Carmel MONTHLY - December 2017

Carmel MONTHLY

Susan G. Komen is More than Pink

COLLECTIVE PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

DECEMBER 2017

Jill Madinger Takes the Helm at Susan G. Komen Central Indiana

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MONTHLY

16 COVER STORY Susan G. Komen is More Than Pink

This month’s feature story introduces our readers to Carmel resident, Jill Madinger, as the new Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Central Indiana and also introduces our readers to the many different services that this organization provides women in need. Susan G. Komen is best known for its Race For The Cure fundraiser, but we find out that it is this and much more.

Cover Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Cover Photo // JJ Kaplan

CARMEL MONTHLY

12 Man’s Best Friend Brings Comfort to Children 20 Christkindlmarkt Launches a Local Holiday Tradition 22 Holiday Happenings 25 Lights…Camera… Immersion 28 Arts Calendar 30 Affordable Fashion Found Locally 33 How We Did Help!

34 Holidays Remembered 37 Friends of Hamilton County Parks Begins a Metamorphosis

PUBLISHER / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803 PUBLISHER / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418 DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418 HEAD WRITER / Janelle Morrison janelle9496@me.com / 317-250-7298 DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY / JJ Kaplan colormyworldstudio@yahoo.com / 317-753-3434 DECEMBER WRITERS / Janelle Morrison, Neil Lucas, Rebecca Wood

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DECEMBER 2017

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Michael is a volunteer for the Carmel Fire Department’s annual community assistance program. The program provides clothes, food and gifts to families in need. Michael is a member of the Carmel Rotary Club and the club provides funds for gifts to these families.

Michael shops for gifts on the families wish list and then delivers To nominate someone go to Facebook.com/Ranjputhranhelpinghands them to their home. Michael is owner of Home Care Assistance and or ranjitputhran@allstate.com lives in Carmel with his wife Cheryl and kids Madelyn (10) and Griffin (8). Thank you Michael for your service to our community.

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Man’s Best Friend Brings Comfort to Children Writer / Rebecca Wood • Photography // JJ Kaplan and submitted

Spencer, a Golden Retriever, is sprawled out across a front entry rug. He’s tuckered out and seems content to bask in the sunlight filtering in through the windows. On this first impression alone, one would likely call Spencer “docile,” but owner Dani Robinson-Gay says there’s much more to his personality.

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hen pushed to describe Spencer, Robinson-Gay refers to him as “cocky and confident.” She adds, “He’s not the sort of dog that would back away from a bar fight.” But he won’t likely come to blows as Robinson-Gay also observes that not much seems to rattle Spencer.

What is also apparent is that Spencer is a dog with a few great loves, and food

ranks at the top of the list. Yet, he will walk away from a full dish when Robinson-Gay brings out his work uniform.

The uniform, a blue vest that fits snuggly along his torso, signifies that Spencer is a therapy dog. His place of “employment” is primarily at Stonegate Elementary School. He is also part of the Love on the Leash crisis team that provides comfort to children in other difficult situations.

Robinson-Gay and Spencer are a certified therapy pet team. To secure this title, Robinson-Gay and Spencer spent a year participating in obedience training sessions, evaluations and supervised visits with the Love on a Leash organization.

Therapy dogs are often mistaken for service animals, but there are many differences. The primary role of a therapy animal is to provide comfort and stress relief to others. They can be found in

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Dani Robinson-Gay with Spencer

schools, nursing homes and hospitals.

Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not under the protection of federal laws and may only enter public places with permission of the owner.

After Robinson-Gay and Spencer became certified, they became a frequent visitor at Stonegate Elementary School in Zionsville. Initially, the two would primarily visit classrooms and teach kids about therapy dogs, dog etiquette and pet safety. Then, the guidance department incorporated Spencer into conversations with children.

Spencer’s most profound relationship has been with Avery Irwin. In February 2017, Avery was a then-fourth grade student at Stonegate Elementary School.

A discussion erupted in her music class about Spencer. Avery raised her hand in class and asked Mr. Joe Budd, her music educator, whether she could pet the dog.

“That moment was very enlightening to me,” recalls Mr. Budd. “I asked Avery to stay behind as class was dismissed.

I asked her if she would be interested in spending time with Spencer. She was very interested. I told her that I was going to try to make that happen for her. “ With one phone call from Mr. Budd, Spencer and Avery were connected and became fast friends. Once a week, Avery would meet Spencer in the guidance office. “Spencer would do a doggy hug and

Dani Robinson-Gay with Avery’s mother, Tanya Irwin

lean on her leg,” Robinson-Gay remembers.

“I went in with no expectations, but had the privilege to see and witness their bond.”

Avery refers to Spencer as “nice.”

She says that he never jumped and gave friendly hugs.

This was a time in Avery’s life where spending time with Spencer was a needed comfort. Avery’s mom was battling stage 4 breast cancer with doctors predicting she had a few more months to live.

On the evening of May 18, 2017, Robinson-Gay received a call from Avery’s dad, Jeff. Avery’s mother had just passed away, and Avery was requesting to see Spencer. Robinson-Gay was on the baseball field, but she rushed home and grabbed Spencer. A few minutes later, the pair arrived at Avery’s door.

For the next hour, Avery walked Spencer around her neighborhood with Robinson-Gay alongside. Avery commented that Spencer wasn’t wearing his vest. Robinson-Gay replied that Spencer wasn’t working that night, but he was there as her friend.

In the following days, Spencer accompanied Avery to her mother’s visitation.

At the funeral, he sat in the front row alongside his friend, Avery. Jeff said

Spencer provided Avery with an outlet and comfort during that difficult time.

Robinson-Gay admits that through the whole process, she has always been cognizant that she is not a therapist.

“I don’t have the answers,” Robinson-Gay acknowledges. “My job is to let the people and the dog do their thing. It gives permission for people to just be.”

Spencer has brightened the lives of other children as a member of the Love on the Leash crisis team. In January 2016, the pair visited the Lawrence elementary school in which the school’s principal had just been killed in a random school bus accident.

Spencer and Robinson-Gay wandered the school halls. Teachers and children would filter out of the classroom and love on Spencer. Robinson-Gay vividly remembers a girl wandering over to Spencer and petting his coat. Robinson-Gay commented on her beautiful smile. “The little girl replied, ‘Then Spencer is helping because I don’t smile a lot.’”

A few weeks ago, at a routine vet visit, a cancerous tumor was found on Spencer’s back. He quickly underwent an operation to remove the tumor. Robinson-Gay is hopeful for a full recovery.

He’ll return to Stonegate Elementary School when he is back to good health.

Robinson-Gay is mindful of the fact that Spencer is advancing in years.

(She thinks he is 9 years old.) At some point, Spencer will need to retire. She takes comfort in knowing that when Spencer was needed, he was used in great ways, especially for Avery.

Robinson-Gay hopes to be part of a pet therapy team for many years into the future. “My time is not done with this. It is a neat way to be part of something and witness something special in a unique setting.”

For more information on Love on a Leash, visit loveonaleash.org.

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Susan G. Komen i M o r t h a P i n

s e n k

Writer // Janelle Morrison Photography // JJ Kaplan & provided

Statistically, one in eight women will get a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Susan G. Komen has a bold goal of reducing the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026.

S

usan G. Komen Central Indiana saves lives by meeting the most critical needs in our state’s communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. This year, Komen Central Indiana invested $832,677 in 15 local breast health programs that reached 40,000 people and provided 20,000 services within a 41-county service area.

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The organization recently welcomed its new executive director and Carmel resident, Jill Madinger. Madinger joined the team at Susan G. Komen Central Indiana in October. She replaced Natalie Sutton, who served in the role for more than three years.

“We are pleased to have Jill join the Komen team,” said Komen Central Indiana Board President Tory Castor. “Her executive leadership, fundraising ability and experience engaging volunteers in meaningful ways make her uniquely qualified for this role. She will be a welcome addition in our fight against breast cancer.”

Madinger has experience developing and implementing strategic sales, marketing and mission initiatives, delivering high-impact solutions that advance organizational goals. Most recently, Madinger was Executive Director of Million Meal

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Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry in Indiana and offering meaningful volunteer experiences for community members.

She also served as the Senior Director of International Growth and Education at Kiwanis International and Account Executive at Pillar Group Risk Management.

“Breast cancer knows no boundaries as far as gender, race, economic situation or geography. It’s all-encompassing,” Madinger stated. “When we come together for the cause to find cures, we all have a stake in this. We all know someone who has been affected by this disease. I think you’re hard-pressed to talk in casual conversation with someone who doesn’t know someone who has been diagnosed or is a survivor or was taken by the disease.”

Madinger emphasized that Komen Central Indiana plays a significant role in the local efforts to provide support and services to those who are fighting the disease in Indiana.

“I think a misunderstanding of the Susan G. Komen organization is that most people see us as just a huge breast health research organization, and we absolutely are; we are the largest funder for breast health research. However, locally, we are also the organization that gives grant dollars to Little Red Door, so the woman who does not have insurance and maybe doesn’t have the family support system can get the care she

Project Pink Fashion Show participants.

needs, get the continuum of care and navigate this very complex system.”

According to the data provided by Komen Central Indiana, 75 percent of the net proceeds raised through Race for the Cure® stays in the local communities to help fund programs like screening, diagnosis and treatment services, safe and accurate breast cancer information and patient navigation programs. The remaining 25 percent of net proceeds go towards national priorities, such as new early detection technologies, understanding of metastasis and how to treat and prevent recurrence and more effective treatments.

The organization puts on several annual fundraisers that raise critical funds to support its mission of saving lives by meeting the critical needs in the communities that it serves and to continue investing in breast cancer research, prevention and a cure. The annual Race for the Cure® is, by far, their largest fundraising mechanism.

The 25th annual Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure® took place in April 2016 and raised $1,153,500 with 13,217 participants. Sponsors, teams and top fundraisers came together to make it the largest event for the organization

75 percent of the net proceeds raised through Race for the Cure® stays in the local communities to help fund programs” that year. Due to unprecedented lightning and severe weather conditions, the 2017 Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure® was cancelled, causing a detrimental set back to the overall fundraising goal and creating a shortfall for 2017.

“The race is our largest funding mechanism. It represents 65 percent of our operating budget, which includes the grants that are able to fund other organizations,” Madinger explained. “There was approximately a $200,000 shortfall as a result of the race being cancelled due to the lightning.”

It was the first time ever that the race had been cancelled, and due to its scope and sheer logistics, it could not be rescheduled for another time in 2017. The figure that the Komen Central Indiana is using to discuss the human aspect of the shortfall is 10,000 individuals who were

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not able to receive the services that the organization would have otherwise been able to provide them.

“The cancellation of the race had tangible financial implications, and then it had intangible implications,” Madinger said.

“It was both an emotional loss as well as a financial one. It is a time for unification for the organization, the survivors and for the ones who are battling the disease. It’s a time for them to come together and feel that unity. My goal for this year is a dry and beautiful day for the 2018 race.”

Madinger is looking ahead at developing additional fundraising mechanisms to make the organization less dependent on Mother Nature’s good graces.

“When you’re so dependent on events and you have an electrical storm that forces you to cancel the main event, you recognize that revenue model needs to be revisited,” Madinger elaborated. “We will be focusing on other mechanisms for fundraising that will include individual giving and large gift planning. I see this as a great opportunity as we continue to do these events and keep the train on the track while looking at additional fundraising opportunities to continue to support our grantees.”

So far, the 2018 Komen Central Indiana Race for the Cure® has raised $8,575.40 out of its $1,150,000 goal. The event date has been set for Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Historic Military Park located at White River State Park.

Through outreach and networking events in the organization’s 41-county service area, special programs and partnerships with other local organiza-

tions, Komen Central Indiana connects individual needs with available resources to empower Hoosiers and maximize the impact of its mission. Its other significant and engaging events include the Pink Tie Ball, Circle of Hope, Pink Ribbon Celebration and Project Pink.

Project Pink is the organization’s annual fashion show fundraising event.

In 2017, it celebrated the sixth anniversary of the event with 10 models who raised awareness about breast cancer and fundraising in support of Komen Central Indiana’s mission.

Ten breast cancer survivors, co-survivors and Komen supporters hit the runway modeling one-of-a-kind outfits designed by students from the Art Institute of Indianapolis. A panel

of judges selected a winning designer following the runway show.

The 2017 models also compete in a friendly fundraising competition leading up to the event. The model that collected the most donations was presented with the 2017 Trendsetter Award.

Komen Central Indiana’s community impact initiatives include, but are not limited to, Cancer Resource Center at IU Simon, Coffee with Komen, Sisters in Pink, Indiana Cancer Consortium and More than Friends.

Madinger and her staff are proud to serve central Indiana community members in meaningful ways that give survivors the strength needed for today, raise awareness and education about breast cancer and push research forward, offering hope for tomorrow.

For more information, call 317-638-2873 or visit komencentralindiana.org. Connect with the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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n d i k l m t s i a r rkt h C Launches a New Holiday Tradition

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Holidays on the Prairie

Conner Prairie, November 25-December 30 Holidays on the Prairie includes several different familyfriendly holiday events. Transport back to 1836 through the Prairietown walking tour, Conner Prairie by Candlelight.

Guests can view a collection of both amateur and professional gingerbread houses in the Gingerbread Village.

Adults can enjoy their favorite hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft beer, and spirits at Holiday Cheers. Finally, Santa is coming to town to enjoy breakfast and dinner with guests at the prairie!

Christmas at the Zoo

Indianapolis Zoo, November 24-December 30 Christmas at the Zoo is a wintertime extravaganza everyone will enjoy. Stop by the Indianapolis Zoo for its annual light spectacular, and experience one of the nation’s top 10 zoos in a whole new way as hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights delight and inspire. Soaring 150 feet above the Skjodt International Orangutan Center, you’ll be able to spot the Beacon of Hope glowing in holiday colors from miles away.

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Lights at the Brickyard Indianapolis Motor Speedway, November 17 -December 30

Join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Lights at the Brickyard. Visitors will have an opportunity to drive their cars around certain areas of the Speedway that will be dressed for the holidays. 2.5 million bright lights will be illuminating numerous colorful displays. The driving experience will cover 2+ miles and will include crossing the famed Yard of Bricks.

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, November 24-January 7, 2018 Jolly Days is a holiday treat for the whole family at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Complete with an indoor “ice skating” rink for children to skate in their socks, an ice fishing area, and a holiday train, this is an unbeatable family tradition. Mark you calendar - on the day after Thanksgiving, Santa will arrive Indy style in a Dallara IndyCar!

Winterlights at Newfields Newfields, November 19-January 7, 2018

Winterlights at Newfields is a new family tradition for Indy. A dazzling choreographed lightshow invites you to walk through the garden trails as you sip your favorite hot beverage. From the “whimsy trees” to the lawn, it will be impossible to not marvel at Indy’s newest holiday date night or family outing destination.

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IMMERSION

Writer // Janelle Morrison

Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) has recently announced its new program, Theatre Immersion Experience 2018. This program is designed for students who are dedicated, passionate, creative and wanting to grow their theatre skills in a unique “hands-on” way.

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Waddell dances with ATI co-founder, Don Farrell, in the production of My Way.

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or those who are not familiar with ATI, it is a professional, not-for-profit theatre organization of local and national artists dedicated to excellence in theatre production for a diverse patron base in Carmel and central Indiana. ATI enriches the culture of the community and uses theatre as a tool for educational engagement.

The organization was co-founded by Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald in 2005. Through these individuals’ own professional experiences and connections, ATI’s patrons are exposed to national talent who appear and assist with its productions and projects on a regular basis. The exposure to this caliber of professionalism is one of the main attributes that sets ATI apart from other equity companies in the central Indiana area.

Another of ATI’s noteworthy features is the educational arm of the organization. An example of ATI’s expanding educational initiatives is the debut of the Theatre Immersion Experience. This program is for students, ages 14 to 18, and will offer 40 hours of customized instruction led by Broadway and leading theatre professionals such as ATI’s Director of Education MaryJayne (MJ) Waddell.

and spent some time sharing her observations on playing Fantine with the student actress, Grace Tucker, who also played Fantine. Waddell shared why she is passionate to help aspiring students and to get the word out about the Theatre Immersion Experience. She believes it will help not only budding actors and stage managers hone their skills, but it will build confidence and teach the importance of collaboration to everyone who completes the program.

“Before I moved to Indiana, I’d been coming to do shows with ATI since they opened,” Waddell said. “I’ve directed, choreographed, stage-managed and have been in ATI shows. What’s interesting is that everyone seems to know the Tarkington and the Civic, but there are so many who don’t know about ATI. ATI is a professional theatre company and is located in the Studio Theater.

It’s a wonderful venue, and we want to get people in there to experience what professional theatre is. The actors that come from New York City and other cities to perform here are professionals.

In designing the Theatre Immersion Experience, I did so that the students will experience shadowing professionals during the course of three shows. The students are going to observe and learn by following them from the very first day of rehearsals to opening night.”

Waddell explained the students will have direct access to the actors, directors and technical team. They will even shadow the technical team up in the

Waddell’s career highlights include starring in the North American Tour of “Mamma Mia!” as Donna Sheridan; the Broadway and National Tour of “Les Misérables” where she covered the role of Fantine and the Factory Girl; the “Sondheim Celebration” at the Kennedy Center in 2002 in the extraordinary casts of “Merrily We Roll Along” where she was co-choreographer and dance captain; and “Sunday in the Park with George” in which she was also dance captain. Waddell spent four seasons singing and dancing alongside the Radio City Rockettes as a New Yorker in the Radio City “Christmas Spectacular.”

Fascinated by the fact that an area high school was producing “Les Misérables” with all of its complexities and challenges, Waddell attended the rehearsals of the Zionsville Community High School’s Waddell offers her wisdom to student actor, Grace Tucker, production on playing the role of Fantine in Zionsville Community High School’s Fall production of Les Misérables. last month

Waddell as Donna Sheridan in MammaMia North American Tour.

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This program is for students, ages 14 to 18, and will offer 40 hours of customized instruction led by Broadway and leading theatre professionals such as ATI’s Director of Education MaryJayne (MJ) Waddell.” booth. They will experience what every department does and how they collaborate to put on a quality show. ATI also offers a theatre tech experience, “The Business of Backstage,” for students, ages 14 to 18, who are interested in the backstage “magic” or artistry.

“After opening night, the 40 hours of their classes will begin,” Waddell explained. “Within those 40 hours, the students are going to write, direct, design and star in their own showcases at the Studio Theater. They will perform in front of their family and friends, but

more importantly, we will have theatre professionals from universities that run theatre programs who will provide feedback to the students.”

Another one of the goals that Waddell hopes to achieve with this program is preparing students for the challenges that await them when they leave Carmel for college or other endeavors.

“You can be a star in Carmel, but when you get to college or if you are auditioning with 200 people who are just like you, it’s a totally different ballgame,” she emphasized. “Hopefully,

the students will use this immersion and take away from it useful and solid tools that can be used not just in their careers but throughout their lives. We are preparing them and helping them to realize that they are unique. They don’t have to try to be anybody else but themselves and to take the gifts that they already have and share them with the world.”

For more information on ATI or to register for any of its programs, visit atistage.org and click on the Education tab.

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ARTS CALENDAR D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 7

music

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show

Straighten Up & Fly Right for the Holidays: The Nat King Cole Tribute with Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli

Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Special Guests David Benoit, Rick Braun, & Peter White

Celtic Thunder Holiday Symphony Tour

Known for their mega-selling crossover hit “Elvira,” and more than 30 other Top 10 singles, the Oak Ridge Boys are back on the road with a classic lineup that dates to 1973. For nearly three decades, the country and gospel vocal quartet has mounted an annual Christmas tour featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary seasonal songs, including tunes from their seven best-selling Christmas CDs. Aside from their five Grammy® Awards, nine Dove Awards and many other honors, they are members of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Two jazz veterans team up to honor a legendary pop artist with Straighten Up & Fly Right for the Holidays: The Nat King Cole Tribute with Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli. Pianist Lewis and his trio are joined by Pizzarelli on guitar and vocals for an evening that includes interpretations of traditional songs from Cole’s Christmas recordings as well as many of the pop standards he made his own, such as “Sweet Lorraine,” “Body and Soul” and “Route 66.” Lewis has recorded over 80 albums and owns three Grammy® Awards.

An annual holiday tradition returns as Dave Koz brings his 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour to the Palladium. Special guests David Benoit, Rick Braun and Peter White – the original lineup from Koz’s very first holiday package tour – will join the smooth jazz saxophonist to perform their own hits and jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family. Koz has earned nine Grammy® Award nominations and sent nine albums to the top of Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

He also has hosted the syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show for over 20 years.

On its second tour with a full symphony, Celtic Thunder will perform highlights from its most popular productions as well as songs from the chart-topping albums Celtic Thunder Christmas and The Classic Christmas Album, with solo and ensemble numbers featuring the five male vocalists – Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne and Michael O’Dwyer. Named Billboard’s Top World Music Album Artist three times, Celtic Thunder has performed at the White House, on the Today show and for multiple PBS specials.

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 7TH • 7:30 PM

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 8 • 8 PM

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 10 • 8 PM

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 14 • 7:30PM

theatre Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Lyrics by: Tim Rice Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber Go, Go, Go Joseph! The irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Israel’s favorite son returns to the Civic stage. Told entirely through song, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the journey of Joseph as he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but uses his intelligence and wit along with his ability to interpret dreams to advance and become the right hand man of Pharaoh himself.

The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and island music (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door” and “Go, Go Joseph”.

PALLADIUM TARKINGTON DECEMBER 15 - JANUARY 7 28

STUDIO THEATER

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Michael Bolton

Festival of Carols It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir presents Festival of Carols - with 4 performances to choose from! The Midwest’s beloved holiday tradition features your favorite carols and holiday music performed by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and special guest artists

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 15 - 17

Canadian Brass Christmas

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

Since forming in the 1970s, this distinctive chamber quintet has toured the world and released over 100 albums as the leading standard bearer for the role of brass in classical music. Comprising tuba, trombone, horn and trumpets, Canadian Brass was the first Western brass ensemble to perform in the People’s Republic of China and the first to take the main stage at Carnegie Hall. In this special holiday performance, the group will perform a broad range of classical, traditional and pop tunes reflecting the spirit of the season.

The greatest story ever told. The most majestic music ever conceived. This is the Messiah of the season, performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra along with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

And it is music’s most powerful message of faith.

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 21 - 22 • 7:30PM

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 23 • 8 PM

Award-winning singer-songwriter Michael Bolton will bring a full band and three decades of hits on this return visit to the Palladium. After his early years in hard rock, Bolton found huge success from the ’80s onward as a pop and soul belter. He has since sold more than 65 million records around the world, landing nine No. 1 singles and nine Top 10 studio albums with hits including “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” “How Can We Be Lovers” and his acclaimed interpretations of classics like “To Love Somebody” and “When A Man Loves a Woman.” His honors have included two Grammy® Awards for Best Male Vocal Performance and six American Music Awards.

PALLADIUM DECEMBER 27 • 7:30 PM

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SirosChicBoutique.com are spotlighting three local businesses.

Siro’s Chic Boutique, Jewel Box Jewelers and Lesley Jane are all local Zionsville businesses that offer unique products from all over the country and even from around the world.

Siro’s Chic Boutique is an upscale couture fashion boutique that specializes in customer service and the latest trends in women’s fashion from all over the globe.

Jewel Box Jewelers is Zionsville’s oldest jewelry store and offers expertise in wholesale and retail jewelry but also a high level of customer service. Customers can find a variety of collections for everyday wear as well as unique, brand name and custom pieces of luxury jewelry for men and women.

Lesley Jane’s mission is to find small, boutique brands that are new to Indiana

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and, in some cases, new to the U.S. that are affordable and fashionable. The boutique offers fashion-forward designers from all over the world, some of which are not available anywhere else in Indiana. These collections are exclusive but at a price that won’t break the bank.

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Writer // Janelle Morrison Photography // JJ Kaplan

Editors Note: You may remember the October cover of our Carmel Monthly where we informed our readers what they could do to help the victims of the hurricanes that hit the U.S. and Puerto Rico. We knew that by providing a little information and some direction from the Carmel Fire Department along with local charities that this community would respond.

And respond you did!

C

armel Fire Department (CFD) and all six of its stations served as collection points for the Good Samaritan Network’s “Hurricane Relief” effort in conjunction with the Salvation Army Indiana Division and Midwest Food Bank. These efforts were a response to the call for supplies and food as a result of three unprecedented and devastating hurricanes that hit the continental U.S. and its territories in August and September this year.

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused widespread and catastrophic damage. Lives were lost in each of these storms. Infrastructures were destroyed or critically damaged. Residents and businesses of those areas hit hardest are still in the process of rebuilding homes and structures and reestablishing their lives. But as Americans and the residents of Carmel do, people stepped in and donated to their

fellow Americans and to the victims of these storms.

Major Beth Petrie, the divisional secretary of the Salvation Army Indiana Division, weighed in on the long-term effects that these storms will have on the victims of the storms and on the local agencies that are on the frontlines assisting with the relief and rebuilding efforts.

“When a disaster hits, the Salvation Army is already there,” she said. “We have a presence in virtually every zip code in the country. In cases such as these where we had lead time to prepare, we staged responses right there on the scenes. We had emergency response vehicles placed strategically, and water and food supplies placed strategically. We had volunteers ready on standby, ready to respond locally.

These weren’t typical hurricanes. In the case of Texas, entire neighborhoods are going to have to be rebuilt. This is a really widespread and long-term event. The Salvation Army was already there, and we will continue to be there.”

The Carmel community responded almost immediately to the call for non-perishable foods and supplies to be collected at the city’s fire stations. “It is gratifying to know that our community has been able to make an impact on the lives of the

Carmel MONTHLY

How We Cawill n Help Carmel Fir e as collectionDepartment and all of its statio points for ns wi the “Hurrican Good Samaritan Ne ll serve e Relief” eff twork’s ort.

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– How the Community Aided the Local Hurricane Relief Effort

OCTOBER

How We DID Help

people that were victimized by the hurricanes,” expressed Chief David Haboush, Carmel Fire Department. “We were able to help restore some sense of normalcy to the people who were affected by the devastation. When we put the call out, all six of our stations were eager and willing to participate in the relief drive.”

Haboush mentioned some of CFD’s own are members of Indiana Task Force One and had been deployed to the areas hit, including Puerto Rico, to assist other first responders and rescuers. The level of brotherhood and sisterhood that exists among firefighters and first responders transcends local, state and federal boundaries when crisis occurs. The residents of Carmel displayed that same level of care and compassion for people outside of their city and state.

Haboush expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who donated and to the volunteers who picked up the food and supplies, so they could be delivered to the areas in need. “The call came out, and the donations began coming in from all over the community,” Haboush concluded. “Once again, it is a testament to the people who live and work in our Carmel community.”

ATribute to

Writer // Janelle Morrison

s y a d i l o H emb m e R

In just a few weeks, we’ll greet 2018 with a round of “Auld Lang Syne” and toast to snapshots of the past while envisioning the things to come in a new year. Since we are feeling a bit nostalgic, we asked a few familiar faces in the community to take a trip down memory lane and share some of their favorite holiday memories and/or traditions with you, our readers. May you all have a wonderful holiday season and a spectacular New Year!

Jeff McDermott, President and CEO, Center for the Performing Arts: Q What is one of your favorite holiday traditions?

A

“Every Christmas, I make a prime rib roast

Michael Feinstein, Grammy nominated artist and Artistic Director for Center for Performing Arts:

Brian Poindexter, City Court Judge, City of Carmel: Q Did you prefer to build snow forts or snowmen? And what is your favorite holiday memory?

A

“Absolutely snow forts!! The blizzard of 1978

Q What is your favorite song to perform and who is your favorite holiday artist?

A

My favorite holiday song to

perform is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. I have recorded it twice, once with the composer, Hugh Martin, at the piano and it

and Yorkshire pudding; I like to cook. My kids

brought 10-20 foot drifts, closed the roads and

always touches my heart deeply

always refer to it as Dad making the ‘Roast Beast.’”

schools and was perfect for building epic snow

when I share it with listeners and

forts. My favorite memory is when I was 5 or 6

experience the emotions evident on

years old, and Christmas that year was held in

their faces.

Mo Merhoff, President, OneZone: Q What is your favorite classic holiday movie?

A

“You know, I’m not much of a multiple

watcher of movies. But I think I’d pick ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’ I still think of trees as having personalities!”

the family farmhouse. We did not open presents that Christmas morning until after the cows had been milked, livestock fed and eggs collected from the henhouse. I ‘helped’ my grandma with the chores to speed things along. It was a real country Christmas. A wood-burning stove crackled and popped as it slowly drove away the early morning chill. A freshly cut and decorated cedar tree stood in one corner, and the sounds and smells from the kitchen promised breakfast.

I got one, just one, present that year. It was a

My favorite Holiday artist is Rosemary Clooney as she is the voice of Christmas to me, not only because of the film ‘White Christmas” but because for twenty years I spent every Christmas with Rosie and her family. There was always music and it was a particular thrill to hear her sing holiday hymns and other seasonal fare.

Mickey Mouse wristwatch. I was so proud to have my own watch.”

CARMEL MONTHLY

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DECEMBER 2017

2017-11-28 10:56 AM

s d e r e b m

Maria Murphy, CEO and Market Master, Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Q What is your favorite Christmas treat?

A

particular, with a little sea salt! They will be sold at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. And I also enjoy Christmas butter cookies.”

David Haboush, Fire Chief, Carmel Fire Department:

r, be m Me cil n ite ou vor as ,C : l a f l e e rre rmel lut r tre o o s u b o W Ca ra ry Jeffty of you unde s wa nd e, Ci

Q How do you spend your Christmas Eve/Day? A

“My favorite Christmas treat is sleep, but you can’t

eat it. No really, I would say chocolates. Carmel truffles, in

“The big tradition for

us is going to Christmas Eve service at our church.

e. g at ou sid lar Wh you f ry t in e fi v Q t sa uld tha co wa oe oy .”

J toy ild? t . .I te top h .G ori on ac ck t u fav h r

Afterwards, we go home and get ready for Santa Claus to visit us before Christmas morning. After we see what

t y lig “M ed tow gr ed n z i i tor ash mo d a fl a It h

A

Santa has brought us, we always have a big breakfast.

Typically, we have baked cinnamon rolls, some bacon, bagels and eggs. My mom used to cook meat in the eggs. We would have ham or smoked beef mixed in with the eggs. That is a good holiday memory for me. After breakfast, we spend the day together and watch a holiday movie.”

CARMEL MONTHLY

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DECEMBER 2017

2017-11-28 10:57 AM

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Friends of Hamilton County Parks Begin a Metamorphosis

The Friends of Hamilton County Parks (FHCP) is undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis. Created in 2006, the FHCP has been almost exclusively engaged in administering the endowment related to the development of Coxhall Gardens (Coxhall) until recently. FHCP is now looking to spread its wings and expand its efforts to help other Hamilton County parks.

B

ecause Coxhall is located inside the Carmel city limits at 116th and Towne Road, most people assume that it is owned and controlled by the Carmel Parks and Recreation Department. However, the real estate that comprises Coxhall was bequeathed by Jesse and Beulah Cox to Hamilton County. Therefore, Coxhall is now operated by the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to the real estate, the Coxes also created a sizable endowment dedicated solely to provide funds for the costs associated with transforming their property into the beautiful public park that the Coxes envisioned. The FHCP has spent nearly $2 million in creating Coxhall and fulfilling the Coxes’ dream to “preserve an oasis in a sea of homes.”

With much of the work required to transform the Coxes’ property to Coxhall now completed, the FHCP is turning its efforts to raising money that can be used to improve all 13 existing Hamil-

ton County parks and possibly develop more parks in the future.

FHCP never had an employee until four months ago when it hired Executive Director John Scott Foster. Foster is a zoologist by training with a deep love and appreciation for nature and parks and a firm belief that having convenient access to nature improves everyone’s way of life. Foster insists, “Parks are not a nicety; they are a necessity.” Prior to

CARMEL MONTHLY

37

DECEMBER 2017

this role, Foster commuted from Carmel to Evansville every week for several years to be the executive director of the Wesselman Nature Society, a not-forprofit preserving the largest old growth forest in the state of Indiana.

When asked about the FHCP, Foster compares the evolution of the FHCP to the stages of life of the monarch butterfly, not surprisingly given his background as a zoologist. According to Foster, the first

stage of the monarch is that of a busy caterpillar. Foster acknowledged that until recently, the FHCP has been a very good caterpillar in that it has worked hard and has done a great job in overseeing the creation of Coxhall.

Foster says presently, the FHCP it is in its chrysalis stage. At this stage in the

development of a butterfly, the changes are significant but are going on inside and are somewhat out of view. For the FHCP, that means they are working diligently to redevelop their website, build a larger and more diverse board of directors, putting in place a donor database and working with Al Patterson, the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director, to identify a list of prioritized projects for the FHCP to support from the county’s Master Plan.

Within the next year or so, Foster hopes to have the FHCP in a position to begin to emerge as the fully developed butterfly he sees the organization becoming.

As everyone knows, Hamilton County parks are supported by tax dollars. This raises the question as to why a not-forprofit would be raising funds for parks that are tax supported? Foster sees the future relationship between Hamilton County and the FHCP as one where Hamilton County provides the operating funds for the parks’ employees and other

operating expenses, while the FHCP will look to provide funds for capital improvements that the county typically can’t afford. Additionally, Foster hopes the aid that will be provided by the FHCP will allow the county to continue to offer residents outstanding facilities, like the nature center in Cool Creek Park and the Taylor Center of Natural History in Strawtown Koteewi Park, without having to charge for admission. Foster thinks it is important that local teachers can continue to take their students to places like Cool Creek and Strawtown for free.

Foster admits there is a great deal of work to do and much needs to be accomplished for the FHCP to reach its lofty goals. As a result, the FHCP needs volunteers with a vast array of skills. If anyone is interested in being a part of a team dedicated to enhancing the parks in Hamilton County and thereby the quality of life we all enjoy in the county, please contact Foster directly. You can contact Foster at johnscottfoster@gmail.com

Bring the family and join us

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weekends in december

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christmas crawl

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» december 21, 5–9pm

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