This month, Carmel Monthly is proud to feature veteran motorsports reporter Jamie Little on its latest cover. Little joined FOX NASCAR in 2015, covering pit road for the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first woman to call TV play-by-play for a national racing series as the voice of the ARCA Menards Series. In addition to blazing a trail for female broadcasters in motorsports, Little shares how she manages her work-life balance as a reporter, wife, mother of two, dog rescue advocate, and franchisee of three Nothing Bundt Cake bakeries. Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Laura Arick
This season at the Carmel Farmers Market, look forward to the return of a beloved tradition: the Firehouse Cookoff on June 29, when local firehouses compete in a culinary showdown. Additionally, Ginger Root Plant Co., specializing in indigenous planting, and Bear Fruit Farms, known for their microgreens, will host informative classes this summer. For those interested in unique transportation, Rahal Piaggio will showcase their range of motor scooters and motorcycles, adding an exciting new element to the market experience.
CFM President Lisa McLaughlin moved to Carmel in 2019. To acclimate herself and meet people, she began volunteering in the community. Her introduction to the Carmel Farmers Market led to an immediate appreciation for its vibrant ambiance and diverse offerings.
“There’s such wonderful people at the market,” McLaughlin expressed. “They took me under their wing, and it’s incredible how many people I’ve met and all the things that I’ve done in town now because of the farmers market. Carmel doesn’t pretend to be something that it’s not. It knows it’s niche and it does a great job at it, which lends to a more authentic feel.”
When asked about stepping into the role as CFM president and what her immediate and long-term goals are for the beloved farmers market, McLaughlin said, “We don’t ever want to change the good things about the market. I don’t mind change, but you have to make thoughtful and slow changes. We’re going to keep
bringing fresh and nutritious foods to the community of Carmel, and we’re going to continue to bring in the best vendors and the best variety. We want to continue bringing great music to the community, and we want to keep all the smiles on the faces … that’s what we want to do. We want the market to be a place people can go to and say, ‘I remember when I was little, I used to come here with grandma,’ or whomever. We want the Carmel Farmers Market to be part of everyone’s life.”
McLaughlin spoke about some of the new events that have been added to the market’s calendar, all designed to enhance community engagement.
“This year, we have the Indiana Master Gardener program coming to the market, and we’re talking with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture about coming to the market, and we’re having our celebrity bell ringers … it’s fun. We do a little bit of an interview, asking the ringers what they like about the market and what they do in the community. We want to keep highlighting our community because that’s what [this market] is all about. If we didn’t have the community and the vendors, we wouldn’t have this market.”
When asked about the status of the CFM volunteers, McLaughlin gave credit
to the market’s volunteer coordinator Samantha Miller.
“Samantha is awesome with our volunteers,” McLaughlin emphasized. “We’ve had so many people want to volunteer because of Sam’s wonderful personality … she’s so engaging and warm. She has developed our volunteer program, and it’s just taking off.”
CFM Vice President Mark Roger spoke about the impressive attendance on the market’s opening day and the importance of the market’s corporate sponsors.
“We broke an opening day record in attendance, with 5,573 attending,” Roger said. “The crowd has changed so much. On the first day [of the summer season], there were a lot of young families and single people, which means the market has life and a future … everyone’s finding value in it.”
Roger added, “We have wonderful corporate sponsors, and I believe that there’s an awful lot [of] potential just by the sheer volume of people that we welcome [to the market] every week.”
IU Health North can attest to. Roger spoke about increasing the engagement opportunities for the market’s sponsors this season, such as IU Health North contributing recipes via its dieticians. Roger’s wife Randi will include the recipes in her CFM e-newsletters. These recipes will incorporate featured seasonal fruits and vegetables as they become available at the market.
Roger added, “I’m working with each of our sponsors and looking at how we [CFM] can personify what these corporate sponsors do to improve life experiences in Carmel. One of my goals this summer is to look for ways to create more of an experi-
ming. Pedcor [Companies], another of our sponsors, and IU Health North have been fundamental in our [market] experiences. The Carmel Clay Historical Society has signed on [as a sponsor] as well, and we’re talking with them about providing a kids’ project—an arts and crafts type of project—with a history background as something for the kids to do. We’re trying to find some activities to engage the kids so that parents can hang around [the market] a little bit longer.”
For a complete list of vendors, entertainment and information on how to become a volunteer or sponsor of the Carmel Farmers Market, visit carmelfarmersmarket.com.
CFM ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Every Saturday, May through September - 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
JUNE 15, 2024
Whobilados WHOBILADOS (who-bi-LAW-dohs) are well-traveled acoustic musicians who enjoy an eclectic mix of traditional tunes, originals and classic covers.
JUNE 22, 2024
DiscomBOBulated Indianapolis-based rock group.
JUNE 29, 2024
Jon Shoulders
Bringing high-energy acoustic tunes spanning a wide variety of genres for all ages. Instagram & Facebook @jonshouldersmusic
JULY 6, 2024
Island Breeze
Two steel drums, keyboard, guitar, Island hand percussion and great vocals make this band unique.
JULY 13, 2024
Doug Resendez Solo acoustic cover artist playing genres from the ’70s to acoustic rap songs.
Creating Unmatched Moments, One Show at a Time at Feinstein’s!
7/ 5
7/6
7/12 & 7/13
7/19
7/20
7/21
7/25 7/26
7/27
INDY NIGHTS WITH RYAN AHLWARDT & FRIENDS | Sold Out
CHROME HORSE: THE BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE | Six Decades of Top Hits
CELEBRATING CELINE: STARING JENENE CARAMIELO | Celine Dion Tribute
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
SWEET CAROLINE: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF NEIL DIAMOND | Don Farrell
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH HOSTED BY PAT YO’ WEAVE | 11 am Show 21+ Only
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David Ranalli
THE AHLWARDT’S PRESENTS: HUMAN JUKEBOX EXPERIENCE | You Pick, We Play!
ERIC BAKER & FRIENDS PRESENTS: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE 70'S
White Barn Antiques in Cloverdale, Indiana, is a mustvisit destination for antique lovers and those looking to experience the charm of a small-town treasure hunt.
Afamily venture owned by Doug and Abby Harrough, White Barn Antiques, LLC, brings a passionate and extensive knowledge of antique and vintage furnishings with a commitment to providing quality furnishings and superb customer service to its customers.
White Barn Antiques offers an extensive collection of vintage and antique items. Housed in a picturesque white barn, the shop features an array of antique furniture, home décor, collectibles and unique pieces that evoke nostalgia and charm.
Passing down family antiques holds significant emotional, cultural and practical value. Antiques link us to our past, preserving family history and enriching the family narrative with stories and memories.
Collecting antiques can also be a smart investment; many pieces appreciate [in value] over time, providing aesthetic pleasure and financial returns. Additionally, antiques contribute to sustainable living by repurposing and preserving existing items, reducing the demand for new resources.
According to industry experts and reputable antique dealers, antiques are defined as an item, or items, at least or
By thoughtfully blending antiques with modern décor, you can create a unique and personalized space that reflects both timeless elegance and contemporary style. Mix and match styles and pair antique pieces with modern furniture to create a dynamic contrast.
over 100 years old. While there is no official expert consensus on what qualifies as “vintage,” experts agree that an item should be 20-99 years old.
Doug and Abby established and opened White Barn Antiques in November of 2023 as retirement from their preexisting careers neared.
“We love the hunt,” Doug shared. “Abby and I are always finding ourselves in antique stores, estate sales and auctions. We started picking things up that are quality, in good shape and lend themselves to having real beauty.”
Doug added, “We had started to think about retirement, and Abby and I were asking ourselves what we [wanted] to do. We moved to the country for a variety of reasons and have been blessed with a plot of land along with a white house and a white barn. We love antiques, and I have always had a passion for furniture … I love its craftsmanship and design [aspect]. So, this is where the passion has led us. Frankly, our financial advisor told us that we need to retire to something and not from something. So, we are retiring to the passion that is White Barn Antiques.”
For example, an ornate antique mirror can be placed above a sleek, minimalist console table. Create focal points and use antiques as statement pieces in your décor. A vintage chandelier in a modern dining room or an antique armchair in a minimalist living room can draw attention and serve as conversation starters. Balance proportions and scale to ensure that the size and scale of your antiques complement the modern pieces in the room. A large antique cabinet can anchor a space, while smaller vintage accessories, like lamps or vases, can add subtle touches of history.
Give antiques a new life by repurposing them in contemporary ways. An old trunk can become a coffee table, or a vintage ladder can be used as a unique bookshelf. Updating upholstery or refinishing wood can also help antiques fit better within a modern context while preserving their character. Be sure to layer with modern art and accessories. Surround antiques with modern art, lighting and accessories to create a balanced look. This layering technique helps integrate the old with the new, making the transition between styles seamless and cohesive.
“I believe that people will lean into what they’re attracted to and add it to their home,” Doug said. “We have [in our home] very modern pieces, and we have an 18th-century breakfront that is an anchor, if you will, to our living room, and yet we have a very modern custom sofa and pieces from Ethan Allen … you mix and match. I
think rooms should be layered with what you like and what brings you joy.”
In an era of IKEA and throwaway furnishings, Doug and Abby emphasized the importance of appreciating and preserving antiques as you would any piece of valuable art.
“It’s really about the craftsmanship,” Doug said. “The artistry is taken for granted, and when you think about the time and energy it takes to make a beautiful piece of furniture, you realize the artistry and talent that goes into creating that. These pieces are made to last and are made to be functional as well as beautiful.”
Doug spoke about the importance of maintaining and caring for antiques while emphasizing that your pieces should be used and enjoyed, not stored away out of sight.
“I’m not an appraiser, but there are many qualified appraisers around Indiana and I do believe that people should have their pieces appraised
and insured for their value,”
Doug said. “In terms of caring for them, [give] them a good dusting, and for raw wood, you’ll want to make sure it’s not dried out. You’ll want to use an oil to moisten the wood and breathe some life back into it. For finished pieces, I would recommend more of a paste wax instead of a spray wax like Pledge and only do it sparingly … maybe once or twice a year. Keep things out of direct sunlight because that will bleach out the finish and dry out the wood. It’s not going to have a perfect finish, and frankly, I think even the spots and the stains and things like that tell a story. They let you know that they’ve been around for a while, and that’s okay.”
Doug continued, “I think you can overdo an antique piece. I understand that people want things to look new and shiny, and that’s great, but I also think you take away some of its pride and dignity when you do that to an antique piece. Other than
that, if you buy something from us, please use it! It’s not a monument, and it’s not going with you at the end, so use it now and let others use it.”
After exploring the treasures at White Barn Antiques, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the quaint charm of Cloverdale for a day or weekend getaway, you can board your pets at Kuddles Kennels should you have need. Indulge in classic American comfort food at Lou’s Diner, where you can savor tenderloins as big as your head in a nostalgic setting, or Cloverdale’s new coffee shop, Sweet Clover Coffee, and new café, Four Leaf on Main—both are located on the west side of Main Street in downtown Cloverdale.
With its unique antique finds, delightful local amenities and stunning natural surroundings, Cloverdale offers the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend escape. Enjoy the
A wonderful assortment of well-preserved antique furnishings and accessories, tastefully displayed in a gorgeous, well-lit store. There are hand-selected antiques, tables, secretaries and chairs one to two-and-a-half centuries old. The proprietors are friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and interested in your antique interests. White Barn’s inventory makes me want three or four extra rooms in my house to furnish! A must-stop for serious collectors and people looking for that one special piece to build a room around.
beach, boating, fishing and hiking at Lieber State Recreation Area near Cagles Mill Lake.
“It’s a quiet little rural farm town, and it’s a lovely day trip,” Doug said. “We love Cloverdale because it’s quaint and quiet. We’ve been out here for six years. My wife is originally from Franklin [Indiana] and I’m from Bloomington [Indiana]. I’m hoping that our [antique] shop brings more people out here. It is quintessential rural Indiana.
Be sure to follow White Barn Antiques on Facebook @White Barn Antiques and on Instagram @wbantiques. For more information, visit the website at whitebarnantiques.net.
White Barn Antiques
2192 East County Road 1100S Cloverdale, IN 46120
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment.
For over eight decades, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre has cultivated young talent and built community through its youth programming. Civic’s Anne Beck and Brent Marty shared some highlights of the upcoming summer shows, emphasizing the purpose behind the Youth Artists Program (YAP) and Jr. Civic.
These programs are designed to provide young performers with valuable training and performance opportunities, fostering not only their artistic skills but also a sense of community and collaboration. Through engaging productions and comprehensive educational experiences, Civic Theatre continues to nurture the next generation of artists while strengthening the cultural fabric of the community.
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program (YAP) presents “REVUE!” High school students from across Central Indiana will present a showcase of scenes, dance, solo, trios, and small group numbers for an evening full of fun, cabaret-style entertainment!
In addition, YAP is pleased to present the all-singing, all-dancing Tony-winning musical spectacular, “CATS”!
“CATS” takes place in a larger-thanlife junkyard playground filled with purr-fect felines like Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Skimbleshanks and Grizabella. On the special night of
the Jellicle Ball, the Jellicle Cats come out to play and tell their stories to Old Deuteronomy, their wise leader, who will choose one cat to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle life.
YAP coordinator, director and choreographer Anne Beck shared her thoughts on the two YAP performances coming up this summer.
“YAP does ‘REVUE!’ every year, which is a cabaret, and it’s one night only on June 24, and ‘CATS’ will be at the end of July,” Beck said. “I feel like we had a big surge in all these kids wanting to come through this program. It is unlike the other [programs] in that they get classes for an hour before the rehearsals. So, it’s become a conservatory while performing shows at the same time. We put our feelers out in the area on what show the kids wanted to do this year, and ‘CATS’ just kept coming up. I think it has a lot
to do with the imaginative storytellers that these high schoolers are. We had about 86 kids audition, and we ended up taking 30 from 14 different high schools. Brent [Marty] loves the music as much as I do, and he is our music supervisor, and Jennie Kistner [from Zionsville] is vocal directing. Our team is very excited!”
For those who may not know, Beck’s national tour performing credits include “CATS.” She performed with Ken Page in NYC, the original “Old Deuteronomy,” and she worked with director Jacob Brent, who was “Mr. Mistoffelees” in the video production of “CATS,” filmed in 1998.
“I learned all of the ins and outs of the story, [which is] based on T.S. Eliot’s book of poems, from them [Page and Brent],” Beck stated. “The through line is kind of minimal. Sometimes, people think of it as a storytelling of all these cats. There’s this overlying theme of acceptance, and you’re allowed to make mistakes, and you can move on from that. That’s more of the positive, whole-theme story I’m
trying to push with our high school program this summer.”
Director of Music & Education Brent Marty shared his excitement for the upcoming Jr. Civic show, “FINDING NEMO JR.”
“I’ve got 40 kids, and we’re doing minimal costuming on this one and using a projection package for the scenery,” Marty said. “This is my 24th [Jr. Civic] production. I’ve done it every year since I started. ‘Finding Nemo’ is a popular title … people know it. It’s not a musical, so
they’ve taken this movie, and it’s actually a musical at the Disney World theme park and that’s what the script is based on. It’s been fleshed out more for this [Civic] Jr. version, but it’s the same characters you know and love. It’s also blended with some elements of ‘Finding Dory.’”
Marty continued, “It’s dealing with a lot of heavy themes when you think about it: first day of school, getting acclimated and finding new friends, Dory’s memory loss, the single parent who’s incredibly concerned about his kid because he has a little fin, and how it all plays into the adventure that they all go on. Things that you might not think of when you’re thinking of ‘Finding Nemo,’ but they’re there and we’re addressing them. So, you’re not only going to enjoy the show, but you’ll have a little education and an empathetic hour at the theater.”
For more information on YAP and Jr. Civic and to buy tickets to one or all of these shows, visit civictheatre.org.
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Center
APRIL 17
audience is going to be enthusiastic and appreciative … and all of those things help put us [the Center] on the map.”
McDermott spoke about the importance of garnering and retaining partnerships throughout the community.
The upcoming season for the Center for the Performing Arts is a testament to the campus’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts and arts education in Indiana. Showcasing an impressive array of performances and events, this season underscores the Center’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.
ith a diverse lineup that appeals to a wide range of audiences, the Center continues to solidify its status as a mecca for the arts, attracting both local talent and renowned artists from across the nation.
“We’ve got over 60 performances [booked], and I suspect we’ll add five to eight more during the season,” Jeff McDermott, CEO/President of the Center for the Performing Arts, stated. “We purposely leave spots open because some artists decide to go on tour after we’ve announced our season, and we leave openings so that we’re in the running to add some great artists after the fact.”
“We hear with some regularity from the artists that they are treated well here,” McDermott shared. “The artists love the venue, the production and programming teams, and if they’re going to be near this area … this is the place they want to be.”
When asked about his feelings on witnessing the Center’s growing reputation and success, McDermott replied, “It makes me feel like a proud father. We were trying to find our way and make a name for ourselves, and now we’ve got these great artists telling us this is where they want to play. It’s an experience for the artist and their team, just as it’s an experience for our patrons. The artists know they’re going to be treated well, they know they’re going to sound great, and they know the
“I always tell people that with any business—we’re a nonprofit, but we’re definitely operating as a business—if you want to be successful, it always starts with your product,” McDermott explained. “Our product is our performances and educational programs. The better the performances we book, the more world-class artists we can bring in here, and the greater variety means more patrons will come here to enjoy the experience. The more patrons that we have, the more donors we will have, and the more attractive we’re going to be to corporate sponsors and great donors so that we can continue to expand what we’re doing with our product. The more we expand our product, the more the artists want to come and be a part of it.”
McDermott continued, “We know that when Carmel is named the best place to live, retire or raise a family, the Center for the Performing Arts is always mentioned as a contributing amenity, and we’re constantly raising the bar on ourselves. Where else can you go to enjoy pop, rock, country, songbook, classical, jazz, international and family performances, all in one campus? This season, we have worldclass, iconic performers from so many different genres that will attract many different enthusiasts for their music. We’re a very inclusive venue, and there is something for everyone here.”
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The Center is proud to offer schools transportation grants and opportunities to visit its campus and participate in outreach programs.
“We’re excited to offer four free student matinees this year and transportation grants,” McDermott shared. “Transportation costs are one of the barriers for schools to be able to come here. We take our responsibilities here in the community very seriously, and we’re doing things that we’re very proud of and that other venues don’t do.”
BRASS NOVEMBER 23
“The new lighting system is largely installed, and the new sound system will be installed in June … in time for the new season,” McDermott continued. “When the hall was built, it had state-ofthe-art, world-class lighting and sound, but we’ve reached a point where both needed to be updated.”
McDermott concluded, “We are appreciative of the City [of Carmel] and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission for
helping to make this possible. As people come into the hall, as perfect as our sound and lighting have been, they are going to hear and see an even bigger difference in terms of the audio and lighting. We’re already getting great reviews from patrons who have already seen the new things we’re able to do … giving this place an even cooler look and feel, and a venue like this really demands that.”
Don’t miss a minute of the musical magic this season! Purchase your series packages at thecenterpresents.org.
SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT
SAT, JUL 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
AVERAGE WHITE BAND:
A FUNK FINALE
SAT, AUG 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–
A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND
FRI, SEPT 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
VERONICA SWIFT
SAT, SEPT 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
CENTER CELEBRATION 2024
FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI
SAT, SEPT 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM
NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR
THURS, SEPT 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
LEONID & FRIENDS:
THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE
FRI, SEPT 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR
SAT, SEPT 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR
THURS, OCT 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!
FRI, OCT 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY
SAT, OCT 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SUN, OCT 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
SAT, OCT 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL
DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE
SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S
HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE
SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
VITAMIN STRING QUARTET:
THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
GRUPO NICHE FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE PIANO GUYS SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BUCKETS N BOARDS SUN, NOV 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRI, NOV 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
CANADIAN BRASS SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DIONNE WARWICK
SUN, NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN
THURS, DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS SAT, DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS
CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRI, DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
MAC MCANALLY FRI, JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE SAT, JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX FRI, JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
HEART OF AFGHANISTAN FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT, JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT, FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRI, FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SAT, FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI, FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SAT, FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRI, FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE STEPCREW FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DUSTBOWL REVIVAL: A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN, MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUN, MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM
LANG LANG FRI, MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT, APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDS, APR 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT, APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN, APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURS, APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI, APR 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BLACK VIOLIN SAT, APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUES, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THURS, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SAT, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM iLUMINATE SUN, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM
This month, Carmel Monthly is proud to feature veteran motorsports reporter Jamie Little on its latest cover. Little joined FOX NASCAR in 2015, covering pit road for the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first woman to call TV play-by-play for a national racing series as the voice of the ARCA Menards Series.
In addition to blazing a trail for female broadcasters in motorsports, Little shares how she manages her work-life balance as a reporter, wife, mother of two, dog rescue advocate, and franchisee of three Nothing Bundt Cake bakeries in Whitestown and north of Indianapolis.
Little’s assignments have included select races and special events, such as her pit reporting debut for the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona and hosting duties for Supercross coverage. She has also appeared as a guest host on FS1’s NASCAR Race Hub.
Before joining FOX, Little spent 13 years at ESPN/ABC, covering NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, and the Winter and Summer X Games. Her TV career began in 2002 with ESPN, and she has also worked for SPEED, NBC and TNN. Notably, she was the first female pit reporter for the Indianapolis 500 (2004) and became the first to cover both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 for live network TV in 2015. In April 2016, she hosted FOX’s coverage of Supercross at Gillette Stadium.
Little attributes her entry into television to her lifelong passion for motorsports and love of dirt bikes. While still in college, she reported on various motorsports for ESPN2 and served as a live announcer for Supercross.
Widely known for her pioneering work in motorsports broadcasting, Little also showcases her versatility as an announcer for the Westminster Dog Show. Bringing her dynamic energy and keen attention to detail, Little adds a unique flair to the prestigious event, seamlessly blending her broadcasting expertise with her passion for animals.
“This is my 25th season covering motorsports and it all started completely organically,” Little said. “I found my career through my passion for racing. I was a tomboy [growing up], and at 15, I loved any friends that had a four-wheeler or Mini Bike. This was my playtime.”
A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in journalism, Little grew up in South Lake Tahoe, California. She spent much of her young life with her mother in Las Vegas before moving to Los Angeles at age 18.
“I knew I was passionate about racing and thought, why can’t I be the person on TV interviewing [the drivers] and telling the stories? I followed Motorcross and Supercross. I got in front of the right people, paid my dues, and I found myself in the right place at the right time. [Having] a female on TV was a new concept for ESPN, and I started [my career] in 2002 with ESPN. I covered my first Indy 500 in 2004 and was the first female [broadcaster] to do that. I ended up doing 11 Indy 500s, and when we got the contract with NASCAR in 2007, I was asked to be part of that team. I just covered my fifth
[Westminster] Dog Show—that’s kind of a perk for being with FOX. They know I’m dog-obsessed, so I get to do this other passion project. Yes, I’m passionate about racing. That’s my career, but dogs are my thing. I have four at home, so covering Westminster is a dream job for sure.”
Little spoke about how building relationships with interviewees and industry associates has been paramount to her success as a broadcaster. She emphasized that establishing trust and rapport with those she interviews not only enriches her storytelling but also fosters a collaborative and respectful environment within the industry.
“It’s absolutely about [building] relationships,” Little stated. “You’ve got to meet the right people to put you [in] the right positions, but once you get the opportunity, you have [to] create and maintain those relationships. That’s what it’s all about in a garage. These drivers get asked a lot of questions from a lot of different reporters, but the response will vary depending on who’s asking the question. If they trust you and know you, they will give you a great answer. If they don’t know you, you could be on the receiving end of a not-so-nice response. I think [my relationships] have contributed to my longevity in the sport. People respect me and like talking to me, which helps because we have to interview them in some tough situations sometimes.”
Little added, “These relationships make my job so much more fun. When I walk into that garage, I’m speaking with a bunch of my friends and with people that I look up to, love talking to, and love sharing their stories.”
Little shared insights into how she manages to balance her work and personal lives.
“I couldn’t be a mom to two kids, have four dogs, travel like I do to cover sports, and keep my head on straight if it wasn’t for my husband, Cody Selman. It’s a total team effort … whatever it takes to get things done and to stay afloat, especially during my busy season. My husband is
brilliant. He figured out a way to have a business, which we did with Jimmy John’s back in Las Vegas, and when we moved here seven years ago, we started the franchise of Nothing Bundt Cakes so Cody can have his own thing going on but also has the freedom to be with our kids when I travel. It really is a team, and to balance things, I’ve really got to have things to look forward to and to stay fresh when I travel as much as I do, covering the same sport week after week.”
Little shared that the Nothing Bundt Cake franchise started in Las Vegas about 25 years ago and sells “the” cakes for any celebration.
“Nothing Bundt Cakes [is] the place to go for the best cakes out there,” Little said. “When Cody was looking for opportunities in Indianapolis for businesses, there weren’t any Nothing Bundt Cakes here, so we quickly jumped on that and opened one at Keystone [Crossing], and it has been our number-one store for six years now. It’s a really joyful business. People don’t get bummed out when you bring them cake.”
Little and Selman actively give back to the communities in which they live and own their bakeries. Little spoke about how they donate birthday and adoption
cakes to Firefly Children and Family Alliance [formerly the Children’s Bureau] in Indianapolis and donate time, cakes and resources to the Humane Society for Hamilton County. The couple also donates cakes to local fire and police stations as a gesture of appreciation and thanks.
“What we’re doing is nothing compared to what these people and organizations do on a daily basis,” Little expressed. “It’s really incredible. Since we’ve opened a Nothing Bundt Cake bakery in the Whitestown/Zionsville area, we want to get more involved in the community. We want people to know that we’re here and that we want to support them.”
When asked what brought Little and her family from Las Vegas to the north side of Indianapolis, where they resided in Carmel before recently moving to Zionsville, Little replied, “Cody graduated from Zionsville Community High School, and his dad and brother still live here. So, it’s perfect for us to have family around, and the kids have cousins here. It made sense for us to move here, and while it was a big adjustment for me, the reality is that I travel a lot and Cody’s home. This is a godsend for us, and our kids, Sierra (7) and Carter (11), are flourishing here.”
Follow Jamie Little on X at @JamieLittleTV and on Instagram @JamieLittleTV, and be sure to order a delectable and noteworthy cake for your next celebration from Nothing Bundt Cake in Whitestown or at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis!
This past April, the Carmel City Council voted 9-0 to approve a resolution to evaluate and consider funding sources for a proposed two-story indoor food hall and public gathering space east of the Monon Greenway and north of City Center Drive. The resolution was presented to the council by Carmel Redevelopment Commission Director Henry Mestetsky.
We spoke with Mestetsky and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam about the highlights of this proposed project and what impact the Union would have economically and socially should it move forward and come to fruition.
The Union, proposed as part of the
redevelopment of the former Monon Square retail center, is set to be located at the south end of the site. The project includes plans for a parking garage, office space and apartments. The completion of the project is contingent on the city securing outside funding.
“This won’t happen without all of the [potential] outside funding sources coming in,” Mestetsky explained. “We are going for a $10 million READI 2.0 grant
from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and a $7 million grant from Hamilton County Tourism.”
Mestetsky shared that there will be approximately 14-15 vendors selling hot food and specialty items. To activate the social components of the Union, Mestetsky said that there is a proposed entertainment stage with a video screen, a children’s activity area and artificial turf on the main level, a switchback or social stairway
connecting the first and second floors, and a large event space with a roof deck on the second floor.
“The Union is a destination, whether you’re hungry or not,” Mestetsky said. “Imagine if the Monon veered indoors for a moment. It is an extension of the public realm—an indoor one. Whether you’re looking for something to eat or not, or you want to get out of the 90-degree heat, this will be an incredibly accessible civic space [that] you don’t have to pay money to [use]. You won’t feel like a guest there. This is a true civic space for everyone … an indoor heart for the city.”
Mestetsky added, “Companies want amenities for their employees, so building out [amenities] like the Union continues to make Carmel the number-one destination for offices, especially when their employees can walk to something like the Union. We’re not building an office district. We’re building a neighborhood for people where new offices want to be located.”
When asked what specific economic and social changes she anticipates Union at Monon Square will bring to the city, Mayor Finkam replied, “This will offer us a tremendous opportunity to allow residents to have indoor recreation and dining, more of a fast-casual nature all year round. It will also offer us an opportunity to allow people to gather in the winter just like they do in the summer and allow us to foster new restaurants, which might be startups or in growth mode.”
Finkam concluded, “We hope to have a variety of ethnic restaurants in this mix, which will allow people from all over to enjoy and experience different types of foods. Having the Union will allow us to have another unique opportunity for those visiting our city. They can visit Main Street Arts and Design District, the Monon Trail, and then pop into the Union to get a meal. So, it’ll just be one more place people can have a wonderful experience in Carmel.”
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
The Carmel Summer Meals Program urgently needs your support to feed children in our community. As the school year ends, many children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches face food insecurity during the summer months.
This vital program provides nutritious meals to ensure no child goes hungry while school is out. Your assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of Carmel’s children, helping to provide the nourishment they need to thrive. Join us in supporting this essential initiative to ensure every child in Carmel has access to healthy meals this summer.
The Merciful HELP Center invites families in need to register for the Carmel Summer Meals program, which provides FREE food to children who qualify for free or reduced lunches in the 2023-24 school year. The goal of Carmel Summer Meals is to supplement food budgets by providing children under the age of 18 who attend school in the Carmel Clay Schools district
or a private school located in Carmel with similar items to what they would normally receive for free during the school year for breakfast, lunch and healthy snacks. Carmel students who are 18 but have not graduated high school are also eligible for this program.
Jayne Slaton, the executive director of Merciful HELP Center, shared a few enlightening facts about the needs throughout the Carmel community.
• The 2023 impact report for Carmel Summer Meals states that the program helped 517 children last year and already has 535 children [at the time of publishing] registered for this year. Slaton is projecting a number to be close to 600 children per week.
• Meeting the special needs of children with allergies cost us an additional $5,800 last summer. Allergen-free foods are pricey.
• There is a link to give specifically to this program. All gifts are tax-deductible.
• Merciful HELP needs a minimum of $85,000 to complete this program. This is with the Merciful HELP Center paying for 20 percent of the program out of the general budget, which mainly comes from parish-
ioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Merciful HELP commits to $20,000 each year, and they need the community of Carmel to provide the rest. Members of the Carmel Teachers’ Association have given over $2,000 from their own pockets.
• In Carmel, rents have risen by over 20 percent. Much to their dismay, the Clay Township Trustee has to reduce their support to Carmel Summer Meals because their rental assistance has increased substantially. When rent costs go up, food insecurity goes up.
• The Carmel School of Social Workers and Counselors helps us register the children for the summer program. Parents pick up the food from us every week throughout the summer. Disabled families are offered delivery.
“We do back sacks all [school year], and then we do the Carmel Summer Meals program,” Slaton explained. “It’s all for
Carmel kids, and that’s why we’re trying to get support from our [Carmel] community for this program. I’ve been doing this for 35 years, and we have two employees. We are volunteer-based and we literally help thousands of people every month. We have a lot of people who are dedicated leaders and volunteers who volunteer here, and that is why our overhead is low compared to other organizations and why most of our dollars that are donated go to food, supplies or whatever the family needs. We do what we can to take care of our children and our community.”
The need for volunteers is endless. Slaton is asking community members to sign up and volunteer to assemble the summer meals’ back sacks and assist at the Merciful HELP Center’s food pantry.
Slaton added, “It’s a community effort, this place, and we need people to love each other through this economy.”
For more information on the Merciful HELP Center and the Summer Meals Program, visit mercifulhelpcenter.org.
Checks can be made payable to “Merciful HELP Center” 1045 West 146th St., Suite A, Carmel, IN 46032
Visit the site to give a tax-deductible donation: https://www.osvhub.com/our-lady-of-mt-carmel-parish/giving/funds/mhc-carmel-summer-meals
Food will be distributed by the Merciful HELP Center every Wednesday from May 29 to July 17, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 10655 Haverstick Rd., Carmel, IN 46033 | 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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