Tuesday, March 18, 2025
FEELING HOMESICK
Displaced Timber Creek residents face financial, emotional hurdles as project timeline extends / P11
Study concludes Carmel should add 2 fire stations / P3
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE
Man shot by CPD pleads guilty; officer cleared / P5
Prufrock Coffee joins offerings in Midtown / P13
COMMUNITY
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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 20
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Carmel City Councilors and Carmel Fire Department officials hold a special meeting Feb. 3. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
City urged to add 2 fire stations to improve response times
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel needs two more fire stations to keep pace with a growing population and better meet national response standards, according to a report by the International Association of Fire Fighters.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Carmel City Council and officials from the Carmel Fire Department held a joint meeting March 3 at City Hall to discuss the report’s findings.
“We’re a safe community. That’s why people are moving here. That’s why people love this community,” CFD Chief Joel Thacker said. “(The challenge) is understanding the gaps and working through these difficult decisions of finance.”
The study confirmed the need for a planned fire station in northwest Carmel and recommended another one be built between Station 341, which is in the city’s central core, and 346, which is on the north side of the city near Spring Mill Road and 136th Street. The city is looking near the intersection of Pennsylvania and Main streets as an option.
The proposed stations are aimed at helping CFD reduce its response times in those areas. National Fire Protection Association standards require a first-arriving engine to be on scene within four minutes for at least 90 percent of incidents. Carmel fire stations with the most ground to cover are failing to meet the standard more often than other CFD stations, according to the report.
The study found that the engine at CFD Station 344, which is on Main Street east
of Gray Road, met the standard only 38 percent of the time. The engine at Station 342, which the report states is “isolated on the southwestern side of the city,” meets the standard 45 percent of the time.
Existing CFD stations can cover 45 percent of roads in the city within four minutes, and 58 percent of incidents have historically occurred within that range. Adding two stations would significantly improve both statistics, according to the report.
The report also concluded that in addition to placing an engine in the proposed Station 346, the city should also add a ladder company there. It also recommended the city add an ambulance at Station 342, which the city council approved in February. An ambulance had been on-site for years but not in service because it hadn’t been staffed.
Marc Deitsch, who attended the meeting on behalf of Carmel Professional Firefighters Local 4444, said CFD hasn’t expanded at the same rate as the city’s population in his two decades with the department.
“We really have gained nothing except for an ambulance in the last 20 years,” he said. “If you’ve lived anywhere near here, you know the city has developed significantly in 20 years, and we haven’t really grown this organization. We’re getting behind.”
Councilor Ryan Locke said it’s crucial the city quickly take steps to address the matter, which he described as “a little terrifying,” especially as the city’s population continues to grow.
“This is why (city councilors) are here,” he said. “This is what the budget is for, and we should be putting all resources behind ensuring these problems are fixed.”
View the report at bit.ly/4kGDWId.
DISPATCHES
Adventures at Puddle Pond — Local authors Pam Brettenacher of Zionsville and Jillinda Stella of Carmel will share their children’s books about the imaginary world of Puddle Pond at 10:30 a.m. March 22 at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, 250 N. 5th St. in Zionsville. The pair are teaching partners at West Clay Elementary School in Carmel, where they created the story of Fritz the Frog and Birdie Bee in Puddle Pond for their students — and later adapted the pair’s adventures into two books. The free event includes activities, songs and a take-home craft. Register at hmmpl.org/libcal.
Assessment forms available electronically — Hamilton County property owners can submit a request to receive their Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements/Form 11 electronically. The Assessor’s Office traditionally mails forms in April but will make forms available by email this year. Form 11 details the assessed value of a property, which serves as the starting point for calculating annual property tax payments. Requests for electronic copies are due by end of day March 25 at bit. ly/3D8zelR.
Terrier wins top award — Paris, a Norwich terrier co-owned by April Clark of Carmel, Susan Miller Hall of Indianapolis and Lynn Marshall of Sacramento, Calif., won Best of Opposite Sex at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last month in New York. Paris is 2 ½ years old and is from Fishback Kennel in Indianapolis.
From left, Susan Miller Hall of north Indianapolis and April Clark of Carmel with Norwich terriers they co-own, Q, left, and Paris, at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. (Photo by Mary Ellen Zydell)
Man shot by CPD pleads guilty
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A man shot by a Carmel police officer in August 2024 pleaded guilty to four counts and was sentenced to up to 3 1/2 years in jail, according to a plea agreement.
COURTS
The officer, Pablo Navarrete, will not face charges. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office determined Navarrete was justified in shooting Daniel Castillo after Castillo rammed his vehicle into a parked police car as two officers attempted to arrest him. Castillo suffered a gunshot wound to the upper right shoulder and was arrested Aug. 12, 2024, after spending a day in a hospital.
battery charge and two years for resisting law enforcement, also a felony. He may serve the two-year sentence through the electronic home-monitoring program.
Castillo was sentenced to a year and a half probation in total for the other two counts. Sentences for all counts must be served consecutively.
Police were called to the Avant apartment complex at 12890 Old Meridian St. Aug. 11, 2024, after receiving a report that Castillo was repeatedly banging on the door of an apartment where the 911 caller and his girlfriend — who previously had a relationship with Castillo — were “terrified” inside, according to a probable cause affidavit.
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According to the agreement, Castillo pleaded guilty Feb. 26 to attempted battery, resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle with an ACE of .15 or more and harassment. Prosecutors dropped six other charges.
The agreement states Castillo must serve 1 1/2 years for the felony attempted
Carmel police responded and eventually located Castillo in a blue Dodge Charger backed into a space in the parking garage.
Castillo accelerated his car into a police vehicle and continued to rev the engine after striking it. Navarrete, who was outside his police vehicle, fired three shots during the altercation.
The Indiana State Police investigated the shooting.
Memory care group home may resume construction
By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com
The Indiana Supreme Court removed the biggest hurdle for construction to restart on Willow Haven Memory Care at 2080 W. 106th St. in Carmel. The Feb. 19 ruling overturned a lower court decision halting work on a 10-bedroom group home for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
COURTS
Hari and Saranya Nagireddy, who live next to the construction site, filed a lawsuit in 2022 claiming the facility violated Carmel’s unified development ordinance. They argued the home required a variance to operate in an area zoned for single-family residences. The lawsuit led to a court order halting construction in mid-2023.
The Supreme Court disagreed with the lower court’s decision to stop construction. Although the justices acknowledged the home wasn’t explicitly allowed under the city’s UDO, they determined that local zoning laws must follow state and fed-
eral protections for housing people with disabilities.
The City of Carmel had issued the building permit without requiring additional approvals, citing concerns that blocking the project could violate federal laws.
The case has been returned to a county court to sort remaining legal issues.
James Miles, president of Willow Haven Senior Homes, declined to comment.
The Nagireddys’ attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
Castillo
Construction stopped on the Willow Haven facility at 2080 W. 106th St. after a judge granted an injunction, which the Indiana Supreme Court overturned. (File photo)
Man thanks CCS responders
By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com
Bradley Holdcraft never saw it coming. On Dec. 6, 2024, the Ricoh print technician was working at Carmel High School when he suffered a massive heart attack — one so severe it’s often called a “widow maker.” Without warning, Holdcraft, 54, lost consciousness as his heart’s main artery became completely blocked.
SCHOOLS
Fortunately, staff members at the school responded immediately, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to keep him alive until emergency personnel arrived. Their quick action, along with the presence of an AED, made all the difference.
“The original feeling was obviously blessed,” Holdcraft said. “You think about where else this could have happened. I could have been at home alone or driving for work. But to have it happen at the high school, where so many people were willing and able to help, was a blessing from God.”
Minister’s
Holdcraft was rushed to IU Health North Hospital in Carmel, where doctors placed a stent in his blocked artery. He was then transferred to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and placed on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, which acted as a temporary heart-lung bypass. After spending weeks in the hospital and undergoing extensive rehabilitation, Holdcraft is focused on recovery, with plans to return to work once he completes cardiac rehab.
Carmel Clay Schools equips all buildings with AEDs and provides regular staff training on CPR and emergency response.
“It was overwhelming to hear Brad describe just how dangerous his heart attack was and how truly fortunate we all were to have the Carmel staff in just the right place that day,” said Christi Cloud, CCS director of technology and data solutions.
Holdcraft now advocates for heart health awareness.
“Your life can change in a heartbeat, and you may not get a second chance,” Holdcraft said. “I just hope my story helps save someone else’s life.”
faith widens circle
Editor’s note: For several weeks in March and April, Current in Carmel is featuring Q&As with local residents representing various faith communities.
Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Rev. Sara Hayden is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She hosts the podcast, “New Way,” which explores the connections between people, their communities and the ways that context shapes faith. She and her family live in Carmel.
CHRISTIANITY
is a particularly heavy time. It is a time for uplifting what is precious and cannot be lost. It is a time to draw the circle wider. There is no greater honor than to be welcomed across the threshold into someone else’s sacred story.
What is an important teaching of your faith that has impacted you?
Why is your faith important to you?
Christ’s conviction and witness that God is love is the guiding force behind the decisions I make, the posture I embody toward others, and the way I see the world.
How does your faith inform how you live and interact with others?
Jesus was always drawing the circle wider, often surprising those who followed him with his expansiveness. For many, this
Contemplation. Silence holds multitudes, and God meets us in the spaces where words are not necessary, or not possible.
What do you most want people to know about your faith tradition?
In the Christian understanding of the incarnation, Jesus is quite literally, “God -in-flesh.” Jesus knew by experience what human life was like because he was fully human. He went fishing. He got hungry. He hosted dinners. He felt sorrow. In infanthood, his family fled their homeland under threat of political violence. These formative experiences led him, because God is love, not to reciprocate hate for hate, but to offer his life in love. We love, because God loved us, first.
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Carmel runner completes marathon mission
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Thirteen years ago, JR Sandadi couldn’t run two minutes without stopping to catch his breath.
ACHIEVEMENT
“I was completely out of shape,” he said. Fast forward to March 2, and the Carmel resident completed his sixth and final Abbott Marathon Major by completing the Tokyo Marathon, earning the rare Six Star Finisher honor. Sandadi said Abbott estimates there are 12 million marathoners worldwide and only approximately 20,000 finish all six majors.
Sandadi’s first major marathon was the New York City Marathon in 2018. That’s when he made it his goal to complete all six marathons. Finishing the last one was the most difficult because of knee issues.
“Since Berlin, my knee flared up and my physician said, ‘You’re not going to run anymore,’” he said. “I said, ‘No, I have to complete the sixth one.’ To help me, I ended up seeing a physical therapist for the last three and four months and got my knee shaped up. I’ll run, but I’ll run the shortest distances.”
The other marathon majors he completed were in Chicago in 2019, Boston in 2020 (virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021, London in 2022 and Berlin in 2023.
After his second major marathon, Sandadi has raised more than $50,000 for causes that he is passionate about. Since he couldn’t meet the Boston Marathon qualifying time for his age group, he was able to gain entry by raising money for charity. Running for Project Hope, he raised more than $21,000 for homeless families in south Boston and more than $7,000 for homeless families in Indianapolis.
“That told me I could raise money if I tell a compelling story,” he said.
He raised more than $8,000 for Brightlane Learning at the London Marathon and more than $10,000 for the organization at the Berlin Marathon. Brightlane Learning provides support for children experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness.
For the Tokyo Marathon, he raised $7,501 for the Hindu Society of American’s Vivekananda House Project and $4,215 for Brightlane Learning.
“The Hindu Society’s goal is to establish Hindu centers on major college campuses,”
he said. “We have one at Purdue, but that is a rental place. We are trying to buy a property. Students can reside upstairs, and downstairs there is a meditation hall and place for them to congregate on Hindu holidays.”
Supporting causes became as important to Sandadi as his marathon mission.
“Running became more than a personal achievement — it became a vehicle for positive change,” he said. “Every step on those courses reminded me that my effort could directly benefit someone in need, and that knowledge fueled me forward. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to make your miles (or your daily actions) count for more. By dedicating your journey to a cause, you inspire others to contribute, support and witness how collective generosity transforms lives.”
Sandadi said he logged more than 10,000 miles and went through 25 pairs of shoes. He went from completing a 5K run in 2013, to a 10K and then a half marathon in 2014, followed by his first full marathon with the Carmel Marathon in 2015.
Sandadi said one of the life lessons he learned is to set a goal and take the first step.
“Sometimes the fear of failure and embarrassment keeps us from doing that,” he said.
JR Sandadi displays running medals celebrating his completion of six Abbott Marathon Majors. (Photo courtesy of JR Sandadi)
COMMUNITY
TASTE OF CARMEL
BENEFITS CARMEL
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
OBITUARY
Raymond Ross Marconi was born in Gary, Indiana, August 21, 1938. He was the 3rd son of John Adamo Marconi and Anna Eugenia Nepsha (both deceased). He passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at home in Carmel, Indiana. Ray had been in hospice at home for 10 weeks and his heart finally gave out. A big heart that always has been understanding, kind, and generous to all he met.
When he was in Hobart, IN elementary school, he was young enough to participate in the very first year of Little League in Hobart, Indiana. When he was 12, he entered the Soap Box Derby and came in 2nd in the world. He won a new car. He was also elected the 8th grade president.
In high school, he participated in Football and Boxing. He won the CYO Golden Gloves in Chicago. Boxing would stay with him for the rest of his life. He was a boxing inspector for the state of Indiana, manager, mentor, coach for pros & amateurs (Golden Gloves). Also taught an executive boxing class for 3 years in Indianapolis, IN. Golf was his favorite his whole life. He was in the Marines for 2 years. Also participated on the USMC Boxing Team during that time. When he returned to Hobart, Indiana, he married Judy Kay Mohrs (deceased). They are both survived by 3 sons, Michael Marconi (Greta), Jo-
seph Marconi (Tina), and Daniel Marconi (Cyndi), 4 grandchildren & 3 step-grand children, 8 great-grandchildren & 6 step great-grandchildren. Ray is survived by his sister, Ruth Bell Marconi, her family, and his broth ers, Robert Marconi & Richard Marconi (both brothers deceased) and their extended families.
Ray is also survived by his 2nd wife of 30 years, Vickki Marconi, and his 2 step-children he helped to raise, Jaclyn John Hanson (David) & Nicholas R. John (Megan). He also has 4 step-grandchil dren. What a wonderful influence he was on all he met. He was loved and adored to the end. He will be sorely missed by all. Ray wanted a Celebration of Life Party. It will be held on Sunday March 23, 2025, between 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at: “502 East Event Center” at 502 E Carmel Drive, Car mel, IN 46032 ph: 317-843-1234
No flowers please... if you choose to make a donation in Ray’s name, please email “Tunnel to Towers Foundation”. T2t.com
All but 1% of donations goes to homes and services for military, police, and fireman families.
Dress is casual as Ray has requested. If you have a funny story about Ray, please bring it to share with the group. I hope to see every one there to celebrate his life.
Denise E Abshire NMLS: 591179
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Dozens of food and beverage vendors filled the 502 Event Centre in Carmel March 7 for Taste of Carmel. The disco-themed event, which featured unlimited samples, is an annual fundraiser for the Carmel Education Foundation. Pictured, back, from left, event emcees Carmel Clay Schools Assistant Superintendent Thomas Oestreich and Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell visit with a table of guests. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Noblesville junior forward’s improvement leads to honors
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School girls basketball coach Donna Buckley is convinced junior forward CC Quigley deserves all the honors she’s received.
“She had a great year for us,” Buckley said. “She worked hard to be a really good post option as well as a player who could step out and shoot the 3-pointer. She really improved her shooting range from last season. Her efforts have been rewarded with postseason awards. She was named to the All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference’s first team and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Large School All-State honorable mention.”
Quigley, whose name is Caroline Cynthia Quigley but has been called CC since she was a baby, averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Millers (19-5). She shot 55 percent from the field. She averaged 9.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg as a sophomore. After not taking a 3-pointer as a sopho-
CC QUIGLEY
Favorite TV show: “Gossip Girl.”
Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica
Favorite athlete: Aja Wilson
Favorite subject: Photography
Favorite musician: Taylor Swift
more, she made 6 of 21 for 29 percent last season.
“I think I improved by creating a post presence for my team and also expanded my range by shooting more 3s,” Quigley said.
The 6-foot-2 forward plays for the Indiana Basketball Club on the 17U 3SSB team.
“My goals for the offseason are to drive to the basket more and work on creating my own shot,” she said.
The Millers will return three starters from this year’s team, which lost to Class
4A No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern in the sectional final.
“I am optimistic for my team next year with us each stepping into new roles,” Quigley said. “I am excited to play with this group and am looking forward to next season.”
Buckley said Quigley is working on being a more vocal leader.
“I’m sure she will be a more vocal leader as a senior,” Buckley said.
Quigley started playing basketball in sixth grade.
“I played travel soccer for five years and also ran track in eighth grade,” she said. However, she found her passion for basketball.
“I love the competitiveness and intensity of the sport and being able to play and work together with my teammates and friends,” she said.
Quigley has NCAA Division I scholarship offers from Kent State University, University of Buffalo, Wright State University and Central Michigan University.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Noblesville High School junior forward CC Quigley was named to the All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference’s first team. (Photo courtesy of Miller Athletics)
Quigley
FEELING HOMESICK
Displaced Timber Creek residents face financial, emotional hurdles as project timeline extends
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
In the nearly two years since a fire raged through a 36-condo building in Carmel’s Timber Creek, the displaced owners have scattered far and wide as they wait to move back home.
Some have rented apartments nearby. Others moved in with family, at least for a while. A few have moved on, finding new homes as they wait until their condo is inhabitable again and can be sold. At least two have died.
Five owners who spoke with Current have had different journeys since the blaze, but they all expressed a similar sentiment about the impact of repeated delays and constant uncertainty.
“It seemed reasonable at first, and we were understanding. Then they pushed (the move-in date) back again, and I was a little annoyed. But this last delay has just pushed everybody over the edge, because it’s been so long and there’s nothing we can do and we don’t really know who to blame,” said Alex Andersen, who only lived at Timber Creek for three weeks before the fire. “It’s been such poor communication, and we just don’t really know what’s happening. It’s gotten really frustrating because we seem to have no control over our lives right now.”
Andersen recently bought a house and moved to Tennessee, where he is paying two mortgages until he can sell his condo. Many of the other owners are also making monthly mortgage payments on their condo as they pay for temporary housing elsewhere, stretching finances thin. They also continue to pay approximately $250 in monthly HOA dues.
Timber Creek HOA board members acknowledged the difficulties caused by the delays, which they blamed on various causes that include administrative matters and weather.
“The board is a group of volunteers who sign up to oversee the budget, the landscaping, the pool, and maintenance of the community. We never expected to be called to do a multimillion-dollar project or face having 36 of our neighbors being displaced,” HOA President Andrew White stated on behalf of the board. “We have done the best
we could to keep things moving forward and we are deeply saddened that it’s taking a bit longer than expected. It appears the whole project will take about 26 months. It’s very unfortunate that these members of our community are going through such a hardship, and the board cares very deeply about getting each resident home.”
ON SCHEDULE?
The April 17, 2023, fire began in a second-story condo and quickly spread. All residents escaped unharmed, but the blaze — ruled accidental by the Carmel Fire Department — led to the demolition of 24 units. Six of the remaining condos were fully gutted, and the other six have been largely untouched, other than installation of a fire suppression system.
Until the rebuild is complete, none of the owners can move back home.
Residents received an email from Association Management Inc. on behalf of the Timber Creek HOA in January 2024 stating the target to move home was by the end of the year. Many signed leases at temporary homes based on that information, and most had loss-of-use insurance to cover rent for at least a year after the fire.
But in March 2024, the owners received an email from AMI stating the move-in date had been pushed back to early 2025. In January 2025, another email from the
group changed the date to May.
“We can’t make plans to move back home,” said Terri Siler, a first-floor Timber Creek resident. “Everything is up in the air. Our lives are on pause, and it’s going to be expensive.”
Siler’s loss-of-use insurance ran out in May 2024, and she’s working three jobs to afford her mortgage and rent. If she can’t move back to Timber Creek by June, her rent will increase because her lease will extend monthly rather than annually.
Having faced so many delays, many of the owners said they find it hard to believe they’ll be home by late May.
Adil Duroglu retired from his career as a software developer a month before the fire. He moved overseas to save money on temporary housing but moved back in the fall of 2024 when he was told it was time to begin selecting cabinets, flooring and other items for his restored condo.
The process has proved to be painstakingly slow, he said, and for several months he lived in a rented Airbnb or with his daughter. When he learned of the most recent delay, he decided to rent an apartment in Indianapolis. He couldn’t find one he could afford in Carmel.
“I don’t believe that they will finish by the end of May,” he said. “That’s why, (in February) I had to rent a unit for a year.”
But according to Richard Michaelis, owner and president of project general
contractor Michaelis, the work is on schedule. He said that means owners should be able to start moving back home in late May or early June, at the latest. His company’s goal has been to finish the work within two years of signing the project contract, he said, which was in July 2023.
“This schedule is realistic. We’re not behind schedule,” Michaelis said. “But obviously, everybody wants it to happen faster than sometimes humanly possible.”
However, the contract between Michaelis and the Timber Creek HOA states that the $4.8 million project was expected to take 365 days. Michaelis said the start date, which is not specified on the contract, begins when permits are issued. The company received permits in late November and early December 2023.
After Current contacted Michaelis to address the discrepancy, he said the company expected the project could take longer than a year from the start.
“We were working towards a completion date closer to one-year, however, we anticipated this project could well run into an 18 to 24 month project, due to the delays with insurance approval of the slab replacement, additional insurance company approvals, labor shortages, supply chain volatility, pinch-points in schedules and the weather,” Michaelis said.
The Timber Creek project is unique, especially for central Indiana, Michaelis said. But he is confident his company is qualified and equipped to handle it.
“You won’t see very many projects of this scale or size, simply because they usually don’t burn this badly,” Michaelis said. “This is a big project. Is it too large for Michaelis? Absolutely not. But what complicates it is that it’s 36 custom homes.”
‘LEFT OUT IN THE COLD’
The fire-damaged condo building is insured by State Farm through a policy owned by the HOA, and each condo owner has their own policy covering what was inside.
The multiple layers of ownership have complicated the process for the displaced residents.
Continued on Page 12
Work continues to rebuild and restore Timber Condos destroyed in an April 2023 fire. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Continued from Page 11
“I really feel like I’m being left out in the cold when it comes to the rebuild,” said George Vesper, who lived in the condo above where the fire started. “They are installing things without my approval, essentially spending my condo rebuild allowance without my consent. I try really hard to assert myself and say what I want, but it’s completely ignored.”
Current reached out to AMI for comment but did not receive a response.
Siler said she also felt unheard. Her condo is adjacent to the section that got torn down, and as of March 12 it was still gutted to the studs and being used to store bathtubs and other items set to be installed throughout the building. She recently found a huge hole cut into a bedroom floor and has long had concerns about a huge crack that formed in the concrete slab after the fire but has not received a satisfactory response regarding the cause or plans to repair either one.
Bryndon Preston, a 10-year Timber Creek resident, said a lack of consistent communication with the condo owners has been his biggest frustration.
“I don’t want to point and paint people who are bad guys,” he said. “I honestly believe there are multiple parties that have a piece of the puzzle. This is just a terrible situation, and I don’t see any way to get justice or recompense for it.”
RESIDENTS: DON’T SKIMP ON COVERAGE
Several Timber Creek residents said they’ve learned about the importance of loss-of-use insurance the hard way, and they don’t want others to make the same mistake.
Loss-of-use insurance covers temporary housing costs when a permanent dwelling becomes uninhabitable. Policies range on how long the coverage lasts.
Bryndon Preston’s condo is paid off, but he has been paying $2,000 a month to rent temporary housing.
“Loss-of-use insurance is ridiculously inexpensive,” he said. “The bank does not care that your house burned down, you still have to pay your mortgage. So that loss-of-use coverage is a lifesaver.”
ON THE COVER: Work continues to rebuild and restore Timber Condos destroyed in an April 2023 fire. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Ale Emporium sweeps wings, pizza, bar food categories
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Ale Emporium, with multiple locations in central Indiana, won three categories in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest — best bar food, best chicken wings and best pizza.
Co-owner Tony Kwiatkowski said the business is honored to be recognized.
“Winning best wings and best pizza, and then winning best bar is a true compliment based on how many really nice and great bars there are in Hamilton County,” he said, noting that the business offers a sports-bar atmosphere with live music in addition to its signature menu. “The combination of our menu, our service and then the sports environment — and then on top of that, you do live music on the weekends — there’s a lot going on there that makes us pretty popular.”
Ale Emporium’s original bar opened in 1982 in the Castleton area, 8617 Allisonville Rd. Kwiatkowski said they expanded first to Fishers in 2018, 11501 Geist Pavilion Dr., and in 2019 opened a Greenwood location, 997 E. County Line Rd. B. They plan to open a fourth location in Avon this summer.
“(We’ve) been around a long time but our growth has really just come in the last seven years or so,” Kwiatkowski said. “We’re kind of famous for our wings and our wing sauces — our famous sauce is called Hermanaki.”
Hermanaki sauce, which is teriyaki-inspired, is one of the “Herman” series
developed by Herman Perryman, who joined the team in the late 1980s.
“Those main sauces are our most popular sauces,” Kwiatkowski said. “There are multiple contests throughout the year that we get submitted for best wings — a lot of it’s based on the Hermanaki sauce, which we win a lot of awards for, but … all those Herman sauces kind of put us on the map as far as wings.”
He said they refer to their pizza as “honest,” because they don’t skimp on the toppings.
Kwiatkowski said part of the Ale Emporium’s appeal is that it’s a local, family-owned business — started by Marc Luros and now co-owned by Luros’ son-in-law, Scott Baun and Kwiatkowski. While the Castleton business is 21-andover, the Fishers and Greenwood locations are family friendly.
Kwiatkowski added that the business helps raise funds for many area nonprofits, especially youth sports programs, and customers appreciate their community support.
For more, visit aleemporium.securetree.com.
Ale Emporium in Fishers is one of three locations owned by the Indianapolis-based business. (Photo courtesy of Ale Emporium)
Sara H., patient
Service makes the difference for Khamis Fine Jewelers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Mary Khamis-Rowe, it’s the service that has kept her business going strong for three decades.
Khamis Fine Jewelers, which was named Best Jewelery Store in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest, is celebrating its 30th year in business, having opened in November 1995.
Khamis-Rowe said two jewelers do the repairs and custom pieces. Khamis-Rowe performs appraisals. She is a certified gemologist and a certified appraiser of personal property.
Khamis-Rowe
“We were really excited to get the (award) and we appreciate all our customers voting for us,” Khamis-Rowe said of her store at 9763 Fall Creek Rd. in Indianapolis. “We enjoy helping people enjoy important milestones in their life by helping them pick the right piece of jewelry. We’ve become part of the neighborhood and the Indianapolis area — Carmel, Fishers and the surrounding area. We try to give the best service that we can.”
Khamis-Rowe said custom jewelry is an important part of the business.
“It’s a family piece that was handed down to you, which happens a lot these days, and it’s just not your style but you want to do something with the stones,” she said. “We can create a new piece where the customer would wear it and enjoy it.”
“I not only have training in the gemology aspect of it but also on the appraising aspect of it,” Khamis-Rowe said. “There are only two or three of us in the state that have that designation. I do a lot of appraisals for attorneys, for banks, for the FBI and for insurance.”
The service the store provides allows Khamis-Rowe to have more of a personal relationship with her customers.
“I get invited to weddings,” she said. “A lot of customers have become friends of mine. I’ve got customers texting me at 10 o’clock at night. Pretty much any jewelry store can sell anything or make anything, but it’s the service you give the customer that is going to bring them back to the store. That’s what I always tell my employees. We just need the best service and that’s what we strive for.”
Khamis-Rowe, a Geist-area resident, has been in the jewelry business for 47 years.
Khamis Fine Jewelers has four employeea. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.
For more, visit khamisjewelers.com.
Khamis Fine Jewelers received Best Jewelers in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest. (Photo courtesy of Mary Khamis-Rowe)
Rejoicing Vine celebrates wine, sustainability
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A family-owned north Indianapolis business that specializes in sparkling wines won top honors for Best Winery in the Current Best Of North Indy 2025 competition, only two years after opening.
Rejoicing Vine owners Brent and Frances Kumfer met in Connecticut. As they got to know each other, they toured local wineries in that state and talked about opening their own winery someday. After relocating to Carmel — and when their kids were old enough to be in school — they looked into how they could make that dream come true.
Brent Kumfer had left his corporate job to stay home with the kids. His former career focused on launching products, so he had a business background that complimented his more earthy interests of wine making and gardening. They said it took two years of searching before they found the right location at 8440 W. 82nd St., just south of Zionsville.
“It used to be one of the biggest orchid farms between the coasts, but it had closed down about a decade before we ended up coming here,” Frances Kumfer said. “Everything was overgrown — like, we had our son out in the field and the grasses were higher than his head.”
She said their Realtor was more than a little surprised when they decided to buy the spot, but it had everything they wanted — a building, a greenhouse and plenty of space. It just needed work — about two years’ worth of work, to be precise. They did a lot of the interior demolition themselves and cleared the field for grapes.
“It’s just a really kind of serene property,” Frances Kumfer said of the site, which is close to Eagle Creek Park. “It feels like you’re out in rural Indiana, but really, you’re only 20 minutes from downtown. It’s right off of 465 and 65, so it’s easy access to get to. We kind of really lucked out in finding this property.”
Brent Kumfer, who is at the winery pretty much every day, said customers seem to appreciate the hands-on, personal nature of the business.
“Customers have direct access to the
Award-Winning Catering!
owner, to the winemaker, and I think they find that exciting and love to learn about the stories,” he said, adding that they like to stress the importance of sustainability. “I felt like this was a calling from God to help the community. I kind of call wine our Trojan horse. So, we get people in the door and we talk about sustainability, we talk about our faith and things that people normally wouldn’t just openly discuss.”
To promote sustainability, they keg many of their wines rather than bottling them, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. They also donate to local charities that help people get better access to fresh produce and they promote other small businesses through partnerships with local florists, cheesemongers, coffee roasters and bakers, among others. They also use a regenerative farming technique, which promotes natural diversity to improve the health of their crops — which leads to better tasting wine.
Grapes that do best in Indiana’s climate work well for sparkling wine, which is why Rejoicing Vine primarily offers the bubbly stuff. Unlike most wineries that have many still wines and just one or two sparkling varieties, Rejoicing Vine has about seven bubbly selections, with just one nonsparkling wine on the menu. For more, visit rejoicingvine.com.
Zing! Cafe is a Gold Winner in Catering and a top coffee shop nominee! As a locally owned, woman-run cafe, we serve quick, casual breakfast and lunch, plus expertly crafted coffee. Stop by for a fresh brew or a delicious meal and see why we're an awardwinning favorite! Visit
I’m honored to be chosen the Gold Winner in Travel Services for Suburban North Indy! I truly cherish helping families create Magical Vacation Memories. If you’re planning a Disney Vacation, I’d love to assist — let’s make your dream trip a reality! Danielle Ott danielle@hihovacations.com 317-750-0450 /totheparksandbeyond www.hihovacations.com Thank you for your votes!
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of IU Health North Hospital, we celebrate the team members, providers and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to serving others. From broken bones to broken hearts, from miracles born to miracles made through innovation and medical advancement, we’re proud to care for our neighbors and call Hamilton County home. We look forward to continuing to serve with skill and
Frances and Brent Kumfer of Carmel are the owners and operators of Rejoicing Vine in northwest Indianapolis. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
8
March 18, 2025
Food quality, customer service top priorities at Joe’s Butcher Shop
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
It’s been nearly 20 years since Joe and Kathy Lazzara launched Joe’s Butcher Shop at 111 W. Main St. Since then, it’s become a destination for both hungry diners in search of a fresh sandwich and those seeking premier ingredients to cook at home.
Joe Lazzara answered the following questions from Current about the business and its long-term success in the Arts & Design District. Learn more at JoesButcherShop.com.
Why did you decide to open Joe’s Butcher Shop?
I traveled quite a bit with my previous career and made a hobby out of visiting James Beard-nominated restaurants. I learned that what made many of the restaurants and chefs great was sourcing clean, sustainably raised, fresh proteins. We felt there was a gap in the Carmel market for a butcher shop and fish market that provided higher quality proteins
for the home chef.
How would you describe the shop to someone who hasn’t been before?
A local butcher shop and fish market committed to customer service that serves the finest, most sustainable proteins they can source. We sell products from over 20 truly local providers and serve up what many believe are the best tasting sandwiches in central Indiana.
The staff is friendly and the butchers knowledgeable. Both care about serving your needs and keeping your business. What makes the shop unique?
The first is the quality of the beef and the expert way it’s cut for the customers’ needs. When it comes to fresh fish, it would be difficult to find somewhere that cares more about marine stewardship while providing a superior product. Our deli and sandwich area has a full kitchen where we craft our sides and sandwiches from over 140 unique fromscratch recipes.
What is your favorite item and why?
Wow, I have so many favorites! I can start with our incredible fresh reserve Salmon and move through our beef case from our vacio/flap steak to our reserve filet mignon. On the grocery side, it’s got to be Heidi Ho’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. They are wickedly sinful. Sandwich-wise, it’s tough to beat our Evan’s IPA Braised Beef Sandwich, incredible. We dry-age our own beef and pork, and lately I’ve become obsessed with our double thick cut 14-day dry aged pork chop. It eats more like a great beef steak
than a pork chop. It’s just outstanding. What do you enjoy about operating in downtown Carmel?
We took a risk establishing a store downtown when the Art & Design District was in its infancy. Downtown Carmel has become a hub of great events and a true community place to gather. We’ve had a front seat to what might be the most beautiful, successful growth experience of any city in the U.S. over the last 20 years. What’s not to enjoy?
What do you most want people to know about the shop?
That we are committed and focused on serving our customers to provide the best quality proteins and experience possible. That we love serving our community not just through our work, in and outside of Joe’s, but in how we take care of our 18 full-time and 32 part-time employees.
Anything else you want to share?
How honestly humble and amazed we are every day that our customers and community have made the choice for nearly 20 years to support our employees and what we do.
Joe’s Butcher Shop sells products from more than 20 local providers. (Photo courtesy of Joe’s Butcher Shop)
BAKERY
Taylors Bakery
taylorsbakery.bakesmart.com 317-596-2253
Le Petit Gateau lpgbakery.com 317-408-5500
BAR
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com
317-288-7394
3UP
3uprooftop.com
317-740-0930
BBQ
Big Hoffas Smokehouse bighoffas.com 317-867-0077
City Barbeque citybbq.com 317-660-8369
BREAKFAST
Rosies Place rosiesplace.net 317-688-7350
Cafe Patachou cafepatachou.com 317-569-0965
BREWERY
Sun King sunkingbrewing.com 317-843-6250
Bier Brewery bierbrewery.com 317-444-8500
BURGER
Gold
BRU Burger Bar bruburgerbar.com 317-975-0033
Roots Burger Bar rootsburgerbar.com 463-273-2004
CATERING
Zing Cafe zingcafecarmel.com 463-248-6340
City Barbeque citybbq.com 317-660-8369
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
CHICKEN WINGS
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com 317-288-7394
The Friendly Tavern friendlytavernzionsville.com 317-873-5772
CHINESE FOOD
China Wok 161chinawok.com 317-896-8786
Kings Garden carmelkingsgarden.com 317-573-9999
COFFEE SHOP
RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery rivetcoffee.com 317-763-0007
Indie Coffee Roasters indiecoffeeroasters.com 317-993-3443
DESSERT
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers thecakebakeshop.com 317-257-2253
Graeters Ice Cream graeters.com 317-810-1673
DISTILLERY West Fork Whiskey Co. westforkwhiskey.com 317-763-5400
Four Finger Distillery North fourfingerdistillery.com 317-804-5675
DONUTS
Titus Bakery and Deli titusbakery.com 317-763-1700
Pana Donut
Coffee & Boba Tea panadonut.com 317-757-3933
FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Anthonys Chophouse anthonyschophouse.com
317-740-0900
Harry & Izzys harryandizzys.com
317-915-8045
GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
ATHENS ON 86th athenson86th.com
317-879-8644
Canal Bistro canal-bistro.com
317-254-8700
The Great Greek Mediterranean thegreatgreekgrill.com/ carmel-in-medical-dr 463-273-1311
HAPPY HOUR
Gold 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo 1933lounge.com
317-758-1933
Kona Grill konagrill.com 317-566-1400
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Amber Indian Restaurant indianindy.com/amber-carmel 317-580-0828
The Monks monkscarmel.com
317-564-8266
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
The Italian House italianhousedining.com
317-804-5619
Capri Italian Restaurant capriindianapolis.com
317-259-4122
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Nori Japanese Steakhouse noriwestfield.com
317-763-9903
Sakura indysakuraexpress.com
317-259-4171
COME BY OUR SHOWROOM
Restore Your Core Physical Therapy aims to individualize care
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
In Current’s inaugural Best Of Suburban North Indy contest, which recognizes businesses that make local communities thrive, Restore Your Core Physical Therapy won the top honor for physical therapy provider. Restore Your Core Physical Therapy, which has locations in Carmel, Zionsville and Greenwood, offers pelvic floor physical therapy, such as birth preparation, dry needling and cupping, among other services.
ligaments and joints to improve musculoskeletal function and reduce pain, sets it apart from other physical therapy facilities in the area.
“We employ many different treatment techniques and provide individualized exercise programs,” Robinson said. “A lot of the times when you go to physical therapy, they give you exercises to do, and then you come back and do those same exercises. We don’t do that. We check the exercises, but then we give clients new ones. So, everything is very individualized.”
Dr. Amy Robinson, a physical therapist who opened Restore Your Core Physical Therapy in 2016, said it is an out-of-network practice, which means it provides services outside of a health insurance plan’s network.
“I chose to be an out-of-network practice because we get to spend more time with our clients 1-on-1,” Robison said. “We can work our clients through an entire plan of care versus in the insurance-based world, where you can only get patients good enough, and then they make you cut them free. In our business, we see patients until they are better and build some resiliency within their system so (that) their symptoms don’t return.”
Robinson said the practice’s manual therapy, a hands-on treatment that involves manipulation of muscles, tendons,
Robinson said Restore Your Core Physical Therapy staff are specialized in pelvic floor therapy.
“We look at the pelvic floor in a very functional manner,” Robinson said. “When you go to physical therapy school, you’re lucky to get an hour lecture in the field of public health, and you have to go back after physical therapy school to get that education. At our clinic, two of us have nearly 30 years of practice, and we don’t just look at our patients lying on a table. That’s not functional.”
Robinson said the goal is to show patients that Restore Your Core Physical Therapy cares about them as individuals.
“My business has personally grown more from word-of-mouth referrals and less from marketing,” Robinson said. “It feels good that our patients see that we are different from other similar places.”
For more, visit restoreyourcorept.com.
Robinson
LATE NIGHT EATS
The Mill Tavern barwestfield.com 317-399-6972
Melt N Dip meltndip.com 317-827-2120
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant lahaciendaindianapolis.com 317-577-2689
Los Agaves losagavesgrill.com 317-804-9240
PIZZA
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com 317-288-7394
Bazbeaux Pizza bazbeaux.com 317-848-4488
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Monterey Cuisine montereycuisine.com 317-853-2280
noah grants grill house & oyster bar noahgrants.com 317-732-2233
STEAKHOUSE Anthonys Chophouse anthonyschophouse.com 317-740-0900
1933 Lounge by St. Elmo 1933lounge.com 317-758-1933
THAI FOOD
Thai Delight thaidelightwestfield.com 317-804-5553
Jasmine Thai Restaurant jasminethaiindy.com 317-848-8950
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
Winners were picked by readers at youarecurrent.com from Jan. 29-Feb. 11 with more than 36,000 votes cast.
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
Yats
yatscajuncreole.com 317-581-1881
Garden Table thegardentable.com/carmel 317-669-0240
WINERY
The Rejoicing Vine rejoicingvine.com 317-946-1338
Peace Water Winery peacewaterwinery.com 317-810-1330
ASSISTED LIVING
The Barrington of Carmel tboc.org 317-810-1800
Zionsville Meadows asccare.com/community/ zionsville-meadows 317-873-5205
BARBER SHOP
Black Orchid Barbers blackorchidbarbers.com 317-829-5740
Barber Shop 32 barbershop32.com 317-804-3623
CANCER TREATMENT CENTER
Community Hospital North ecommunity.com/locations/ community-hospital-north 317-621-6262
Witham Health Services: Cancer Institute witham.org 765- 483-7310
CHIROPRACTOR
Hope Chiropractic hopeindy.com 317-973-0304
Rangeline Chiropractic rangelinechiropractic.com 317- 575-1115
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
SmileCentric smilecentric.com
317-764-2938
Turkle & Associates turklemd.com 317-848-0001
My Plastic Surgery Group myplasticsurgerygroup.com
317-848-5512
DENTIST
Alexa L. Haulk DDS park100dc.com
317-291-8957
Dr. Gregory J. Pease DDS weence.com/medical/ doctors/westfield/ dr-gregory-j-pease-dds-2 317-867-2828
DERMATOLOGIST
Forefront Dermatology forefrontdermatology.com/ location/carmel-in-46032 317-846-2396
Dawes Fretzin Dermatology dawesfretzin.com 317-516-5000
DOCTOR/HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Be Well Family Care bewellfamilycare.com
317-938-4559
Cool Creek Family Health: Farah Myers FNP coolcreekfamilyhealth.com 317-663-9932
EYE CARE/ EYE DOCTOR
Abrams EyeCare abrams11455.wpengine.com 317-846-4223
RevolutionEYES revolution-eyes.com
317-844-2020
The Shooting Academy focuses on safety, training
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Shooting Academy, formerly Tim’s Shooting Academy, is more than just a shooting range and licensed firearms dealer.
Located just south of Grand Park in Westfield, The Shooting Academy is a destination for those who shoot and those who are looking to learn.
With the recent rebrand to The Shooting Academy comes a larger selection of firearms and accessories and expanded training course offerings. The indoor range includes 15 total lanes — five dedicated for rifles and 10 for handguns.
In addition to shooting practice, The Shooting Academy offers a number of training courses, including one-on-one training with certified instructors. One of the more popular classes is a ladies-only basic pistol training course.
The main focus at The Shooting Academy is safety — providing proper training on weapons so patrons learn not just how to shoot, but how to be comfortable around their weapons.
Typical customers bring their own guns to the range and purchase ammunition and a target on-site, or they can rent a gun for use within the facility. People who want to purchase or are considering purchasing a weapon can rent one of 50plus guns to try it out on the range and see what feels most comfortable.
The Shooting Academy is open to the public and offers a variety of memberships, ranging from $29 to $65 per
The Shooting Academy has 15 total lanes, with five dedicated for rifles and 10 for handguns. (Photo courtesy of The Shooting Academy)
month. Lanes can be rented for 30- or 60-minute sessions.
The number one benefit of The Shooting Academy over other shooting ranges — the Westfield location is indoors. That means people can participate in practice or training year-round.
The Shooting Academy is at 17777 Commerce Dr. in Westfield. The range is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The range is closed on Mondays.
The business also considers itself an entertainment destination. Families, including children 12 and older who are accompanied by an adult, are welcome on the range to practice.
While the facility is undergoing rebranding to The Shooting Academy, information is available on the website under its former name, timsshootingacademy.com.
March 18, 2025
Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
Winners were picked by readers at youarecurrent.com from Jan. 29-Feb. 11 with
GYM/FITNESS CENTER
Roundtripper
Sports Academy roundtripper.com
317-896-2900 studio fitnez studiofitnez.com 317-225-1301
HAIR REMOVAL
Renova Aesthetics renovaaesthetics.com 317-564-8305
The Naked Monkey wax-that-monkey. myshopify.com 317-566-2929
HAIR SALON
Collective Beauty Salon & Med Spa collectivebeautysalonspa.com 317-399-7872
Renova Aesthetics renovaaesthetics.com 317-564-8305
HOME CARE/HOSPICE
BrightStar Care brightstarcare.com/ locations/indianapolis-nw 317- 706-0799
Suburban Home Health suburbanhomehealth.org 800-464-6716
HOSPITAL
IU Health North Hospital iuhealth.org/find-locations/ iu-health-north-hospital
Ascension St. Vincent Carmel healthcare.ascension. org/Locations/Indiana/ INEVA/Carmel-AscensionSt-Vincent-Carmel
MED-SPA
Renova Aesthetics renovaaesthetics.com 317-564-8305
Lash And Brow Design Co. lashandbrowdesignco.com 317- 800-2958
MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
Thrive Counseling Services thrivecounselingindy.com 317-207-6301
The Cabin Counseling and Resource Center thecabin.org 317-873-8140
ORTHODONTIST
Village Orthodontics vosmiles.com 317-873-6927
Titus Orthodontics titusortho.com 317-399-9293
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics forteortho.com 317-817-1200
OrthoIndy orthoindy.com 317-275-6140
PEDIATRICIAN
Hazel Dell Pediatrics hazeldellpediatrics.com 317-843-9475
Northpoint Pediatrics northpointpeds.com 317-621-9000
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Restore Your Core Physical Therapy restoreyourcorept.com 317-559-2673 Get Right Physical Therapy getrightphysicaltherapy.com 317-750-0626
WOMENS CLINIC
OB/GYN of Indiana
more.axiawh.com 317-573-7050
Witham Health Services: Womens Center witham.org 765-485-8370
YOGA/PILATES
Fire & Flow Yoga fireandflowcarmel.com
317-296-7496
YogaSix Carmel yogasix.com/carmel 317-771-6049
APPLIANCE STORE
Lowes Home Improvement lowes.com/store/ IN-Carmel/1525 317-566-8124
Menards menards.com/store-details/ store.html?store=3083 317-580-9400
BATHROOM / SHOWER
REMODELING
Bath Experts bathexperts.com 317-576-4721
4011 Vincennes Road Indianapolis, 46268
New Bath Today newbathtoday.com 833-456-4537
CARPET & FLOORING STORE
Full Circle Flooring fullcirclefloors.com
317-550-3863
McCools Flooring mccoolsflooring.com 317-843-2655
CLEANING SERVICE
Mop It Like Its Hot mopitlikeitshot.net 317-345-0045
Bin Scrub binscrub.com 317-798-0000
CUSTOM CLOSETS
Closets by Design - Indianapolis indianapolis. closetsbydesign.com
317-766-9001
Innovative Cabinets & Closets inncorp.com 317-846-2018
We’re beyond grateful to be voted #1 Yoga/Pilates Studio in Suburban North Indy! Your support means everything, and we’re honored to share our space with you.
At Fire & Flow Yoga, every breath, every movement, and every shared moment weaves us together. Here, you’re not just practicing — you’re part of something bigger.
As a thank you, text, email, or call us — tell us you saw this ad, and you AND a friend get one free class! See you on the mat, where we rise together!
- Greg & Cindi Odle
March 18, 2025
Current Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
Be Well Family Care offers unique patient experience
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
your vote!
Moms at Sea Travel is honored to be acknowledged as a family cruise resource by our Indianapolis area customers. We thank you for your support and look forward to helping you plan a lifetime of vacations.
Be Well Family Care, a medical clinic at 12430 N Clark St. in Carmel, won top honors for Best Doctor in Current’s inaugural Best Of North Indy 2025 competition.
The facility offers primary care services, such as physicals and pap smears, and introduces patients to community partners such as restaurants, chefs, health coaches and martial arts instructors as resources for healthy lifestyle changes.
The clinic opened in 2017, and Dr. Swathi Rao is owner and medical director. She said her dream was to create a practice dedicated to partnering with patients on their medical journeys.
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“Oftentimes, you’ll go to family practices when you’re sick or once a year for a physical, but we are striving to find risk factors and treat them before disease happens,” Rao said. “We have much longer office visits with our patients and spend a lot of time getting to know them when they’re healthy, so they don’t get sick.”
The practice’s motto is to “Eat, sleep, move and cook well to be well.” The facility has a kitchen and offers cooking classes, yoga, discussions and a variety of events.
“We do group visits where we cook with our patients and have move-well visits with them,” Rao said. “We bring in local community partners that offer different ways to exercise, eat healthy and de-stress, and we do those classes
with our patients during the day or in the evening as group visits. For our patients, we bill those to insurance, but we invite nonpatients to come and join us in those classes as well.”
Rao said making the relationship between staff at Be Well Family Care into a partnership sets them apart from other area facilities.
“I think a lot of doctors are very authoritative, and we really try to meet patients where they are,” Rao said. “I feel like I only have a limited amount of time with patients to tell them how to improve their life and if I can use that time to help them understand what they need to change in their life, whether it be sleeping, stressing, eating or moving, then that impacts what we’re doing here. It motivates them to make changes, and they understand why they need to make those changes.”
For more, visit bewellfamilycare.com.
The teaching kitchen at Be Well Family Care. (Photo courtesy of Be Well Family Care)
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Old Town
Design Group
oldtowndesigngroup.com 317-816-3151
Wedgewood Building Company wedgewoodbc.com 317-669-6300
ELECTRICIAN
Huston Electric Westfield hustonelectric.com
463-294-2007
Electric Today electric-today.com 317- 252-0380
FENCE COMPANY
Amerifence amerifenceusa.com 463-259-6412
Cameron Fence Builders cfbindy.com 317-873-6950
FURNITURE STORE
RG Decor rgdecor.com 317-873-6139
Arhaus arhaus.com/pages/ indianapolis-in 317-913-9141
GARAGE DOOR COMPANY
Garage Doors Of Indianapolis doorstoday.com 317-820-2452
Precision Garage Door Service
garagedoorindianapolis.com 317- 846-2332
GARDENING STORE/ NURSERY
Sullivan Hardware & Garden sullivanhardware.com 317-255-9230
Rosies Gardens and Hughes Landscape rosiesgardens.com 317-844-6157
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
Winners were picked by
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Fix It In Fishers LLC nextdoor.com/pages/ fix-it-in-fishers-llc-fishers-in/ 317-440-0355
My Guy Services myguyservicesllc.com 317-755-6444
HEAT & AIR COMPANY
Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning airtron.com/indianapolis 317-489-0897
Control Tech
Heating Air & Plumbing callcontroltech.com 317-873-3737
HOME BUILDER
David Weekly Homes davidweekleyhomes.com 765-335-5034
Beazer Homes beazer.com 317-602-1498
HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE
Sullivan Hardware & Garden sullivanhardware.com 317-255-9230 Menards menards.com/store-details/ store.html?store=3083 317-580-9400
HOME MORTGAGE
Gatz-Knight Mortgage Team gatzknightteam.com 317-731-4760
Mike Miller
Prosperity Home Mortgage phmloans.com/ mortgageconsultant/ mikemiller 317-730-7049
LANDSCAPING
Sundown Gardens
sundowngardens.com
317-846-0620
Eagle Creek Nursery & Landscape eaglecreeknursery.com 317-291-7660
MATTRESS STORE
Holder Mattress Company Inc. holdermattress.com
317-848-2939
Village Mattress villagefurnitureandmattress.com 317-733-6406
MOVING SERVICES
Colt Moving coltmoving.com
317-476-3762
Carter Van Lines & A-1 Storage cartervanlines.com
317-873-3144
PEST CONTROL
Scat pest control scatpest.com
317-758-6300
Critter Control Of Hamilton County crittercontrolhamiltoncounty. com
317-953-2523
PLUMBER
Hope Plumbing hopeplumbing.com
317-207-2733
Howald Heating Air Conditioning & Plumbing howaldheatingandair.com
317-255-4328
POOL & SPAS
Family Leisure Indianapolis familyleisure.com/ Indianapolis 317-8234448
Master Spas masterspas.com 260-459-7727
March 18, 2025
Current Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Edwards Realty Group Encore Sothebys International Realty edwardsrealtygroupzionsville. com
317-270-2125
Stacey Sobczak Realtor/Broker compass.com/agents/ stacey-sobczak 317-650-6736
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Circle Real Estate circle-re.com 317-989-0074
Catron Property Group talktotucker.com/ adam.catron 317-414-7219
REMODELER/ CONTRACTOR
Worthington Design & Remodeling worthingtonindy.com 317- 846-2600
Indigo Renovations Inc indigoreno.com 317-995-0083
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Hoosier Village Retirement Community hoosiervillage.com 317-873-3349
Promenade Trails A 55 & Better Community promenade-trails.com 463-227-0951
ROOFING COMPANY
Bone Dry Roofing bonedry.com/indianapolis 317-489-6400
Beard Roofing and Exteriors beardroofing.com 317-689-7663
TREE SERVICE
Xanderbuilt Tree Care xanderbuilt.net 317-848-8885
SavATreeTree Service & Lawn Care savatree.com/locations/ carmel-indiana 317-846-3778
AUTO BODY REPAIR
Caliber Collision caliber.com/find-a-location/ zionsville 317-875-8434
Performance Collision Center performanceindy.com 317- 733-2758
AUTO DEALERSHIP NEW
Tom Wood Subaru tomwoodsubaru.com 317-805-7775
Ed Martin Toyota edmartintoyota.com 317-764-2700
AUTO DEALERSHIP PREOWNED
Tom Roush Mazda tomroushmazda.com 317-896-5561
Bill Estes Toyota billestestoyota.com 317-434-6990
AUTO SERVICE CENTER
Eslers Auto Repair Inc. eslersautorepair.com 317-896-9060
Westfield
Automotive L.L.C westfieldauto1.com 317-867-5500
Tom Roush Lincoln tomroushlincoln.com 317-399-7474
CAR WASH
Crew Car Wash crewcarwash.com 317-272-0381
Prime Car Wash primecarwash.com 317-591-9385
TIRE STORE
Discount Tire discounttire.com/store/ in/carmel/s/1415 317-818-0273
Belle Tire belletire.com/ stores/detail/138/ belle-tire-carmel-in 317-688-1538
Winners were picked by readers at youarecurrent.com from Jan. 29-Feb. 11 with more than 36,000 votes cast.
CREDIT UNION
FORUM
Credit Union forumcu.com
317-558-6000
Centra Credit Union centra.org 800-232-3642
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW
James H Voyles Jr Attorney at Law 317-632-4463
Yosha Law Injury & Accident Lawyers yoshalawfirm.com/ areas-served-indianapolis 317-648-7319
DRY CLEANING/LAUNDRY
Classic Cleaners classiccleaners.com 317-942-0844
Carmel Cleaners 317-846-8923
FAMILY LAW
Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates P.C. rgeyerlaw.com 317-973-0237
Lewis Wagner LLP lewiswagner.com 317-237-0500
FLORIST
Petals & Pollen petalsandpollen.com 317-260-0374
Oberers Flowers oberers.com 317-575-1197
FUNERAL HOME /SERVICES
ARN Funeral & Cremation Services arnmortuary.com 317-873-4776
Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care simplicityfuneraland cremationcare.com 317-344-3600
INSURANCE AGENT
Dennis A. Hunt Insurance & Financial Services huntinsurance411.com 317-896-2420
Teresa ChapmanState Farm Insurance Agent teresachapman.net 317-844-1270
INSURANCE COMPANY
American Family Insurance www.amfam.com 800-92-6326 AAA aaa.com 866-209-8442
LAW FIRM
Dillman & Owen Estate & Elder Law applegate-dillman.com 317-492-9569
The Dollard Firm thedollardfirm.com 317-770-7070
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Indiana Women In Need Foundation iwinfoundation.org 317-475-0565
Humane Society For Hamilton County hamiltonhumane.com 317-773-4974
PET DAYCARE/ BOARDING
K8s MoTail katelynmayner.wixsite. com/k8smotail 765-535-8242
Katy The K9 Keeper katythek9keeper.com 317-992-0089
PET GROOMING
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com
317-660-2636
Club Canine carmelclubcanine.com 317-669-2162
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jen Clark Photography jenclark.photography 317-502-1160
Brian McGuckin Photography LLC brianmcguckin.com 317-496-8784
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Hasten Hebrew Academy hhai.org 317-251-1261
Guerin Catholic High School guerincatholic.org 317-582-0120
PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Carmel Clay School District ccs.k12.in.us 317-844-9961
Westfield Washington Schools wws.k12.in.us 317- 867-8000
TAILOR/SEAMSTRESS
PJ Alterations facebook.com/pjalterations 317-844-1192
Lucys Tailor 317-815-9586
TATTOO/PIERCING
Forever Gallery Tattoo 4evergallery.com
317-810-1049
Carmel Tattoo INK carmeltattoo.com 317-571-8282
thegreatgreekgrill.com/carmel-in-rangeline
March 18, 2025
Current Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
TRAVEL SERVICES
Danielle Ott Hi Ho Vacations hihovacations.com 317- 750-0450
Jamie Ross / Moms At Sea momsatsea.com/contact
VETERINARIAN
PetVet365 Pet Hospital petvet365.com 317-343-0550
Clayton Family Veterinary Care claytonfamilyvet.com 317-218-3142
WEDDING VENUE
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts thecenterpresents.org 317-843-3800
Ritz Charles ritzcharles.com 317- 846-9158
BICYCLE SHOP
Future Velo Electric Bikes futurevelo.com 317-810-0940
Bicycle Garage Indy & BGI Fitness bgindy.com 317-842-4140
BOOKSTORE
Turn the Page Books & Gifts turnthepagewestfield.com 317-804-2363
Barnes & Noble stores.barnesandnoble. com/store/2933 317-844-2501
BRIDAL/FORMAL WEAR
Blue House Bridal bluehousebridal.com 317-683-3574
Nancys Bridal Boutique nancysbridalboutique.com 317-842-2080
CHILDRENS
CLOTHING STORE
Once Upon A Child onceuponachild.com 317-846-7011
Little Tulip Tree littletuliptree.com 317-564-0503
CONSIGNMENT/ THRIFT STORE
Amandas Exchange amandasexchange.shop 317-573-4400
Goodwill Store goodwillindy.org 317-524-4313
GROCERY STORE
Kroger kroger.com
317-867-6314
Market District Supermarket marketdistrict.com/ stores/6550 317-569-0171
HARDWARE STORE
Sullivan Hardware & Garden sullivanhardware.com 317-255-9230
Menards menards.com/store-details/ store.html?store=3083 317-580-9400
Whites Ace Hardware whitesacehardware.com 317-846-2311
HOME DECORATOR J. Gauker Interiors jgaukerinteriors.com 317-590-8627 Eleven 18 Interior Design eleven18design.com 765-425-6554
JEWELRY STORE Khamis Fine Jewelers khamisjewelers.com 317-841-8440
Hupp Jewelers huppjewelers.com 317-845-0777
MENS CLOTHING STORE
Bonobos bonobos.com 317-975-2984
Athletic Annex athleticannex.com 317-669-2191
PET STORE
Three Dog Bakery threedogindy.com 317-776-6699
Hollywood Feed locations.hollywoodfeed. com/indiana/ carmel/2484-e-146th-st 317-571-0080
PLACE TO BUY MEAT
Joes Butcher Shop and Fish Market joesbutchershop.com 317-846-8877
Moodys Butcher Shop moodysbutchershop.com 317-873-1800
WOMENS
CLOTHING STORE
A.D.A Vintage Boutique instagram.com/ a.d.a_vintageboutique/ AH Collection ahcollection.com 317-580-0370
ANNUAL EVENT/FAIR
Carmel
Christkindlmarkt carmelchristkindlmarkt.com 317-559-6608
Indy 500 indianapolismotorspeedway. com/events/indy500
ART GALLERY
CV Art and Frame cvartandframe.com 317-873-2976
Art On Main Gallery And Gifts artonmaingalleryandgifts.com 317-564-4115
BOUTIQUE HOTEL/INN
Hotel Carmichael marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ indak-hotel-carmichaelautograph-collection 317-688-1700
Brick Street Inn brickstreetinn.com 317-873-1900 175 South Main Street Zionsville, 46077
CASINO GAMING ESTABLISHMENT
French Lick Springs Hotel frenchlick.com 888-976-3617
Harrahs Hoosier Park Casino Racetrack caesars.com/ harrahs-hoosier-park 800-526-7223
DANCE STUDIO
Indiana Ballet Conservatory indianaballetconservatory.org 463-273-6441
Thank
Central Indiana Academy of Dance ciaodance.com 317-581-2423
EVENT VENUE
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts thecenterpresents.org 317-843-3800 Fishers Event Center fisherseventcenter.com 463-244-2224
GOLF COURSE
Holliday Farms Zionsville hollidayfarmszionsville.com 317-973-5045
Prairie View Golf Club prairieviewgc.com 317-816-3100
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre civictheatre.org 317-843-3800
PICKLEBALL COURTS
The Dink House thedinkhouse.com 317-564-0303 The Picklr thepicklr.com 317-936-3465
SHOOTING RANGE
The Shooting Academy formerly Tims ShootingAcademy timsshootingacademy.com 317-399-7918
Atlanta Conservation Club atlantaconservationclub.com SPA Woodhouse Spa carmel.woodhousespas.com 317-706-1300
Carmel Salt Caves carmelsaltcaves.com 317-533-1485
1933 Lounge to open April 1
news@currentincarmel.com
1933 Lounge is set to open April 1 in Carmel.
RESTAURANT
The restaurant at 175 S. Range Line Rd. marks the third 1933 Lounge for Huse Culinary, which also owns and operates locations in Fishers and Indianapolis above St. Elmo Steakhouse.
The upscale restaurant will feature premium steaks, fresh seafood and crafted cocktails.
“Bringing the 1933 Lounge to Carmel has long been our vision, as the city embodies a deep appreciation for exceptional dining and craftsmanship,” Huse Culinary CEO Craig Huse stated in a press release. “This expansion reflects our commitment to excellence — not just in the food and cocktails we serve but in the atmosphere we create. Every detail of this space, from rich textures to inviting ambiance, was designed to offer a sophisticated yet comfortable gathering place for the community.”
The 8,200-square-foot Carmel restaurant will have space for 200 diners indoors and
an additional 70 on the patio. It will include eight private and semi-private dining spaces to accommodate groups of up to 58 guests.
The restaurant will employ up to 150 people.
Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations will be available beginning April 14 by calling 317-7511933 or visiting 1933Lounge.com.
Prufrock opens in Midtown
By Lavanya Narayanan news@currentincarmel.com
Coffee is hot — and iced — in Carmel with the addition of Broad Ripple-based Prufrock Coffee joining the scene. Poula Hanna, who goes by “Paul,” took over ownership in 2023 and is excited to bring the brand to the newly built 1,200-square-foot space that opened March 6 in Midtown.
CAFE
The vibrant interiors and quirky illustrations that line the walls, juxtaposed against a clean, minimalist menu, reflect Hanna’s travels to Europe and his native nation of Egypt, where he said coffee is “a culture.”
He’s infused his travels into the menu, with a strong jolt of Turkish coffee, a silky sip of a creamy affogato and an array of iced lattes packaged for walking the Monon.
“With both of our locations being situated right off of the Monon Trail, we wanted to make sure our iced drinks were portable, especially for the summertime,” Hanna said. “In Europe, you see iced coffees being sold in cans everywhere — just pop the top
2025 SUBARU FORESTER
and take it with you. They’re single-use, but they allow our customers to walk, run or bike with an iced latte in hand.”
The shop offers unique pastries, according to Hanna, from a take on a tres leches cake to a flaky, towering croissant filled with house-made soft-serve vanilla ice cream that was Prufrock’s bestseller at last year’s CarmelFest.
Prufrock Coffee is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 275 Veterans Way, Suite 120, Carmel.
1933 Lounge aims to offer a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of Susan Decker)
A croissant filled with soft-serve vanilla ice cream is a popular item at Prufrock Coffee. (Photo courtesy of Poula Hanna)
Husband’s battle inspires team
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
FUNDRAISER
When Alli Miller was a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University, she wasn’t expecting her 19-year-old boyfriend to get blood cancer. But when Joe Miller completed basic training in South Carolina with the Indiana Army National Guard and returned to Indiana, that’s what happened.
Joe had difficulty breathing and was fatigued. In the winter of 2008, a pulmonologist found fluid in his lungs. When it was drained, a baseball-size mass was discovered on his left lung. It was cancer — Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Thus began a medical journey that resulted in Joe being in remission a year later. But through it all, Alli was grateful for the support, including that from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“They’re there for the families, which is incredible,” Alli said. “They were wonderful in providing support.”
Now, Alli is paying it back. The Carmel
resident has volunteered to be a team leader and candidate for the annual Visionary of the Year fundraising campaign run by LLS. She joins two other Carmel residents — Randy Ollis and Kyle Ring — as team leaders. The leaders recruit team members to raise dollars to help in the fight against blood cancers. The campaign concludes in central Indiana May 9 with an event at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis.
Alli’s team is made up of 10 members, mostly family, which presents challenges because they know the same circle of contacts, Alli said.
Her team’s fundraising goal is $10,000, with a stretch goal of $25,000.
The effort is just starting, but Alli envisions holding fundraisers such as a bake sale and a chili supper, hopefully in April.
Alli and Joe, now married, moved to Carmel in late 2021 with their two sons, Roman, 7, and Bennett, 4. Alli is a case manager at Keller & Keller and Joe is a broker at Koola Logistics.
Learn more or donate to Alli’s campaign at pages.lls.org/voy/in/indy25/amiller.
Alli Miller
currentnightandday.com
Drummer Palmer brings music of ELP to the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Emerson, Lake & Palmer is considered a pioneer of progressive rock.
The English supergroup formed in 1970 with keyboardist Keith Emerson, guitarist-vocalist Greg Lake and drummer Carl Palmer.
Emerson and Lake died in 2016, but Palmer is making sure the music lives on with the “An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer” tour, which stops at 8 p.m. March 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Palmer, who turns 75 March 20, plays drums with actual footage of his late bandmates on screens.
“It’s all in perfect sync. It’s something we’ve been working on for a long time,” he said. “We’ve played some classic songs like ‘Lucky Man,’ ‘From the Beginning,’ Welcome Back My Friends’ and ‘Paper Blood.’ It’s a great thrill playing with Keith and Greg again.”
The footage is from a DVD recording of a 1992 concert at Royal Albert Hall in London.
“We just removed the drums,” Palmer said. “The audio tracks were recorded separately, completely separately to the visuals, which meant I could edit all the visuals to get me out of the frame. Then I could replace the drums, which means, technically, (the concert) is being mixed live in every hall.”
Simon Fitzpatrick on bass and Chapman Stick and Paul Bielatowicz on guitar provide live support.
“It’s quite an immersive experience,” Palmer said. “It’s very new and no one else is really doing it in this capacity. I’m playing about six pieces with Keith and Greg. That part runs about 50 minutes. Simon plays ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ It’s quite an interesting show.”
Palmer plays “Tarkus” with Fitzpatrick and Bielatowicz. There are guitar and
Chapman Stick solos. There are three screens.
“We can take one of the screens and we can show some vintage footage of that time period,” Palmer said.
Palmer said one of the more time-consuming parts was removing himself from all the footage on the DVD. It took eight to 10 weeks of editing, two to four days each week.
“The first three weeks were a little difficult because seeing these guys on my computer was a little strange,” Palmer said. “It was emotional. But I didn’t want to use a hologram. I wanted to use these guys at their best and this is Keith Emerson and Greg Lake at their best. I think it’s the way they would have wanted it, which is even more important.”
Palmer said he ran the whole project by the families of Emerson and Lake to get their blessing, which he received.
“They love it,” Palmer said of the concerts, which began in late 2022.
“It’s got a quality to it. It’s genuine. It’s real. We’re getting a cross demographic. We’re getting some people in their late 20s. (Maybe) grandfather was a fan to start off with. I’m really enjoying it and
it’s great having Simon and Paul out there and playing the rest of the catalog with them.”
Palmer said he found a couple of other pieces he could add to the show but wants to check with the families first.
“We’re improving it all the time. It’s an ongoing project,” he said.
Palmer said he uses AI to clean up some of the graininess on the footage and get it in sync.
“Technology has been on my side,” Palmer said. “This is laying down a blueprint. I’m sure there will be other people if they are fortunate enough to have the material, the videos, the audio lines, other people might follow this way.”
Palmer was a member of Atomic Rooster and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown before ELP formed. He later became a founding member of Asia in 1981. ELP reunited in 1991 and recorded two more albums and toured between 1992 and 1998. The group’s final performance was in 2010 to mark its 40th anniversary.
For more, visit carlpalmer.com. For tickets, visit elptickets.com and thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” through March 29 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre. org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“I Want My 80s: A Totally Tubular Party” is set for March 20, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt and Friends” March 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘BOOKSTORE’
The Cat presents “Bookstore” from March 21 to 30 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
TEGE HOLT
Carmel High School junior Tege Holt will hold an official album release party and performance at 7 p.m. March 20 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
GRUPO NICHE
Grupo Niche, a Colombian salsa orchestra, will perform at 8 p.m. March 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
INDY OPERA
Indianapolis Opera’s 50th Anniversary gala concert is set for 7:30 p.m. March 22 at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit indyopera.org.
DISPATCH
Marx to headline Center Celebration gala — Singer-songwriter Richard Marx will deliver a solo performance as headliner for the Sept. 20 Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller, the annual gala fundraiser for Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org
Drummer Carl Palmer will perform An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer concert March 21 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Carl Palmer)
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
ZZ Ward was born into the blues.
CONCERT
P ARADE OF HOMES
“My dad did a deep dive into the blues with his garage cover band, discovering Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thornton and Son House,” she said. “I was daddy’s girl and impressionable. He and my mom would listen to blues records around the house and it’s what I grew up with. My dad would always encourage me to sing in front of people.”
By age 12, she was performing on stage with him.
Ward, 38, will perform as part of her “Dirty Sun” tour at 8 p.m. March 25 at The Tobias Theater inside Newfields in Indianapolis.
Her fourth album, “Liberation,” was due to be released March 14 by her label Dirty Shine and Sun Records. “Liberation” is a mix of covers and original songs. Dirty Shine has become a name for her fan base.
“It’s something that means being your
‘Bagrock’ lands in Carmel Singer true to the blues
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It’s billed as bagpipes with an attitude. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are bringing their unique brand of “bagrock” to The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for a concert at 7 p.m. March 23.
PERFORMANCE
The band mixes bagpipes with the covers of popular songs from all genres.
The band is known for performing reimagined classics like “Amazing Grace” and “The Hills of Argyll” or rocked-up anthems such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and AC/ DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
Willie Armstrong co-founded the Scotland band in 2002. The group’s popularity took off after winning the BBC talent show, “When Will I be Famous?” in 2007.
The nine-piece group features bagpipes, guitars, keyboards and drums. It recently released its ninth album, “Back to Roots,” which gives a nod to its original bagpipe roots with an added rock element.
Armstrong said the group performs more than 200 shows annually.
authentic self, even if you don’t quite fit in,” Ward said. “Even if it’s dirty or rough around the edge, it means shining and being yourself.”
Ward, whose first name is Zsuzsanna, was familiar with Sun Records’ history.
“I knew a lot of the artists on Sun Records -- Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Howlin’ Wolf and the legacy of Sun Records,” she said. “I made the album independently before a call from Sun Records was interested. It made perfect sense for the place I am in my music career.”
For more, visit tobiastheater.com.
“We remain on tour constantly in America in this time period,” Armstrong said. “Nowadays, you can’t rely on your royalties and making money from your recorded albums because of the Spotify influence.
Armstrong said the group invites feedback from the audience on what songs they enjoyed the most.
“The show is always evolving and making sure the audience is getting looked after (is important) because they’re the ones that spent the money on the tickets and spent the time to travel to see the band,” he said.
For more, visit rhcp.scot. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Willie Armstrong is a cofounder of Red Hot Chilli Pipers. (Photo courtesy of Kerr Armstrong)
ZZ Ward will perform March 25 at The Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of Charlie Ward)
‘Glee’ actor holds masterclass
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It seemed fitting that Matthew Morrison would hold a masterclass at Carmel High School.
CHS
Morrison portrayed McKinley High School show choir director Will Schuester in “Glee” from 2009 to 2015. The show was created by Indianapolis native Ryan Murphy, who was a Warren Central High School show choir member and considered Carmel’s show choir the one to beat.
A fictional Carmel High School in Ohio was a rival of McKinley.
Morrison said CHS choir director Kyle Barker told him, “‘We’re not as mean as on the show. I said, ‘Well, it’s funny, I’m not as nice as they depicted me on the show.’”
Morrison, a 46-year-old actor-singer-songwriter, held the masterclass at CHS March 5, along with other masterclasses in the Indianapolis area. He performed March 7-8 at The Cabaret in Indianapolis.
“I feel like it’s just a great way to give back to younger artists who might be wanting to have a career in this,” Morrison
said. “I do a Q&A session where they can ask questions they want to ask. I remember when I was growing up, there was an artist named Susan Egan, who was the original Belle of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (on Broadway). She came to my high school and did one of these classes and it really impacted me. It’s just kind of paying it forward.”
Although the show ended a decade ago, Morrison said CHS students were still familiar with “Glee.”
“Some of the kids said they had no idea what show choir was and that (TV show) pushed them to go in that direction,” he said.
Matthew Morrison with Carmel High School choir students at the masterclass. (Photo courtesy of The Cabaret)
Are you a good neighbor?
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
In a previous column, we explored the vital role of hospitality in fostering civility and the delightful art of porching. Many of you responded, emphasizing the equally important virtue of being neighborly.
CIVILITY
Here in Carmel, we’ve always known that neighborliness extends beyond a simple friendly wave or cheerful greeting. It forms the very foundation of our civility and acts as the glue that binds our community together.
Neighborliness is about extending a helping hand to those in need, whether it’s lending a tool to a fellow gardener or offering to watch a neighbor’s pet while they’re away. It’s about showing genuine concern for each other’s well-being and taking the time to listen and understand.
Civility, at its core, is about respect and kindness. When we practice neighborliness, we foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s about creating a space where differences are celebrated and common ground is
We know that our neighborly actions ripple out, creating a more civil society.
– JEFF WORRELL
found. It’s about setting an example for our children and teaching them the importance of empathy and compassion.
We pride ourselves on our strong sense of community. Whether it’s coming together for a local event, supporting our local businesses or simply being there for one another, we know that our neighborly actions ripple out, creating a more civil society.
The next time you are collecting mail at the mailbox and you spot a neighbor, take a few extra minutes to ask how things are going. You might be surprised how good being neighborly can make you feel.
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
Blueprint for Improvement: Zionsville master bath transformation
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built on 3 acres in Hunt Country Preserve, this home by Brad Bowman of Homes by Design needed a primary bathroom update to match its grandeur. Through a thoughtful renovation blending modern elegance with timeless charm, the result is a stunning space that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. The transformation has created a luxurious and inviting retreat, providing the homeowners with a serene sanctuary that elevates their daily experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The once dark and dated bathroom now boasts a sophisticated, airy design.
• Rich wood cabinetry was swapped for light oak, enhancing the soft, metallic plaster walls and adding depth as they shift in color with the light.
• The addition of gold accents, sleek mirrors and elegant lighting brings warmth and luxury.
• A refined quartzite backsplash and spacious double vanity create a spa-like retreat.
• Every detail was thoughtfully curated, turning this space into a timeless sanctuary.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
Notice to Bidders
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Parks & Recreation
One Civic Square
City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: Brookshire Golf Course Business Plan RFP
Notice is hereby given that the City of Carmel, in collaboration with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, is requesting proposals for Brookshire Golf Course Business Plan RFP, during regular business hours, up to, but not later than 9:00 am local time Wednesday, April 16, 2025 via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin. No late proposals will be accepted.
This request is for proposals from qualified vendors to develop a business plan for Brookshire Golf Course..
Proposals will be opened by Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety at the meeting starting at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 on the 2nd floor of Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN.
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.
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. All questions and responses will be publicly posted to the portal.
No proposer may withdraw any proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said proposals shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject all proposals or cancel this solicitation in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation 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.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety
One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: Clay Center Road Path Construction and Culvert Replacement Project 22-ENG-15
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 “Clay Center Road Path Cosntruction and Culvert Replacement Project” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/ portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 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 not necessarily limited to, the following:
The addition of a 10’ wide multi-use path along the west side of Clay Center Road, from Clay Spring Drive to 500’ north of Brighton Avenue. The construction of the multi-use path will include ditch grading and storm sewer installation between the path and Clay Center Road as well as 8 curb ramps. A mid-block crossing at Brighton Avenue is included to facilitate pedestrian traffic from the Springmill Streams neighborhood to the proposed path. The existing triple 84” pipes conveying Elliott Creek under Clay Center Road will be replaced with 64’ of 19’x7’ reinforced coated concrete box structure. Headwalls and wingwalls are required for the proposed structure. The pavement over the structure will be widened to provide an adequate shoulder and turn-lane taper.
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 Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is 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
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: Michigan Road Water Main Extensions and Connections
IFB-2024-021
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 “Michigan Road Water Main Extensions and Connections” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 16, 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 not necessarily limited to, the following:
Installation of 16” 12” and 8” water main, fire hydrants and valves.
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 Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 1:30 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 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
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: 121st Street Water Main extension
IFB-2024-023
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 “121st Street Water Main extension” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 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 not necessarily limited to, the following:
Installation of approximately 1,000 lineal feet of 12” water main, fire hydrants, and valves
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 Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 1:30 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 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.
Across 1. Prejudice 5. Butler frat letter 10. Ind., for one 14. Civil rights org.
15. Sophia of “Two Women”
16. Geist Reservoir marker
17. Hoosier Park jockey’s control
18. In debt
19. Ready, willing and ___
20. Two-time Masters champ
23. Celtics, on a Pacers scoreboard
24. Sales pitch
25. Caribbean island
27. Indiana State Fair woolly beast
31. Slowly, in music
34. Letters before QIA+ 37. Poses 39. Sow’s sound 40. ___ de cologne
41. “It’d be my pleasure”
43. Old AT&T rival
44. Set securely
46. Mideast title
47. ZCHS transcript stats
48. Nonconformists
50. The “)” in :-)
52. Similar
54. Tarkington play place
58. Caribou’s kin
60. Name on frozen ground beef patties at Meijer
64. Meaningless
66. Sierra ___
67. Deserve
68. Pressing need
69. Danish currency
70. PNC Bank machines
71. Fishers HS mid-term exam, e.g.
72. Guitar attachment
73. “___ we forget” Down
1. Zingers
2. Freeze over
3. Suspect’s defense
4. Snowbird’s destination
5. Road sign
6. Big Ten university
7. Pluck
8. High-IQ set
9. Kind of wool
10. Pacers’ first org.
11. Seafood chain inspired by a Hanks film
12. Tie type
13. Shapiro’s loaves 21. 100 percent
22. Gentle push
26. Noblesville’s Silver Dollar, e.g.
28. Syst. with hand gestures
29. 1,760 yards
30. Physics units
32. Ancient Peruvian
33. Big name in elevators
34. Creepy look
35. Colts event
36. New burrito place on East 82nd Street
38. Do laps at the Carmel Waterpark
41. Go off script
42. X-ray alternative
45. White River snaky fish
47. “You can’t be serious!”
49. Moves stealthily
51. Baton Rouge sch.
53. “Your Movie Sucks” author
55. Precious stone
56. Lysol target
57. ___ & Young (accounting firm)
58. Give off
59. Traditional tales
61. Uncultured one
62. Palindromic girl’s name
63. Horn sound
65. Explosive letters Answers on Page 23
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Psychotherapy
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Drexel
Ballard Designs, Norwalk, Crate and Barrel & Pottery Barn. Antique furniture including French Provincial dining table with six chairs. Kitchenware including Le Creuset, Villiroy & Boch, Riedel, Strasberg and Alecon Lace Sterling. Outdoor patio furniture including Berlin Gardens, large blue porcelain flower pots, XL Big Green Egg and accessories. Greenworks garden tools, hand and power tools including Craftsman, art and unique artifacts. Cash or Zelle payments only, no checks. No early birds please. No delivery and all sales are final.
