Carmel Monthly-November 2023

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Mayor-Elect

Sue Finkam COLLECTIVE PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

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On the Changing of the Guard

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Mayor-Elect Sue Finkam on the Changing of the Guard Given that her schedule must be incredibly busy, we were honored that Mayor-Elect Sue Finkam agreed to sit down with Carmel Monthly to discuss the transition process to ensure a seamless transition of power. Also, we asked for some insight on the top items her administration will begin working on once she is officially sworn in as Carmel’s next mayor in 2024.

Thank you again to Mayor-Elect Finkam for her time and her willingness to address her constituents at such a critical time of her future administration.

Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Laura Arick

CARMEL MONTHLY

6 Cereset Shares How to Enjoy the Holidays More by Sleeping Better!

10 Make Lasting Memories in the Heart of Carmel’s Urban Oasis 12 Center Presents: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party 14 Don Farrell Takes the Stage In and Out of Carmel 20 Carmel Native Carson Ruby Kimmerly Shares Her Brush with a Grammy

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Awards Nomination

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22 Meet Your Newly Elected and Re-Elected Officials

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Cereset Shares How to Enjoy the Holidays More by

Sleeping Better!

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick

P

roper sleep plays a crucial role in managing stress. This fact is particularly relevant during the holiday season when many people experience increased stress levels due to various factors such as travel, family gatherings and financial pressures.

HOW CONSISTENT SLEEP IMPROVES YOUR MOOD Establishing a consistent sleep routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability during the often chaotic holiday season. A regular sleep schedule helps regulate circadian rhythms and contributes to a more balanced, resilient stress response.

To ensure you benefit from the stress-relieving effects of sleep during the holidays, prioritize good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants close to bedtime.

These habits contribute to better overall well-being and can enhance your ability

to cope with the demands of the holiday season.

Additionally, the experts at Cereset can help your brain free itself from stress, enabling you to achieve higher levels of well-being and balance.

THE BODY’S STRESS RESPONSE SYSTEM NEEDS PROPER SLEEP Cereset is a wellness company that helps clients manage stress, restore hope and finally achieve restful sleep through their BrainEcho technology.

This approach empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection.

Owner and tech coach Brenda Hanning has been helping people manage stress better since opening her office in Carmel in 2018. Hanning explains how stress impacts one’s sleep patterns.

“Stress triggers our body’s stress response system, which can harm your well-being and prevent you from getting a reasonable amount of sleep,” Hanning says. “The autonomic nervous system

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controls our ability to respond to and regulate stress. When stress is severe or prolonged, the stress system can get stuck ‘on’ just like a button that has been pressed too many times. Someone stuck in a ‘fight or flight’ response will often report a chronic feeling of underlying tension and anxiety. They may also report great difficulty sleeping and feel their brain is constantly racing or ‘on alert.’ Those stuck in a ‘freeze’ response will often report feeling numb or disconnected with poor sleep. When they experience stress, they tend to shut down and retreat into themselves.

They also tend to report low energy and slow cognitive processes such as problem-solving or decision making.”

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of the people they surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety and substance misuse.

“While fun and festive for many, this time of year isn’t a carefree and happy time for everyone,” Hanning shares.

“Quality sleep during the holidays helps us be less irritable and helps us be more patient with disturbing family comments and heated exchanges that can occur over the holidays.”

Hanning continues. “Sleep is an essential requirement to health. Without proper sleep, your mood, energy, ability to cope with stress, sleep and thinking abilities are compromised. For example, people crash their cars, fail exams, get sick, gain weight, grow edgy, angry, anxious or become depressed when they have ongoing issues with sleep. Restful sleep can only happen when the brain can function the way it should. That means neural connections are healthy and strong, and that brainwave patterns are working in balance and harmony.”

When asked what quantifies as proper sleep for adults and whether these recommendations change as we get older, Hanning replied, “Only 1 in 5 Americans receives the recommended 6 to 9 hours of sleep each night, with 30% of the working population getting less than six hours. It’s not true that older people need less sleep. Getting proper sleep at

night helps keep you healthy and alert regardless of your age.”

And no, “catching up” on sleep is not a viable solution.

“Catching up on sleep over the weekend may seem like a solution, but that’s just a myth,” Hanning reveals. “Regular sleep each night is the only way to be fully rested. You will always pay a price for a sleep deficit with your health and quality of life.”

HOW CERESET HELPS YOU LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS BETTER “It is your brain that has been overstressed, and therefore, managing stress requires you to help your brain,” Hanning states. “The best way possible is to help your brain optimize itself to self-regulate as well as possible. Nothing previously known in the world has been as effective in clinical trials to help the brain to self-regulate as Cereset—CE for ‘cerebrum’ and ‘reset.’ [We have] three offices here in Indiana as well as more than 60 offices around the USA. The non-invasive health and wellness technology supports

your brain to optimize you in every way and to manage stress.”

TO HELP MANAGE THE STRESS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, HANNING SHARED SOME ADDITIONAL KEY STEPS: • Use Cereset to assist your brain in managing stress by improving sleep and lowering holiday stress.

• Do some form(s) of exercise, especially taking time to walk and/or doing light workouts.

• Don’t “burn the candle at both ends.”

Try to discipline yourself to get to bed at a regular time to have at least six to seven hours of sleep.

• Though the temptation may loom, don’t overindulge in alcohol or food.

If you follow the steps above, we at Cereset believe that despite the stress that we all carry, you can fully enjoy the holiday season.

BRAINTALKS If you want to learn more about using Cereset to help your brain reset and relax, Lee Gerdes, Founder and CEO of Cereset, offers Cereset BrainTalks. Lee presents new topics on chronic challenges to our health and wellness and explains how the Cereset neuromodulation process can help your brain help you.

Links to past BrainTalks can be found at Cereset.com.

ARE SESSIONS HSA OR FSA ELIGIBLE? Check to see if your HSA has approved wellness modalities to determine if you can use your HSA for Cereset.

WHAT OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON OR FOR NEW CLIENTS? Cereset Carmel offers a $99 Intro Session and a complete Wellness Package for $1500. Anti-aging protocols are included in the Wellness Package!

Call 317-922-7588 to schedule a session as soon as you can. Learn more about Cereset at Cereset.com.

Relax your brain. Reset your life.

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• overcome worry & anxiety • restore hope & happiness • releases “stuck” stress • enhance learning & memory • experience restful sleep • increase energy & performance Learn more at cereset.com

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TO THE HOLIDAYS AT

‘Tis the season — experience the magic of live entertainment and upscale dining at Feinstein’s.

Featuring family friendly, outstanding entertainment to lift your Holiday spirit.

12/2, 12/3, 12/9 Breakfast with Santa | Includes Live Music & Photo with Santa 12/6 & 12/7 Franc D’Ambrosio - Christmas in Carmel | Broadway Legend Celebrates the Holidays 12/9 T.3 | New York City-based Vocal Group sings Broadway & Pop Songs 12/10 Jazz Brunch - Christmas Music Featuring Blair Clark 12/13 Don Farrell Presents: A Sinatra Christmas | Christmas Celebration in True Sinatra Style 12/16 A Nat King Cole Christmas with Bryan Eng | Holiday Classics 12/20 Feinstein’s Presents: Jenn Maurer | Carmel Local Returns for her Solo Concert Debut 12/21 An Evening with Eleanor & Friends | Talented Local Student from Noblesville 12/23 Don Farrell Presents: A Sinatra Christmas | Christmas Celebration in True Sinatra Style 12/31 Remember When Rock Was Young – The Elton John Experience @FeinsteinsHC

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Make Lasting Memories in the Heart of

Carmel’s Urban Oasis Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Hotel Carmichael

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life without venturing far from home with a delightful staycation in our vibrant city! Discover the hidden gems and local treasures that make our city unique while enjoying the comforts of a relaxing getaway.

W

hether unwinding from the holiday season in a boutique hotel, indulging in delectable local cuisine at Vivante French Eatery, or exploring the rich cultural scene at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, a staycation in Carmel City Center promises a rejuvenating experience. From the picturesque Ice at Carter Green to trendy boutiques to an assortment of dining experiences, Carmel offers something for every taste and preference.

Embrace the convenience of a staycation and let our city surprise you with its charm and allure. It’s time to redefine relaxation and make lasting memories in the heart of Carmel’s urban oasis.

EXPLORE HOTEL CARMICHAEL AND ITS AMENITIES I had the pleasure of speaking with Hotel Carmichael General Manager Jamie Hopwood and members of his staff Adam Campagna, Tyler Upshaw and Lindsey Bonte about the exciting things happening at the hotel, Vivante French Eatery, and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael as we wrap up 2023! New this year will be the addition of two more igloos set up outside of Vivante that look out onto Carter Green and the beautiful Center for the Performing Arts campus.

“Two of the igloos offer soft seating and more of a casual experience with small bites and bottles of wine,” Upshaw shared.

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“The other two [igloos] offer a chef-curated, wine-paired menu with table-top seating for six.”

Bonte added, “The igloos will be available through the end of Valentine’s Day, and [their] décor will go from the Christmas holiday season to Valentine’s Day, and the other décor will be eclectic New Year’s.

Reservations for the igloos can be made through Vivante on Open Table.”

For more information about Vivante French Eatery, visit vivantecarmel.com.

Upshaw continued, “Chef Jason [Crouch] and Chef Zack [Tursi] have worked diligently with local purveyors to make sure that the ingredients are true to the season.

We want to provide food and beverages that our guests are going to remember and want to come back for.”

Hopwood added, “Another point to highlight is that all of our desserts are prepared by our in-house pastry chef Tia Evans, and she has elevated our dessert experience, especially at Feinstein’s.”

The team also shared that Hotel Carmichael has partnered with New Riff Distilling out of Newport, Kentucky, and is offering its own single-barrel bourbon!

Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into

a craft cocktail expertly prepared by the talented bar staff. And be sure to check out the barrel on display next to the piano on the hotel’s main level while you enjoy the outstanding local talent performing live music in Adagio Lounge six nights a week!

Indulge in a luxurious experience by reserving a beautifully appointed room, savoring a delightful dinner coupled with an entertaining show at Feinstein’s, or enjoying the best of Vivante in an igloo with a captivating view of the winter wonderland that is Carter Green.

Conclude your evening with a sophisticated nightcap at the Adagio Lounge, the perfect prelude to retiring to the comfort of your exquisitely appointed room or suite. Elevate your stay with these enchanting options, each contributing to a memorable and immersive staycation.

Feinstein’s is pleased to present: REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG...

THE ELTON JOHN EXPERIENCE, capturing the music, costumes and charisma of Sir Elton John in a stage performance like you have never seen before. This New Year’s Eve show promises an evening filled with timeless hits and electrifying performances. You’ll be on your feet, singing along to the classics that made Elton John the global megastar he is today.

Prepare to be amazed as Craig A. Meyer and the ROCKET BAND recreate Elton John’s signature sound and style, bringing his music to life on stage. This is your chance to experience the magic of one of the greatest rock icons of all time.

So, gather your friends and family and join us for a night of nostalgia and pure rock ‘n’ roll. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that will leave you feeling like you’re back in the heyday of rock. Book your tickets now at feinsteinshc.com and reserve your room at hotelcarmichael.com.

Live your best life this winter season in Carmel, Indiana!

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE ELTON JOHN EXPERIENCE End this year on a festive note and ring in 2024 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael!

Reserve your tickets for the party of the year on Sunday, December 31.

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CENTER PRESENTS:

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY THE PALLADIUM // WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7:30 P.M. ET

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Center

For three decades, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world, while their unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event. Drawing on a rich catalog of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s two full-length holiday albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its world-renowned live show—and fun and quirky take on the holidays—to you.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all-original core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger).

Don’t miss this holiday party! Get your tickets at thecenterpresents.org.

A

pril 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year. They have produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.

Janelle Morrison: Who were some of your influences back in the early years?

Kurt Sodergren: My dad had a great record collection that included [Led] Zeppelin, [Jimi] Hendrix, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Benny Goodman. I heard Benny Goodman[‘s] “Live at Carnegie Hall” [1938] and heard Gene Krupa on the drums and was blown away.

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JM: I read that your grandfather performed in a big band at one point in his life. What did he think of you performing punk rock?

KS: My grandpa had played in a big band. I wish I could have seen him play, but I’ve got a lot of pictures and a little bit of audio evidence that is really cool. He was very supportive of me, though my musical foray was punk rock. I remember him sitting in my bedroom when I was bashing away on the drums, and he’d have

a little grin on his face. I don’t know how much sense what I was doing made to him—it [punk rock] was a different thing altogether. And the beauty of punk rock is you didn’t have to be in a conservatory because you had a garage. It wasn’t just for people who had a lot of musical education.

Later on, my Grandma Virginia was able to come and see my band play quite a few times before she passed away, which was really cool. Whenever we visited anywhere near Chicago and played, we [the band] would take my grandma out to her favorite restaurant, and everyone would fawn all over her.

JM: How did you go from playing punk rock to swing?

KS: When I met Scott [Morris], we started out playing blues. And then all of a sudden, he said, “I want to play swing.”

I was like, “Okay,” and I started taking private lessons.

JM: There was a huge swing revival in the ‘90s amid the grunge and hip-hop explosion. I recall attending a swingthemed wedding reception in ’99. A lot of dance studios were teaching swing dancing in that decade. So, as a performer, when do you think swing became cool again?

KS: When [swing] first came out, it was really cool. It brought a lot of people together, which is really cool, and speaking for Scott now, because it was his idea, he had a lot of musical background and played trumpet in high school. He was really into jazz, and he knows a lot about music. We were writing original songs that we heard in our ears. We might not have had the [formal] training, but we knew what we wanted it to sound like— and we wanted it loud and exciting!

We decided to do only swing, and people were really digging it, though they were kind of confused when we would walk in with vintage suits on instead of T-shirts, ripped jeans and flannels. But it was really our love letter to the music we were so fond of.

JM: Thirty years later, you guys are still touring, and some people don’t realize how intensive and exhausting touring is. How has it evolved for you as far as touring is concerned, and why is it still worth it for all of you to continue doing it?

KS: This music requires a lot of physicality to play, especially the way we do it. So, we have to be cognizant of that and take good care of ourselves, which is one of the reasons why we’ve been around for 30 years. I do yoga and surf, and sometimes my body betrays me, then I go and see my massage therapist once or twice a month as soon as I get off the road. You have to make adjustments, and Scott doesn’t jump off my riser anymore, and Karl doesn’t climb to the top of the PA stack and do a solo, but we do other things. There’s a handful of bands that can make a living playing music and even fewer that have the same original members for over 30 years. What a lightning strike it was when we all met! We know how amazing that is that it could happen, and that we continue to make it happen!

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JM: We spoke about how vinyl records are making a comeback and how our young adult children are frequenting record stores. What are you guys bringing along with you throughout this tour that fans and readers should know about?

KS: This Christmas tour, we’re going to have our Christmas album released on vinyl [for the first time, and it will be for sale at the venues], which is brand new!

JM: I already know it’s going to be a great party when you come out to perform at the Palladium! What can your fans expect to experience that evening?

KS: This is going to be a great party!

There will be our renditions of a lot of classic Christmas material, and there will also be some original Christmas songs as well. There will be some throwback songs from when you and I were younger and watched those Claymation [Christmas] specials. We’ll put our spin on them, just like we’re doing with swing music. It’s going to be special, and I hope people will come out and give it a shot because [the show] is pretty fun, exciting and not something you get to see every day.

Don Farrell Takes the Stage

In and Out of Carmel Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Crossroads Entertainment, Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and Todd Edwards Art & Photography

I

n the wake of Actors Theatre of Indiana’s announcement a couple of months ago, I caught up with ATI co-founder Don Farrell to discuss what’s next for him post-resignation as the Artistic Director and his vision for his entertainment company, Crossroads Entertainment.

CELEBRATING LEGENDS WHILE BUILDING A BRAND Farrell spoke about his gratitude for his years with ATI and the equity theater he and his co-founders Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia “Cindy” Collins developed. He also shared how the relationships he built in and around Carmel over the last two decades have enabled him to explore new and exciting avenues and opportunities for his company.

Many of Farrell’s friends and fans have seen Farrell perform at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael over the last several years.

You can be sure that he has many more performances to come, and Farrell teased that there will soon be exciting news coming from Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and from Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre!

“I’ve enjoyed a good relationship with the management and staff at Feinstein’s [at Hotel Carmichael], and that has grown exponentially,” Farrell expressed. “The team at Hotel Carmichael and Feinstein’s is amazing. I feel like we’ve been hitting on all cylinders with what we’ve been doing over there and what Terry Woods and I have been putting together. I’m just so thrilled. Terry’s writing out all these arrangements and charts and what he brings to the piano is unbelievable. And thankfully, by the grace of God and the amazing support of the patrons, our shows have been selling out at Feinstein’s!”

Farrell’s tributes to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, and, most recent-

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ly, Neil Diamond have been wildly popular to the point that management added a matinee for Farrell’s Frank Sinatra Christmas show that will likely be sold out by the time this article goes to press.

Though not claiming to be an impersonator of these iconic performers, Farrell puts his touch on their classic songs while honoring their original scores and showmanship. Audiences are amused and deeply touched by the backstories Farrell shares between numbers on the men’s lives and careers.

“Keep an eye out for more programming that’s going to be happening next year in 2024!” Farrell exclaimed. “The shows that Terry and I create will have their world premiere at Feinstein’s [at Hotel Carmichael]—Carmel will be home base. I am excited to go out and perform these shows outside of Carmel and in other states, but they will never be experienced the same way as they have been and will be at Feinstein’s. Additionally, I couldn’t be more honored and ecstatic to have these projects going on, as well as other projects that will be coming online and are growing!”

With more time to create and perform his shows, Farrell will be hitting the road more often. I told him that he is becoming an ambassador for Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and the City of Carmel in showcasing his talent and that of his supporting musicians, highlighting the caliber of talent that Carmel, Indiana, has to offer to the rest of the country.

“I’ve taken the Sinatra show out of state twice and the Manilow show out of state once,” Farrell shared. “And the other shows that have been recently created will eventually go out of state as well. I plan to travel with Terry and the amazing musicians who work with me on these shows. Ideal-

ly, you have your music director [Woods] at every show. It’s money well spent to bring the musicians who know the show like the back of their hand because then it’s a sound check and you’re ready to go.

Otherwise, there’s more money and time spent on hiring musicians from that area and on rehearsals.”

SUCCESS IS BUILT ON HAVING A SOLID TEAM AND FOUNDATION Farrell humbly equated the success of his recent tribute shows to the talented musicians he has and/or continues to perform with: Terry Woods, Greg Gegogeine, Fred Withrow, Dorothy McDonald and Greg Wolfe. He also spoke highly of the management and staff at Hotel Carmichael and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, including but not limited to Jamie Hopwood and Derrick Pfeister, with whom Farrell enjoys collaborating.

“I can’t talk enough about Derrick,” Farrell praised. “He’s a great asset to the hotel and Feinstein’s, and when working with him, I feel like we have an amazing team player and that we’re all in this together.”

Faith is also an important aspect of life for Farrell.

“Everyone’s been given different gifts, and that’s what makes this world so beautiful,” Farrell mused. “The goal is to try to find out what those gifts are that you’ve been given and to find ways to best use those gifts to the best of your ability, and hopefully to glorify God through that.

Tony Bennett once said, ‘To me, life is a gift, and it’s a blessing just to be alive. And each person should learn what a gift it is to be alive, no matter how tough.’ If I’m able to use the gifts that I’ve been given to make somebody’s life a little easier when

they come to see a show and feel a lot better when they leave, then yes, this is what I’m supposed to be doing. For me, it is very humbling to know what my gift is, and the ideas keep coming as to how I can better use those gifts. I’m currently working on those [ideas] in ways that are obvious and some that are not so obvious.”

Community and socially minded projects are also of importance to Farrell. As he works at his work/life balance, he continues to contribute his time and enthusiasm to local boards such as the Carmel International Arts Festival and a newly formed board for which he is vice-president for Roundabout Fitness, whose mission is to improve lives through shared knowledge about physical, financial and mental health.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements from Farrell and Crossroads Entertainment as we turn the page on another year! For more information on Don Farrell and his company, visit crossroads-ent. com. For tickets to his upcoming shows at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, visit feinsteinshc.com.

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Sue Finkam Mayor-Elect

on the Changing of the Guard Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and submitted

The changing of a mayoral administration after 28 years is a critical moment for the city of Carmel. It represents an opportunity for new ideas and priorities to shape local governance. The effectiveness of this process often depends on the degree of collaboration and communication between the outgoing and incoming administrations. Smooth transitions contribute to the overall stability and continuity of local government functions.

M

ayor-Elect Sue Finkam sat down with Carmel Monthly to discuss what the transition process entails to ensure a seamless transition of power and what her administration will begin working on once she is officially sworn in as Carmel’s next mayor in 2024.

POST-ELECTION PRIORITIES The conversation with Finkam began with her expressing thanks to all of her supporters for their time and volunteerism throughout the campaign and, of course, for their votes.

“I am just overwhelmed with gratitude,” Finkam expressed. “I appreciate the

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folks in Carmel really digging in, looking at the issues and taking seriously the opportunity to elect a new leader for this community for the first time in 28 years.

For months, I have pushed messages that engaged our constituents, and the number of conversations that I’ve had this past year is just incredible.”

“We have a true opportunity in front of us to engage people in just what the city does because there is a new face that’s going to be in City Hall.”

Finkam shared that going forward, she plans on using her marketing skills to engage stakeholders and constituents on important matters that impact all facets of the city.

“We have a true opportunity in front of us to engage people in just what the city does because there is a new face that’s going to be in City Hall,” Finkam said. “As a marketer, I’m used to using social media to tell stories and shed light on important issues in our community. I welcome this chance to do the same with how the city is run.”

Organizing the transition team was not a priority for Finkam before the general election, but that task has been kicked into high gear post-election.

“I chose not to work on transition at all during the campaign, and some people challenged me on that,” Finkam stated. “I chose not to spend time on the [transition] plan because I felt every minute spent on that was a minute that I could be out in

front of a voter. The tactical thing, as far as what we are working on now, is selecting key leaders both within and outside of [the] community [for] the transition team to help guide us and get this next administration out of the gate quickly, professionally and with transparency.”

Finkam added, “We will then start interviewing all of the directors [who] are part of the city now and determine their interest in working in this administration, reviewing all of the executive orders that Mayor Brainard signed, [along with]

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contracts, boards, commissions, committees and appointments, so there is a lot of work that has to happen in a short amount of time. Not everything will be completed by January 1, but we’ll have a good start on it.”

When asked how instrumental Mayor Brainard has been in the transition process, Finkam replied, “He has been great and has said that whatever we need, we’ll have access to. And having worked with the city for 12 years, there’s a lot that I am already very familiar with.”

A NEW ADMINISTRATION WITH SOME NEW OBJECTIVES Finkam spoke about some areas of focus that she will place front and center of her administration.

“First and foremost, I’ve said that I want to change the conversation that we have with our constituents, so I promised and have already started working on a citywide survey to implement. In addition to obtaining feedback, I also want to solicit ideas, concerns and volunteers from the community through this survey. We want to convert that [survey] into a strategic plan—a ramped-up version of the ‘Elevate Carmel’ plan that we put out. Secondly, we want to do an audit of our financials—I’m not expecting to find any concerns in that process. And third, we want to implement the Carmel Housing Coalition that I said I would start, which will bring everybody to the table to talk about housing development, to study our housing, and develop a framework from which we can make decisions moving forward.”

Finkam continued, “Apartments and growth were the top issues that I heard at every door, so I want to be responsive to those because that’s what we promised.

I feel like we need to dive deep into our financials, not because we’re in a rough situation, but because it is a tighter situation than we’ve had before and because dollars are being diverted to Fishers. We have some legislative action and have filed a lawsuit against the State of Indiana to stop the diversion of those dollars, so that is of prime importance in early 2024.”

Finkam went on to say that depending on the outcomes of the state legislators and court’s decisions on the diversion matter, the decisions that her administration will make in terms of projects and budgets will be either slightly or greatly impacted.

“Another one of [the] biggest concerns that I have is making sure our office [space] assessed values stay high,” Finkam addressed. “I think we have to be smart about how office [space] is being used, and I want to have a lot of conversations about this. I also want to have several conversations about how we take care of our seniors in this community from a housing, recreation and volunteer standpoint. I am also really interested in implementing a

311 program, which is a way for citizens to report issues throughout the city.”

Engaging the city’s youth is also of importance to Finkam as she begins her administration in 2024.

“I was surprised by the number of elementary and middle school students who have been paying attention to this election, probably through the eyes of their parents or family members, and I want to find ways to get them engaged so they better understand what their city does for them and with them so that someday they could be [better leaders] in

I think there’s an incredible opportunity to engage [with] and unite our community, and that’s what I’m really looking forward to doing.

their communities, wherever that might be. Another initiative that I’m excited about working on is setting up a committee of people who can recruit Greyhound graduates back to Carmel to invest their time and treasure here.”

PUBLIC SAFETY AND CONTINUED PROSPERITY “We’ve been blessed to have Carmel Police Chief Barlow with the city for decades,” Finkam stated. “He’s a strong and compassionate leader, and he’s due the retirement he wants. We’re already working on hiring a new police chief, and I’ve met with FOP and have had conversations with other public safety leaders,

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so I’m looking forward to having a very robust and challenging interview process to select the best leader we can find. We’re opening up [the position] externally as well as internally. Of prime importance to me is finding someone who is incredibly professional but is empathetic enough to work with our officers. Today’s officer [who] is just starting out is different from the officer who started 30 years ago, but you have to supervise and lead both.

I want to make sure we find the right person to not just police and keep the roads safe, but to take care of the men and women [who] serve.”

As part of her focus on the city’s public safety, Finkam is already reaching out to and plans on interfacing with the surrounding town and city mayors. She also emphasized that she wants to engage people outside of City Hall on a regular basis.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue to talk with residents and business owners as we go into the new year,” Finkam said. “I hope to not spend much time inside of City Hall, but want to be out in coffee shops and businesses, having conversations and understanding more about what people love about the City of Carmel. We should all give a great deal of thanks to Mayor Brainard for the vision that he put forth as he built this incredible community. If we want to make sure that Carmel remains one of the best communities in the country, we all have to take a piece of that and own it. I think there’s an incredible opportunity to engage [with] and unite our community, and that’s what I’m really looking forward to doing.”

Finkam concluded, “I’m a person who thrives on change. I like it—it’s interesting and fun. It’s how I learn, and I shed the past really easily, which probably helps in politics. But I think we have to remember that change is personal, so if we close an intersection, that means a mom, dad or grandparent who’s jetting a child around in a car will lose 10 minutes that they’re not going to get back, and that could be putting a strain on a job situation or on picking up another child from another location. So, everything we do has to have a personal aspect to it, and we, as an administration, have to keep that in mind.”

Carmel Native Carson Ruby Kimmerly Shares Her Brush with a Grammy Awards Nomination Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

For a former Carmel High School graduate, the prospect of being considered for a Grammy Award nomination is nothing short of a magical opportunity. It transcends the ordinary and becomes a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication that have blossomed within the familiar landscapes of her upbringing.

T

he journey from Carmel’s local stages to the grandeur of the Grammy Awards is a poignant reminder that dreams cultivated in the embrace of one’s hometown can indeed reach global heights. It symbolizes individual achievement and serves as an anthem for the community that has shaped and supported this artist. It is a rare and special moment marking an extraordinary chapter in the story of a girl raised in Carmel, Indiana, who dared to dream beyond the boundaries of her familiar streets.

MEET CARSON RUBY KIMMERLY, AKA “KIMMERLY” Kimmerly’s educational journey began at Mohawk Trails Elementary, continued at Clay Middle School, and concluded as a graduate of Carmel High School in 2021.

Throughout her years in the Carmel Clay Schools, Kimmerly was involved in the district’s music programs and has played the violin since sixth grade. She embraced extracurricular opportunities, fostering a love for music and the arts. Attending events at the Palladium, marveling at public art scattered throughout the city, and making several trips to Newfields

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[formerly the Indianapolis Museum of Art] were just a few experiences that nurtured Kimmerly’s creative passions.

Today, she is known as KIMMERLY, a recording artist who has expressed that she owes her artistic journey to the rich tapestry of opportunities that Carmel and central Indiana offered her. She was thrilled to share with our publication and her hometown community that the extended version of her song “Waterlily” was considered for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in the esteemed category of Best Alternative Performance. And though her exceptional song did not make the final cut that would have earned her a place at the upcoming awards show in 2024, she has gained invaluable experiences and connections within the Grammy Awards committee and music industry that are propelling this talented artist to the top.

“I really try not to take the accessibility to the arts that I had for granted,” Kimmerly said. “Carmel is a great place to grow up. I took violin lessons from Natalie Schoeff, who is a former orchestra teacher [at] Carmel Middle School. That was a really big building block for me music-wise.”

Post graduation, Kimmerly and her mother moved to the Fort Myers area in Florida, where she began teaching violin lessons while seriously focusing on songwriting and recording her music. While honing her music and persona, Kimmerly shared how she intertwined her love of visual arts with her passion for creating music.

“For me, you can’t have art without music or music without art,” Kimmerly stated. “They’re one and the same. Songs with lyrics are poetry and all of these things—writing, music, visual arts and anything that’s a creative expression from somebody can be expressed in a lot of different ways, and I take inspiration from anything that is art. The muse finds you, I guess.”

Kimmerly connected with artist Casey Krawczyk, who painted Kimmerly’s album art for “Waterlily.”

“Casey has been a wonderful friend and muse to me,” Kimmerly shared. “She used my song ‘Waterlily’ in one of her TikTok and Instagram videos where she was out on a pond in a little paddleboat, painting

water lilies. She’s out of New York, and I’m going to meet her this December when I go up to record at Plaid Dog Studios.”

EXPERIENCE IS LIFE’S GREATEST TEACHER While in high school, Kimmerly wrote and self-released music under different genres, styles and performer names.

It was when she moved to Florida and released “Waterlily” in June 2022 that everything started to come together and revealed to her the path she is currently traversing.

“That was the first song that I released after moving to Florida, and at first, there wasn’t a whole lot of traction,” Kimmerly recalled. “I used social media quite a bit to help spread the word and worked with some PR firms to promote myself. I sent my song out to different publishers, blogs, labels and managers. And in June of 2022, I sent it to Al Gomes, who runs Big Noise, an artist development and music promotion firm.”

Gomes has worked with many different artists, including the Beach Boys,

Christina Aguilera, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katharine McPhee and many more.

Kimmerly mentioned that Gomes is a longtime voting member of the Recording Academy.

“He wrote me back a year later,” Kimmerly remembered. “He said he was interested in working with me, and so I worked with him on a campaign to get my song, the extended version of ‘Waterlily,’ considered for Best Alternative Performance. The first round of voting ended in October, and then we waited for the big vote on November 10. It was incredible to be involved in the process, and I met some other independent artists who were also [being considered] for the Grammy Awards. I met quite a few people and Recording Academy members. I made a lot of contacts throughout this experience.”

Kimmerly added, “No Grammy nomination for me this year, but there are big things on the horizon for me and I do consider it an honor to have been involved in the process. I will definitely be trying again next year! In better news, we are diving in deep with my album

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fundraising campaign! The full campaign on the crowdfunding site will go live on December 18, and we’ve been accepting pledges until we go live and begin accepting donations at Carson Ruby Kimmerly Project Preview — Plaid Dog Recording, [which can be] found at this link: funding. plaiddogrecording.com/carson-ruby-kimmerly-project-preview.”

The funds that Kimmerly has and continues to raise will afford her a visit up the East Coast this December to Waltham, Massachusetts.

“The money I’ve been raising will allow me to record my album at Plaid Dog Recording,” Kimmerly said excitedly. “This studio allows artists [to record] who don’t necessarily have the resources, and they help the artists raise money and put together a campaign like mine to cover studio fees. Up to this point, all of my work has been self-produced and self-recorded, so to be able to work with producers and a recording studio is really exciting! I’ve received a lot of support from family, friends and fans so far. It’s all more than I have ever dreamed of.”

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OFFICIALS

M e e t Yo u r N e w ly E l e c t e d a n d R e - E l e c t e d

Recognizing and understanding local elected officials is crucial for active civic engagement and a thriving democratic society. These officials shape policies impacting education, public safety and infrastructure. From city councilors to mayors, they make decisions vital to community life. In essence, being informed about local elected officials is essential for promoting an empowered citizenry and effective grassroots democratic governance.

THE CITY’S POLITICAL ROSTER

CITY OF CARMEL

JACOB W. QUINN

CARMEL CITY CLERK Jacob Quinn has seven years of experience working in Carmel City Hall and another four years at the Indiana Statehouse. The City Clerk is responsible for managing city records, updating online documents, serving as the clerk for the City Council and Board of Public Works and Safety, recording meetings, serving as a notary, overseeing daily operations of the City Court, balancing daily receipts, and collecting payments for court fines. Quinn grew up in Central Indiana and is a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in public affairs. Quinn and his wife Sarah have two children and are members of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.

BRIAN G. POINDEXTER

CARMEL CITY COURT JUDGE The Honorable Brian G. Poindexter has served as the judge of Carmel City Court since Jan. 1, 2009. He was previously with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and the law firm of Harrison & Moberly. Immediately prior to his appointment, he was the Supervisor of the Major Felony Division of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and a homicide prosecutor. He received his B.S. from Ball State University and his J.D. from McKinney Law School.

Judge Poindexter is married to Anne Hensley Poindexter, a founding partner of Altman, Poindexter & Wyatt, LLC.

TERESA AYERS

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT Teresa Ayers currently serves on the City Council and as the Vice-Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party. Ayers is also on the Board of the Carmel–Clay Republican Club. Her community involvement sparked her desire to serve on the Carmel City Council.

Ayers graduated from Carmel High School and Virginia Intermont College, where she played soccer and ran track and cross country. Ayers is a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Parish and is the daughter of Paul Ayers and the late Cheryl Ayers.

RICH TAYLOR

JEFF WORRELL

Rich Tayler has been the President of the Carmel Parks and Recreation board for the last five years and a board member for the last 12 years. Taylor has an extensive background in business lending, economic development, financing, and managing budgets. Taylor graduated from Purdue University with a degree in management and received his MBA from Butler University. Taylor and his wife Lauren live in Carmel with their two children, Ryker, 8, and Brooke, 4.

Jeff Worrell sits on various boards and committees, including the St. Vincent-Carmel Hospital Board, Carmel Christkindlmarkt Board, Carmel Fest Board and Rotary Club of Carmel.

Though Worrell is retired, he continues to serve as an At-Large Carmel City Council member. He has lived in Carmel for 32 years with his wife, Shari.

They have two grown children, Brad and Amy, who are both married.

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

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SHANNON MINNAAR

ADAM AASEN

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL SOUTHEAST DISTRICT Throughout Adam Aasen’s tenure as the Southeast City Councilor, he is especially proud to have voted to bring Needler’s Fresh Market grocery store to an underserved area in the district.

Aasen is a Communication Specialist for a Fortune 500 company. With deep experience in communications, Aasen has been a reporter in Hamilton County and across the country while working at the Statehouse in communications. For over a decade, Aasen was a co-owner of an Italian restaurant in Carmel.

RYAN LOCKE

ANTHONY (TONY) GREEN

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL NORTHWEST DISTRICT Ryan Locke is a third-generation Carmel resident. Locke and his wife Elise are raising their sons James and Edward in Carmel. As an attorney with experience administering state government for the past eight years, both at the Indiana State Police and the Office of the Indiana Treasurer of State, Locke has had the opportunity to help communities across the state find creative and common-sense ways to serve their residents and solve their challenges, and be able to effectively advocate at the federal, state and local levels.

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT After winning a caucus in January 2017, Tony Green was elected in 2019 and again in 2023 to serve on the Carmel City Council.

Green grew up in northwestern Ohio and attended the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from high school. Post academy graduation, Green entered the United States Air Force, graduated from Pilot Training, and spent most of his 11 years on active duty as a pilot.

Green currently holds the rank of colonel and is the State Judge Advocate for the Indiana Air Guard. He is married with three children.

ANITA JOSHI

MATTHEW J. SNYDER

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL WEST DISTRICT Dr. Anita Joshi is a pediatrician, small business owner, and community leader.

Joshi has lived in Carmel with her husband for nearly two decades. Here, they raised their two children, now attending college.

Joshi has been an active member of the community for several years. She has served in leadership roles on boards like the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, and the Brebeuf Jesuit Board of Trustees. Joshi is also a proud member of the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana.

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CARMEL CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE Matt Snyder has lived in Carmel for nearly his entire life. He was first elected to the Carmel Clay Township Board in 2010. He’s now serving his fourth term in office and recently shepherded $60 million in new investment in parks, public safety and infrastructure through the Clay Township Impact Program.

Snyder works as an engineering consultant and has intimate knowledge of how to build a city properly. He lives in east Carmel with his wife Ashlee and their two children, Charlie and Benjamin.

CITY OF CARMEL

CARMEL CITY COUNCIL NORTHEAST DISTRICT Shannon Minnaar has been a Carmel resident for 22 years and has made an impact through her work with several Carmel community organizations and initiatives.

Minnaar has a passion for the arts and sits on the Board of Directors for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, having previously served as Vice Chairman. Minnaar also serves as a Commissioner for the Carmel Cable and Telecommunications Commission.

Minnaar and her husband David have been married for 30 years and have two adult children, both Carmel Clay Schools graduates.

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