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Council votes against extending market investigation deadline Page 2

Further improvements coming this fall to Japanese Garden

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 youarecurrent.com

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Sister Cities program earns recognition Page 6

CELEBRATING THROUGH SERVICE Acts of Kindness Day honors late Colts owner, city’s 50th anniversary

Cruise Indy car show to benefit Folds of Honor Page 15

Teen’s lemonade stand raises funds for animal charities

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(ISSN: 3143-0686 | USPS: 25933) Founded: Oct. 24, 2026 • Vol. XX, No. 43 Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC. Published weekly by Current Publishing, LLC, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Business, Editorial, Accounting and Circulation Offices: 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Call (317) 489-4444 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Carmel, IN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current in Carmel, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

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City council denies deadline extension for Christkindlmarkt investigation report By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com The law firm investigating the city’s handling of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt will not get a deadline extension to produce its report. The same six councilors who voted in favor of setting an Aug. 20 deadline last month voted Aug. 3 not to give attorneys at Dentons Bingham Greenebaum three additional weeks to wrap up their work. Earlier that day, the firm had requested a deadline extension to Sept. 10. Councilor Ryan Locke, chair of the committee oversea the investigation, relayed the request and moved to approve it. “I tend to take people at face value, give peoLocke ple that we put in hard positions themselves that grace and afford them the ability to finish this out right, so that we don’t sit with a deeper, darker cloud of judgment and decisionmaking than may or may not have been for the benefit of the people of Carmel, Indiana,” Locke said. Several other councilors said they believe the investigation has already taken too long and that they do not believe additional time is warranted. Councilor Jeff Worrell, who initiated the investigation in May 2025, said

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the firm’s lack of communication and last-minute request for more time led him to vote against an extension. “This has gone so long that I’m now even more disappointed that you are chasing them this last two weeks,” Worrell said to Locke. “What you just described, that’s shameful that they have ignored you.” Locke said he emailed the firm about the deadline the same evening it was set and that he had since followed up multiple times, including through a phone call earlier in the day. He said he believes the firm will “turn in not good work if under the gun” and urged other councilors to reach out to the investigators directly with questions and concerns. He said he is baffled that some members of the council would be willing to conclude the process without fully completing it. If the report isn’t done by Aug. 20, the law firm is required to turn over documentation it collected throughout the process to the city council’s attorney. “There comes a point where we need to do what’s right because it’s right, not because it’s easy or expedient or puts us in a position to be somewhere we want to be in the future,” Locke said. “This whole concept of forcing an issue that we’ve spent 15 months on seems so bizarrely arbitrary and so contrived.” Councilor Rich Taylor, who initiated

 Clarifications — After publication of the Aug. 4 story “Blue School at risk,” St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church provided a statement clarifying that after acquiring the property in 2024, the parish formed a committee to evaluate potential uses for the schoolhouse. The church continues to meet with city and local leaders to determine the building’s future. The updated story is available at youarecurrent. com/?p=274542. In addition, the story “Rohrer Road Flower Beds” in the Aug. 4 edition reported that a homeowner said he received short notice that the city would clear the flower beds in the Rohrer Road right-of-way. City of Carmel records

the July conversation that set the deadline, said he is frustrated with the law firm’s slow pace. He believes the investigation got put on the backburner after the firm reached its maximum billable hours in December 2025. Worrell? “It boggles my mind that it’s taken this long,” Taylor said. “To then finally request additional information on April 29 that they could have requested months ago, which they’ve had for over 60 days — PDFs are searchable. ChatGPT it. You could pull out information using AI. There’s so many ways.” Taylor, Worrell and Councilors Tony Green, Teresa Ayers, Shannon Minnaar and Adam Aasen voted against giving the law firm more time. Council President Matt Snyder joined Locke and Councilor Anita Joshi in voting for the extension. “My concern is not what kind of report they provide, but because we’ve given them an ultimatum if they don’t hit the deadline we’ve just thrown away $125,000,” Snyder said. “If they don’t think they can do it by the 20th, I’d rather have a document than no document.” Current contacted Dentons Bingham Greenebaum for comment but did not receive a response.

provided post-publication show the initial notice of violation was issued May 6 with an extension granted June 1, prior to the July 16 enforcement date.  Rain on Main returns — The 12th annual Rain on Main painted rain barrel contest and auction kicks off Aug. 14 with a display of decorated barrels in the Carmel Arts & Design District. The barrels will remain along Main Street until they are relocated to the Carmel Farmers Market Aug. 22. Individuals can bid on their favorite barrel to take home through an online auction at rainonmain.com.

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(Advertorial)

Why I Started Carmel Salt Caves - A Journey in Wellness By Dr. Skye Winslow August is National Wellness Month. For me, it also marks something deeply personal. Just days before Wellness Month begins, I quietly celebrate another anniversary — not the opening of Carmel Salt Caves & Spa, but the anniversary of the brain surgery that forever changed my life. People often ask me one question: “Why did you create Carmel Salt Caves?” The answer has very little to do with salt. Years ago, I underwent a ten-hour brain surgery to remove a tumor. What followed wasn’t simply recovery — it was rebuilding an entirely different life. There were days when standing felt impossible. Walking required determination. Balance disappeared. My confidence disappeared with it. For a long time, I kept waiting to feel “better.” Then one day I realized something profound. Wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a decision we make every single day. Not once. Every day. My journey back wasn’t one dramatic breakthrough. It wasn’t one medication, one therapy, or one miracle. It was thousands of tiny choices. A healthier meal. A short walk. A deep breath. Learning

(Below) A scar left as a result of brain surgery.

(Above) Learning to walk again after a ten-hour brain surgery.

3 years ago while building the Salt Caves in Carmel, Indiana.

Graduating at 63 after 12 years of school. Celebrating with my husband, Bob.

something new. Laughing with friends. Resting without guilt. Choosing hope when fear seemed easier. Each choice was almost invisible by itself. Together, they gave me my life back. That realization became the inspiration for Carmel Salt Caves & Spa. I didn’t want to build another spa. I wanted to build a place where

people could pause. A place where families celebrate each other. Where friends reconnect. Where couples breathe together. Where someone carrying the weight of the world can simply sit quietly for fifty minutes and remember what peace feels like. Whether someone chooses halotherapy, a foot detox, red

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light therapy, or simply enjoys the calming atmosphere with their pet, my greatest hope has never been that they leave saying, “That was relaxing.” I hope they leave thinking... “I deserve to feel this way more often.” Because wellness isn’t reserved for people with perfect health. It belongs to all of us. It isn’t earned. It is practiced. If there is one thing fourteen years have taught me, it is this: Don’t wait until your body demands change. Start today. Drink another glass of water. Take a walk. Call someone you love. Sit quietly for ten minutes. Choose one small act of kindness toward yourself. Tomorrow, choose another. Those little choices become habits. Habits become lifestyles. Lifestyles become lives transformed. This August, as we celebrate National Wellness Month, I invite you to celebrate something even more important. Celebrate yourself. Not because you’ve arrived. But because you’re willing to begin. Your path to wellness doesn’t have to look like mine. It only has to begin with one small step. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. — Dr. Skye Winslow

Founder, Carmel Salt Caves & Spa

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Japanese Garden renovation to expand By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com Work is set to begin this fall to expand recent landscaping improvements made to the Japanese Garden south of Carmel City Hall. Earlier this year, the northern part of the garden reopened with a design by internationally renowned landscaper Hoichi Kurisu, known as HK. He will also design the extended portion of the project, which is set to stretch to the southern stormwater detention pond. Construction is expected to begin in October and be complete by spring 2027. “We are thrilled to continue working with HK to build on his inspiring design,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing stated in a press release. “The expansion will help visually connect the two bodies of water while introducing the calming sounds of flowing water, a common element in Japanese gardens.” The project, which will include a waterfall, will be funded by $750,000 from the City of Carmel’s 2024 infrastructure bond package, which is designated for major capital projects. CCPR will man-

A rendering of the area set for improvements in the Japanese Garden behind Carmel City Hall. (Rendering courtesy of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation)

age garden operations and oversee the redesign, according to City of Carmel spokesperson Erin Murphy. “This direct investment supports the final phase of enhancements at Civic Square, including authentic Japanese landscape architecture features, pond upgrades and critical stormwater management infrastructure,” Murphy said. Another phase of the project will add a loop trail around the pond, benches and trees. Work is set to begin in spring 2027. “With the available funding the landscaping around the south pond will consist largely of prairie and some

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trees, so it will have a different look and feel than the existing garden,” Klitzing told Current. “As we secure more funding, the goal is to ultimately extend the Japanese Garden to include the entire south pond.” The second phase will improve the appearance of the stormwater pond and open the area for public use, Klitzing added. “The prairie will both provide habitat to attract pollinators and help mitigate the appeal of the pond for geese as the prairie matures,” he said. Learn more at CarmelClayParks.com.

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UPGRADES COMING TO CENTRAL PARK, MCC

The safety surface at the Central Park playground will soon be repaired. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The playground safety surface at Westermeier Commons in Central Park looks a bit “sketchy,” according to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Director Michael Klitzing. That’s because the adhesion below the surface was not applied properly when the surface was installed a couple years ago. “It has been shedding ever since,” Klitzing told the Carmel City Council Aug. 3 during his quarterly report. So, CCPR will close its most popular playground on or after Aug. 11 to make repairs. The project is still under warranty, so the fix will be made at no cost to taxpayers, Klitzing said. The playground is expected to be closed for approximately one week. Later in the month, CCPR will begin replacing the boardwalk that runs along the pond adjacent to the playground. Work is expected to last approximately 30 days. “It will look substantially similar to how it is today, but it will be structurally sound and last another 20-some years,” Klitzing said. “So, we’re super excited about that.” At the nearby Monon Community Center, pavers around the building will be replaced with concrete this fall. “The Monon Community Center and The Waterpark turns 20 years old next year, and those pavers show 20 years of heavy usage and are buckling in some areas,” Klitzing said. Concrete is expected to have a longer lifespan than new pavers and will be easier for crews to clear during winter weather. The center will remain open during the project, although some entrances may experience temporary closures.

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Legal system gaps discussed together. Participants discussed the importance of building stronger relaCentral Indiana mayors, police chiefs tionships between law enforcement and and county prosecutors gathered Aug. prosecutor offices to positively affect 3 for continued discussion and planprescreening and charging decisions, ning in support of public safety Indiana Department of Correcsolutions. tion policies on time-served and Civic leaders from Boone, early release and information Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, sharing across agencies. Johnson, Madison, Marion and Leaders also examined how Morgan counties met at Gaininadequate funding, gaps in bridge Fieldhouse in downtown communication and coordinaIndianapolis, the second in a tion, inconsistent approaches Finkham series of meetings that kicked and public safety policies can off June 26. Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam contribute to repeat offending and idenled the public safety initiative in collabtified opportunities for stronger collaboration with Indianapolis Mayor Joe oration among local, state and federal Hogsett to host the summit. partners. City leaders and police chiefs were “Every community deserves a justice joined by eight county prosecutors, the system that protects victims, holds U.S. attorney for the Southern District repeat offenders accountable and gives of Indiana and the Indiana State Police law enforcement the support they need superintendent with a goal of underto keep dangerous individuals off our standing gaps and barriers in the legal streets,” Finkam stated. “Through colsystem that result in repeat offenders laboration and hard work we can find cycling back into communities. short-term and long-term solutions The conversation focused on the that improve public safety for every entire criminal justice continuum, community.” recognizing that public safety depends At least two more summits are on every part of the system working expected. news@youarecurrent.com

Sister Cities honor presented news@youarecurrent.com Carmel’s Sister Cities program received the 2026 Sister Cities International Innovation in Arts and Culture Award for cities with populations of 100,001 to 300,000 people. The award recognizes Sister City programs that advance the goals and mission of Sister Cities International with a focus on citizen diplomacy, cultural exchange and international friendship. Carmel’s Sister City relationships, which include active partnerships with Cortona, Italy; Jelgava, Latvia; Kawachinagano, Japan; Rueil-Malmaison, France; Seiffen, Germany; and Visakhapatnam, India; have long leveraged the arts. From youth art exchanges and musical performances to collaborative community exhibits and festivals, Carmel has emphasized creative expression to make international diplomacy accessible to the entire community, according to a news release. Highlights include the renovated Kawachinagano Japanese Garden at

Carmel City Hall that has Japanese design elements such as lantern and crane sculptures. The city also hosted its inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival last year. The festival is now the Japan Springfest. “This award highlights our community’s commitment to building bridges across borders. Through the arts, music and shared cultural heritage, our sister city partnerships connect us to the world and help to foster genuine understanding,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam stated. Ethan McAndrews, author of the “Carmel-Kawachinagano Cookbook”, accepted the award on behalf of the city July 24 at the 70th Anniversary Gala and Annual Awards Ceremony during the Sister Cities International Homecoming in Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Carmel’s sister city partnership with Seiffen, Germany was also named among the first round of recipients for the Goethe-Institut “Sister Cities – Connecting Places” grant that is administered jointly with SCI.

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Marchers get ready to walk from Holland Park to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Rallies with differing immigration messages held By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Two rallies with different messages about immigration were held Aug. 1, one at Holland Park in Fishers and the other at an undisclosed location — originally planned for Fishers, but reportedly moved on the day of the event. The first event to be announced was a “mass deportation rally” hosted by Save Heritage Indiana and featuring speaker Greg Bovino, former chief of U.S. Border Patrol. The event was to have recorded messages from Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Attorney General Todd Rokita. Indiana Rep. Jim Lucas, a Seymour Republican, also was expected to attend, according to organizers. In response to the Save Heritage event, Fishers Resists, a local organization that has hosted previous Immigration and Customs Enforcement demonstrations, put together a “Hoosier hospitality march” the same day, attracting a large crowd of participants who walked a loop between Holland Park and the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Before the march, State Sen. Fady Qaddoura, a Democrat representing District 30 — the north Indianapolis area — addressed the group. He said Hoosier hospitality is a promise that is being tested by groups like Save Heritage Indiana. “What they are trying to do — they are replacing slogans, uniforms and messages, but they are using the same playbook that played in Indiana over 100 years ago,” he said. “One hundred years ago, our state, unfortunately, had one of the largest organized hate groups in the country, where the KKK established headquarters and … claimed

morality, claimed following scripture, claimed patriotism.” Qaddoura asked participants to spread compassion, support their neighbors and vote. When marchers arrived at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, additional speakers addressed the crowd as the weather threatened rain and thunderstorms. A single masked counterprotester was at the event and was surrounded by marchers who blocked his sign while mocking him. March organizers intervened and asked that he be allowed to exercise his right to free speech. Current requested credentials to attend and cover the Save Heritage Indiana mass deportation rally, but the request was denied. Group founder Daniel Poynter posted an Aug. 4 statement on social media, claiming that the “sold out” event had 130 participants. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness released a statement Aug. 1, noting that the community has become a global destination for people to raise their families. “Fishers did not ask to be a part of this debate, but today, people have chosen to express their constitutional right to free speech and assembly in our city,” he stated. “Our community expects those participating will obey all laws and will exemplify civil discourse.” Carmel City Councilor Anita Joshi gave remarks at the rally in Fishers. “It is fitting for us today that while some choose to gather behind closed doors at a private location, we stand here in the open — in the elements — because democracy, hospitality and justice have nothing to hide,” said Joshi, the only Democrat on the Carmel City Council.

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Detective of the Year honored news@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Police Department Det. Michael Morley, left, receives the Detective of the Year award from Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua Kocher. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office honored Carmel Police Department Det. Michael Morley as the Detective of the Year during an Aug. 4 ceremony. Morley investigates complex financial crimes targeting vulnerable adults and is an FBI Task Force Officer. He also a member of Hamilton County’s Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team. Westfield Police Department Officer Ezekiel McCarthy was named Patrol Officer of the Year, and Luna, a K-9 with the Noblesville Police Department, won K-9 of the Year with her handler, Sgt. Ben Lugar. Luna provides emotional support and therapeutic comfort during crisis responses and serves with Lugar with NobleACT, a partnership between police, fire and mental health professionals. “We are incredibly fortunate to serve alongside some of the finest law enforcement professionals anywhere,” Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua Kocher stated. “This year’s honorees not only stand apart from everyone else, but they exemplify the dedication, courage and compassion that define our law enforcement partners every day.”

‘The People’s Maestro’ dies news@youarecurrent.com Former conductor and member of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors George Zack died July 12. Zack, 90, was on the CSO’s board from 2017-23 and dedicated his life to music. “The People’s Maestro,” as he was known, according to his obituary, served as the music director and conductor of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra in KenZack tucky for more than 30 years. He served as interim conductor of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, provided artistic leadership for All-State Orchestras in Kentucky, Ohio and New York, and held memberships in the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Conductors Guild, and the American Federation of Musicians. He was a founding member of the Humanitarian Center for Culture and Diversity, served on advisory boards for Kentucky Educational Television, the National Society of Arts and Letters, and the Jazz Foundation, and hosted the weekly WEKU radio program George Zack’s Enhancement of Music.

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Indiana Senate District 29 Republican candidate John Ruckelshaus wants to consolidate water management in the state. PLUS TAKE Ruckelshaus said, if AN EXTRA elected, his first piece Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more or 30% off any order of $680 or more on any complete unit order of custom closet, garage, or home of legislation would be office, and any other products. Take an additional 10% off on any complete to propose a water czar system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires to oversee Indiana’s 9/13/26. Offer not valid in all regions. waterways. The former Ruckelhaus SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 18 MONTHS District 30 senator With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. announced his idea July 16 outside of Not available in all areas. Reach -In- Closets Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, which overlooks Eagle Creek Reservoir. Ruckelshaus said he’s heard from many people who don’t know who to Reach Reach -In-InClosets Closets Reach -In- Closets direct concerns to regarding the LEAP project in Lebanon. “I’ve heard over and over again, ‘Who do I talk to about LEAP?’” said Ruckelshaus, who grew up near Eagle Creek Reservoir. The water demands for the LEAP district and the proposal to use water from Eagle Creek for the massive development has drawn pushback from area residents. Eagle Creek Park had been a possible discharge location for wastewater from LEAP. However, that plan was scrapped. The senate candidate said there are multiple agencies that have a role in the LEAP water issue, which contributes to the confusion among residents. The water czar would be a cabinet-level position appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Indiana Garage Garage Cabinets Cabinets Garage Cabinets Legislative Council, a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Ruckelshaus said bipartisan support is an important part of the process. Ruckelshaus said a water czar should be a nonpolitical individual with a strong science background, have familiarity with government entities and be willing to engage with the public. Distpric 29 includes parts of Carmel, Zionsville and Indianapolis. Ruckelshaus is facing Democrat Kristina Moorhead Laundry Laundry Rooms Rooms Hobby Hobby Rooms Rooms Laundry Rooms Hobby Rooms in the Nov. 3 general Laundry Rooms election.

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CCS weighs $56M bond project

City to honor architect news@youarecurrent.com

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Architect Dan Moriarty helped design the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (File photo)

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The City of Carmel will honor Daniel Moriarity, founding principal of Studio M Architecture & Planning, with the 2026 Carmel Architecture Award during a ceremony set for 11 a.m. Aug. 12 in the Brham Founders Club at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Moriarty The award recognizes leadership in landmark architecture and redevelopment in Carmel. During his career, Moriarity helped design the Payne & Mencias Palladium and has worked on more than a dozen mixeduse redevelopment projects in the city’s urban core. His portfolio also includes the Carmel Clay History Museum and the Carmel Police Department headquarters.

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July 22 meeting. They will vote on the By Spencer Durham proposal at a future meeting. spencer@youarecurrent.com The bond would replace retired debt Carmel Clay Schools is considering and is a common way school districts a $56.6 million bond to fund various fund facility and infrastructure upfacility upgrades. grades, typically without raisThe largest amount of bond ing the tax rate. Funding comes funds would cover work at from property taxes. Clay Middle School. The school For the $56.5 million projbuilding is set for a midcycle ect, a property owner with a renovation, which includes $500,000 home would pay $32 a HVAC upgrades and a new roof. year or $2.65 a month. Replacing the tennis courts — “The reality is that there is a McMichael one of them is not playable — perception that Carmel spends also is on the list. all this money on facilities and excess “The majority of this is not what peoand all of that,” McMichael said. “Our ple see,” CCS Associate Superintendent approach to facilities, and I want evRoger McMichael said. erybody to hear this, we spend less on McMichael said 40 percent of the facilities than other districts because of bond is for equipment. That includes the approach we take.” districtwide technology replacements, CCS does a bond project every three such as Chromebooks, wireless infrayears or so. Replacing buses is part of structure and cybersecurity networks. the district’s 2027 project. McMichael HVAC and roofing also are targeted said this is a common way schools fiprojects for other school buildings, innance buses — which have risen sharpcluding College Wood, Towne Meadow ly in cost since the COVID-19 pandemic and Forest Dale elementary schools. — but is new to CCS. He said changes Carmel High School could receive $10 to property tax law caused by Senate million in improvements, including to Enrolled Act 1 have caused the district the elevator, roofing, band instruments to take a new approach. and other miscellaneous projects. The school board and administration CCS school board members heard a will work through the bond process for presentation from school administrathe next several months. tors on the proposed projects at their

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‘Janina’s War’ recounts tale of teenager’s WWII heroism By Mark Ambrogi Mark@youarecurrent.com Kevin Clark knew his mother had an amazing story to share. Janina Korzeniewska Clark worked with the Polish resistance to spy on Nazi Germany during World War II. A resident of Carmel Senior Living, Clark died at age 97 in October 2019. As a 17-year-old, Korzeniewska worked in a restaurant because Korzeniewska she could speak German. She would pass along information she heard while serving meals to German officers occupying her homeland to her brothers Kazir and Roman, who were also working with the Polish resistance. Jalynn Venis initially worked on the story as a screenplay but turned it into a book, “Janina’s War: How a Teenager Survived Nazis, the Resistance and the Most Horrific War on Earth,” which was released June 25. Korzeniewski moved to Indiana after

“Janina’s War” released June 25. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Clark)

marrying U.S. Army Master Sgt. Charlie Clark, who she met when she was a translator near the end of war. They married in Germany.

During her work as a spy, she would wear a hat to communicate without words. When the brim was turned down, that meant Germans were following her and it wasn’t safe for her brother to approach her. One of her tips led the resistance to blow up three buildings on the outside of an airport that the Germans were using for barracks. The Germans hung the chef and employees that they suspected of sharing the intelligence. Korzeniewski and her family helped Jewish people escape concentration camps. “They were digging tunnels,” said Kevin Clark, a 73-year-old Carmel resident. “They were smuggling them out, hiding them in my grandfather’s potato root cellar behind a giant sack of potatoes. Then the underground would come at night and take the Jewish families out.” Venis did some initial interviews with Korzeniewski. After that, Kevin Clark was able to relay answers from his mother to Venis as she worked on the book. “It’s a remarkable story that I appre-

ciated as I got older,” he said. “When I was younger, she used to lecture about it all the time at history classes, civic groups and universities.” But Kevin Clark didn’t think about the possibility of it becoming a movie or book until he was much older. He started asking his mother questions and typing her answers on a computer. He sent the 18 pages of it to his sister. His mother’s story was recreated on the HistoryBites page on Facebook. He also shared the story with relatives overseas and friends. “It went viral, and we started getting inquiries from writers and screenwriters,” he said. “We picked Jalynn and the rest is history. Eight years later, the book was finally completed and sales have just taken off. I’m happy with the response because my mom would be proud.” Kevin Clark said some characters in the book had to be fictionalized but it’s based on his mother’s actual experiences. He has plans to speak at the Rotary Club of Carmel in October. The book is available on amazon.com.

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COMMUNITY DISPATCHES  National Day of Service — Community members are invited to join the City of Carmel in celebrating the National Day of Service by helping to keep the community clean and green. A trash pick up effort is set for Sept. 11. Participants must be 18 years of age or older unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. The city will supply all necessary operational gear, including high-visibility safety vests, protective gloves, trash bags and litter-picker tools. Learn more about shifts and starting locations and register at bit. ly/3TKugU8.  Beekeepers club meeting — North Central Beekeepers Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000 E. 151st St. in Westfield. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of beekeepers, including those interested in becoming beekeepers. The topics for the Aug. 19 meeting are Mite Dynamics and Consolidating Hives. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/ ncbclub.  Next Generation scholarship recipients — Area students studying to become teachers are among the more than 300 recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, a state program that supports future Indiana educators. The scholarship program was established in 2016 and awards a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year — up to $40,000 total — to high-achieving high school and college students who commit to teach in an eligible Indiana school for at least five years. Carmel students receiving the scholarship are Abigail Perkins, Kendall Wien, Meghan Weishaar and Nolan Peterson of Carmel High School.  Former CHS athlete to speak — The Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 1st St. SW, will host a presentation featuring author, former elite athlete and medical miracle survivor Bart Burrell at 2 p.m. Aug. 20. Burrell was a cornerstone of the 1977 Carmel High School basketball team that brought home the IHSAA state championship. In addition to the presentation, the event will include a Q&A and book signing. The event is open to the public but advance registration is requested at carmelclayhistory.org.

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Cruise Indy returns Aug. 22 By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com Cruise Indy, a car show benefitting service members and their families, returns for a seventh year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22. The event will be in the Indiana Spine Group parking lot at 13225 N. Meridian St. Indiana Spine Group is the main event sponsor. The car show will feature 300 to 400 cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. Vehicles range from pre-war classics to muscle cars and others. Owners interested in featuring their car in the show can register online for $20 at cruiseindy. com/vehicle-registration. Award categories include People’s Choice, Participant’s Choice, Kid’s Choice, Honoree’s Choice and Bagpipers Choice. This year, for the first time, each military branch and military nonprofit will select their favorite entry. Cruise Indy was founded by Dr. Kevin Macadaeg, a founding member of Indiana Spine Group and president of Cruise Indy. He was inspired to create the annual car show because of Indiana’s rich automotive history and a desire to bring the community together. “The most important thing to me is making sure that the younger generations have an appreciation for those that basically have first created our

A classic car on display at Cruise Indy. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Macadaeg)

freedom and fought for our freedom because freedom isn’t free,” Macadaeg said. “We still have many men and women being killed or injured in action even today.” Admission is free. The event will benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. The family-oriented event will include face painting, scavenger hunts, a candy drop from a firetruck, Gordon Pipers, a helicopter fly-over and World War II airplanes honoring service members from Indiana. Representatives from Folds of Honor also will have a brief ceremony the day of the event. For more, vistit cruiseindy.com.

How to save with solar Commentary by Amanda Cross Electricity prices in the United States have been increasing steadily for years. As the demand for power keeps growing, those prices are likely to do so, as well. One way you can protect your budget against rising electricity prices is by installing rooftop solar panels. Installing solar panels can save the average homeowner thousands of dollars over the life of the panels, and the savings grow as electricity prices increase. If you include a battery storage system in your solar project, you can use the electricity your panels generate even after the sun goes down, plus you get the added benefit of having power during grid blackouts. If thinking about going solar feels overwhelming, the Central Indiana 2026 Solar Co-Op can help. Solar United Neighbors organizes a co-op to simpli-

fy the transition to renewable energy. SUN organizes interested homeowners into a group to get a competitive group rate, plus SUN volunteers offer reliable, expert advice. The co-op is free to join and there is no obligation to purchase a system. If you want to learn more, join SUN and Carmel Green Initiative for Solar 101 at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. The session will cover both the basics of solar projects and details of the co-op process. You will have the chance to meet SUN’s solar experts and get your questions answered. RSVP at carmelgreen.org.

Amanda Cross is a member of Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. For more, visit carmelgreen.org

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Noblesville volunteer steps up for students By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com For Noblesville resident Rob Bocko, helping students navigate life is a calling. Bocko volunteers with Compass Mentoring, a school-based, volunteer mentoring program at Noblesville Schools that provides opportunities for students to build a developmental relationship with an adult who offers support, guidance and encouragement to help students overcome challenges, and set and reach goals. Bocko said he has been volunteering with Noblesville Schools since the early 2000s, when his kids started school. He has been involved with the textbook adoption committee, Miller Ambassadors and the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation. “I’m very involved with the schools in general, and that started way back with being a parent volunteer and helping in classrooms when my kids were little,” Bocko said. “My youngest is a senior at Noblesville High School now, and I have three NHS grads. I’ve got

Community Member Spotlight presented by

Rob Bocko, right, with a student he mentors. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

some miles on me.” That involvement led him to Compass Mentoring, which Mentor Coordinator Nicole McClain launched in 2020. “I thought it sounded pretty wonderful,” Bocko said. “It really didn’t take off that first year all that well because of the pandemic, so that first year was mostly learning, talking, organizing and getting ready. The next year there were eight of us volunteering, and last I heard that number was approaching 100.” The program is offered at all 10 of the district’s schools, and more than 100 students are involved. Bocko said it has

provided him a chance to be a steady adult in the lives of several students. “It’s not counseling. You’re not going in to fix anybody. You’re not going in to solve problems. Really, I am just there to be a constant presence in someone’s life,” Bocko said. “Through the process of building a relationship and building trust, if they choose to share something with me, I’m also there to be a trusted resource. If something were to come up that I think rises to the level of ‘Oh my, I think the school counselor needs to hear this,’ I’m there to help be part of that support. I’m really just there to be a presence that I wish I would have had in my life when I was a kid.” Bocko said his work with Compass Mentoring helps him teach kids how to function as part of the community.

“I care about the world we’re leaving for our kids,” Bocko said. “It kind of comes back to what I wish I would have had. I figured out a lot of things on my own. It would have been so much easier to figure out with somebody to have a conversation with.” McClain said Bocko’s work with the program has extended beyond the students he’s mentored, saying it’s reflected in the culture of Compass Mentoring itself. “From the very beginning of the program, he has walked alongside students from elementary school through high school, ensuring they feel seen, known and supported,” McClain said. “As mentor coordinator, he’s been a trusted sounding board whose wisdom, perspective and steady encouragement have helped shape me as a leader and a person. Whenever I need an extra volunteer, a thoughtful perspective or someone I know will show up for a student without hesitation, he’s one of the first people I think of.” For more, visit noblesvilleschools.org/ departments/student-services-home/ compass-mentoring.

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Strategic Grants presented news@youarecurrent.com The Hamilton County Community Foundation has created Strategic Grants as a new funding pathway designed to provide larger investments in organizations pursuing significant opportunities or navigating critical challenges. Through its inaugural Strategic Grants cycle, HCCF awarded $1.675 million to eight organizations across Hamilton County. “Our Strategic Grants are very different from our traditional funding,” stated Danielle Stiles-Polk, HCCF president. “They are designed to meet organizations at key moments when a larger investment can help them take the next step. These resources allow nonprofits to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.” The 2026 Strategic Grant recipients include: • Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville: Awarded $250,000 to advance facility improvements and renovation planning focused on safety, accessibility and expanded capacity. • Child Care Answers: Awarded $150,000 to establish a child care resource specialist position to support families, child care providers, employers and community partners • Grace Care Center Foundation:

DISPATCHES  Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel on Aug. 27 at 502 East Event Centre. Taste of Carmel will bring together more than 40 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, caterers and beverage partners for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and community impact. This year’s “Touch of Class” theme celebrates CEF’s diamond 60th anniversary. General tickets are $150. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana.com.  Treasure Our Kids Trivia — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will present Treasure Our Kids Trivia, a college football-themed trivia night, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH, 1235 Keystone Way, in Carmel. Tickets are $75 per person. Learn more at indianaprevention.org.

Awarded $125,000 to support volunteer leadership development, staff capacity and improved operational systems. • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.: Awarded $250,000 to aid in the purchase of 6-plus acres in Hamilton County for a future 46-home affordable housing development. • Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program: Awarded $250,000 to support the expansion of services across all six local youth assistance branches. • Prevail, Inc.: Awarded $200,000 to strengthen fundraising capacity and long-term sustainability. • Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County: Awarded $200,000 to expand core programs that provide case management, counseling and volunteer services for older adults and caregivers. • Teter Organic Farm: Awarded $250,000 to support construction of a new Produce Production Barn. For more, visit hamiltoncountycf. org/grants-resources.

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Lennan “Leni” Goldstein, 13, sells lemonade during her annual Leni’s Lennanade fundraiser, which has raised more than $4,600 over the past five years. (Photo courtesy of Dahlia Goldstein)

Teen’s lemonade stand raises thousands for charity By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com What started as an ordinary lemonade stand when Lennan “Leni” Goldstein was 7 years old has evolved over five years to include a mascot and serving hundreds of thirsty customers while raising more than $4,600 for animal rescues. Leni’s Lennanade Stand is a one-dayonly annual fundraiser created in 2021 after Goldstein, a Carmel resident, saw local kids with their own stands and wanted to create one as well. Instead of pocketing her profits, she donated the money to the Paws on my Heart cat rescue at Petco in Carmel, where her family had just adopted their cat. “Ever since I was little, I’ve loved animals,” said Goldstein, now 13. “I’ve always wanted to help them and treat all animals equally and try my best to be good to them.” This year, Leni’s Lennanade Stand will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at a Goldstein family friend’s house near Hazel Dell Parkway and Ivy Hill Drive in Carmel. Proceeds will benefit Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary in Brownsburg. The stand also has raised funds for Pals for Paws in Kokomo, Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City and The Humane Society for Hamilton County. The Humane Society for Hamilton County honored Goldstein with a commemorative brick after she raised more than $600 in 2024. In 2023, Goldstein’s uncle created a

mascot, Roberta Squeeze, to help the stand draw more customers. Roberta Squeeze is portrayed by Goldstein’s family members and is a hit with crowds. “People were just stopping left and right,” Goldstein’s mother Dahlia Goldstein said. “One guy pulled up and gave us all the cash he had in his wallet and said, ‘I don’t even want lemonade. I just saw that lemon giving itself a wedgie.’” Janet L. Brunes Foundation, founded in honor of Goldstein’s late great-grandmother, provides financial assistance to local animal organizations and last year matched every donation Leni’s Lennanade Stand received to bring the 2025 total to $2,100. They will match donations again to help Goldstein reach her goal of $3,000. This year the lemonade stand has its first corporate sponsor, Peter Stewart Realty Group, which will provide all of the ingredients for lemonade and cookies. “Beyond caring for the animals, we strive to inspire kindness and compassion by giving our community the opportunity to connect with these incredible animals and learn their stories,” stated Denelle Key, community relations coordinator for Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary. “Receiving support from compassionate individuals — whether through donations, volunteering or the creativity of a neighborhood lemonade stand like Leni’s Lennanade — makes this work possible.”

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A rainy night to remember for Carmel’s ATI Commentary by Don Farrell On Nov. 17, 2013, in the early years of Actors Theatre of Indiana at The Center for the Performing Arts, we were presenting Neil Simon’s play “The Odd Couple” in the Studio Theater. It was our final performance of the run. I was playing Oscar Madison opposite Bradley Reynolds as Felix Unger, alongside a terrific cast that included Adam Crowe, Jeremy Grimmer, Darrin Murrell, Dave Ruark, Carrie Bennett Fedor and Katy Gentry, under the direction of Jeff Stockberger. Like many smaller theater companies in those days, we had planned a simple post-show potluck. Everybody had brought something — cookies, casseroles, candy, snacks — the usual collection of backstage comfort food that somehow tastes better after closing a show. But all weekend we had been watching the weather. A major storm system was moving through central Indiana,

Don Farrell, left, as Oscar Madison in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “The Odd Couple.” (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

and tornado warnings were becoming a real possibility. The matinee began as scheduled, but by intermission the storm was rapidly intensifying. Backstage, between scenes and costume changes, we kept checking weather reports and listening for updates. Then, just as Act 2 was beginning, house management made the decision to stop the performance and move everyone to safety. Our stage manager halted the show, and the entire cast and audience were escorted into an interior rehearsal room

while the storm passed overhead. What could have been a tense and frustrating experience slowly became something unexpectedly wonderful. Actors talked with patrons. Patrons talked with one another. Board members, audience members, designers, staff and actors all sat side by side waiting out the storm together. Time passed. People started getting hungry, so we began bringing in the food we had originally set aside for the post-show gathering. I remember looking around that room thinking, “We’ve already given them Act 1. We still owe them Act 2.” At the time, as artistic director of ATI, I worked with our production stage manager Jim Carringer and suggested that we recreate as much of the set as possible inside the rehearsal room using whatever furniture and props we could quickly move. Why not finish the play right there under fluorescent lights? The audience deserved the ending, and frankly, the show deserved to finish its run properly. So, that’s exactly what we did. We assembled a makeshift version of

Oscar’s apartment in the rehearsal hall and performed Act 2 of ‘The Odd Couple’ surrounded by audience members seated only a few feet away from us. No theatrical lighting. No polished stage picture. Just actors and patrons determined to finish the story together. What could have become a disappointing and chaotic afternoon instead became one of the most memorable theatrical experiences of my life. For many people in the central Indiana theater community, that day has since become a bit of theatre lore. There was even coverage afterward in the local arts community and press. To me, it perfectly captured what those early years of ATI were all about: resilience, creativity, community, and the belief that obstacles are simply opportunities to find another way forward.

Don Farrell is co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana.

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CELEBRATING THROUGH SERVICE Acts of Kindness Day honors late Colts owner, city’s 50th anniversary

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com Hundreds of Carmel residents got to work Aug. 5 serving the community in ways big and small as part of the 1976 Jim Irsay Acts of Kindness Day. The event, a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Carmel and Carmel Kiwanis Club, celebrated Carmel’s 50th year as a city while honoring the philanthropic spirit of the late Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts and a longtime Carmel resident. Irsay died in May 2025. Service projects included filling a police vehicle with food donations at Kroger, free live music performances, assembling care kits and more. The goal was for the community to complete 1,976 acts of kindness by the end of the day. Organizers were still tallying the good deeds Aug. 6, but they felt confident they exceeded that number. “Yesterday was a great day for the City of Carmel and a very special day for the Kiwanis Club of Carmel and Rotary Club of Carmel partnership with support from the Indianapolis Colts in the memory of Jim Irsay,” said Rick Markoff, a Rotarian and event coordinator. “It is clear that our objective for success, 1976 acts of kindness, was smashed by a very large number.” The day kicked off with a ceremony at the Meeting House at the Village of WestClay. Speakers included Indianapolis Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward, Irsay’s longtime co-worker and friend. Ward described Irsay as a compassionate and generous man. “He told me once that he read about Frank Sinatra, who would sit down with his assistant and go through the local paper and look for people that have met misfortunes and help them out, and I know that inspired Jim,” Ward said. “He wouldn’t scour the paper, but he would get letters from people (and say), ‘Hey check this out, make sure it’s legitimate.’ He would help so many people without ever telling anyone.” Rotary Club of Carmel President Nancy Heck said she was encouraged to see so many different groups and individuals serve the community together. “It’s our hope that some of these

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION The City of Carmel is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special events throughout the year. Next month there will be a community celebration set for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Minnie Doane Gazebo on the lawn of Carmel City Hall at 1 Civic Square. The event will include live music, historical displays, photo opportunities, ice cream social-inspired treats and a tented VIP experience. The Carmel City Council and Rotary Club of Carmel are partnering to present the celebration. Learn more at carmel.in.gov/850/ America-250Carmel-50-Celebration.

Several members of the Carmel City Council spent time volunteering as part of a clean-up crew. (Photo courtesy of Rick Markoff)

Rick Markoff, organizer of the 1976 Jim Irsay Acts of Kindness Day, speaks at the kickoff ceremony. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

IIndianapolis Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward shares memories of his late friend and co-worker, Jim Irsay. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

More than 70 people attended a concert by Lou Newman at Woodland Terrace. (Photo courtesy of Rick Markoff)

partnerships (and) relationships that were created through this continue on, so that people can see what impact they have and who their neighbors are that need help, and the organizations they can continue to serve,” she said. Learn more at carmelrotary.com and k19168.site.kiwanis.org. ON THE COVER: From left, Carmel Police Department Public Information Officer Darby Morris, City of Carmel Deputy Clerk of Court Business Carolyn Shaw and Kiwanis volunteer Gayle Webb load donated goods into a cart at Pack the Cruiser for Merciful Help Center Aug 5. (Photo by Hannah VanLandingham)

Employees at IU Health North packed 400 hygiene kits to donate to local students. (Photo courtesy of Rick Markoff)

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Chef blends cultures at Niku Kitchen & Sushi Bar By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Aziz Mountassar had master’s degrees in political science and economics when he first linked up with the top chefs in France. His first dish would take him in an entirely different direction. “When I saw the smile on the people’s face, I said, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” Mountassar said. Today, the Carmel resident is Chef Aziz at Niku Kitchen & Sushi Bar, an upscale Japanese restaurant at The Farm in Zionsville. Niku, which is Japanese for meat, has a menu that blends Japanese cuisine with other cultures. The restaurant opened at the end of May. For example, the marinated sea bass with miso butter includes a microgreen salad with citrus for a dish that combines Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Mountassar, who was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and grew up in France, said he wants to introduce people to new cultures when they visit Niku. “My job in the world is to mix cultures,” he said. “If people can meet, what about ingredients?” Mountassar, who speaks eight languages, is well-traveled. He cooked at Michelin Star restaurants in France, Italy and Spain before moving to the U.S. He attended Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. Typically reserved for the wealthy and well-connected, a chef supported Mountassar so he could attend

Chef Aziz Mountassar blends Japanese cuisine with other cultures at Niku Kitchen & Sushi Bar in Zionsville. Mountassar is from Morocco and has worked at Michelin Star restaurants in France, Italy and Spain. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

the culinary school. Mountassar regards himself as a sort of psychologist when it comes to food. “My medicine is whatever I put on the plate,” he said. “Whatever I give you should make you feel better.” Niku also offers one of the only omakase experiences in the Indianapolis region. Omakase is a Japanese

dining experience where customers do not order from a menu, rather the chef chooses selections based on their preferences. Customers who opt for omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” have the food prepared at their table and can choose from nigiri or sashimi sushi. Presentation and atmosphere is an important part of Mountassar’s craft. Every dish has a special touch. “My goal is (for you to) remember the last bite,” he said. Mountassar previously managed the kitchen at Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel, worked at the Capital Grille in Indianapolis and opened Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine & Bar at 49th Street and College Avenue. He was brought in as a consultant at Niku and ended up sticking around. “This is what I call the baby,” he said. Mountassar said he wants to put Niku on the map. Other locations are being considered. Hospitality is an important part of Moroccan and Japanese cultures. Mountassar said in his home country it is commonplace for people to offer one a place to stay if needed. In Japan, hospitality is called omotenashi, where care of guests is emphasized and based on Japanese tea ceremonies. It ties nicely into Mountassar’s approach for his kitchen and Niku’s dining experience. “If I can mix the cultures, I can mix the flavors,” he said.

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Inaugural TradeUp Fest set for September By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com TradeUp Fest, a new Indiana festival that celebrates skilled trades through live music, interactive demonstrations, workforce development and community engagement, is set for Sept. 19 at the Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville. Presented by Gaylor Electric and Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky, TradeUp Fest will begin with a free outdoor celebration from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., featuring live music, food, family activities and an interactive Trade Village, where attendees can meet industry professionals, explore career opportunities and experience hands-on demonstrations from regional employers and manufacturers. Josh Cecil, founder of HamCo Live, which promotes live music and entertainment in Hamilton County, created the event, saying he wants to change the perception of skilled trades. “I was a teacher at Noblesville High School, and we did this thing every year called College GO! Week, and the premise was basically getting kids to go to college,” Cecil said. “I struggled with that because it’s not the right thing for everybody to do.” Cecil said as a dad of seven kids, he wants TradeUp Fest to celebrate the trades industry. “I want them to see how exciting, fulfilling and lucrative a career in the skilled trades can be, especially in a world where (artificial intelligence) is reshaping the workforce and families are weighing many different paths after high school,” Cecil said. “I want them to see the full scope of what’s out there, and to understand the opportunities in the skilled trades industry.” Attendees will have the opportunity to “try a trade,” learn about apprenticeships and training programs and discover careers across construction and advanced manufacturing, among other industries. Free outdoor music will feature performances by Jai Baker, Distant Soundwaves, The Failers, Lost Anchor, Aiden Brown, Hank Ruff and Foosie and the All American Ghetto Band. Television personality Kayleen McCabe will serve as master of ceremonies throughout the

Larry Fleet will headline TradeUp Fest (Photo courtesy of Josh Cecil)

day. VIP wristbands are available. “The outdoor festival portion of the day is free, but people can purchase VIP wristbands as an upgrade, which would grant access to the grand hall inside the arena,” Cecil said. “There will be some acoustic performances in there, a private bar and they can use the restrooms inside.” Cecil said it will be unlike an average music festival. “It’s a place where parents can watch their kids climb into heavy equipment, try welding, meet employers, discover apprenticeships and maybe find a career they never considered,” Cecil said. “If one student leaves saying, ‘I found my future today,’ then we’ve accomplished something meaningful.” Evening events will be inside Riverview Health Arena, where doors will open at 5 p.m. for a ticketed concert beginning at 6 p.m. featuring Larry Fleet, The Wilder Blue and Nora Reese. Tickets range from $27 to $54 before fees, depending on seating levels. “Larry Fleet, who’s our headliner, was working in the skilled trades industry before he was discovered,” Cecil said. “He had a heart for it. We thought it would be good storytelling.” Tickets for the evening portion of the event are on sale now. For more, visit TradeUpFest.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cecil at josh@ hamcolive.com.

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Women’s riding group pedals community By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Katie Zarich discovered a passion for cycling while attending Indiana University, but following the deaths of two close cycling friends, she found herself riding less often. “I kind of lost people to ride with, because I wasn’t tapped into a cycling network,” said Zarich, an Indianapolis resident who lives in the Eagle Creek neighborhood. “For a while, cycling had some scariness for me, because I had lost those people in my life.” That was until she found the IU Health Momentum Indy Divas, a women’s cycling group. The club meets each Thursday at Bicycle Garage Indy in Carmel before riding together in groups based on ability level. Each group is named after a female singer. The Dolly group is for beginning riders. The J.Lo group is for the elite riders. Zarich, who is the On-Highway Communications Director for Cummins, Inc., leads the Madonna 31 group. The group typically rides at a speed of 17 to 19 mph. The group, the first in Indiana, was inspired by a similar group in Tulsa, Okla. It serves as a mentorship group while also fostering community among women. Zarich said women from all over suburban Indianapolis ride with the Divas. One woman travel from Columbus. “People really value it and value the sense of community and will prioritize it in their lives,” Zarich said.

From left, Zionsville native Meg Dimmett, Katie Zarich from Indianapolis and Kate McDougal, who lives in Colorado, ride with the IU Health Momentum Indy Divas, a women’s cycling group. (Photo courtesy of Katie Zarich)

Zarich said the Divas have between 200 and 300 women. “Our numbers have continued to grow,” she said. “Any given Thursday, probably roughly 100 or more women ride their bikes together.” Being a Diva also means one will likely see a familiar face at other riding events, like Momentum Indy. “I know if I show up at a different organization’s ride, I’ll see my Divas,” Zarich said. “It ensures I always have someone to ride with.” Zarich stressed the group is open to any skill or ability level. “You will be overwhelmed with offers from people trying to plug you in,” she said. “We love new people.” For more on the Divas and Momentum Indy, visit momentumindy.org.

DISPATCHES  Wellness Wednesdays – Carmel Salt Caves & Spa, 10696 N College Ave. in Carmel, is celebrating National Wellness Month by encouraging the community to do something simple but often overlooked: take a break. Throughout this month, the spa is hosting Wellness Wednesdays, a community initiative inviting every paying guest to bring a friend free to experience a relaxing Himalayan Salt Cave session. Reservations are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make a reservation by calling 317-533-1485.

 FiA North Indy to host meet-and-greet — Females in Action, or FIA, is a national nonprofit organization active in 24 states. The groups host free, peer-led outdoor workouts for all women, all ages and all fitness levels. The North Indy group meets at 7 a.m. Saturdays at Dillon Park Disc Golf in Noblesville and 7 a.m. Wednesdays at the Westfield-Washington Public Library parking lot for a walk. The North Indy group will host a coffee meet-n-greet from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 22 at Epic Coffee, 7249 E. 146th St. in Carmel, for women to learn more about the organization.

HEALTH

CURRENT IN CARMEL

08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

Vio Med Spa staff includes, front, from left, Sara Graff and Maria Barrera; back, from left, Nichole Fanning, Crystal Stutler, Rachel Hasan, Emily Boyer and Darci Commons. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hasan)

Med spa opens at The Farm By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A new med spa at The Farm in Zionsville aims to offer medical-grade skin care in a warm, welcoming environment. Vio Med Spa opened June 25 at 11565 Sylo Crossing, just west of the Carmel border. It is the only location in Indiana. Owner Rachel Hasan opened the business, drawing on experience in health administration and women’s health care advocacy. Vio Med Spa offers a variety of skin treatments, including facials, microneedling, injectables like Botox, and chemical peels. The spa also offers Glacial Rx, a new type of facial featuring controlled cooling, as well as collagen producing procedures. Hasan hired a nurse practitioner to be part of the staff. A cosmetic surgeon serves as medical director. “We wanted clinical excellence for our staff,” she said. Hasan used her background in interior design to develop the space to merge hospitality and medical-grade services.

The spa features a quiet waiting room, with low lighting, meant to give customers a relaxing environment while they wait. “A comment we’ve gotten is that it feels warm and welcoming,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like you’re in a waiting room.” The company took notice, too. Hasan said representatives of Vio Med Spa have visited the Zionsville location and intend to use her model moving forward. “They love everything about what we’re doing,” she said. While women have been the main demographic of clients, Hasan plans to host events catered to men. A Botox and bourbon event in September will be a tasting and educational opportunity for men. Vio Med Spa is offering memberships on a limited basis for $99. Memberships include discounts and a fixed rate. The med spa is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more, visit viomedspa.com/zionsville.

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CURRENT IN CARMEL

08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

Your source for local arts & entertainment and upcoming events • youarecurrent.com

Father-son duo’s musical set for Carmel By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The adage of writing what you know seemed appropriate for Dr. Jeff Foy. An emergency room physician in Indianapolis, he always thought the ER would be an ideal setting for a musical. “I thought it would be awesome if I could be the one to tell that story,” he said. But he didn’t think it could happen because he can’t play or write music. When hearing his then-15-year-old son Jacob Foy work on a melody in his room, the 53-year-old Fishers resident had an idea that they could work together. The Foys will stage their largest production yet of “Emergency The Musical,” with five performances Aug. 27-30 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. There was a performance in Bloomington in 2018, which Jacob developed as an independent project when he attended Indiana University. That was followed by three performances at the New York Theater Festival. “Since the New York production, we’ve added five new songs,” Jeff said. “The first-act closer is new. We have obviously changed some of the storylines and some of the dialog to accommodate the new songs. I think it’s more streamlined of a show with strong character development.” A 2017 Fishers High School graduate and a Carmel resident, Jacob wrote all the music. Father and son wrote the lyrics and script together. “We got started when I was 15 or 16, and that’s a hard age for any boy in their parents’ relationship because you’re trying to find your independence and find out who you are, so it was fun for us to connect back then,” Jacob said. “Then it’s given us a really good avenue to maintain a really fun aspect in our relationship. It’s easy when your dad is your co-writing part-

‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’

Jacob Foy, left, and Jeff Foy during a casting session for their musical. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Foy)

ner because you already have a level of comfortability that you need for a good collaboration. We understand each other’s tastes and what we think is going to work well.” The plot in the ER centers on intern Justin Marks having one shift to prove himself because he didn’t match into a residency program. “He is going against his med school rival on the same night for that one spot, so they are competing against one another,” Jacob said. Cole Winston, who performed in the IU production, returns in the role of Justin. Robbie Russo, another IU student who was in the original production, also returns. The cast has 30 members, larger than the 14 in the New York performances. None of the returning cast members performed in the New York production. “I’m looking forward to having a big cast for the first time,” Jacob said. “There is a lot of ensemble singing in the show. The other thing I’m most excited for is just to share it with the community. We got a lot of support from Hoosiers, in general. When we started this in Bloomington, people came from all over the state to see it. Then people came from Indiana to

New York to see it. We had people help us out all over the state.” Jeff said many community members told him they wanted to see the production when it came to the area. “It’s really rewarding and exciting to bring it here, so people can see what we’ve been working on since 2015,” he said. “I’m also excited to debut the five new songs. I’m excited to see how these songs feel and sound and mesh with the show.” Jeff’s sister, Melissa Stainbrook, is the music director. She is a Brownsburg High School choir teacher. Her daughter, Madison Stainbrook, is in the ensemble. Olivia Broadwater, a 2020 Zionsville Community High School graduate, plays Gina. “I love the role of Gina because she supplies comic relief in a very serious environment,” Broadwater said. “She clearly doesn’t fit into the usual role of an ER worker, but Gina loves to stand out. I’m excited to work on making her bubbly personality believable in this workplace so that she seems real and relatable.” Jeff Whiting, from New York, directs and choreographs the musical. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org and emergencymusical.com.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. BIG THIEF Big Thief’s “Somersault Slide 360” concert is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park In Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Human Jukebox with The Ahlwardts is set for Aug. 14, followed by Dueling Pianos Aug. 15 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘NATIVE GARDENS’ Carmel Community Players will present “Native Gardens” through Aug. 16 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz. NAPTOWN HEPCATS Local Music Mix Series will feature Naptown Hepcats at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘RHYTHM OF LOVE’ Circle City Sound will present “The Rhythm of Love” at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH  Center Presents single-show tickets on sale — With subscription packages still available for the 2026-27 Center Presents Season at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, tickets for single shows were to go on sale Aug. 7. Tickets are available online at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800, or through the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel.

CURRENT IN CARMEL

08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN CARMEL

08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

Hepcats to be featured

By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

Naptown Hepcats, an Indiana-based rockabilly band, will be spotlighted in the Local Mix Music Series at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Drummer Terry Fox and bassist Mike Strauss are Carmel residents. Vocalist-guitarist Spencer Mitchell resides in Fishers. They look forward to the performance. “We’ve played Carmel Porchfest the past couple of years, and we’ve played (the) Noblesville (Front Porch Music Festival) the last couple of years,” Mitchell said. “So, we’ve had our presence in the community, but to be highlighted by such a prominent show is going to be new to us, and we’re excited about that.” The band started as a tribute to Stray Cats, a three-musician rockabilly band formed in 1979 consisting of Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom. Naptown Hepcats now perform original music, though they’ve stayed within the genre.

From left, Mike Strauss, Spencer Mitchell and Terry Fox, members of Naptown Hepcats, will perform in the Local Mix Music Series at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Hepcats)

“We are different (from) anything you’ve probably heard before, and that’s exciting. It’s definitely fun to hear a style of music that you’re definitely not typically familiar with,” Mitchell said. Naptown Hepcats music is available online. “If people want to get an idea of what our sound is like, they can find us online and give us a listen and come check us out live after that,” Mitchell said. For more, visit naptownhepcats.com.

Fly fishing as therapy

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Al White still remembers hearing his sister’s scream when he got the call that their grandfather had been brutally murdered in New York. “I lost other family members to violent crime,” said White, who was 9 years old and living in Dover, Del., at the time. “My father was in and out of lockup. I had my own challenges as a result and made some wrong decisions.” In 2020, the 56-year-old Carmel resident found fly fishing to be a peaceful hobby that proved cathartic. It then became the basis for McCordsville resident Grant Michael’s short film “On the Stream,” which is just under 12 minutes long. It premiered at the Mayfly Film Festival in New York, and was then shown at the Indy Shorts Film Festival in July. It has been accepted into six film festivals. “Al was actually a client for a corporate recruitment video series I was directing,” Michael said. “We hit it off and stayed in touch afterward. Eventually, he invited me out to film while he was

NOW OPEN 61 CITY CENTER DR, CARMEL, IN 46032 (317) 564-4840 • CHARRED-INDY.COM

OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2026 Fly fishing has become a peaceful hobby for Carmel resident Al White. (Photo courtesy of Al White)

fly fishing. The more time I spent with him, the more he opened up about what that time on the water meant to him and how his childhood shaped who he became. That’s when I knew there was a film here.” Michael said the story is about how nature provides space to process life. White is certain fly fishing or an outdoor pastime can help others. “Fly fishing happens to be my escape, a place I can go to that is a significant stress reliever and a place that allows me to do incredible thinking or no thinking at all — and just be at peace,” he said. For more, visit onthestreamfilm.com

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08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

ORDINANCE NO. D-2839-26 (AS AMENDED) AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA AMENDING CARMEL CITY CODE CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 8-44 Synopsis: Ordinance amending regulations of the use of Micromobility and E-Moto Devices within the City of Carmel WHEREAS, the City of Carmel (the “City”) desires to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation options for its residents, visitors, and businesses; and WHEREAS, it is essential to establish clear regulations governing the operation of Micromobility Devices and other devices to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other users of City’s multi-use trails, sidewalk, trail, and road networks, and to promote sustainable transportation options while managing potential conflicts, minimizing risks to riders, pedestrians, and congestion, and maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed by Carmel residents; and WHEREAS, these regulations are intended to complement and not supersede existing state and federal laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles and other transportation devices; and WHEREAS, ordinance D-2796-25 was adopted in November of 2025 and established regulations for the use of Micromobility Devices within the City; and WHEREAS, amendments to Ordinance D-2796-25 are needed to enhance enforcement as the City has received frequent and numerous complaints about improper operation of certain Micromobility and E-Moto Devices. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows: Section 1. The foregoing Recitals are fully incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2. The following sections of Chapter 8 Article 4 Section 8-44 of Carmel City Code are hereby amended as follows: (7) Enforcement. • If a violation is issued to a minor, the minor’s parent or guardian shall be notified of the violation. • If a law enforcement officer determines that a minor operates a Micromobility or E-Moto Device in a reckless manner that endangers pedestrians or other users of the public right- of-way including the minor, the officer may immediately impound the device. The device may only be released to the minor’s parent or legal guardian. (8) Impoundment and Forfeiture: • Micromobility or E-Moto Devices may be impounded for repeated violations of any City Code section, Ordinance, or applicable State law. The City or its contactor may impound Micromobility or E-Moto Devices to a private impound facility. • The owner of an impounded Micromobility or E-Moto Device, or a parent or legal guardian if the Micromobility or E-Moto Device is operated by a minor, shall be responsible for all impoundment and storage fees. • Any Micromobility or E-Moto Device may be subject to forfeiture pursuant to Indiana Code 34-24-1. Section 3. All other provisions of Section 8-44 remain unchanged and in full force and effect. Section 4. If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason declared to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance so long as enforcement of same can be given the same effect. Section 5. If a change is needed immediately due to public safety hazard the City’s executive may make a change to any provision of this Ordinance for up to 180 days prior to Common Council codification or rejection of said change. Section 6. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and signing by the Mayor and any such publication as required by law. PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this _20th___ day of ___July_____, 2026, by a vote of __8___ ayes and __0___ nays. Matthew Snyder, President Ryan Locke, Vice-President: Abstained Jeff Worrell Shannon Minnaar Adam Aasen Rich Taylor

Teresa Ayers Anita Joshi Anthony Green

codification or rejection of said change. Section 6. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and signing by the Mayor and any such publication as required by law. PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this _20th___ day of ___July_____, 2026, by a vote of __8___ ayes and __0___ nays. Matthew Snyder, President Ryan Locke, Vice-President: Abstained Jeff Worrell Teresa Ayers Shannon Minnaar Anita Joshi Adam Aasen Anthony Green Rich Taylor ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this _21st___ day of __July____ 2026, at 9:00AM._____________________________ Jacob Quinn, Clerk Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this _21st__ day of __July__ 2026, at 9:15AM. Sue Finkam, Mayor ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER AND CARMEL PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING OFFICER Docket Number(s): PZ-2026-00084-V; PZ-2026-00080-V; and PZ-2026-00068-DP/ADLS Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals/Carmel Planning Commission Hearing Officers in-person meeting on Tuesday, the 1st day of September, 2026 at 11:00 AM. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Plan, ADLS and Development Standards Variance applications to: Variance to allow noncompliance with the Thoroughfare Plan and associated financial compensatory charges UDO Section 1.07 E and F specifically 12’ wide urban sidewalk and Right of Way widths. Request variance from UDO Section 2.33 and 2.34 Maximum Lot coverage of 80%. Proposed underground parking garage combined with hotel footprint occupies 94% of the Lot. For property being known as (address): 1132 S. Rangeline Rd The application is identified as Docket Nos.: PZ-2026-00084-V; PZ-2026-00080-V; and PZ-2026-00068-DP/ADLS The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-09-36-00-00-020.000, 16-09-36-00-00-022.000, 16-09-36-00-00-023.000, 16-09-36-00-00-023.002, 16-09-36-00-00-025.000, 16-09-36-00-00-025.002 and 16-09-36-00-00-025.003 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche. All interested parties desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Petitioner: Studio M Architecture & Planning

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALSDocket No. PZ-2026-00149 SU Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 24th day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Special Use application to obtain Industrial Special Use approval required to operate a Storage/Distribution Facility. With the property being known as 12202 Hancock Street, Carmel, IN 46032 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00149 SU The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 16-09-35-00-02-008.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. PETITIONERS

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing to receive public comment regarding a review of the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), zoning regulations, and land development rules in accordance with Indiana House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032. The purpose of the public hearing is to review existing development regulations and identify opportunities to increase housing development. As required by HEA 1001, the review will consider potential amendments to the UDO using the following factors: • Providing for higher-density development of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas designated for single-family residential homes. • Constructing other housing types, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), manufactured housing, and modular housing. • Adaptive reuse of commercial buildings for residential use, such as allowing multifamily development in retail, office, and light manufacturing zones. • Increasing allowable floor area ratios (FAR) within multifamily residential areas. • Waiving or eliminating regulations such as requirements for: • garage size and placement; • steeper roof pitch; • minimum lot sizes and square footage; • greater setbacks; • off-street parking; • design standards that restrict or prohibit the use of code-compliant building products; and • property height limitations. • Reviewing impact fee zones in coordination with the applicable zone advisory committee. • Streamlining or shortening the processes and timelines, including through one-stop and parallel process permitting by fifteen (15) days or more. • Using property tax abatements to enable higher density and mixed income communities. • Donating vacant land for affordable housing development. The public hearing is intended to gather public input regarding these topics. No specific amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance are proposed as part of this public hearing. Any future amendments resulting from this review will be considered through separate public hearings and public notice in accordance with applicable state law and local procedures. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Written comments may also be submitted to the Department of Community Services prior to the meeting for inclusion in the public record. Bric Butler, Administrator Carmel Plan Commission (317) 571-2417

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032 Project: 2027 Rock Salt for Drinking Water Softening IFB-2026-010 Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “2027 Rock Salt for Drinking Water Softening” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted. All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be

above-described “2027 Rock Salt for Drinking Water Softening” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted. All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to the bidder. The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: Rock Salt for use in drinking water softening – 8,000 tons more or less of Coarse Southern United States Rock Salt. The Rock Salt must meet American Water Works Association (AWWA) specification. B200-22 and be NSF60 compliant; clean and free of dirt and debris. Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section. Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents. This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel. For accommodations needed by persons with disabilities planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the City of Carmel,Utilities, at (317) 571-2400 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto. No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of sixty (60) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than sixty (60) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 36-1-12. Contract will be awarded to the lowest and responsive and responsible bidder.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00170 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The Vandergrift family is seeking an approval of exceeding our lot coverage for the addition of an in ground swimming pool. Maximum coverage allowed is 35% and we are seeking approval for 42%. We are also seeking approval for a variance that allows for the minimum concrete allowed around a pool to be zero feet from the easement in one small portion of the pool instead of the 3ft setback. With the property being known as 10410 Charter Oaks Carmel, IN 46032__________________ The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00170 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel 17-13-09-00-10-003.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Nick and Kaitlen Vandergrift PETITIONERS

VIEWS

CURRENT IN CARMEL

08.11.26 • youarecurrent.com

Priceless advice for cheapskates Commentary by Dick Wolfsie I just discovered a website for cheapskates, advice and tips for penny-pinching skinflints who will do anything to save a buck. They also sell a book for cheap people, but it’s $29.95, so I don’t see it making the bestseller list. Of course, I didn’t think the book “Learn

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00164 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24 day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for an office building. UDO Section 2.34. Maximum 80% lot cover allowed; 86% requested. It is zoned C-1/City Center. With the property being known as 22 Proscenium Parkway, Carmel, IN, 46032. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00164 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel # of Property: 1609360000027009. The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Ben Bemis of CEC Inc., on behalf of Novo Development Group PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00161 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the _24th_ day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: GradeX is seeking approval to have a custom shaped monument sign installed at the property entrance on the east side for the property. They are not asking for additional signage or a sign that is larger than what the standard permitting process will allow. They are just asking for an alternative shaped sign with a unique design. With the property being known as _11460 North Meridian Street Carmel, IN, 46032 States__________ Owned by 10220 N. Illinois St. Intermediary The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00161 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows ACREAGE 3.00, SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 17, RANGE 3 Parcel Number 16-13-02-000-003.005 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Eye 4 group, LLC – J.R. Knight PETITIONERS

to Read” would ever take off, either. An internet site for cheap people is a good idea. I’d even like to start my own, but I understand there may be some cost involved, so I’m having second thoughts. Growing up, I bought stuff at a place called the five and dime. Now, I buy at the dollar store. I’m beating myself up for not stocking up while I had the NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00166 V & PZ-2026-00167 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 2.10: Maximum 35% lot coverage allowed; 50% requested UDO Section 2.10: 35’ Minimum front and rear yard set back required; 25’ requested in front, 20’ requested in rear yard With the property being known as: 413 Emerson Rd, Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00166 V, & PZ-2026-00167 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .31, Section 25, Township 18, Range 3, Johnson Addition, Lot 26, Irregular Shape; Parcel Number: 16-09-25-04-03-002.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring duly to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Custom Living / Andrea Merz PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket # PZ-2026-00150V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of August 2026 at 5:15pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seeking approval for a variance to encroach on the easement on the property listed below. A 20’ setback is currently in place. We are seeking approval for an 18” rear setback for the installation of a louvered roof pergola. With the property being known as: 14399 Kelso Court The application being identified as Docket #: PZ-2026-00150V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel #29-09-20-026-060.000-018 Section 20. Township 18 North, Range 3 East, Albany Village, Lot 37, Irregular shape The petition to be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Petitioners: Ross Atteberry, The Smart Pergola, on behalf of Eugene and Angel Silas, homeowners

chance. Who knew? restaurant with her and blow $100 for In high school, I’d hear guys talking dinner. If I believed in tipping, it would about a girl with a reputation for being be even more expensive. cheap. I assumed that Of course, if I were meant she wouldn’t split really cheap, I wouldn’t “If I stopped you the cost of the date, so I waste money as I do. I in the street and never asked those girls don’t turn off the lights out. Then I found out when I leave a room, told you my jokes, what it really meant, and I sometimes leave you wouldn’t pay and I am kicking mythe front door open in me a dime. Now, self. And they say talk the dead of winter. I who’s cheap?” is cheap. Here’s proof: also throw out leftovers While I am paid a nomibecause I don’t want to – DICK WOLFSIE nal fee for putting these take the time to put the columns in print, if I food in Tupperware. I stopped you in the street and told you won’t take the time to drive an extra my jokes, you wouldn’t pay me a dime. block to a gas station where gas is 20 Now, who’s cheap? cents cheaper per gallon, and I take Cheaper by the dozen is another my no-iron shirts to the dry cleaner. My expression you often hear. I thought wife says this shows that I’m lazy, spacey and not very smart. Say, who asked it sounded unlikely, and sure enough, you to nod your head? I got laughed out of a Krispy Kreme That’s about all I have to say about bedoughnut shop when I insisted on paying less for a dozen doughnuts than for ing cheap. Next time you see me, please one. And what about, “Two can live as say hello. I may be behind you when you cheaply as one?” That notion motivated pull out of your parking space. That is, if me to get married back in 1980. Because you’ve left a few minutes on the meter. Mary Ellen was gainfully employed, I spent less money than when I was single, mostly because I didn’t have a job. Dick Wolfsie is an author, My wife thinks I’m cheap because columnist and speaker. I don’t want to go into an expensive Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00169 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24 day of August, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The Property owner is seeking a zoning variance to allow for the installation of a fiberglass pool and permeable paver pool deck. They are seeking approval for a 42% lot cover with the current maximum being 35%. With the property being known as 13482 DALLAS LANE, CARMEL, IN, 46033. 16-10-29-02-07-016.000 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00169 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-10-29-01-05-023.000 16-10-29-01-05-024.000 16-10-29-02-07-012.000 16-10-29-02-07-013.000 16-10-29-02-07-014.000 16-10-29-02-07-015.000 16-10-29-02-07-017.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Rob Shea – Oasis Outdoor Living & Landscapes Angela Adams - Homeowner PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00162 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of August 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Obtain approval to construct a detached garage/workshop. Our request is from UDO Section 5.02(B)(3) maximum 24x30 detached garage allowed. 28x40 requested; and UDO Section 5.02(B)(3)(a) states the combined square footage of the Ground Floor Area of a Private Garage and/or Accessory Building shall not exceed 75% of the Ground Floor of the Principal Building. 112% requested. With the property being known as: 1830 E 109th Street, Carmel, IN 46280 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00162 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .90, Section 6, Township 17, Range 4, Woodland, Section 5, Lot 4, Parcel No.17-14-06-03-02-025.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Michael & Sherry Fenley PETITIONERS

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Religious institutions are failing us Editor, Interestingly, the July 21 edition of Current in Carmel had three articles on religion. The first one titled “Beckwith: Ban call to prayer” was about the belief of Indiana’s lieutenant governor, who is also a Life Church pastor, that the government should ban mosques calls to prayer. The second article entitled “Embattled Life Church pastor returns to pulpit” was about the pastor who went through a “structured restorative process” after police found over 50 videos of him and his wife nude or engaged in sexual acts on their son’s phone. The third was entitled “Diocese asks judge to reconsider pseudonymity.” That article was about a lawsuit filed against the diocese regarding unchecked bullying of a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The suit was filed using pseudonyms (James Doe and Julie Doe) for the parents to help protect the student from identification and further harassment. The diocese was objecting to the parents using pseudonyms to help protect their child.

“All these actions seem contrary to the Golden Rule and further examples how our institutions are continuing to fail us.” – MATTHEW (MATT) HOOK

Clearly, these pale in comparison to many of the heinous things done in the name of religions over the years from the crusades to covering up for pedophiliac religious leaders doing horrendous harm to children and much in between. Yet, all these actions seem contrary to the Golden Rule and further examples how our institutions are continuing to fail us. Matthew (Matt) Hook, Carmel

Set a personal timer Editor, I have a few concerns, questions and comments about the article Beckwith: Ban call to prayer by Ann Marie Shambaugh. A lot of people who live in certain urban areas (such as Chicago) and states are wanting to escape their current living situations for better living. How

would having to be forced to listen to a loudspeaker calling for Muslim prayer five times a day be better living for the majority of citizens that are not of the Muslim community? If they need to be reminded to pray, can’t they set a personal timer? Diane Koelling, Westfield

L E TTE R 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.

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