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County residents warn of contractors taking their money, failing to do work

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Tanya Gilbert is well aware of the prevalence of online scams. So, when she needed a deck railing installed at a home she rents out, she took steps to ensure the contractors who responded to her Nextdoor post about the project were legitimate.

Two of them took her money and failed to do the work, anyway, she said, consecutively.

Now, the Carmel resident is speaking out to alert others of the lengths some bad actors will go to appear trustworthy online.

“I’m a little embarrassed to share, but I also know this can happen to anyone,” Gilbert said. “I’ve got my ducks in a row. I’ve got three university degrees. I’m a smart, responsible person, and it’s like I got slapped in the face and then kicked in the face.”

Gilbert, 42, reported both contractors to the Carmel Police Department, and as of April 13 charges had been filed against one of them. CPD said the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the other case to determine if charges will be filed.

CONFIRMED AND TRUSTED?

Gilbert began communicating with Anthony Golden, owner of Golden Scape Logistics, in November 2025 when he sent her a message through Nextdoor expressing interest in installing the rail.

Golden had created a Nextdoor profile page for his business, which the neighborhood social networking site verified as “confirmed and trusted.”

However, Golden Scape Logistics does not appear as a registered business through the Indiana Secretary of State’s online portal.

After weeks of texts back and forth about the project, Gilbert paid Golden

$300 up front, approximately half the project cost, to begin the work. However, Golden continually failed to show up and offered excuses for the delays, ranging from a flat tire to fog keeping his kids out of school, according to Gilbert.

Soon, Gilbert told Golden she no longer wanted to work with him and requested her money back. He didn’t return it, so Gilbert filed a complaint with CPD. In March, the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office charged Golden with fraud and theft. The warrant for his arrest remains active.

What Gilbert didn’t know at the time was that she wasn’t Golden’s only alleged victim. The same day he was supposed to begin the project at her rental home, Westfield police filed a separate case against him.

In that case, Golden is accused of accepting nearly $6,000 up front from two neighbors who hired him through Nextdoor to construct a fence between their properties, according to court documents. He allegedly made several excuses after failing to show up multiple times and didn’t refund the payment.

As a result, Golden is facing eight additional felony charges. A warrant for his arrest in the Westfield case also remains active.

Golden did not respond to requests for comment. Nextdoor did not respond

to multiple requests for an interview about how it vets contractors or handles complaints about them.

‘MUCH MORE CONNIVING’

After moving on from Golden, Gilbert was on the clock to get the railing project done before a tenant moved in, but she wanted to avoid becoming the victim of another scam.

So, she felt reassured when another contractor who responded on Nextdoor discussed the project with her through FaceTime video chat, sent photos of his workshop and said he used Cash App, a payment app that made refunds easy if something went wrong.

“I told him I just got scammed,” Gilbert said. “He name-dropped a couple of people that we both knew. He was much more conniving and good at getting my trust.”

Current is not naming the contractor because criminal charges have not been filed.

After Gilbert paid the contractor $373 up front for supplies, she began noticing a familiar pattern of delays and excuses. So, she went into the app to ask for a refund but received a message that her request was denied.

Gilbert didn’t receive any of her funds back until April 14, when the contractor sent her $100 and said he intended to return the rest. He told her he’d been having issues with the payment app.

The partial refund came less than half an hour after Current left a voicemail with the contractor seeking comment for this story (Gilbert said she also reached out to him around the same time to request repayment again). He did not return Current’s message.

Gilbert reported the contractor to the police, but as of April 13, charges had not been filed. After receiving the partial refund, she told Current she feels

Continued on Page 4

136th & Meridian or 131st & Towne Rd

The third contractor Tanya Gilbert hired to install a deck railing completed the work and did a ‘great job,’ she said. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Gilbert)

•

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the contractor wants to make amends and isn’t convinced he was attempting to scam her.

Continued from Page 2 work (in person, when possible), asking for references and getting multiple quotes for a project.

However, Dawn Decker of Fishers said she connected with the same contractor through Nextdoor. She said she paid him $1,000 to install a backsplash, and even though he initially visited her home to discuss the project, he never returned to do the work.

“I called the police and they said, ‘Well, there’s nothing we can do. Go to small claims court,’” Decker said. “Well, you know how that goes. He’s not going to show up.”

Decker dropped the matter.

PREVENTIVE STEPS

Online scams are prevalent, but there are several steps one can take to minimize becoming a victim of contractor fraud.

According to the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit that provides business ratings and tracks scams, red flags include requests for full payment or large deposits up front (especially in cash, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps), high-pressure tactics, refusal to provide a written estimate and an inability or unwillingness to show proof of licensing or insurance.

The BBB recommends researching its Business Directory to find reputable local contractors, reviewing previous

“Scammers and bad actors often rely on obscurity and urgency to take advantage of homeowners,” said Trinity Rairdon, Central Indiana BBB compliance and trust strategist. “The Better Business Bureau encourages consumers to slow down, research contractors thoroughly and never rush into making financial decisions with companies you are unfamiliar with. Taking the time to verify credentials and review a contractor’s reputation can help homeowners avoid costly losses.”

Those who have been victimized by a scam are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement and the BBB Scam Tracker, save as many related documents and photos as possible and monitor bank and credit accounts if personal or financial information has been shared.

Gilbert said there are several additional steps she plans to take next time she hires a contractor, although she expects to be handling more repair projects herself.

As for the railing, it finally got installed.

“Ironically, a guy in my church group had gotten laid off the Friday before, and he texted me, ‘Hey I’m free today. I know how to do it,’” Gilbert said. “He gave me a reasonable fee, and he did a great job.”

Upgrades set for CHS, CaMS

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

More than $12 million in upgrades are slated for Carmel High School and Carmel Middle School.

The Carmel Clay Schools Board of Trustees approved bids for construction work during a March meeting.

More than $5.7 million will be spent at CHS. Projects include paving parking lots near the football stadium, cosmetic touch-ups at the tennis building and replacing the roofing and venting at the main cafeteria. Sprinkler updates in the auditorium are also included as is the installation of an emergency generator.

carpet, paint and wall coverings, partial roof replacement and paving of parking lots.

Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael said the work is consistent for a school facility of the age of the middle school.

He also said bids for the projects were competitive, which helps keep prices down.

“We continue to have very good participation,” McMichael said. “For a number of years after COVID, it was difficult getting the kind of competition we’d like to see. We’re very pleased with everything that’s been bid this year, we’ve had lots of participation.”

Another $7.8 million will go toward what school officials call a midlife cycle refresh at Carmel Middle School. This includes cosmetic changes like new

Both projects will begin this spring. Work at CHS will be done by the end of the year, with upgrades at Carmel Middle School expected to be complete in 2027.

McMichael

Hamilton County aims to increase poll site numbers

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

County officials are expressing frustration as several local schools have opted out of being polling sites for elections.

Indiana Code 3-11-8-4 states, “School buildings, fire stations, and all other public buildings shall be made available without charge to a county for holding an election,” which means schools are required to provide access to conduct elections.

“The county wishes the schools would comply with the Indiana Code and open their facilities for polling as it was intended to be,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “The schools should be off that day. It was intended as a government learning day as I understand it.”

The whole reason why we would like to use the schools is because they’re large, they have a lot of parking, they’re ADA compliant and if we ever went to vote centers, that would be ideal as well.”

Carmel Clay Schools stopped using its campuses as polling sites in 2017.

“Because of the way our schools are designed and used throughout the day, there are not areas that allow for full-day public access without interfering with student learning and school programming,” said Emily Bauer, CCS director of community relations. In 2018, CCS began allowing voting to occur at the Carmel High School stadium and district administrative office.

County school buildings previously served as polling locations, but in recent years have opted out due to concerns about maintaining student safety.

Hamilton County Elections Administrator Beth Sheller said the issue has not been pushed in the county because officials want student safety to be the top priority.

“We could request, and the Hamilton County Commissioners have the right to lawfully enforce it by Indiana Code,” Sheller said. “However, all of that would hopefully never be necessary if we could work together and ensure the safety of students and still have the school polling sites.”

Sheller said plans are underway to discuss making Election Day an e-learning day for students.

“I think we could start with discussions and the pros and cons and see where that gets us,” Sheller said.

Sheller said there are 105 polling sites this year, but there used to be more. She said the county would like to transition to a voting center model with 50 to 60 polling sites.

“These would need to be larger facilities,” Sheller said. “If we remain precinct-based voting, and if we could safely use the schools, then we would eliminate some of our little locations with hardly (any) parking and combine them to make voting more accessible.

“As students are not present, it allows voting to take place without disrupting the school day, and portions of the building can be closed off to provide additional security during voting hours,” Bauer said.

Sheller said although many churches participate, she is concerned more will opt out.

“I call churches over and over asking them, and I’m not getting a very good response anymore on adding locations,” Sheller said. “I fear that we are going to lose more and more.”

Hamilton Southeastern Schools spokesperson Emily Abbotts said community growth creates an election site challenge.

“Displacing P.E. classes from the gyms and having to barricade and man the adjoining areas of the building to keep the community from entering the school became a safety challenge,” Abbotts said. “Couple that with the parking lot issues, particularly at arrival and dismissal times — it became too much.”

Sheller said her hope would be to make Election Day an e-learning day for students in time for the 2028 election year.

“I think if we did the 2028 elections, it would give the schools the time to figure out a calendar and figure out how it’s doable while still keeping the students safe,” she said.

Noblesville Schools spokesperson Marnie Cooke said if the district received a formal request about making Election Day an e-learning day, they would discuss the option.

UNLOCK YOUR HOME’S EQUITY

Sheller

CRC vetting Monon & Main potential buyer

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Redevelopment Commission met April 15 to approve documents related to a potential sale of office space at Monon & Main, transfer ownership of original Christkindlmarkt huts to the City of Carmel street department and welcome Parker Criswell, its newest member.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commission approved closing documents relating to the pending sale of the office space inside Monon & Main at 211 W. Main St., which also houses Anthony’s Chophouse, Savor and residences.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Because the building is tied to a redevelopment project that includes using tax dollars as a backup funding method to cover debt payments for an associated parking garage, the CRC is vetting private buyer JK Monon & Main LLC to ensure it is in good financial standing. The purchase would include 35,000 square feet of office space in the building.

 WHAT’S NEXT: CRC Director Henry Mestetsky described the buyer as “a very strong entity.” The commission’s approval gives Mestetsky authority to sign the closing documents as long as no significant concerns are uncovered during the vetting process.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commission voted to transfer ownership of all original Christkindlmarkt huts to the City of Carmel’s street department.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The CRC spent $700,000 to purchase the huts used when the Christkindlmarkt debuted in 2017. Over time, many have been replaced, so the city recently sold some of the original structures. The street department has been maintaining the huts for years, so the vote essentially formalized on paper a transfer that happened years ago, according to Mestetsky.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The CRC does not plan to recoup any of its original funds from the sale of the huts.

Q&A: Meet the county sheriff candidates

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Dustin K. Dixon and John Lowes are vying for the Republican nomination for Hamilton County sheriff in the May 5 primary election. Incumbent Dennis Quakenbush cannot run again because of term limits. No Democratic candidates have filed to run.

Dixon and Lowes answered the following questions from Current.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?

Dixon: I’ve been honored to serve our community throughout my adult life. After 25 years of service at this agency, I understand its inner workings and relationships that define it. Leadership must support the staff and set the correct tone for the betterment of the agency and those it serves.

Lowes: I love our community and want to utilize my training, education and experience to keep it safe. People move to Hamilton County because it is safe, stable, well-run. My goal is to protect what people have built, enforce the laws fairly and keep Hamilton County safe for the next generation.

WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Dixon: I’ve worked at the agency for my entire professional career. I’ve served in nearly every job assignment and on nearly every specialty team the agency has. Additionally, I’ve been a partner in a successful security consulting and staffing business. I’m wellversed in employee relations along with budgeting expenses and income.

Lowes: I am in my 28th year of fulltime, sworn police service. I have 16 years of executive-level experience in law enforcement. In my current role as chief deputy, I supervise the agency’s six division commanders, oversee day-today operations of the sheriff’s office and jail, and manage the $34 million budget.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Dixon: Crime, including the influx of

violent crime from surrounding areas and proactive response to those issues. Retention and wellness of our officers and staff. Positioning the sheriff’s office for the future requires increased service within the Corrections and Court Divisions and specialized law enforcement services within our Operations Division.

Lowes: Law and order, protecting Constitutional rights, lower taxes and smaller government.

HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS JAIL OVERCROWDING AND THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN CORRECTIONS?

Dixon: The jail is operating well within its designed capacity. The majority of incarcerated individuals suffer from some type of mental health and/or substance abuse issue. Agency leadership must continue to support inmates, service providers and staff. I will continue offering programs that meet these needs and innovate with other approaches.

Lowes: The county jail has 525 beds and currently houses approximately 400 individuals daily. There is ongoing discussion about creating a mental health court. I support this because I believe it will provide a path for those with mental health challenges to better adjust to life after court proceedings.

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HOW SHOULD THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WORK WITH ICE IN LOCAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT?

Dixon: We will always work with and support our federal law enforcement partners. My expectation for any agency we partner with is well-trained, professional and accountable public safety-personnel.

Lowes: I already lead Hamilton County’s Immigration Commission because this issue is not theoretical. Drug trafficking, human smuggling and repeat violent offenders do real harm, and those crimes do not stop at county or state lines. Hamilton County has never been a sanctuary county, and under my leadership, it never will be.

LEARN MORE:

Dixon: DixonforSheriff.com

Lowes: LowesforSheriff.com

What You’ll Learn

Dixon

Lowes

DISPATCHES

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 Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

— The City of Carmel’s annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony is set for noon April 24 at the Tarkington Theater, 3 Carter Green. The event is free and open to the public. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Dr. Alex Kor, a Carmel resident and the son of two Holocaust survivors, Michael and Eva Mozes Kor. Filmmaker and composer Ashton Gleckman will deliver remarks and share a trailer for his film, “We Shall Not Die Now.” Attendees are invited to a complimentary luncheon available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lobby after the ceremony.

 Fundraiser blends sports, impact

— The Early Learning Indiana Auxiliary will host a fundraiser dinner benefiting Early Learning Indiana featuring keynote speaker Jake Query, a sports talk radio host, on April 25 at Woodland Country Club, 100 Woodland Ln. in Carmel. Funds raised will help support the tuition assistance program at Day Early Learning schools. Guests are encouraged to bring their team spirit and enjoy an evening that blends sports enthusiasm with meaningful impact. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at qrco.de/ sportsnight.

 Men’s Wellness Breakfast – The City of Carmel’s inaugural He L.E.A.D.S. Men’s Wellness Breakfast, an event dedicated to fostering support, connection and open dialogue regarding the unique challenges facing men today, is set for 8:30 to 10 a.m. April 24 at the Carmel Fire Department Headquarters, 210 Veterans Way. The event is free, but registration is required. Register at tinyurl. com/yk88rmza.

 Documentary screening — The Carmel Democratic Club will present an Emmy and Peabody Award-nominated HBO documentary April 21 at Flix Brewhouse, 2206 E. 116th St., for a free community screening. “Thoughts & Prayers” traces the $3 billion active shooter preparedness industry in the U.S. and its effect on students and educators. State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn will provide opening remarks during the screening while Moms Demand Action will lead a Q&A following it. Seating opens at 5:30 p.m., with remarks at 6 p.m. and the screening at 6:15 p.m. A Q&A will follow.

New CHS tennis coach finds joy in sport again

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kiersten Carlson wanted to be done with tennis.

“I had a horrible experience as a freshman at the University of Toledo,” said Carlson, citing negative interactions with the head coach.

The 2018 Carmel High School graduate transferred to Purdue University and focused on academics.

Carlson majored in psychology at Purdue and was considering getting a master’s in mental health counseling but has decided not to do that.

As a freshman in 2015, Carlson was the IHSAA state singles runner-up. She took online classes and played national junior tournaments as a sophomore. She returned to play No. 2 singles for CHS her junior and senior year. The Greyhounds won state team titles each year Carlson played.

Carlson

“I never imagined that I’d be picking up a racket, let alone teaching and coaching after that,” Carlson said. Carlson, who is in her first season as CHS’ girls tennis coach, didn’t play for five years.

“I ended up moving home after I graduated, trying to figure out what I wanted to do,” she said. “My mom (Debbie) teaches at Indianapolis Racquet Club and she was always trying to get me back into playing, trying to find joy in it again. She slowly got me into playing. I was like, ‘I’m kind of really loving this again.’”

The IRC manager then talked to her about teaching there.

“I’m so glad I said yes, because I’ve figured out exactly what I was meant to do,” said Carlson, who also began playing in United States Tennis Association leagues. “I figured out my passion, and I’m a wonderful coach I think because of all the things I had to go through and all the things that I realized that I would never do to one of my players. I feel like trying to bring out the joy, the passion and the love of the game in these players is something I take great pride in. I think you need to love the game before anything else.”

Her two older sisters, Annika and Mikaela, played tennis for CHS. Annika graduated in 2010 and Mikaela in 2012.

CHS assistant coach Claire Reifeis, who coaches the junior varsity team, told Carlson about the job opening after Dan Brunette left the position.

For Carlson, returning as coach of her alma mater is a dream job.

“When I first started into teaching and coaching, my number one goal, my entire time, was to be able to go back and coach at Carmel High School,” she said. “High school was an awesome time for me when it came to tennis, so I wanted to have the opportunity to give back.”

Carlson is optimistic about the team’s prospects. Five of the seven starters return from last season’s team, which lost to state runner-up Brebeuf Jesuit in the regional final.

“The best thing with this group of girls is I feel like they are one big family,” she said. “Speaking from my own experience I know if you are close with your teammates, it just helps you much more when it comes down to it and when the little details matter. With this group, I feel something very special because of how close they are.”

DISPATCHES

 CHS Class of 2016 reunion — The Carmel High School Class of 2016 will hold a 10-year reunion at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis. The event will include dinner, a DJ, photo booth and more as attendees catch up with old friends, share memories and make new ones. Learn more and get tickets at chs16reunion.com/tickets.

 Class of 1976 reunion – Members of the Carmel High School Class of 1976 are invited to participate in a 50-year class reunion Sept. 18 and 19. Those who have not yet connected with the planning committee through Facebook may email carmelin1976. 50threunion@gmail.com for details about the event, which will include time to reconnect and tour the school.

Shamrocks senior softball player off to fast start

By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior center fielder Makayla Watson has learned to take a philosophical approach to playing softball.

“I’ve made the most improvement in my mental game over my career,” she said. “You fail way more than you succeed in this sport, and that was something I used to let affect me and my performance. But now I am able to embrace the failure, learn from it and use it to make me a better player.”

Along with a deep run in the postseason, Watson said one of her goals is being a good leader. New Shamrocks coach Maddie Moore said she has handled the role well.

“She is definitely one of our natural leaders on the team when it comes to skills and doing what’s right,” said Moore, a 2017 Noblesville High School graduate who played softball at Butler University. “She’s a really hard worker. Even before the game, she has her headphones in, and she is just locked in. She is tracking down balls in the out-

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MEET MAKAYLA WATSON

Favorite movie: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days”

Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”

Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite music genre: Country

field, and she is fast. She does a really good job using her IQ to help her game situations.”

Moore said Watson helps the Shamrocks’ two freshmen.

“She has taken them under her wing and made sure she is talking with them,” Moore said.

In the first seven games, Watson has a .483 batting average and seven stolen

Westfield High School senior center fielder Makayla Watson is a fouryear starter. (Photo courtesy of Rocks Media House)

bases. She is seeking to break her own school single-season stolen base record of 24, which she shares with Avery Parker. Watson hit .444 as a junior.

“When the defense doesn’t know what’s coming, whether you are going to slap, stay in the box and hit or bunt (it’s an advantage),” Moore said.

A four-year varsity starter, Watson said her primary strengths are her work ethic, ability to read the defense at the plate, speed and softball IQ.

“Some things I am currently working on are improving my explosive power

and the placement of my slaps,” she said.

Watson started playing softball at age 6. She also played soccer, volleyball, basketball and was a competitive gymnast but focused on softball by age 10.

Watson will play for North Carolina State next season.

“Key factors in choosing N.C. State were the feeling of home as soon as I stepped on campus, the surrounding area of Raleigh, and most importantly, the coaching staff and the culture they created for the program,” she said. “I will report there at the end of June, but I will continue to play a couple tournaments with my travel team for my final season.”

Watson interned at The Freak Performance, an athletic training facility, in Westfield this school year.

“While I am not majoring in a related field, it has taught me collaboration, communication skills, what it is like to run a business and attention to detail,” said Watson, who plans to major in biology and wants a career in anesthesiology. “I also train there, which has taught me a lot about how to recover my body and strengthen it for my sport.”

I’M BACK to being me.

COMMUNITY

IU coaches to speak

news@currentincarmel.com

Indiana University Athletics is staging a fan engagement event May 14 at Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, featuring onstage discussions with football coach Curt Cignetti, basketball coach Darian DeVries and Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson.

“Victory and Vision: A Night with IU Athletics” is an opportunity to connect with the leaders of IU Athletics in an intimate, theater-style setting, the Payne & Mencias Palladium. The 7:30 p.m. event is designed to bring the spirit of Bloomington to alumni and fans in central Indiana through storytelling and interactive dialogue.

Fans will hear firsthand about the strategic vision for the department and the offseason efforts of the basketball program, along with a post-spring assessment of the reigning College Football Playoff championship football team.

Emceed by “Voice of the Hoosiers” Don Fischer, the event also will feature

the IU cheerleaders, mascot Hoosier the Bison, video highlights of the 2025-26 season, giveaways and other interactive elements. To conclude the evening, fans will have an opportunity to take photos with the CFP National Championship Trophy starting at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $35 and are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317843-3800 or in person at the box office, 1 Carter Green. The event is part of the 2025-2026 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions.

Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti holds up the national championship trophy Jan. 19 in Miami. (Photo courtesy of IU athletics)

NOW IN CARMEL

New initiative incentivizes trash cleanup along streets

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Scott Savader believes there’s a lot to love about living in Carmel, including its bike-friendly infrastructure.

But during his regular 20-mile rides through the west side of town, he became disheartened with the amount of trash he noticed along the roadway. So, he decided to do something about it.

involved. They don’t have to dive in and commit to hours and hours of service when most people don’t know their schedule in three days.”

Savader partnered with the City of Carmel to launch Carmel Citizens for a Cleaner City, an initiative that allows residents to volunteer in teams of two to four to clear litter along city streets at a time, pace and location that fits their schedule and ability.

“Anything we remove makes the city that much cleaner. It makes it that much healthier,” said Savader, an interventional radiologist with Radiology of Indiana. “The idea is to get people

The City of Carmel will provide trash bags and safety gear, and street department employees will pick up the trash bags at a predetermined site at the end of the cleanup route.

Participants can sign up for shifts through the City of Carmel’s Volunteer Platform at cityofcarmel.galaxydigital.com. City spokesperson Kate Lustig encouraged residents to visit the site to learn more about CCCC and other ways to give back.

“This initiative serves as a central resource to connect residents with volunteer opportunities hosted by both the city and our various community partners,” Lustig said. “We encourage all residents who wish to give back to the community to visit the portal to discover how they can get engaged with our local organizations.”

Savader, a Carmel resident since 1998, said the CCCC program will kick off April 25 and run through the end of September. Collected trash will be weighed, and the volunteer teams that pick up the most will be eligible for awards, such as gift cards and tickets to events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.

Participants must be at least 14 years old. Shifts will only be alongside roadways with sidewalks, paths or areas with enough space for volunteers to keep a safe distance from vehicular traffic.

Savader hopes the CCCC initiative will become an annual tradition that makes Carmel a better place to live.

“All this plastic and trash eventually makes it into the environment. (It has) a real impact on people,” he said. “Plus, it’s just not aesthetically pleasing driving down a street and seeing discarded trash. I want to improve the aesthetics. I want to help the community to be healthier, and I want to get people involved in helping their community.”

Email Savader for more information at cccc560@hotmail.com.

Savader

Recycling: Simple steps make big impact

Commentary by Tara Washington

With thousands of households already participating in curbside recycling, Carmel leaders say now is the perfect time for more residents to get involved — and make a meaningful difference for the community and environment.

Carmel’s recycling program, operated by Republic Services, serves about 33,000 homes each week, collecting roughly 650 tons of recyclable materials every month. Yet greater impact is possible with broader participation and a renewed focus on recycling correctly.

For those new to recycling — or looking to improve their habits — the guidance begins with a straightforward principle: When in doubt, throw it out. While it may seem counterintuitive, this rule helps prevent contamination, ensuring that recyclable materials actually get processed instead of diverted to a landfill. Residents are encouraged to stick to the basics: paper, non-greasy cardboard, metal cans, plastic containers and glass bottles.

Proper preparation is another key

step. Following the “Empty → Clean → Dry” method: Emptying containers, giving them a rinse and removing residue. Just as important, recyclables should be placed loose in the cart.

At recycling facilities, technologies such as rotating screens separate cardboard and paper while magnets and eddy currents separate metals. Optical scanners with air-powered systems and AI sort plastics by type. Glass is separated through specialized equipment, and all materials are compressed into bales for reuse.

The results show that the system works. More than 75 percent of materials placed in Carmel’s recycling carts are successfully recycled, contributing to an operation that processes about 5 million tons annually. Further reduction and elimination of contaminants in the carts will support even higher diversion percentages.

Recycling also plays a role in a larger regional effort. While trash is transported to the Walnut Creek Landfill in Frankfort, many recyclable plastics are sent to the Republic Services Polymer Center on Indianapolis’ south

side, where they are transformed into high-quality material used to make new products. In some cases, materials return to store shelves quickly — aluminum cans can be recycled into new cans in just 60 days, and plastic bottles in about 120 days.

Sustainability efforts extend beyond materials. All Republic Services trucks serving Carmel run on compressed natural gas, partially derived from landfill emissions. Compressed natural gas burns cleaner and the trucks run quieter than diesel.

If each of the 33,000 homes in Carmel added only 5 pounds of new recycling generation each week, that would translate to more than 4,000 annual tons of recycled material being diverted away from landfills.

Learn more about how to recycle correctly at RecyclingSimplified.com.

Ivy Tech day set for April 21

Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s annual Ivy Tech Day, a statewide day of giving, is set for April 21.

The Hamilton County Commissioners declared the day as Hamilton County’s celebration of Ivy Tech and will light the courthouse green in celebration. The campus will highlight the impact of philanthropy while rallying support for students pursuing education and training for in-demand careers.

“Ivy Tech Day is a day where the community comes together and supports opportunities for students,” said Rachel Kartz, chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “All of the dollars raised on that day go directly to supporting students in our area of greatest needs fund.”

Stephannie Bailey, president of the Ivy Tech Foundation, said the day is significant for everyone associated with the college.

“People across the state come together to support our students, celebrate our alumni and enhance the impact we have in Indiana,” Bailey stated. “Ivy Tech Day is a moment where we can celebrate our

successes and nurture the opportunities ahead. We look forward to alumni and friends joining us on this special day.”

Ivy Tech Hamilton County has set a goal to raise $45,000 in unrestricted support this year.

“Indiana communities rely on Ivy Tech to produce a workforce that will support their community workforce needs for decades to come,” stated Marty Pollio, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “We are excited to join hands with our friends and supporters to grow what we’ve started.”

The Hamilton County campus has embraced the theme “Hog Wild for Ivy Tech,” celebrating its campus mascot and community pride. Throughout the day, supporters are encouraged to share messages on social media and participate in giving challenges. In addition to online giving, the campus will host an on-site celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a bracelet bar, games provided by SERVE Village, food and music, among other activities.

Starting at midnight April 21, anyone can give for 24 hours at giveday.ivytech. edu/hamiltoncounty26.

Possible inclement weather postpones Carmel Marathon

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

For the second consecutive year, the Carmel Marathon did not take place on its originally scheduled date.

Organizers announced on social media April 15 that the race had been rescheduled from April 18 to May 31 because of the weather forecast.

“We’ve received multiple reports, including from the National Weather Service, of potentially dangerous storms on Saturday,” the post states. “The safety of everyone involved has always been, and continues to be, our top priority.”

In 2025, organizers canceled the race the morning of the event because of inclement weather. It was not rescheduled.

This year, the announcement came

earlier in the week.

“We waited as long as we could to make the call, hoping the forecast would change,” the social media post states. “Now that it’s clear that isn’t going to happen, we wanted to give everyone as much notice as possible. We recognize that many of our runners have travel plans that will need to be adjusted.”

Runners who plan to compete on May 31 do not need to take any action. Other options are to defer registration to 2027 at no cost or run the race virtually and have a shirt and medal shipped.

“We recognize that this isn’t ideal, but we’re committed to providing a safe event for everyone, and our best opportunity to do that is by providing these options,” the post states.

Learn more at CarmelMarathon.com.

HAND to host conference

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The nonprofit Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development Inc. will host its 12th annual Suburban Housing Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 at the IMMI Conference Center at 18880 East St. in Westfield.

Presented by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, the conference will include local elected officials, municipal staff, developers, employers, lenders and nonprofit leaders from across Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties.

HAND Marketing and Fundraising Manager Kerri Hubble said the conference will focus on solutions to housing issues.

“We’ve been doing this long enough that everybody knows there’s a problem,” Hubble said. “So last year, we really switched to being more of a solutions kind of conference.”

The theme is “From Plans to Places: Turning Housing Systems into Real Homes.”

The conference is split into three interactive sessions, with focuses on the housing market, land use and problem-solving.

“The benefit for the overall greater

community is just a better understanding of the decisions that are being made and the way things play out,” Hubble said. “This is just a better way for people to get involved in that and have a better understanding of (why) those decisions and tradeoffs are made through the development process.”

Hubble also noted that the conference will focus on all housing issues, not only affordable housing.

For more, visit tinyurl.com/2dt37fsh.

The 12th annual HAND Suburban Housing Conference will take place April 23 at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of HAND)

Secure the Rate Love the Return

TrailMixer highlights routes throughout state

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

A new initiative connecting more than 800 miles of trails across central Indiana is set to launch later this month, accompanied by a weeklong festival designed to bring communities like Carmel together through outdoor recreation.

The regional network, known as The Trailways, will debut April 25 alongside TrailMixer, a nine-day celebration running through May 3. The launch coincides with National Celebrate Trails Day and is aimed at making the area’s expansive system of trails more accessible for walkers, runners and cyclists.

The Trailways will introduce a digital platform that allows users to more easily navigate routes across multiple communities, linking local trail systems into a single, cohesive network. For Carmel residents, that includes access to the Monon Greenway, a north-south route that stretches throughout the city.

TrailMixer will feature more than 50 events and activities spread through central Indiana, encouraging residents to explore trails while also supporting local businesses, parks and cultural destinations.

A Monon Greenway hike organized by the Indianapolis Hiking Club is set to begin at 9 a.m. April 28 beginning at Carmel’s Central Park, 1235 Central Park Dr. E.

Other planned activities include complimentary coffee along the Monon Trail in Carmel, guided bird walks in

Avon, bilingual yoga sessions in Indianapolis parks and live music experiences along urban greenways. Additional events will include service projects benefiting area trails such as the Pennsy Trail, Pleasant Run Trail and Nickel Plate Trail.

Opening day festivities April 25 will include pop-up events along various trails, with three hubs anchoring activities in Indianapolis. Participants can also expect interactive experiences, merchandise offerings and opportunities to engage directly with the new Trailways platform.

Organizers said the goal is not only to promote outdoor activity but also to strengthen regional connections.

“The launch of The Trailways is a major milestone for Central Indiana and a testament to the power of regional collaboration,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. “TrailMixer is designed to be a front door to this network, inviting residents and visitors alike to discover, connect and experience our communities in a new way. We’re excited to see people step onto the trails and explore everything they have to offer.”

The initiative is led by Visit Indy and the Central Indiana Community Foundation in partnership with local park systems and tourism organizations.

A full schedule of TrailMixer events and additional information about The Trailways can be found online at TheTrailways.com/TrailMixer and by following @The_Trailways on Instagram and Facebook.

The Monon Trail is part of central Indiana’s extensive trail system that will be featured during the upcoming TrailMixer festival. (File photo)

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May 5 May 5

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For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444

‘THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN INDIANA’

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Although his official title is director of corporate communications for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, a more apt description of Eddie White’s role is professional schmoozer, according to Mark Boyle, the team’s longtime radio play-by-play announcer.

White’s authenticity, eccentricity, people skills and love of the Hoosier state make him a perfect fit to promote Indiana sports, Boyle said, both on and off the air.

“Attention is like oxygen to him, and it’s one of the reasons he’s good at it,” Boyle said. “He has an ability to connect people, and that skill is — in our world today — especially undervalued. It’s really important to have somebody like that working for you, and he’s a master of it.”

A Carmel resident, White will be inducted in June into the Luzerne County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. The honor reflects his roots growing up in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., and a career that has included stints with universities, multiple professional sports teams, major athletic gear retailers and sports radio stations.

Along the way, White, who said he’s been described as “the most interesting man in Indiana,” has met four presidents, golfed with celebrities and attended more professional sporting events than he can count.

It was an unexpected career path that launched — more slowly than he would have liked — after White landed a job as assistant director of sports information in the 1980s with the University of Notre Dame. Previously, he worked in the sports information department at Wilkes University, where he also was working to earn an undergraduate degree in English.

“I finished second for nine straight jobs, and then I get the job at Notre Dame, where they had over 600 applicants,” White said, adding it was the position he most wanted to land of the 10 opportunities. “With each job I didn’t get I doubted everything. I doubted myself. I doubted my faith. I doubted God. You doubt everything. And then the job (I) get is the University of Notre Dame, so I try to teach kids that you’ve got to be resilient. You’ve got to keep believing. You’ve got to keep fighting.”

White enjoys sharing his story with high school and college students (and would love to eventually teach a college-level course), but locally, he is most widely known as the host of “Pacers Overtime,” a radio

show that airs on 107.5 FM The Fan after Pacers game broadcasts.

From working to arrange pregame entertainment at multiple Super Bowls to emceeing a variety of local events to surviving cancer, White has a variety of professional and personal experiences from which he can draw for on air discussions.

Boyle said White will name drop in nearly every conversation, but — unlike most people — he actually knows the celebrities he mentions, thanks to his ability to make connections. Boyle saw it play out in real time when he joined White for dinner at a downtown

Continued on Page 19

CAREER JOURNEY

Eddie White’s career in sports information began before he even graduated from Wilkes University in his hometown of Wilkes-Barre, Penn. Since then, he’s worked for multiple professional sports franchises and other related businesses.

• 1976-1982 – Went from chief student assistant in the sports information department at Wilkes University to running it before he graduated.

• 1982-1986 – Assistant director of sports information at the University of Notre Dame

• 1986-1989 – Director of public relations and

marketing for the Miami Dolphins

• 1989-2008 – Vice president of team properties for Reebok and adidas brands

• 1996-2008 – Vice president of marketing, advertising, team properties, communications for Reebok

• 2008-2010 – Sports talk show co-host on 1070 The Fan

• 2010-present – Senior director of public relations for Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Source: LinkedIn

‘Pacers Overtime’ host Eddie White has unique ability to promote Indiana sports

From left, Eddie White, then director of public relations for the Miami Dolphins, and NFL quarterbacks Dan Marino and John Elway in 1988.

From left, Dionne Warwick, Eddie White and Whitney Houston before Super Bowl XX in Pasadena, Calif., in 1986. White helped organize pregame entertainment at several Super Bowls.

From left, former Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler, Eddie White and Fever guard Lexie Hull. (Photos courtesy of Eddie White)

Boyle

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 18

Indianapolis restaurant where several football stars were dining during the NFL combine.

“As soon as (White) walks in the door, it’s like the pope entering the Catholic church. Everyone’s coming over,” Boyle said. “They all greeted him like he was their long-lost son, brother, friend, confidant. I guess in retrospect, I wasn’t all that surprised, because I knew that he knew these people whose names he was dropping. But to see how much they enjoyed seeing him and how glad they were that he was there was really kind of eye-opening to me.”

White said he has enjoyed interacting

‘WE

with a variety of people across the U.S. through the years, and he feels blessed to be working for an organization full of “good, solid people” in a city that embraces sports — especially basketball — like nowhere else.

“Basketball is different in this state,” White said. “It has been — for many, many years — the culture, the understanding of the game, the way the game should be played, respect for the game. It’s in the DNA of the state.”

ON THE COVER: Eddie White, director of corporate communications for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, speaks to the media during the Pacers 2025 playoff run. (Photo courtesy of Eddie White)

NEVER KNOW WHERE IT’S GOING’

Each episode of “Pacers Overtime” hosted by Eddie White includes some talk about basketball, but beyond that the show could cover just about anything. Topics have ranged from pop culture to classic films to the usefulness of the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus in the biblical Christmas story.

“Thirty years ago, a postgame show gave you stats that you didn’t have at your hands. You just left the game, you know what the score was, but you don’t even know who was the leading scorer,” White said. “Now, we live in a world where you have those stats in your hand on your phone in ready time. So, why do I need to regurgitate what they already have? It’s kind of boring.”

The show starts with White and Boyle bantering about basketball — sometimes briefly — and then chatting about anything else that comes to mind. Neither broadcaster has any idea what they might discuss before they go on air.

“We’re there to talk about basketball, but by then we’ve talked about it for three hours,” Boyle said. “It’s not for me to say what people in their cars driving home want to hear, but I can’t imagine they want to hear two nitwits babbling on about the pick and roll. We at least touch on it, but inevitably, the conversation veers off into other directions, and the beauty of it, from my perspective, is that we never know where it’s going.”

White said he hopes the banter provides a laugh or spark of positivity for fans driving home after a game, especially after a frustrating loss. That’s

been especially true this season, with the injury-plagued Pacers recently finishing the season with their worst record in franchise history less than a year after making it to Game 7 of the NBA finals.

White said he’s eager to see what’s in store for the team next season.

“Everybody’s looking to next year, that’s what fans do,” he said. “They’re all dreaming of a top draft pick. They’re all dreaming of (All-Star guard Tyrese) Haliburton coming back healthy, and they’re all dreaming of that team that was just in the finals with the new center, (Ivica) Zubac, coming back. Who wouldn’t dream of that and think, ‘I cannot wait for the 26-27 season.’”

From left, Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker; Eddie White, director of corporate communications for Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Pacers play-by-play announcer Mark Boyle; and Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. (Photo courtesy of Eddie White)

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Flavor Bridge snack shop joins City Center lineup

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Flavor Bridge Snack & Beverage was set to open April 18 at 846 S. Range Line Rd. in the Nash Building at Carmel City Center.

The shop specializes in offering premium Asian snacks and beverages that are difficult to find at traditional grocery stores.

“Carmel City Center was a natural fit for Flavor Bridge,” owner Isaac Sun stated in a press release. “We’ve always enjoyed spending time here shopping and dining with family and friends. The walkable atmosphere and strong sense of community made it the perfect place to bring our vision to life — creating a

space where people can come together, discover something unexpected, and leave with a little more curiosity about the world.”

The shop aims to encourage connection and community through monthly and holiday-themed events and new flavors to explore. Samples are available to encourage shoppers to try new treats.

Flavor Bridge is in the space that previously housed Afterglow Market, an eco-conscious clothing store that opened in 2023. Afterglow Market is permanently closed, according to a message on its website.

Flavor Bridge is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Learn more at flavorbridges.com.

 New accounts lead to donations — Community First Bank of Indiana is launching a checking account promotion designed to make a direct impact across Hamilton County. Through May 2, for every new personal or business checking account opened at CFB’s Hamilton County branches, the bank will donate $20 on the customer’s behalf to the Hamilton County Community Foundation. The impact of each donation will be tripled through the Lilly Endowment GIFT IX matching program, turning every $20 contribution into $60. Visit a local CFB branch to open a new checking account and support the Hamilton County Community Foundation. A list of locations can be found at CFBindiana.com/locations.

Cincinnati-based chain Graeter’s Ice Cream opened one of its newest shops last month at 1822 Sylo Crossing Unit 601 at The Farm in Zionsville, just west of the Carmel border. The company also recently opened a second location in Fishers. Zionsville store hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

GRAETER’S ICE CREAM OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Sheetz to open Hoosier stores

news@youarecurrent.com

Pennsylvania-based conveniencestore chain Sheetz recently announced plans to expand into Indiana — starting with the Greater Indianapolis area — part of the company’s ongoing Midwest growth plans.

According to the announcement, Sheetz will open its first Hoosier stores in and around Indianapolis in 2027, eventually opening 100 stores in the state over the next 10 years — a $1 billion investment that will create more than 3,000 jobs.

Specific locations and opening dates for Sheetz’s initial sites will be announced later.

“Over the past several years, we have received a significant number of inquiries from Indiana residents who want to see Sheetz in their communities,” President and CEO Travis Sheetz stated. “This momentum has been reinforced by the enthusiastic response to our unique offerings in new Midwest markets. It is an exciting time for Sheetz, and we look forward to giving customers everything they need in one stop,

Sheetz con venience stores will open in the Greater Indi anapolis area in 2027. to courtesy of Sheetz)

creating quality jobs and being a posi tive force in the Indiana communities we serve.”

Later this year, Sheetz will open a new food preparation and distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, further sup porting its Midwest expansion.

“Since its first Ohio location opened nearly 30 years ago, the company has built a strong and expanding presence throughout the Midwest,” the announcement stated. “Building on that momentum, Sheetz entered Michigan in 2024.”

Sheetz was founded in 1952 by Bob Sheetz and remains family operated. The stores offer made-to-order food, drinks, snacks and fuel. For more, visit sheetz.com.

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Critical care nurse creates organ donation docuseries

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As a critical care nurse, Robert Horsey has seen the impact of organ donation.

Horsey, a 58-year-old Carmel resident, has created a three-episode docuseries called “GIFTED: The Docuseries,” which was released on Vimeo April 1. April is National Donate Life Month.

“Each episode deals with the real-life story of a donor and their family,” said Horsey, who serves as executive producer. “It focuses not just on how they died, of course, but how they lived and how the donation not only affected their family but their communities as well.”

The first episode features Heather Miller, who was just weeks away from graduating from West Virginia University and becoming a nurse, when she went on life support following a car crash. Miller’s last act would be helping others as an organ donor.

The second episode shares the story of donor Maissa Abdallah of St. Louis, and the third is about Maddie Grobmeier of Chicago.

“The objective of the docuseries is to entertain people and provide information about organ donation and hopefully inspire people to consider organ, eye and tissue donation and join the registry,” Horsey said.

Horsey said the episodes share triumph over tragedy.

The project started four years ago. Horsey serves as a hospital liaison for Indiana Donor Network, an organ procurement organization. He has been a critical care nurse for 27 years,

“Most of that career has been spent in the field of organ donation and transplantation, and that’s where I have the background to share these types of stories,” he said.

“I wanted to tell real stories, because to me that’s the way you can be most impactful and most inspiring,” he said.

Horsey wrote a novel, “Gifted,” in 2017, which began as a screenplay for a film.

“I’ve just completed a rewrite and I’m shopping it around,” he said. For more, visit gifted-productions. com/docuseries.

Couple opens dental practice

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

A Carmel couple opened a pediatric dental practice this month at 14660 Herriman Blvd. in Noblesville.

Dr. Matt Freihofer and his wife, Dr. Monica McKary, opened M&M Pediatric Dentistry April 13. The practice offers several services for children, including routine dental cleanings, extractions and emergency dental care, among others.

“I did my undergrad at Butler (University), then went to dental school at Indiana University,” said McKary, a Carmel High School graduate. “I have always wanted to raise a family here and serve this community. When I did residency, it just was a plan for me to come back.”

McKary obtained a certification in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. The practice will offer a free “happy visit” for first-time patients

under age 4 and children with special health care needs.

McKary speaks Arabic and double majored in biology and Spanish at Butler University. She hopes her background attracts a diverse range of patients.

The couple has a hypoallergenic dog named Remy to comfort children with dental anxiety.

For more, visit mmpediatricdentistry.com.

Horsey

M&M Pediatric Dentistry at 14660 Herriman Blvd. in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Monica McKary)

ATI presents ‘Sunset Boulevard’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Judy Fitzgerald is indeed ready for her close-up as Norma Desmond.

Fitzgerald, the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s artistic director, plays silent-screen star Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” April 24 to May 10 in ATI’s production at the Studio Theater in Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“My goal is for the character to be true to the movie and the musical,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s an honor to get to play the role. It’s a huge role that runs the gamut from falling in love to going completely crazy.”

Don Farrell, an ATI co-founder along with Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins, is making his first ATI performance since “Million Dollar Quartet” in June 2023. He stepped away from ATI to work on his other projects.

“When Judy called and said we’d love to cast you in this, I was honored she thought of me for this role,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to come back to working with Judy on this stage that has so many memories.”

Farrell portrays Max, Desmond’s loyal servant.

“The tragedy and desperation for each character — and when you hear the score Andrew Lloyd Webber has for each character — it’s really something special,” he said. “Max is a fierce defender of Norma. He’s very silent but he’s always there. He’s always observing. It’s almost creepy. He’s watching the relationship between Joe and Norma and how she’s starting to fall (for Joe). He’s wanting to protect her.”

Fitzgerald said Max has a lot more presence in the musical.

“He has some big numbers,” Fitzgerald said.

Farrell saw the show on Broadway in the early 1990s.

“It’s amazing storytelling,” Farrell

said. “There’s so much mystery.”

Fitzgerald said the musical is true to the 1950 movie, which starred Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond.

Luke Weber, who is based in Dallas and performed in “Violet” with ATI in 2022, plays Joe Gillis, a writer.

“There’s a lot of decisions Joe makes that I’m thinking, ‘Why would he do that?’” Weber said. “But I think it’s his desire to be involved and wanting to be recognized for his work and wanting to make it big in some way. There’s a lot bubbling under the surface that I’m excited to play with.”

Fitzgerald’s former North Central High School classmate Michael Blatt is directing.

“I love getting to come back to Indianapolis and ATI,” Blatt said. “This will be my fifth show with ATI, and I am so grateful to be able to practice my craft at such a wonderful theater. It’s always

so special for me to get to do theater here. I really found my love for theater in Indianapolis and had wonderful opportunities here, in starting from a young age at Starlight Musicals, Jr. Civic and Footlite Musicals, and then later at North Central High School.

And it’s extra special to get to direct Judy Fitzgerald. We have been friends since high school and starred in all the shows together there. I think our young selves would be so happy that all these years later we are still friends and creating theater together.”

Blatt is directing an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for the first time.

“It really feels like a rite of passage to finally direct one of his shows,” Blatt said. “I’m a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber and I’ve seen every Broadway production of ‘Sunset,’ and I’m excited to put my own stamp on the material.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’

“Singin’ in the Rain” runs through May 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents Ball State Studio Band & Josh Kaufman April 23, followed by Human Jukebox with The Ahlwardts April 24 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘MEN ON BOATS’

The Carmel Community Players production of “Men on Boats” runs through April 26 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

JOSHUA BELL

Violinist Joshua Bell will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

Civic Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof” April 24 to May 9 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

SNARKY PUPPY

Snarky Puppy will perform its Somni Tour concert at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE

GOLDEN RECORD’

Hendricks Symphony’s “The Golden Record” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Judy Fitzgerald and Luke Weber perform in “Sunset Boulevard.” (Photo courtesy of ATI)

Farrell

APR. 24 - MAY 10

Violinist Bell to perform

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Each year, violinist Joshua Bell talks about cutting down his schedule. However, that never seems to happen.

“I play about 120 concerts a year, which means some 200 days of traveling and six major continents,” he said. “I have friends everywhere, so I tend to keep filling up (my) schedule. I’m lucky to be in that position. I’ve been based in New York City for the past 30 years or so. New York was an easier base for my touring life since I spend half of my year in Europe, but Indiana is still my spiritual home.”

The Indiana University graduate and Bloomington native will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Bell, 58, will be accompanied by recording artist and pianist Shai Wosner. The appearance will be Bell’s sixth at the Palladium.

“Shai is a wonderful pianist that I met several years ago in New York and it’s really a duo recital for violin and piano,” he said. “All the pieces are equal for violin and piano. We have four big sonatas that we’re playing on the program that are different sides of classical music.”

The composers include Franz Schubert, Edward Greig, Segei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel.

“It’s kind of a tasting menu of classical music is the way I like to think of it —- all very accessible and exciting pieces,” he said. “I’ve probably not done all in this combination, and some I have not done with this pianist. All the pieces have been in my repertoire for a long time in my life. You live with them

and get to know them better, and you start working with a new pianist and it changes your perspective.”

Bell said the great thing about classical music is he gets to explore the depth of the pieces.

“They are so rich and so deep with the genius of these composers,” he said. “These four composers are some of the great musical minds of the last couple of centuries.”

Bell has been the music director of the Academy of St. Martin of the Fields in London since 2011.

Bell purchased a Stradivarius violin, known as a Gibson ex Huberman, from 1713 in 2001. He paid about $4 million for it, but it is estimated now to be worth $14 million.

“I’m incredibly privileged to have acquired a Stradivari and I think it is one of the great ones,” he said. “The fact of the matter is when you get used to one instrument and all the nuances, it’s very hard to switch between instruments.”

Bell purchased his first Stradivarius at age 19.

“I got very lucky, but it was one of the cheaper ones because it didn’t have all its original parts but still for me it was incredibly expensive,” he said. “But I was able to trade myself up throughout my career, and this is the third Stradivari that I’ve owned.”

Violinist Joshua Bell will perform April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

BOOK & LYRICS BY DON BLACK & CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON STARRING

FITZGERALD & DON FARRELL

Brad and Meg Osborne Cornelius Martin and Kate Marvel John and Camille Murphy

ENTERTAINMENT

NC grad returns for ‘Figaro’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be a change of pace for Ian Michael.

“It will be nice to do more of a comedic role,” he said. “I think the character is funny.”

The 2010 North Central High School graduate will portray Antonio in “The Marriage of Figaro” May 1-3 at The Toby Theater at Newfields at Indianapolis. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 1-2 and 3 p.m. May 3.

Michael, a South Bend resident, is the chair of the community engagement and education committee for South Bend Lyric Opera.

“It’s been several years since I lived in Indy, so it’s nice to come back and actually spend time here,” he said.

This is Michael’s second production with Indianapolis Opera, as he performed in “Rigoletto” in November 2025.

For “Figaro,” Michael is in the ensemble for the first act and then appears as Antonio in the second act.

“The funny thing is, he doesn’t show up until the middle of Act 2 finale and (the script) says half-drunkenly, running into tell someone about the plot,” he said. “It’s more a comedic role compared to Count Ceprano in ‘Rigoletto.’ It’s nice to do something a little more slapstick.”

Michael performed with Indiana Repertory Theatre, Civic Theatre and Summer Stock Stage as a youth.

“I didn’t know that much about Indy Opera, so it was a pleasure when I came in November to see what the experience was like,” he said. “It was phenomenal. I was blown away by the cast’s talent.”

A bass-baritone, Michael attended the University of Michigan and then moved to Fort Wayne after graduation. He was part of Heartland Sings Inc. and became involved with Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

“Opera is one of the things I do but I style myself as a crossover artist,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org and ianmichael.org.

Michael

Hendricks Symphony show set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Symphony Music Director Amy Eggleston came up with a unique concept for a concert.

Hendricks Symphony will perform “The Golden Record” at 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. The name was derived from “The Golden Record,” which went into space on the Voyager in 1977.

Eggleston said the symphony will conclude the first half with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony, the Ode to Joy.”

“So, everybody will know that (piece),” she said.

“Many of our selections are directly from the record, which is music and cultural sounds from all over the planet (that) we sent out into space to tell any extraterrestrial being that we come in friendship and peace and to demonstrate what sounds happen on planet Earth,” Eggleston said.

The Carmel resident said the concert includes pieces from the record, such as the first movement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto” and the “Queen of the Night” aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” opera.

Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” including dancers from The Children’s Ballet, is about 35 minutes and is the entire second half of the concert.

“That is not a piece many orchestras get the opportunity to play, so many of the members are excited about putting it together,” Eggleston said.

“The Golden Record” included greetings from Earth in many different languages. It also included bird sounds and other natural sounds along with music.

“It had a lot of pieces of music of all different genres,” Eggleston said. “So, I concentrated on the more classical pieces that are on there, but I did include a few (unique pieces), like there is a native Navajo piece in the concert.”

For more, visit hendrickssymphony. org.

Eggleston

You don’t know it all COMMUNITY VOICES

Missing middle housing not a good fit

Editor,

As a homeowner in Carmel, I strongly oppose the payment of $55,000 (from the City of Carmel) to Daniel Parolek’s California-based consulting firm Opticos Design.

Mr. Parolek is apparently going to introduce a plan for high density so-called “missing middle housing” into our quiet single-family neighborhoods. We moved to Carmel to enjoy a specific, low-density lifestyle. Replacing this with multi-family units and apartments ruins the character of Carmel and often involves tax exemptions that shift the burden onto existing homeowners. Let’s look at how.

passed to suit a single developer’s profit margins at the expense of the existing community.

Market saturation — Carmel already has a more than sufficient supply of apartments. A simple observation of Carmel shows that many existing units appear to be vacant.

We moved to Carmel to enjoy a specific, low-density lifestyle. Replacing this with multi-family units and apartments ruins the character of Carmel.

– GAIL DIETZ

Tax contribution — Unlike the homeowners in this community who contribute heavily to the local tax base, Mr. Parolek’s proposed units (missing middle housing) often do not provide a comparable level of property tax revenue to support our infrastructure and schools.

Zoning integrity — Mr. Parolek’s request to change our zoning to permit multi-family units beyond the established city center is a significant overreach. Zoning laws exist to provide stability and a predictable future for residents. These should not be by-

We have worked hard to maintain our property values and urge the mayor, councilors and the mayor’s advisory commission to reject this developer-driven scheme. Have we lost all our common sense, or our sense period?

Gail Dietz, Carmel

Evans best fit for Superior Court 3

Editor,

My name is Doug Carter. I recently retired after nearly 40 years of law enforcement service, primarily in Hamilton County. As a former state trooper, two-term elected sheriff of Hamilton County and most recently retired as the superintendent of the Indiana State Police after serving 12 consecutive years, I’m pleased to endorse Magistrate Judge Chris Evans to be the next judge of Hamilton Superior Court 3. Chris presently serves as a magistrate judge in Hamilton County, having been appointed by the elected judges. Magistrate Evans has a reputation as a fair and hardworking judge with a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law. He has extensive experience presiding over bench and jury trials involving

complex civil and criminal proceedings and is the only candidate for Court 3 with judicial experience.

His character, judicial demeanor and experience make him the best choice to serve as the elected judge of Hamilton Superior Court 3.

This is a challenging time for law enforcement and the judicial system, making judicial experience more important than ever. Chris Evans is the only candidate for Court 3 with that very experience.

I encourage all Hamilton County residents to vote for Chris Evans for Court 3 on May 5. Now more than ever, your vote for experience matters. Magistrate Judge Chris Evans is ready on day 1.

Douglas G. Carter, superintendent (Ret.) of the Indiana State Police

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

Last week, we discussed the first pillar of a healthy internal posture: Goodwill. We explored how making the choice to assume positive intent allows us to approach tough problems as “us versus the problem” rather than “me versus you.” This week, we move to the second pillar, which is perhaps the most difficult to maintain in a world that rewards being certain: Humility. In the context of Project Civility, humility is not about being passive or lacking conviction. Rather, it is intellectual hospitality. It is the quiet, sturdy recognition that you do not possess the entire truth. If Goodwill is the foundation of our internal posture, Humility is the openness of it. When our internal posture is rigid and closed, we listen only for the flaws in the other person’s argument so we can pounce. We approach tough conversations as teachers waiting for a slow student to catch up. Humility suggests we approach them as fellow travelers. It requires the courage to ask a simple but trans-

formative question: What do they know that I don’t? True humility protects us from the arrogance that fuels division. It allows us to hold our convictions firmly but our certainties lightly. By admitting that our perspective is limited by our own unique experiences, we create the necessary space for someone else’s perspective to sit alongside our own.

This week, instead of proving you are right, try to discover how you might be incomplete. Check your posture before you speak: Are you standing in a way that allows room for another truth? When we shift from a posture of, “I know,” to a posture of, “I’m listening,” the tone of the entire room changes.

Next week, we will wrap up this series by looking at the third and final pillar: The bridge of Compassion.

What’s the difference?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Words flex in their meaning with the passage of time and fashion. Something that would have one day been the cat’s meow now sounds like the bleating of an old goat. Those of us who use words for a living pay special attention to the peccadillos of these subtle but meaningful cultural transitions. What we might have said comfortably 10 years ago is today considered by some to be an offense. Regardless, we must wander in this world hoping to be understood and taken for what we intend, if not by what we might say.

The good people at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage have undertaken to deliver its annual Folklife Festival from the confines of the Washington, D.C., National Mall to the far corners of our great nation. Supported, in part, by our own Lilly Endowment, Inc., the storied institution celebrates the abundance of people and places that have contributed heartily to the remarkable 250-year run, and counting,

of our experiment in self-government. By showcasing the many ways that we express ourselves and our communities, it is that we might come to better understand and appreciate others.

Much in the way that a single snowflake is discovered in its true glory only when it is examined separate from the blizzard, each component is beautiful but unrecognizable when lost in the perhaps equally beautiful yet swirling corpus. To many, diversity has come to mean that we are all different, even that we should bring those differences to become self-defining. But if we are all unique, doesn’t that make us all the same? If we could allow for the changing application of our language, would we come to see that it is in variety that unity is found rather than discord? Are we all exactly the same, only different?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Who’s at vault?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I recently received a letter from my bank informing me that it will no longer rent safe deposit boxes. This struck me as very odd, like getting a note from your kennel saying it no longer has space for dogs. Or from Kroger telling everyone there is no longer room on its shelves for Rice Krispies. Isn’t one of the original purposes of a bank to keep your valuables safe? Like in a vault? No explanation was given. They told me to visit my branch and “formally close the box.” Why does this event have to be formal? I haven’t worn a tux in years, and I wasn’t going to rent one just to see my marriage license.

Banks also claim that the boxes increase personnel costs. Huh? I put my stuff in. I take out my stuff. I look at my stuff, and I put my stuff back in. I’m the one doing all the work.

– DICK WOLFSIE

I also was informed in the letter that if I do not close my box within the next 30 days, the bank will drill it open and “carefully remove the contents.” I was glad to hear that because I wouldn’t want anyone to rough up my birth certificate.  After all, it’s almost 80 years old.

The letter goes on to say that if the bank removes any contents, it will be securely stored in a vault “in accordance with state retention laws.” I already have enough retention problems at my age, and I wasn’t banking on this kind (don’t excuse the pun). By the way, what vault is it using to store my valuables? And why can’t it keep my stuff in that vault? I think that is a very reasonable request.

Next, I turned to AI, my source for the latest dubious information. I asked CoPilot if it had any idea why Chase was doing this. Its first explanation was that this service was not a money-maker for banks because many people have gone digital with their storage. What a great idea! I’ll just upload my father’s Bronze Star from World War II. If you hack me next month, just look for the folder, “My Father’s Bronze Star.” Don’t blame me if your printer jams. Banks also claim that the boxes increase personnel costs. Huh? I put my stuff in. I take out my stuff. I look at my stuff, and I put my stuff back in. I’m the one doing all the work. Now, I have a final question. What are the banks going to do with all these unused safe deposit boxes? How about places for paperclips, rubberbands and thumbtacks? And, of course, loose change?

And what about all the room banks will now have in the private viewing areas? Why not open a coffee shop? Maybe a Star BUCKS. How about a liquor store, a Fifth THIRST Bank? Expect it to be pricey.

They’ll make you fill out a deposit SIP.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

15. Plural of louse

16. Be a bad winner

17. One way to stand by

18. Boatload

19. Swindles

20. Iconic design created

by Terre Haute’s Root

Glass Company in 1915

23. Actor Reeves

24. Medical research agency inits.

25. “Norma ___”

27. Indiana tax ID

28. Boot part

31. Tangle

34. Astronomical “Way”

36. Paper units

37. Indy’s Taggart Baking Company creation in 1921

40. Plot of land

42. Glower

43. Butler’s non-scholarship players

46. WTTV net.

47. WFYI net.

50. Falcons, on a Colts scoreboard

51. Choose

53. Retailer with 2,486 stores in 1994. In 2026? Three.

55. Innovation created for use at the Indy 500 in 1911

60. Noncommittal answer

61. Hindu royal

62. Sit in the sun

63. Freeze

64. Publishing ID

65. Bad day for Caesar

66. Westfield HS exams

67. Durable wood

68. Army officers (Abbr.) DOWN

1. Movies

2. Changes the decor

3. “The Wizard of Oz” prop

4. Ancient Central American

5. Too

6. Cash drawer

7. Arctic ___

8. Beginner, to a gamer

9. Letters before Q+

10. Dismounted

11. I-90 in Indiana, e.g.

12. Zero in

13. UFO crew

21. Slice

22. Electrical unit

26. Chicago trains

29. Antiquated

30. Barely get, with “out”

32. Beer, slangily

33. Authentic

34. Imitation

35. Jr. and Sr. at NHS

37. White River fish

38. Letters on an email header, maybe

39. Steal

40. Defunct IND carrier

41. Exhausting routine

44. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon mo.

45. Ghost

47. Annual July 4 CarmelFest event

48. Not working

49. Emphasize

52. Josh

54. “Sex and the City” character

56. Be next to

57. Spartz and Carson, briefly

58. Fever’s org.

59. Stole material

60. Cambridge univ. ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES

GLIDDEN FENCE MAKES SENSE!

PUZZLE ANSWERS

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