put in the work and made significant leaps in skill every single season since entering FHS as a freshman. Along with his basketball development, Justin has grown tremendously as a young man and has become a leader in our program.”
Kirby, who will play for Miami (Ohio) University next season, is averaging 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per
JUSTIN KIRBY
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite musicians: Drake and
Lil Baby
Favorite movie: “Man of Steel”
game. As a junior, he averaged 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.
“Justin is a three-level scorer and his strength on the floor is his ability to get to the rim and finish in a variety of situations,” Winegar said. “He is also extremely efficient.”
Kirby shoots 70 percent overall from the field and 47 percent from 3-point range.
“Defensively, Justin impacts the game with his length, shot-blocking ability, willingness to defend and ability to defend multiple positions,” Winegar said.
Kirby said shooting has been his biggest improvement.
“I used to not have a very good shot the last couple of years. I worked on it every
day but just wasn’t confident to shoot it,” he said. “Now, as a senior, I definitely have a lot of confidence. I’m shooting the ball whenever I’m open and I’m more comfortable letting it go from 3.”
Kirby started playing basketball at age 6. He quit for a short time but began playing again in third grade. He gave up football in fifth grade. He competed in 400- and 200-meter races in track and field for FHS as a freshman but found he missed too much time with his AAU basketball team.
“Basketball is an important factor for me in my life as far as where I am today and who I’ve become,” Kirby said. “What drives me is basketball has helped me during the worst times of my life and the only thing I could rely on was basketball.”
Kirby said he chose Miami over the University of Virginia and Belmont University.
“I felt it was best for my development and growth as a basketball player,” Kirby said. “Miami has a four-step program to promote and build their players to be where they are now.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Justin Kirby has made dramatic improvements during his senior season on the Fishers High School boys basketball team. (Photo courtesy of FHS athletics)
‘I FOUGHT FOR THEM’
Carmel man thankful to be alive after losing both legs during harrowing illness
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Josh Tromanhauser doesn’t remember much of anything that happened in March 2024. For his wife, Nicole, it was a time of life-shattering news and decisions she’ll never forget.
After being diagnosed with the flu in late February of that year, Josh’s condition quickly worsened as his body battled pneumonia and one complication after another, leading to the amputation of both legs.
Nearly a year later, the couple and their three sons are temporarily renting an ADA-accessible house in Carmel as they seek a permanent home to accommodate their family.
Josh, who enjoyed playing golf and coaching youth soccer before the illness, continues to adjust to his new reality and said he views life with a different perspective.
“Don’t take living lightly, because it can happen within 24 hours. And it did,” said Josh, 37. “Don’t take anything in your life that you love for granted, because it can be gone quick.”
‘THE LAST STOP’
The Tromanhausers lived in Arcadia when Josh began feeling ill last year. He initially went to an urgent care center, where he was diagnosed with the flu, received fluids and was sent home. Overnight, he began feeling worse, so Nicole took him to IU Health Tipton Hospital the next day, where doctors discovered he also had pneumonia and septic shock.
Because the hospital didn’t have an intensive care unit, an ambulance transported him to IU Health North in Carmel, which is among Josh’s last memories until more than a month later. Doctors put him on a ventilator, but within hours, it became clear he needed even more advanced treatment.
So, Josh was transferred to IU Health Methodist Hospital, where he was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, an intensive form of life support reserved for the most severe cases. Nicole, a 2008 Westfield High School graduate who trained for a time to become a nurse, described it as “the last stop.”
Josh’s blood pressure was so low that doctors gave him medication to reduce the size of his blood vessels, which increased the pressure but severely damaged his limbs in the process. On March 5, Josh had both legs amputated and was at risk of losing his right arm, which was also showing signs of irreversible damage.
Soon after the amputation, Josh came off ECMO and regained consciousness for a short time, but he doesn’t remember it. After his body rejected a blood transfusion, weakening his already decimated lungs, he was put back on advanced life support.
Nicole didn’t know if he would make it.
(Above) Nicole and Josh Tromanhauser enjoy time outside at IU Health Methodist Hospital. (Left) Josh Tromanhauser’s official military photo, circa 2007. (Photos courtesy of Josh Tromanhauser)
“The second time was a lot scarier, because we just didn’t know if his body had any more fight left,” she said.
Nearly three weeks later, as Nicole and the medical team discussed if the time had come to end life-supporting measures, Josh turned a corner and began improving.
“When I initially woke up, (Nicole) was right there,” Josh said. “She said that they had to take my legs. I don’t remember the conversation per se, but she said that I said, ‘Well, I’m alive, so that’s good. Let’s get through it.’”
‘I’M ECSTATIC I’M ALIVE’
After a combined 107 days in five hospitals, Josh was released to go home. But he wouldn’t return to Arcadia.
Knowing Josh would need a home that could accommodate a wheelchair, Nicole began searching for a new place to live during the hospital stay. Soon, the Tromanhausers connected with a man who heard about their situation and offered to let them rent an accessible home in Carmel he recently purchased and planned to renovate.
Since moving in, Josh, an Army National Guard veteran who served in 2009-10 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, has been
relearning how to do daily tasks and activities from a wheelchair.
“Every day is physical therapy for me,” he said. “I still go to (actual) physical therapy twice a week at the VA, but everything that I do I have to move and roll around my wheelchair.”
He’s made great progress.
When Josh first arrived home, he couldn’t even hold his 2-year-old son, Oliver, in his lap. Now, he can lift Oliver and throw him into the air.
Still, recovery hasn’t been easy for Josh, who was employed as a surveyor before his illness.
“From what I was told, each limb that you lose is like losing a brother, sister, mother, like a close relative,” he said. “I still struggle with that. I will for a long time. But I’m ecstatic that I’m alive, and I get to be with my family. I fought for them.”
ON THE COVER: Clockwise, from
Kyler
SOURCES OF STRENGTH
As the bad medical news about her husband kept coming, Nicole Tromanhauser said fellow congregants at Noblesville’s Grace Community Church stepped up to become like family, visiting her at the hospitals, taking care of the couple’s children (which included a 2-year-old foster child at the time) and providing transportation as needed.
“My faith got me through that,” she said.
The VA has covered all of Josh Tromanhauser’s medical bills, and funds set up by the church and on GoFundMe have helped the family pay for many months of rent and other expenses. Donations continue to be accepted at gofund.me/49f69556 and donorbox.org/joshandnicole to help the family cover the cost of an accessible home. They want to reside in or near Sheridan, where their sons attend school. They also are looking to purchase an accessible van.
Nicole said the community can also help by generally being more aware of situations that affect people in wheelchairs.
“Unfortunately, with snow, a lot of companies want to pile the snow in the handicap parking, or people that don’t necessarily need the handicap spot are parking (there),” she said. “(It would help to be) more mindful that there are others that don’t have the same luxuries.”
left,
Tromanhauser; Nicole Tromanhauser; Jane Taylor, Josh’s mother; Mason Tromanhauser; Oliver Tromanhauser; and Josh Tromanhauser celebrate Christmas 2024. (Photo courtesy of Josh Tromanhauser)
Ascension St. Vincent center named for Lucas family
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
During a ceremony at the hospital Feb. 4, Ascension St. Vincent officials announced that its new brain and spine center at the 86th Street campus will be named the Lucas Family Brain and Spine Center, in honor of longtime supporters Katie and Morgan Lucas of Carmel. Stephan Masoncup. chief strategy officer for Ascension St. Vincent, told the group gathered for the announcement that the new center is the third phase of a $325 million expansion announced in 2021, which also included a new parking facility and the recently opened women’s and infants hospital that connects to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
HEALTH CARE
sons there, she said, and their son Hunter was treated first as a newborn for RSV and later, in 2023, for a cyst on his brain.
Masoncup thanked the Lucases for their past and continued support of Ascension St. Vincent.
“Your legacy of giving doesn’t just impact the community, it impacts countless lives, and today I’m thrilled to share some very exciting news with everyone here,” he said. “It is my great honor to announce that Katie, Morgan and the entire Lucas family have made a transformative gift that will shape the future of brain and spine care here at St. Vincent. Their generosity will impact critical areas, such as technology, education, research and patient navigation.”
Katie Lucas said that besides supporting the hospital, her family members have been patients. She gave birth to her two
“Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Jodi Smith, the team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and by the grace and goodness of God, Hunter underwent a very successful surgery,” she said. “These experiences cemented our appreciation for the lifesaving, faith-based care that Ascension St. Vincent provides.”
Masoncup said the new 109,000-squarefoot center will offer neurosurgical and endovascular brain and spine care, with eight operating rooms, 38 ICU beds and a suite of neuro-imaging technology.
The new center’s construction is almost complete and is due to open in the spring.
The Lucas family founded and continues to operate Lucas Oil, an Indianapolis-based company. The amount of the family’s donation was not disclosed.
DISPATCHES
County partners with CredibleMind — The Hamilton County Health Department recently launched a digital platform for residents struggling with mental health issues. Tammy Sander, the county’s communications director, said CredibleMind is a wellness-oriented platform that provides 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-based mental health resources. Featured topics range from anxiety and stress to workplace wellness and parenting. There is also a tab for community resources where residents can find a list of local agencies that provide mental wellness services. For more, visit hamiltoncounty. crediblemind.com.
AED donated to CFD — Pierre Twer, center, president of Bolt for the Heart, donates an AED from the nonprofit to Carmel Fire Department EMS Chief Andrew Young, left, and Division Chief John Moriarity. CFD has partnered with Bolt for the Heart on placing AEDs at Save Stations in the community and providing education about their use.
Stephan Masoncup. chief strategy officer for Ascension St. Vincent, right, announced that the new brain and spine center will be named for the Lucas family, gathered at left. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Tuesdays Starting Feb 25, 2:30-4:30 pm
17300 Westfield Blvd. Westfield, IN
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
COMING SOON
day and Sunday.
Three new businesses — Sweathouz, Indy Homes and VERVE — are set to open this summer in the new Wren building at Carmel City Center. Sweathouz, also known as SWTHZ, will offer hot and cold therapies for athletic recovery and self-care. Guests can book a private contrast therapy suite for up to 60 minutes to use an infrafred sauna, cold plunge and vitamin C shower. Each suite is customizable and fits up to two people. An ADA-accessible suite can accommodate four.
Real estate brokerage firm Indy Homes will relocate from the Indiana Design Center to a larger space in the Wren building. Owned and operated by Kristie Smith, Indy Homes uses design, staging and strategic improvements to generate bidding wars and offers a comprehensive selling experience.
Call to reserve your spot today
Call to reserve your spot today 317-763-1019 317-763-1019 www.cfawh.com www.cfawh.com
“We are excited to bring SWTHZ to the Carmel community, a place we love for its vibrant, walkable environment and commitment to health and wellness,” franchise co-owner Zanna Foley stated in a press release. “Our goal is to create a sanctuary where clients can unwind, recover and rejuvenate.”
Hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Satur-
The Picklr now open 3 Wren tenants announced
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
Smith will also open VERVE, a women’s fashion boutique, in the Wren building. Luxury brands are set to include Alice + Olivia, L’Agence, ALC, Milly, Ramy Brook, Brochu Walker, Kerri Rosenthal, LoveShackFancy and more.
“We are so excited to bring these two new ventures to Carmel City Center,” Smith stated. “Indy Homes has become known for its ability to transform homes and deliver exceptional results for sellers. With VERVE, we can offer women a shopping experience that celebrates luxury, beauty, and timeless style. Both businesses reflect my commitment to excellence and my passion for making Carmel an even more vibrant and dynamic community.”
Learn more at carmelcitycenter.com.
Indianapolis Sailing Club Academy for Adults and Youth who want to learn to sail. Programs are held on Geist Reservoir from 13 beautiful acres of the Indianapolis Sailing Club. All lessons are for beginners to more advanced including some race training. Adult lessons are free for club members. Junior Sailors receive a discount on camp if sailing club members. Lessons include water safety, weather awareness, knot tying, on and off the water training and coaching.
PICKLEBALL
Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock have caught the pickleball wave and they’re riding it into central Indiana. It’s not like the pair didn’t have enough going on. They are the founders and managing partners of Indianapolis investment management company Sheaff Brock, a business they started in 2001.
But then Gilreath started playing pickleball in Florida. One thing led to another, and the initial result is The Picklr Keystone Crossing, in what was a former Office Max at 3810 E. 82nd St. The facility held its grand opening in December.
the fickle weather in Indiana.
See our website at w www.indianapolissailing.org for a photo tour and to obtain more information about programs & memberships. Or please contact Michelle Sarber at o office@indianapolissailing.org for more details or to ask about training programs.
The 30,000-square-foot club features 10 fully fenced indoor courts, a pro shop, private event space, unlimited league play, tournaments, youth academies and open play. There are several membership options available. It’s open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Gilreath said he was motivated to champion indoor pickleball because of the aggravating popping noise the game creates for neighbors when ball meets racket, and
Gilreath and Brock walked through the former Office Max during the 2023 holidays and envisioned how pickleball could be played in the space. They signed a lease soon after the tour.
“The things you’re looking for are square footage and ceiling height,” Brock said. “It’s such a strong location with all the young professionals who are great candidates to be members of our club.”
Becca Hsu is the Keystone club’s coordinator and leads a staff of approximately 20 part-time employees. There are eight instructors who teach at the facility, too.
Co-owners of The Picklr Keystone Crossing Ron Brock, left, and Dave Gilreath at the grand opening. (Photo courtesy of The Picklr Keystone Crossing)
Clay (half-day)
Art Camps (half-day)
Clay (half-day)
Art (full-day)
Art/Drama Combo (full-day)
Art/Clay Combo (half- and full-day options)
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers a variety of summer camps
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has a full schedule of summer drop-off camps at more than a dozen locations, including Westfield, Fishers and Fort Benjamin Harrison.
Traditional day camps focus on time-honored summer camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts and the great outdoors.
Discovery Camps focus on STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — for children ages 5 to 12 with add-on enrichment and sports clinics. Discovery Camps are hosted at Fall Creek Elementary and Sand Creek Intermediate in Fishers.
Sports clinics include traditional sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball while enrichment clinics include topics like Artrageous, Parks & Playgrounds, Lego and Mad Scientist. Parents can add a camp swimming lesson to their child’s day.
“The YMCA is a place where everyone belongs,” Director of Operations/Youth Development for YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Cara Scott said. “With a wide range of program offerings, 15 camp
locations, camps for ages 5-15 and care from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., we feel confident there’s a camp for everyone at the YMCA. “
Camps also provide access for children of all abilities.
“The YMCA is for all,” Scott said. “We are proud to work with families and create accommodation plans to help children have a successful and enjoyable experience at the YMCA. Accommodation forms are offered to families during the enrollment process.”
The newest location — the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield — adds the attraction of a brand-new 54,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The location includes a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a fitness center; group exercise studios; a walking track; and an Olympic-sized pool.
The site’s amenities stretch beyond summer camps and into daily enrichment activities for youth and adults.
“It houses a teaching kitchen for healthy cooking classes, child care facilities, including a Play and Learn area and Kids Adventure Zone, an intergenerational room for all ages to connect
Traditional day camps are available at YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations in Westfield and Fishers. (Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis)
Registration is available for day camps and STEAM camps at the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations in Westfield and Fishers.
(Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis)
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and classrooms dedicated to collegiate learning and community education,” Scott said. “The facility is attached to the Westfield Washington Schools’ Aquatic Center, which includes a 10-lane Olympic-sized pool. This YMCA serves as a community cornerstone, fostering health, wellness and social connections among Westfield residents.”
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has a 170-year history.
“The YMCA is special because it brings people together and creates a real sense of community,” Scott said. “It’s a place where everyone — kids, families and individuals — can feel welcome, stay active, learn new things and build connections. Whether it’s through sports, classes, or community programs, the Y is all about supporting people and making a positive impact.”
Representatives said whether it’s summer camp or day-to-day activities, the Y is for all.
“A Y membership opens the door to endless ways to stay active and connected all summer long,” YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Associate VP of PR and Marketing Communications Tony Wise said. “Families can enjoy open swim at the pool, play basketball, volleyball and pickleball in the gym, or take a walk on our indoor track. Almost all of our Greater Indianapolis locations offer family-friendly events, wellness challenges and volunteer opportunities, helping people stay engaged and involved. And perhaps one of the best parts? The friendships and sense of belonging that naturally come from being part of a supportive, welcoming community. The Y is a place where you don’t just pass the time, you make meaningful memories.”
Learn more about YMCA of Greater Indianapolis summer camp options at tinyurl.com/4wp8m669. Registration links are available at tinyurl.com/8de4t9py.
JAM
Camps for Ages 6-8 / 9-11
Camp
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Camp Cathedral provides a safe and enriching environment for campers in kindergarten through 8th grade. With more than 50 different camps to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Camp Cathedral runs from June 2 to July 25.
Campers can explore their interests in theater, music, art, community service and STEM. Sports enthusiasts can improve their skills with coaching from top high school coaches. Leadership and adventure camps also are available. Before and after camp care is available. For more, visit campcathedral.com.
iCode Fishers offers engaging STEM and coding camps for kids
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iCode Fishers offers a variety of engaging STEM and coding camps for kids of all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s summer, winter, spring break or a school holiday, iCode Fishers has the perfect camp for every young explorer.
Campers can dive into exciting fields like robotics, Minecraft, Roblox, engineering, game design, drones and programming languages like Python, Lua and Java. From introductory programming with Scratch to advanced AI engineering, iCode Fishers offers a range of programs designed to inspire and empower kids with skills for the future.
Camps are available for various age groups and run throughout the year. For more, visit icodeschool. com/fishers/camps.
Camp Invention fosters creativity
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
For the last 35 years, Camp Invention has been helping children foster a spirit of creativity and problem-solving at weeklong day programs throughout the U.S.
learn about optical illusions and how special effects are used in art, movies, theater and animation. They will have an opportunity to invent moving props and build a spinning animation device.
This year, participants entering kindergarten through sixth grade will have the opportunity to explore what it takes to become an inventor through four handson modules, collectively known as Camp Invention: Discover. Locally, the program will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 to 12 at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 7 to 11 at St. Louis de Montfort School in Fishers.
The modules, which are new each year, are inspired by inductees into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which partners with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to offer the program.
“Any child with an interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, math or art is going to be best served by this,” said Corey Nielsen, marketing coordinator for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. “But every child can benefit from this, because it engenders a lot of different ways of thinking, creativity and inventiveness.”
The 2025 modules are:
• Illusion Workshop — Campers will
• Claw Arcade — Campers will construct (and fill with prizes) their own claw machine and study claws in nature.
• Penguin Launch — Campers will learn about penguin colonies with the help of a robotic research penguin. They will design launchers to propel their own magnetic, wearable, plush penguin and learn how to make instant snow.
• In Control — Campers will assemble a custom control panel with a transmitter and receiver and explore the use of artificial intelligence in everyday items. They also will learn the basics of Morse Code. For middle school students who have aged out of Camp Invention, a training program is available. High school and college students can participate as leadership interns.
The camp costs $285 at St. Louis de Montfort and $310 at Eagle Elementary. Nielsen said discounts are available at various times at invent.org/save, including the largest discount available March 20. Sibling discounts and payment plans are available.
Campers build their own claw machine at Camp Invention: Discover. (Photo courtesy of Corey Nielsen)
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Let the music play — at summer camp
Students of various musical abilities, from none to excellent, have multiple opportunities this summer to explore and expand their music experiences through summer camps designed just for them.
School of Rock, Bach to Rock and the Fishers Music and Arts Academy each offer weeklong summer camps for all ages and abilities, with different weeks providing brand-new experiences for returning campers.
School of Rock
At the School of Rock in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, camps are designed for children as young as 6 years old, said Manager Matt McFarland.
“They are basically our entire program condensed into a week,” he said. “We have kids that come in that have never touched an instrument on Monday and then by Friday, they’re performing an actual show for their parents with their bandmates.”
The program has camps for different age groups up to 18, according to the website. McFarland said they have songwriting camps, recording camps and even a Taylor Swift camp.
“Kind of a wide variety of all the genres and different styles for any student, really,” he said, adding that the camps are all focused on rock music and typical rock instruments — guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals.
McFarland said that while each camp is one week long, kids can sign up for multiple weeks.
“We’ve had kids do every single week and it’s great. Obviously, they learn a ton throughout the summer,” he said. “That’s kind of the cool thing about rock music is, because it’s such a wide genre, there’s so much in there that they can learn.”
School of Rock has camps scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the summer
months. For more, visit schoolofrock.com and click on the Camps and Workshops tab.
Fishers Music and Arts Academy
The Fishers Music and Arts Academy is somewhat new to the scene, opening about a year ago in its own building —
9746 Olympia Dr. in Fishers — by founder and longtime piano teacher
Sally Eppert. Eppert said it’s been an interesting journey and she’s grateful for the help and advice she’s received through national and international music school organizations, along with the support of the community. In addition to piano lessons, the school teaches guitar, percussion, strings and voice. She said one goal is for every student to learn to read music.
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Fishers Music and Arts Academy offers lessons in piano, guitar, percussion, strings and voice. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Music and Arts Academy)
School of Rock in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville has various summer camps focused on rock music, including a Taylor Swift camp. (Photo courtesy of School of Rock)
Continued from Page 4
“But we also work with students from, right away — it doesn’t matter if they’re 4 or 5, or if they’re 45 or if they’re 85 — we want students to learn that they can make music, that they can make it up,” Eppert said. “I feel like that is such an important release in this day and age, to be able to find a place where you can let go of some of your emotions (through improvisation).”
The school will offer four weeks of summer camps this year, with each weeklong camp offering instruction in a variety of instruments from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“It’s the idea of beginners coming in and doing music, learning about the piano, but also doing voice and drums, too, because, oh my gosh, when I started, I didn’t get to touch anything but the piano and now to get to sing into a microphone when you first start — so empowering,” she said, adding that the kids will make up a song and perform it at the end of each week.
For more, visit fishersmaa.com.
Bach to Rock
Bach To Rock, with locations in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, also offers weeklong camps during the summer months and will take students as young as 3 1/2, said co-owner Jennifer Flickner.
“Three-and-a-half and potty trained,” she clarified, adding that kids up to age 17 can sign up for a half-day camp or a full-day camp, with different programs offered for different age groups and interests.
The camp for the youngest kids is designed to be fast-moving because sitting still is hard, she said, and it provides an opportunity for students to explore all kinds of instruments.
“There’s a little bit of an artsy element to it — the kids will make or decorate their shirts,” she said, which the students wear for the performance at the end of the week. “This is for all of our camps. Everybody does a performance on the last day.”
Older students don’t need experience,
Bach to Rock, with locations in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, offers summer camps for ages 3 1/2 - 17. (Photo courtesy of Bach to Rock)
either, Flickner said. They’ll be grouped with kids of similar abilities and a coach helps each group learn songs and — very important — come up with a band name.
“They could be the Marshmallow Cows,” she said. “We have very interesting names that come up. It could be Late Night Vibes, the Flaming Cheeseburgers, those are the types of things that happen over here.”
Bach to Rock also offers a Glee Camp that focuses on singing and dancing, a DJ Camp and a Recording Arts Music Production Camp, which teaches audio production using computers and recording equipment.
The recording group also helps record the rock bands’ performances, so each camper has a music track to take home.
For more, visit bachtorock.com and click on the “Camps” tab.
SUMMER CAMP
Summer art camps at SullivanMunce Cultural Center
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SullivanMunce Cultural Center invites youth and teens to explore their creativity this summer with a variety of exciting art camps. From in-depth clay camps to nature-inspired art adventures and time-traveling theatrical productions, there’s a camp for every young artist.
Campers can learn throwing and glazing techniques in Youth Clay Camp, create art with organic materials in Nature’s Palette, embark on historical adventures in Time Travelers camp, explore global art traditions in Art Around the World, bring mythical creatures to life in Mythical & Magical camp, or dive into a world of color in Color Explosion! camp.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1, with both half-day and full-day options available. For more, visit sullivanmunce.org.
Watch Us Weave offers summer weaving camps and classes
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Watch Us Weave in Zionsville offers a variety of weaving camps and classes this summer for teens, pre-teens and adults.
Teens and pre-teens can participate in week-long summer camps designed to introduce the joy of weaving and inspire a lifelong hobby. Adults can sign up for custom personalized weaving classes tailored to their individual interests and skill levels.
Watch Us Weave is located at 45 South Elm Street in downtown Zionsville. For more or to register for camps, call 317-379-7569 or visit watchusfarm.com.
CAMPERS CELEBRATE WITH PIZZA + KONA ICE FOR LUNCH! BOYS + GIRLS AGES 5 - 14, ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME!
Summer of discovery at Summer U Camps
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University High School will host Summer U camps from June 2 to Aug. 1, offering fun and engaging activities for children in pre-K through 12th grade. Campers can choose from a variety of programs, including STEM, arts, athletics and more.
Hands-on activities will spark curiosity and inspire learning on University High
School’s campus. Program options include sports, games, esports, technology, science, math, rocketry, robotics, LEGO, Minecraft, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, American Doll, worldbuilding, dinosaurs, cooking and baking, musical theater, writing, arts, nature and more. Before and after care is available.
For more, visit universityhighschool. org/summer.
RoundTripper Sports Academy announces sports classes and camps
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RoundTripper Sports Academy offers a variety of sports camps this summer for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Professional instructors provide personalized attention in small class settings, maintaining a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Summer camps run from June 2 to June 27, with various sports and skill development options available. Early registration is recommended as camp spaces are limited.
For more, visit roundtripper.com/classes-camps.
M14Hoops camps offer variety of specialized training
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
M14Hoops summer camps offer a bit of everything for young basketball players.
Nick Daniels is the managing partner for M14Hoops Indianapolis. M14Hoops, which has sites in Westfield and Noblesville. The summer camps will be held in June and July. The camps are designed for boys and girls in third through eighth grade.
The Noblesville M14 camp is held at the Mojo Up Sports Complex at Finch Creek, which is the training center. The Westfield M14 training center is the Pacers Athletic Center, but the camp will be held in Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon.
Daniels, who also is managing partner of M14 in Cincinnati and Phoenix, is the head of player and staff development for M14Hoops.
FISHERS • CARMEL • AVON • GREENWOOD
Robotics Summer Camp
FOR KIDS 6 YEARS AND OLDER
“Each week, we offer a morning and afternoon option, or they can stay all day with us and they get lunch,” Daniels said. “Each camp has a different skill focus. Our No. 1 goal for camps is they learn, they get better and they have fun. We want to create a fun environment. If they want to improve their skills, this is a good way to do it.”
There are camps for ballhandling, scoring, shooting, 3-on-3, “let’s play” and shooting and defense.
“We get a lot of the kids that train with us regularly throughout the year,” Daniels said. “It’s also a great time for players to try our program who haven’t tried it. Our camps are popular for new players and current players.”
Daniels played collegiately for Purdue University Fort Wayne, which was then Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Daniels had planned to play basketball overseas but ended up working part time for M14, which was just starting in Chicago. In 2016, he came to the Indianapolis area to launch the second location.
M14 is named after founder Matt Miller, who wore No. 14 when he played. He played for four colleges, finishing his career with Bellarmine University. He then played professionally overseas.
The camps are run by full-time staff. Daniels said the camp counselors are part-time staff and college athletes.
The Noblesville site is directed by Randy Reed and the Westfield director is Eric Easter.
For more, visit noblesville.m14hoops. com and westfield.m14hoops.com.
Nick Daniels is the managing partner for M14Hoops Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Nick Daniels)
Kids Explore Robotics will host interactive summer camps for children 6 and older throughout the summer. The camps will be offered at several locations throughout the Indianapolis area, including Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel and Avon.
Each camp session will take place over five days, with time options available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The first session begins June 2 in Greenwood, and the last session begins July 21 in Avon.
Children will have the opportunity to learn about, build and code two robots, which are designed to accomplish a variety of tasks. Robots can be coded to play different drumbeats, relay traffic patterns, do pull-ups and much more. At the end of camp, kids get to keep two of the robots they worked on. Vinod Agrawal, one of the founders of Kids Explore Robotics, shared one of the benefits of their approach to teaching.
“(Children) are learning to make changes to the code and seeing the immediate impact of what the robot does,” Agrawal said. “So, they relate, ‘I can make this
change to the code to make the robot do different things.’ It inspires their curiosity, and they can be as creative as they want.”
Agrawal and his son, Aarav Agrawal, founded Kids Explore Robotics two years ago when Aarav, a then-junior in high school, expressed interest in teaching kids about robotics to inspire interest in STEM. Since then, Aarav and Vinod have designed and developed 14 different robots, 50 different activities and crafted a curriculum to educate children about the process of robotics through various classes. They personally engineered and designed wooden and 3D-printed materials that are used to build the robots.
The robots have an open-concept design to increase children’s understanding of the inner workings of motors, micro-controllers and coding.
Besides summer camps, Kids Explore Robotics offers free one-hour classes each week and several other classes and courses. Kids Explore Robotics also offers several online summer camps. The cost for the summer camp is $259 per person for the in-person summer camp and $279 per person for the online camp. For more, visit kidsexplorerobotics.com.
STEM skills are stressed at Kids Explore Robotics. (Photo courtesy of Kids Explore Robotics)
Wright’s Gymnastics to host themed summer camps
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With several summer camps available for children, Wright’s Gymnastics, with locations in Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield, has weekly themes for all camps.
Wright’s Gymnastics Director of Marketing Lauren Lofgren said the camps, which start at the end of May and run until early August, will have several activities each week for children ages 3 through 13.
“They get to come and do all sorts of activities, crafts and games,” Lofgren said. “We also will do a different theme each week, like ‘Pirates and Pixies,’ to keep things exciting. It influences their crafts and games.”
With daily access to the gym, Lofgren said children can play throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have opportunities to learn gymnastics skills.
“In the gym, they are playing the entire time, but there is a lesson that will go on, too,” Lofgren said. “The kids will walk away having learned something. Suppose they’re not currently enrolled in classes, or they’ve never done gymnastics or
ninja — a combination of gymnastics and parkour. In that case, they’re going to experience it and learn a bit more about getting upside down with their bodies.”
Although activities vary by location, most of Wright’s camps also will have water and outdoor activities throughout the week.
“We get the kids outside at least twice a day, weather permitting, and we have inflatable slides, scooters and basketball,” Lofgren said. “It’s a really active camp. We’re trying to keep them moving as much as possible but with a couple of opportunities for downtime as well.”
Lofgren said weekly themes keep kids engaged in a range of activities.
“The biggest thing we’re incorporating this year is trying to get a form of entertainment for each week that applies to the theme,” Lofgren said. ‘My favorite part is when they make friends through these days and want to sign up for another camp. It’s like controlled chaos because they’re running around and giggling. I look forward to it.”
Registration is open for Wright’s Gymnastics summer camps at wrightsgymnastics.com.
Kids stay active during Wright’s Gymnastics camps. (Photo courtesy of Wright’s Gymnastics)
Zionsville’s Z’Camp summer day camp registration opens March 5
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Z’Camp in Zionsville opens registration for its 2025 summer day camp program March 5. The camp serves children in preschool through 6th grade. Campers participate in a variety of activities throughout the summer, including sports, games, arts and crafts, and field trips.
Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The daily schedule includes morning meetings, organized activities, lunch, swimming, and snacks. Z’Camp offers weekly sessions from June 4 to July 25, with a special all-day field trip week from July 21 to 25.
Families receive discounts when enrolling multiple children. Campers can attend for a single week or multiple weeks. For more, visit zcamponline.com.
Z’Camp registration begins March 5. (Photo courtesy ZCS Zcamp)
Indy Stem Camps provides exciting Minecraft-themed STEM camps for children in grades 1-8. Founded by a physics teacher, Indy Stem Camps has entertained and educated more than 10,000 children with a focus on creative, cooperative gameplay in a social setting.
Campers enjoy their own computer
workstation in a secure multiplayer environment guided by knowledgeable counselors. With eight unique camp titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to advanced levels.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1, for 3 hours daily over five days, with options for both creative and survival gameplay. For more, visit indystemcamps.com.
Indiana Basketball Academy summer camps tip off soon
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The Indiana Basketball Academy tips off its 29th year of summer basketball camps for boys and girls ages 5-14, starting May 27. With 18 weeks of camp available at two convenient locations in Carmel and Lebanon, IBA offers a fun and engaging environment for players of all experience levels.
Campers can expect to learn and work
Our summer programs are open to all Central Indiana students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, and offer a great introduction to the extraordinary opportunities available at Park Tudor.
From Cub Camp for 3 & 4 year-olds to options for high school students, Park Tudor summer programs offer something for everyone – arts & crafts, sports, performing arts, science, literature, chess & gaming, and more!
on drills and fundamental skills, play games, compete in contests, make new friends and hear coaches’ stories. Each camper will receive a T-shirt and collect NBA cards. Full-day campers also will enjoy pizza and Kona Ice for lunch on competition Fridays.
Camps run through Aug. 1, with options for full or half days. For more, visit playiba.com/camps.
The Point Theater to have music-filled summer camps
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The Point Theater at 1950 E. Greyhound Pass has numerous opportunities for children to gain theater experience this summer.
Set Sail with Moana — themed musical theater day camps
At this camp, designed for students ages 4 through 6 for half days or students ages 7 through 10 for full days, children will participate in acting, singing and choreography to create an end-ofweek performance for family and friends. There are three weeks and locations available for this camp. They are:
• June 9 through 13: 3600 W. 96th St., Indianapolis
• June 16 through 20: 621 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel
• June 23 through 27: 1870 W. Oak St., Zionsville Musical-in-a-Week
After a two-year hiatus, the Musicalin-a-Week, fast-paced, high-energy camp is back. This camp challenges students to rehearse and perform “Elf” in five days and is best for children ages 11 through 18.
There are two weeks available for this camp at CrossRoads Church in Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. They are June 9 through 13 and June 23 through 27.
Play-in-a-Day: A one-day theatrical adventure
Play-in-a-Day is a camp designed for children who like a challenge but prefer to skip singing and dancing. This year’s play, “How to Get Away with a Murder
The Point Theater offers a variety of music-themed camps. (Photo courtesy The Point Theater)
Mystery” by Don Zolidis, offers a fastpaced experience where students ages 11 through 18 rehearse in the morning and perform for an audience in the afternoon.
Play-in-a-Day will take place June 17 at the Marian University Theater, 3200 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis. Improv Camp
The Improv Camp is a half-day camp for children ages 11 through 18 that sharpens comedic timing, spontaneity and creativity through engaging improv games.
The camp is grouped by age at CrossRoads Church at Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. Time slots are:
• July 7 through 11, ages 11 through 13, 1 to 4 p.m.
• July 7 through 11, ages 14 through 18, 9 a.m. to noon
For more, visit thepointtheater.org.
Central Indiana Academy of Dance announces summer dance camps
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The Central Indiana Academy of Dance in Carmel offers a variety of summer dance camps for children aged 3 to 9.
Camps for ages 3 to 6 run from 9 a.m. to noon and feature themes like Moana and Maui’s Adventures, Frozen Summer Celebration, Moana and Maui’s Island Luau, Fairytale Princesses and Princes, and Frozen Prince &
Princess Party.
For ages 6 to 9, CIAD offers a Youth Summer Ballet Intensive from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., when dancers with at least one year of training can enjoy a variety of dance classes, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, PBT, pre-pointe and stretch and conditioning.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1. For more, visit ciaodance.com.
Musicologie announces summer music camps for kids and teens
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Musicologie in Noblesville offers a summer of music fun with three exciting camps designed for ages 4 to 15. Mini Musicians Camp introduces young children ages 4 to 6 to the joy of music through rhythm games, improvisation, and creative projects. Music Explorers Camp, for ages 7 to 10, allows campers to explore music through composition, improvisation and collaborative projects, culminating in a final performance. Rock Band Boot Camp is an immersive camp for teens ages 11 to 15 that allows them to form bands, write songs and perform like rock stars.
Camps are available in June, July, and August, with both full-day and half-day options. Early-bird and multi-kid discounts are available. For more, visit go.musicologie.com/ summer-camps.html.
Musicologie offers music camps for ages 4 to 15 (Photo courtesy Musicologie
Kids’ summer camp workshops at Board & Brush
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Board & Brush Noblesville invites children 6 and older to participate in their creative Kids’ Camp Workshops this summer. Each workshop features a fun theme and allows kids to enjoy hands-on activities while creating personalized projects.
Themes include S’mores Campout, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Christmas in
July, Popcorn Bar, Beach Party and Pajama Pizza Party. Children ages 6 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult; children 9 and older can attend solo.
Workshops are held on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and include two projects, a snack and a drink. The cost is $75 per child. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit boardandbrush.com/ noblesville.
International School of Indiana offers summer camp for central Indiana students
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The International School of Indiana offers summer programming for incoming kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Campers can choose from a variety of programs, including language learning, enrichment and sports camps. Language Summer Camp, hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies,
June 2-6
June 23-27
July 7-11
July 14-18
July 21-25
July 28- Aug 1 July 7-11
Moana and Maui’s Adventures Frozen Summer Celebration
Rapunzel’s Summer Adventures FULL Moana and Maui’s Island Luau
Fairytale Princesses and Princes
Frozen Prince & Princess Party
Youth Summer Ballet Intensive
provides language immersion experiences in French, Mandarin, Spanish and Arabic. Enrichment Camps offer STEM activities, writing and arts, and cultural learning. The new Amazing Athletes Sports Camp allows campers to explore different sports themes each week. Weekly sessions run from June 16 to July 25. For more, visit isind.org/events/ summercamp.
Fortune Academy offers summer camp for students with learning differences
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Fortune Academy, a school for students with learning differences, offers a unique summer camp program combining academic remediation with traditional summer camp activities. The program runs from June 9 to 27.
Mornings focus on educational breakout sessions using the Orton-Gillingham approach, while afternoons are dedicated to hands-on activities and field trips. Before and aftercare are available.
The camp offers a variety of breakout groups focusing on different academic and therapeutic areas.
For more, visit thefortuneacademy.org/summer-camp.
Indianapolis Children’s Choir announces summer music camp
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The Indianapolis Children’s Choir announces its Summer Music Camp 2025, “Just a Dream Away,” for children entering first through eighth grade. Two sessions are available: June 2-5 and July 21-24.
Campers will enjoy a week of singing, instrument exploration, music games and crafts, culminating in a concert performance. The camp takes place at the ICC Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis. Financial assistance is available. For more, visit icchoir.com/camps.
Shop a ‘love letter to Carmel’
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Bovaconti Coffee opened in Carmel on Valentine’s Day, which was perfect timing for owner Minda Balcius.
BOVACONTI
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Feb. 14 at the shop at 2 W. Main St., Balcius described Bovaconti Coffee as a “love letter to Carmel” residents, officials, marginalized communities and youth.
“It’s a love letter to all the young people, too, who grew up in Carmel thinking at some point, ‘Should I go spread my wings? Should I go to a big city?’” he said. “This is a love letter to those people saying, ‘Consider staying; consider making Carmel your home forever, to raise your family.’”
Bovaconti Coffee specializes in classic Italian espresso drinks and other specialty coffee from local suppliers, chai and tea. It also includes pastries created by an inhouse chef served fresh daily. The shop partners with local artists to display their work on hot beverage sleeves.
Balcius partnered with Justin Jones, director of operations, to open the first Bovaconti Coffee in 2020 in Fountain Square in Indianapolis.
At the ceremony, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam thanked Balcius and Jones for investing in the city and helping residents build community and connections.
“From the moment you walked in this building, you felt something special in here again, from the design, the detail, the
smiles you got from the staff and ownership and from the excitement you got from the city (officials) who are here, who have been watching this inch its way ever so closer to getting open,” she said. “It’s spectacular.”
Before becoming home to Bovaconti Coffee, the nearly 100-year-old building on the northwest corner of Main Street and Range Line Road housed a fur trading post, two banks, a drug store, law offices, an insurance company, tearoom and an architectural firm.
The former bank vault now serves as its own room within the coffee shop. Extensive renovations have transformed much of the interior space.
Bovaconti Coffee is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more at BovacontiCoffee.com.
Mass Ave. seafood restaurant expanding to Carmel City Center
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Salt, a popular Indianapolis restaurant, will add a new location to fill the space at Carmel City Center recently vacated by Matt the Miller’s Tavern. The restaurant, which is set to open in June, features seafood flown in daily, handmade pasta and locally sourced steaks.
SALT
“We’re excited to bring Salt to Carmel and introduce our fresh, coastal-inspired dining experience to this dynamic community,” stated co-owner John Bales in a press release. “Our guests have embraced
Salt in our other locations, and we look forward to sharing the same great food, hospitality, and inviting atmosphere with Carmel residents and visitors.”
Salt debuted on Mass Ave in 2016, and a location in Geist opened in 2023. Matt the Miller’s closed in December 2024 after 12 years in the space.
The Carmel location will operate daily for lunch and dinner and will offer brunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Learn more at SaltDining.com.
Officials from Bovaconti Coffee and the City of Carmel cut the ribbon to celebrate the shop’s opening Feb. 14. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
TobyMac’s ‘Life After Death’ album features deeply personal songs
By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com
TobyMac remembers going to his first official songwriting session for his most recent album, “Life After Death,” and it wasn’t the usual pleasant feeling.
“I was driving out there and I was like, ‘What am I doing? Am I going to write a song like everything’s back to normal?’” sad TobyMac, who will perform on the “Hits Deep” tour at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “It made me sick, almost, honestly.”
Normally, the Christian music artist said writing songs with a collaborator would be exciting, something to anticipate as an artist wonders if some creative magic will happen in that writing room that day. But these weren’t normal times for TobyMac (whose given name is Toby McKeehan).
In October 2019, his son, Truett Foster McKeehan, the oldest of his five children, died from an accidental overdose. An aspiring musician, Truett, 21, had just launched his solo career. He had battled addictions in his past, but signs were pointing toward a bright future, and Truett’s father was proud of what his son had seemingly overcome and accomplished.
“You feel like you shouldn’t go back to what (you do),” TobyMac said of the first writing session. “If you go back to normal, in some way you’re dishonoring your lost loved one. But when I got there, I just started writing this song ‘Faithfully.’ It was so deeply personal to me, about God’s faithfulness at the hardest time in my life.”
It should be noted that “Faithfully” wasn’t the first song TobyMac had written about losing his son. He released the top 5 single, “21 Years,” in January 2020. “‘21 Years’ came like almost within the first month, but it was because I didn’t view that as songwriting,” TobyMac said. “I viewed that as a song to honor my
son’s life. Thank God for the 21 years I got to interact with my boy. I immediately started just turning my faith to God and trying, trying. There were times when I struggled through that, but I found God to be kind in the end and I wanted to remember all of the best things about my son in that song.”
As he moved forward with songwriting, it became clear that “Life After Death” would be about losing Truett and the path toward healing that TobyMac and his family had taken over the preceding two years.
“Life After Death” starts on a hopeful note with “Help Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)” and “The Goodness,” songs that promise God will be “rolling up His sleeves” to help in times of trouble. And even when songs touch on “dark days” and “long nights” (as on “Show Up Choose Love,” “Faithfully” and “Rest”), he said a similar ray of hope from God’s love filters through the lyrics. Musically, the material isn’t the downer the subject matter might suggest. Several songs touch on sadness and loss. But the soulful “Help
Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)” and the hip-hop track “Life On It” are upbeat and at times even bouncy, while “Deeper” and “Fire’s Burnin’” are chipper bits of R&Blaced pop.
“The Goodness” became a key song in helping TobyMac find his emotional footing during the writing, as it describes how God is the unshakable goodness in life.
“I didn’t think I’d ever write another song that felt like joy or was uptempo,” TobyMac said. “And when I got hit with that, there was just so much promise in it for me at that moment, that that song poured out of me.”
Honest and relatable lyrics — and lots of catchy songs that have blended hiphop, R&B, pop and rock — have been key ingredients in making TobyMac one of Christian music’s biggest stars. He began his career alongside Michael Tait and Kevin Max in the trailblazing and hugely popular Christian hip-hop group DC Talk before he launched his solo career in 2001.
In all, TobyMac’s eight solo albums have sold more than five million copies combined and won seven Grammy Awards. So far “Life After Death” has given TobyMac three No. 1 Christian music singles in “Help Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight),” “The Goodness” and “Cornerstone” (as well the top 5 single in “Promised Land”) to go with his seven previous chart-topping songs.
Those chart-topping songs figure to be included in TobyMac’s shows on his “Hits Deep” tour. As the tour title suggests, TobyMac’s set will focus on his hit songs from throughout his career. He might also include a song or two from “Heaven On My Mind,” the new album that he’s releasing March 7.
“The beautiful part about it (‘Life After Death’) is we’ve already had three significant singles off it, so those three, I’m not forcing them into the hits category,” TobyMac said.
For more, visit ticketmaster.com
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘PRIDE AND PREJUDICE’
Carmel Community Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice” runs from Feb. 28 to March 9 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘SHOWSTOPPERS’
The Songbook Foundation will screen “Showstoppers,” a documentary about women of television variety shows in the 1960s and ’70s, at 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Eric Baker Presents “Sounds and Stories” at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE CAT IN THE HAT’
Civic Theatre’s production of “The Cat in the Hat” is set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 1 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, visit the thecenterpresents.org.
‘LITTLE WOMEN’
The Belfry Theatre and Hamilton County Theatre Guild’s production of “Little Women” runs through March 2 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. For tickets, visit thebelfrytheatre.com or call or text 317-773-1085.
DISPATCH
IWS concert set for March 1 — Indiana Wind Symphony’s “An Extraordinary Life” concert will pay tribute to the composer Joseph Bologne. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Bologne emerged from enslavement in the Caribbean to become a composer, violinist and acclaimed conductor. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
TobyMac performs at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Photo courtesy of TobyMac)
Comedy routine to open film
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mike Young has chosen a unique approach to promoting his new film.
Young will perform a comedy routine before some of the showings of “Stealing Jokes,” including a March 3 appearance at Emagine Noblesville, a movie theater.
MOVIE
stiffed on their pay.
“I think audiences are more fickle now and have so many reasons to stay home, so I wanted to give them another reason to go out,” Young said. “Maybe the ticket price is a little higher, but they get a live show, then a movie. It’s almost like ‘Rocky Horror’ back in the day where the audience got fully involved in the film on all levels. Plus, thematically it makes sense for this film as it stars a few really talented comics.”
Young said he will perform for 10 minutes and another comic will do 10 minutes.
Young wrote and directed “Stealing Jokes” and plays a small role. The story is about comics who rob a venue after being
“I’ve been a touring comic for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot on the road,” Young said. “I’ve seen club owners try and pay you in vintage coins and baseball tickets and I’ve seen them straight up not pay you, so for me, this was a testament to any great comic who’s ever been stiffed. We tell jokes, we make you feel better. Pay us what you owe us and there won’t be any issues. I had to make this movie. They get their due.”
Young came up with the idea about four years ago.
“I shopped it around to a few producers and lucked out with the best partner in Dan Gilbert, founder of Rocket Mortgage, who totally understood the humor and came on board to produce it,” Young said.
Young said actor-comedian Michael Rapaport was the only comic in the movie he was friends with before filming
The film features comedians Jeff Dye, Dustin Ybarra, Al Madrigal, Haha Davis and Luke Null, among others.
For more, visit emagine-entertainment. com/theatres/emagine-noblesville/.
Heartland films get spotlight
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com.
The Heartland Film will be well-represented March 2 at the 97th Academy Awards show.
OSCARS
This year, 17 films celebrated by Heartland Film received 52 total Academy Award nominations, including 10 films from the Heartland International Film Festival, three shorts from Indy Shorts and four recipients of the Truly Moving Picture.
The HIFF Closing Night film, “Emilia Pérez” from Netflix, received the most Oscar nominations at 13, including Best Picture. The HIFF Opening Night film and Humor & Humanity Award winner, “A Real Pain” from Searchlight Pictures, received two nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.
“We have a good track record of Opening and Closing Night films, and I think both ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘A Real Pain’ will win Oscars,” Heartland Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “It’s been a whirlwind year as far as a lack of a frontrunner. Based on
recent awards, I have a feeling ‘Anora’ will win Best Picture. It will ignite conversation similar to the Super Bowl halftime show (with Kendrick Lamar). It will be a generational-type thing, I know a demo older than I am are not fans of risqué content, but it’s a film that is really well done with acting and editing. We’ve had (writer-director) Sean Baker’s work in the past. It won the Palm d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.”
“Anora” is about a young sex worker from Brooklyn who meets and marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
“Emilia Pérez” was hurt when old racist tweets made by Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans performer nominated for an Oscar, were discovered.
“I think it could win the maximum of five Oscars, but I’d be safe to say it could win one or two Oscars, which isn’t uncommon for a film with that many nominations,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident.
Sorvig said Zoe Saldana could win Best Supporting Actress. He also likes Kieran Culkin’s chances to win Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.”
‘Pride and Prejudice’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
When Alec Cole watched the 2005 movie “Pride and Prejudice,” it was love at first sight.
PLAY
“I’ve been a big fan of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ for about six or seven years. I watched the (2005 movie) and fell in love with the characters. and then started watching that every Valentine’s Day,” Cole said. “I would host a little ‘Pride and Prejudice’ watch party. It’s a sweet, quintessential romantic story and it’s a feel-good tale.”
too much as being this cold, dark character. He’s a little rough, but he’s trying.”
In contrast to Cole, prior to being cast as Lizzy, Speedway resident Katie Endres had never read the book or seen the movie.
“So, that was my homework after I got cast,” Endres said. “It’s been an honor to play one of the most iconic literary female characters of all time. She’s such a strong and complex character. It’s been really fulfilling, and having a great ensemble behind me makes it all the more fun and even easier to me.”
Cole plays Mr. Darcy in Carmel Community Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice,” which runs Feb. 28 to March 9 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.
“It’s absolutely a dream role for me,” he said.
Cole, who lives on the south side of Indianapolis, also watched the BBC’s 1995 miniseries to prepare for the role.
“He’s certainly an exciting character to play,” Cole said. “He almost gets maligned
Samantha Kelly, a 2015 North Central High School graduate and north Indianapolis resident, is making her directorial debut.
“I’ve seen several renditions of it,” Kelly said. “I like how (playwright) Kate Hamill made everything funny because Jane Austen is usually hard to make funny. It’s a lighthearted version.”
There are eight performances, including a recently added 2:30 p.m. March 8 matinee. For more, visit carmelplayers. org.
Sorvig
Young
Cole
Editor,
READER’S VIEW
State’s property tax plan puts cities in difficult position
I am a senior resident of Carmel. I would welcome a property tax cut/cap.
After reading information on this topic, I can say that there is more to it than just a property tax cut.
I commend Mayor Sue Finkam on her budget agenda. Instead of rubber stamping as it has been done in the past, she tasked each (city) department to explain why the monies were needed and how they would be spent in a more efficient way to form the new budget.
Fast forward to our new administration at the state and federal level.
The rug has been pulled out from under all cities and towns. Education, public safety, infrastructure, etc., will receive reduced funding from state and federal sources. Unlike in the past when a certain amount of money could be counted on to keep the budget in the black, that is no longer true.
It is going to be a struggle for all communities to navigate these new financial restraints and yet keep our cities and towns safe and strong.
– KATHY BOLANDER
I strongly believe that had state and federal money not drastically been cut, our mayor would be in favor of helping with a solution to our property tax woes.
As it stands, a lot of the senior community believes that she is just dead set against reducing the tax. I personally do not think that is true. Carmel and other cities are caught between a rock and a hard place. It is going to be a struggle for all communities to navigate these new financial restraints and yet keep our cities and towns safe and strong.
Kathy Bolander, Carmel
Keep public health a priority
Commentary by Mark Heirbrandt
As a Hamilton County Commissioner, I am proud to support Health First Indiana, a transformative initiative that strengthens public health across our state.
COUNTY
Born from Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly, HFI provides vital funding to counties like ours, allowing us to assess local health needs and implement evidence-based programs prioritizing prevention.
Since its launch in 2024, this state and local partnership has enabled the Hamilton County Health Department to enhance critical services in areas like mental health, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention and emergency preparedness. These programs are not only improving health outcomes but are also building a foundation for a healthier, more prosperous community.
Through HFI funding, HCHD has already awarded more than $3.2 million to local partners to deliver essential services and ensure residents can easily access the
care they need. Trinity Free Clinic, the largest provider of free health services in central Indiana, used grant dollars to expand its dental services, allowing it to increase walk-in dental care and serve more low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents.
HFI funding has also enabled the HCHD to roll out new initiatives like radiological nuclear detection, car seat safety, safe sitter training and the CredibleMind self-help website — tools our residents can take advantage of to lead healthier lives and create a safer community for everyone.
As we look ahead, I urge the general assembly to continue providing this critical funding in future state budgets and encourage qualified community organizations to apply for these critical funds.
CONTRACTOR GUIDE 2025
Discover the ideal solution for homeowners in and around Hamilton and Boone Counties seeking assistance with their projects. This comprehensive guide will publish on March 25 and it connects you with the perfect company to bring your visions to life. Reach all 131,191 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield, and Zionsville through U.S. Mail at a single, affordable price. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your offerings to a wide audience and help homeowners bring their projects to fruition.
Mark Heirbrandt has served as a Hamilton County Commissioner since 2013. He can be reached at 317-776-8498.
LIFESTYLE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: 141st Street Path From West Road to Spring Mill Road 22-ENG-11
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “141st Street Path From West Road to Spring Mill Road” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.
All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana.
A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.
The Project consists of, but is noçt necessarily limited to, the following:
Construction of a mult-use path and related drainage facilities along the north side of 141st Street between West Road and Spring Mill Road, Carmel, IN.
Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section.
Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.
This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.
A Non-Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is Non-Mandatory.
For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.
No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/ or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Information Technology 10701 N College Ave, Ste A, City of Carmel, Indiana 46280 Project: Cityworks Support Services
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed quotes, during regular business hours, up to, but not later than 9:00am local time Wednesday, March 19, 2025 via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/carmelin for the following project:
CityWorks Support Services
Quotes will be opened and read aloud at 9:00am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on the 2nd floor of Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN. No late quotes will be accepted.
The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin.
All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. All responses will be publicly posted to the portal. No other form of questions via phone or email will be accepted.
No quoter may withdraw any quote or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving quotes or proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all quotes or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said quotes or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all quotes, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible offeror.
Jacob Quinn, City Clerk
Carmel Clay Schools is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to comply with the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge storm water from construction activities associated with the Carmel High School Witsken Tennis Court Complex Renovations Project located at 2460 E Smoky Row Road, Carmel, Indiana. Storm water runoff from the project site will discharge to Cool Creek. Questions or comments regarding this project should be directed to Tyler Barker of The Skillman Corporation, at 317-474-2288.
LIFESTYLE
Across
1. Calculators with beads
6. Kid around
10. Top cards at the Indianapolis Bridge Center
14. Team and town that was the inspiration for the film “Hoosiers”
15. Ratio phrase
16. Lavish party
17. Civic Theatre play part
18. Custard dessert
19. “___, Brute?”
20. Slogan on a POW-MIA Indiana license plate
23. Spice mix for Rackz BBQ ribs
26. Lock opener
27. Bit of land in the sea
28. In mint condition
30. Southern pronoun
33. Ambulance letters
34. Narrow winning margin at Hoosier Park
35. AMC Castleton Square 14 offerings
37. Slogan on a Habitat for Humanity Indiana license plate
41. Consider 42. Abundant
45. Bucks on a Pacers scoreboard
48. Our Lady of Grace Cath-
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission meeting on March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel, Indiana 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon an ADLS, Primary Plat Amendment, and Variance application and in order to construct a new multi-family development to be known as North End Phase 2. The application is identified as Docket Nos. PZ-2025-00014 ADLS, PZ-2025-00015 ADLS, PZ-2025-00012 PP, and PZ-2025-00030-37 V. The real estate affected by said application is located at common address 300 W Smoky Row Road, Carmel, IN 46032 with Tax ID Parcel Numbers 17-09-24-00-00-033.000, 17-09-24-0408-001.000, 17-09-24-00-00-030.000, 17-0924-00-00-032.000, 17-09-24-00-00-031.201, and 17-09-24-00-00-031.001. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The petition may be examined prior to the hearing at the City of Carmel Department of Community Services office.
Petitioner: CrossRoad Engineers on behalf of Old Town Companies and VB Carmel Real Estate, LLC
olic Church service
49. Stockholm natives
51. 1300 hours
53. Rebel Guevara
54. Nonetheless
55. Slogan on an Indiana Bicycle Coalition license plate
60. Relinquish
61. Video streaming site
62. Name before Rabbit, Pan or Piper
66. Mine finds
67. Varieties
68. Nebraska city
69. Marries
70. Miss Indiana accessory
71. Deafening Down
1. Doc bloc
2. Pen name
3. CTRL-___-DEL
4. Abel’s brother
5. Call upon
6. Short time
7. Norway’s capital
8. Indy newspaper
9. ___ Kong
10. Helps in a heist
11. Fair Oaks Farms milk producers
12. Respect
13. Turns aside
21. Montana Grill guy
22. Lubricated
23. Go jogging on the Monon Trail
24. Family card game
25. Obama predecessor
29. Clairvoyant
30. “My place or ___?”
31. Like some Colts fans
32. ___ Abner
35. Lacy School of Business advanced degs.
36. Royal address
38. “I wanna try it!”
39. ___ Championship (tourney held at Crooked Stick in 1991)
Soccer is the bridge to community. Your donation of new or gently used soccer balls, gloves, hats, and scarves could help families at Exodus Refugee stay active, warm, and connected. FIRST FIINANCIAL BANK Carmel Branch Only. 751 City Center Dr Carmel, IN 46032 317-581-5120 M-F 9:00-5:00
Immediate opening for full time dental laboratory technician. Experience preferred, but not required. Candidates must have artistic ability, moderate computer skills, excellent work ethic and eager to learn. Position offers full benefit package Please forward inquiries and resume: khunterlab@gmail.com
