August 15, 2023 — Carmel

City council supports renewal of CCS operating referendum

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

dollars it receives.

CITY NEWS

The Carmel City Council approved a resolution Aug. 7 to show its support for renewal of the Carmel Clay Schools operating referendum, which will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The school district is proposing to keep the referendum rate at 19 cents per $100 of assessed property value. That rate has been in effect since 2017, when nearly 90 percent of Carmel voters approved it.

Carmel City Council President Jeff Worrell described CCS as the city’s “best economic partner,” as the high quality of its schools attracts residents and business to the city. He joined the seven other councilors in attendance at the meeting in supporting the resolution but asked CCS officials to annually reevaluate the tax rate to determine if it could be lowered, as an expected rise in property values would lead to the district increasing the total amount of referendum

“(The referendum vote) in November could potentially give our public schools an eight-year guarantee of revenue,” he said. “I would point out that this council reviews and sets a tax rate each and every year based on circumstances. I do not take (my support of the resolution) lightly and would like to publicly ask that the school board not spend more money than it needs.”

The referendum is expected to generate nearly $24 million for CCS in 2023, approximately 20 percent of the district’s operating costs.

Councilor Kevin “Woody” Rider said most Carmel voters he’s encountered have expressed support for the referendum. He said all Carmel residents, whether they have children who attend CCS or not, benefit from a top-notch school system.

“When you take the No. 1 reason why people are coming (to Carmel) and you don’t fund it properly and keep it at the level it is, it would inevitably harm our property values,” Rider said.

Independent running for mayor to remain write-in candidate

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Only two names will appear on the ballot in the Carmel mayoral race in the Nov. 7 general election.

names and inconsistencies with county voter records.

Johnson, who did not attend the election board meeting because he was traveling, described his challenge of the board’s initial decision as a “Hail Mary.”

ELECTION

Independent Darin Johnson will remain a write-in candidate for mayor after the Hamilton County Election Board Aug. 7 voted 3-0 to affirm he did not obtain enough valid signatures on his petition for nomination to be listed by name on the ballot.

Johnson needed 804 signatures to make the ballot, according to Beth Sheller, the county’s election administrator. He turned in approximately 830 signatures, but election officials rejected approximately 100 for various reasons, including missing last

“(The Aug. 7 vote) will have very little impact on the campaign other than the fact that I need to update my literature to include, ‘Write in’ Darin Johnson for Mayor of Carmel,” Johnson said.

Mayoral candidates listed by name on the ballot will be Democrat Miles Nelson and Republican Sue Finkam.

The election board’s next meeting is set for Oct. 6, which will include a public test of the voting machines.

Johnson

Worrell Rider

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CPAAC claims its input sought too late to be meaningful

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

Kolache Factory contest finalist

— Chris Riordan of Carmel has been chosen as a Top 5 Finalist in Kolache Factory’s fifth annual Create a New Kolache Contest with his “Spamolache” entry. Riordan’s creation includes Spam and eggs wrapped in Kolache Factory’s semi-sweet dough. The public will vote on who will win and receive free breakfast for a year. Vote through Aug. 18 at KolacheFactory.com.

CITY NEWS

The Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee is accusing city administrators of repeatedly seeking its input only after public art purchases have already been made or promised, relegating the committee to an “after-the-fact exercise,” according to CPAAC co-chair Julia Saltsgaver.

In an annual update at the Aug. 7 Carmel City Council meeting, Saltsgaver said the situation has left committee members questioning their role and whether the committee should even exist.

“Advice can’t be taken if commitments are already made,” she said.

She listed “My Sixteen-Year-Old Jazz Dreams,” a set of sculptures by J. Seward Johnson, a sculpture of an Indian family to be crafted by the Seward Johnson Atelier, and “Cosmic Flow,” a mural on the Civic Square parking garage, as examples of the city committing to purchase art before receiving input from the committee.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard denied the allegations Aug. 9, saying the processes for city officials to work with the committee, which are outlined in city code, have been “very carefully followed.”

“The problem is the committee never should have been formed,” Brainard said. “I don’t believe in unelected representatives making financial decisions, and there’s not only disagreement with what our art advisors want, but there are a lot of different opinions on that (committee), too. Government doesn’t work well by committee.”

The city council formed the committee in 2018 after the city placed three large, colorful sculptures depicting youth sports in roundabouts along Hazel Dell Parkway.

Although some residents provided positive feedback about the installation, many others said they would have preferred to see them placed elsewhere.

Initially, the committee was only tasked with providing input on the location of art, but in 2020, the council approved an ordinance requiring the mayor to seek input from the committee on all city artwork purchases above $5,000.

At the Aug. 7 meeting, Saltsgaver asked the council to review its vision for the committee.

“If the intent is sincere to obtain public input, either embrace the spirit and intent of the ordinance as it’s written or take (what we have learned) in these first six years to put together a better approach and practice,” she said.

Several councilors said they were disappointed to hear that the committee and mayor’s office aren’t seeing eye to eye.

“I was hoping the administration would take some advice from the committee, and that hasn’t happened,” City Councilor Laura Campbell said. “We need public input, and we just haven’t received it.”

City Councilor Sue Finkam, who is running as the Republican candidate for mayor in the November general election, described the current administration’s attitude toward the committee as disrespectful to the committee members, city councilors who appointed them and taxpayers who fund public art.

“You said this administration should either follow along in spirit or revisit (the ordinance) with lessons learned. I think we can do both,” Finkam said to Saltsgaver. “(The mayor) should follow the spirit of what we’re trying to do, and the next administration can blow it up and rebuild it, if that’s what it takes, with input from you and our constituents.”

CCPR master plan survey — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to participate in an online survey through Aug. 23 to provide input for the 2024-2028 comprehensive parks and recreation master plan. The survey is an opportunity for the public to share feedback on CCPR's current offerings as well as new park and recreation opportunities. The survey results will be incorporated into the final master plan. Every five years, the department develops a new master plan utilizing internal assessment, data collection and community input to help determine how to best serve the community. Take the survey at carmelclaysurvey.org.

Intimidation investigation — The Carmel Police Department is investigating an intimidation incident that occurred on June 10 at the Kroger at 10679 Michigan Rd. As part of the investigation, CPD is attempting to identify the individual pictured. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this person is asked to contact CPD at 317-571-2555.

Share what you love about Carmel –

The Carmel Clay Historical Society and the Carmel Clay Public Library are partnering to celebrate Hamilton County’s bicentennial with a video compilation. Community members are needed to share on film what they love about Carmel. The video stories will be shared at the Carmel History Fair to be held at the library in November. Filming will take place in the library’s Digital Media Lab from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Learn more and register at CarmelClayLibrary.org.

The City of Carmel recently purchased sculptures to complete the set known as “My Sixteen-YearOld Jazz Dreams” by J. Seward Johnson. (File photo)

Furever Homes Dog Adoption Event

Light-projection show to debut

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

We invite you and your dog to celebrate National Dog Day at Epcon’s Furever Homes Dog Adoption event. Join us on Saturday, August 26th from 12-3pm at The Courtyards of Westfield. At our Furever Homes Dog Adoption event, the Humane Society for Hamilton County will bring dogs that are available for adoption. We’ll also have a photographer getting some glam shots of your four-legged family member and goodies and prizes. Plus, you’ll get to explore our incredible low-maintenance community with your pup, so there’s something for everyone, canine and otherwise.

We want to extend a special thank you to the Humane Society for Hamilton County for helping make this event possible.

CITY NEWS

The Palladium in Carmel has hosted concerts and other performances within its walls for more than a decade, but later this month the building itself will take center stage when a new type of show is unveiled.

The first Palladiscope Experience presentation, “Eos: The First Dawn,” will debut on the south face of the Palladium during a free community event set for 8 to 10 p.m. Aug. 31, with the first public showing set for 9 p.m. Food and drink vendors will be onsite throughout the event.

Bloomington-based Blockhouse Studios designed and created “Eos,” a 12-minute presentation designed to immerse viewers in ancient mythology. The show is custom-made to be projected specifically on the unique shape of the Palladium and can be best viewed from Carter Green.

“We have projectors on top of the Tarkington that project onto the Palladium. The sound is integrated into the Carter Green sound system,” said Henry Mestetsky,

director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission. “(The Palladiscope concept is) this entire machine that we built for a person to be fully immersed and experience these shows free of charge.”

The CRC managed the project for the city. It cost more than $2 million to purchase and install the projectors and other equipment, Mestetsky said, and $100,000 to design the show.

“Eos” is set to be shown daily every half hour once it is dark enough to see the show. The start time will vary depending on the season. The last show will begin at 11 p.m.

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“Eos: The First Dawn” is set to debut Aug. 31 on the south face of the Palladium. (Image courtesy of the City of Carmel)

Former Five Seasons building to house spinal cord injury nonprofit

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A nonprofit dedicated to advancing spinal cord injury research and treatment is planning to relocate its headquarters from Las Vegas to the former Five Seasons Family Sports Club at 1300 E. 96th St. in Carmel.

cures. The opportunity to plant our stake in the ground in the Midwest — in a city that means so much to me and where we’ve received so much support — is one we couldn’t pass up.”

REDEVELOPMENT

Conquer Paralysis Now, founded by former Indianapolis 500 driver Sam Schmidt, also plans to open a DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center, which will offer services for people impacted by paralysis and other neurological conditions, as part of the $21.4 million project on the 15-acre site.

“This is a monumental day for Conquer Paralysis Now,” Schmidt stated in a press release. “It is our global mission to address the overwhelming need for greater access to neuro rehabilitation care while we continue to inspire research into finding

A groundbreaking ceremony was set for Aug. 10 with the relocation beginning by the end of the year. Client services, such as fitness programs, adaptive sports and speech therapy, are expected to begin being offered in 2024. The facility is expected to create up to 40 new jobs in the state by the end of 2026.

Schmidt, who is part owner of the Arrow McLaren racing team, founded CPN in 2000 through the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. Schmidt became a quadriplegic after suffering injuries in an IndyCar crash the same year.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has committed up to $660,000 in incentive-based tax credits and up to $750,000 in redevelopment tax credits for the project.

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Carmel adds 5th Sister City

news@currentincarmel.com

The City of Carmel on July 26 gained a fifth Sister City, with Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard finalizing the partnership with Visakhapatnam, India, during a virtual meeting.

CITY NEWS

Others participating in the signing ceremony included Visakhapatnam Mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari; Saikanth Varma, commissioner of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corp.; Raju Chinthala, president of the Indiana India Business Council; and Carmel resident Pavan Varma.

“Carmel is home to a great diversity of residents who come from all over the world, and it’s important that we reach out and connect with other cities so that we can exchange ideas and learn from each other,” Brainard stated. “These relationships are key to promote and broaden economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, international goodwill and understanding.”

According to the agreement between Carmel and its newest Sister City, the partnership will include the exchange of people, ideas and information in a wide variety of

areas of mutual interest, including business, trade, culture, education, health care, government, technology and other endeavors. The agreement also establishes a joint effort to explore the growth of business and trade relations between the two economies.

Visakhapatnam is the largest and most populous metropolitan city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is between the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Learn more about Visakhapatnam at visakhapatnam.ap.gov.in.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, right, signs a Sister City agreement with Visakhapatnam, India, as Raju Chinthala, president of the Indiana India Business Council, looks on. (Photo courtesy of the City of Carmel)

GOLF OUTING RAISES MORE THAN $65K

The fifth annual Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation Golf Outing held July 29 at Pebble Brook Golf Course in Noblesville raised more than $65,000 to support various initiatives that were important to Hansen, a Carmel resident and Wabash College football player who

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

The heat is on! And Bone Dry’s highly trained service techs are on the road and fully equipped to get your home’s air-conditioning ready for the season. Call today and ask about our Summer TuneUp Special for only $49.95! We can even be there the same day! Phone 317.454.7412 or visit bonedryhvac.com.

(Above) Ben, Tim, Nathan and Isaac Almack with the golf ball cannon at the golf outing. Ben Almack graduated from Guerin Catholic High School with Evan Hansen in 2015. (Left) Guerin Catholic High School junior golfer Owen Nielsen, left, gets a swing tip from former Guerin Catholic tennis coach Joe Lustig. (Photos courtesy of Margaret Fallin)

died by suicide in 2018.

TOUR OF HOMES

When: August 19th 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: 15107 Larchwood Drive

Tour 5 Move-In Ready Homes & Enter to Win a Dinner at Monterey Coastal Cuisine

Westfield golfer’s confidence grows after successful summer

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior golfer Samantha Brown’s main goal remains the same as it has all summer.

“I’m trying to hit as many greens as possible,” Brown said. “I feel like if I’m hitting greens, I have a chance at making putts. The more putts you make, the lower you go.”

The Purdue University-bound Brown won the Indiana Junior Girls PGA Championship at Purdue’s course in June and the Girls State Junior Championship at Coyote Crossing Golf Club in West Lafayette in July and tied for second in the Indiana Women’s Open in July at Kokomo Country Club. She finished third in early June at the Pete & Alice Dye Junior Invitational, a national tournament at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel.

“I feel like one of the big things for me this summer is confidence,” Brown said. “If you know you belong in the big tour-

MEET

College plans: Play golf at Purdue University and study business

Favorite subject: English

Favorite athlete: Nelly Korda

Favorite type of music: Country

naments, you can compete at the national tournaments.”

Now, her goal is to finally break through to win the state high school individual title.

“I’ve never played well in the state finals,” she said. “My game just hasn’t been on.”

Brown tied for seventh in the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals at Carmel’s Prairie View Golf Club in 2020, tied for 13th in 2021 and tied for sixth in 2022.

Shamrocks girls golf coach Josh Bryant

said Brown has had a tremendous high school and junior golf career.

“She came into high school as a multi-winner on the Indiana Junior PGA Golf tour,” Bryant said. “She was and still is an elite ball striker.”

Bryant said Brown’s Greens in Regulation percentages are some of the best he has seen throughout her junior golf career.

“This skill alone keeps her in most tournaments she plays in and would be enough to be competitive in every event, but she has taken that ability and pushed herself in all areas of her golf game,” Bryant said. “She has become a real student of the game as she has progressed through high school golf through her work with swing coaches and mentors, which has allowed her to improve off the tee, around the greens and course management.”

Bryant said he is most proud of the progress Brown has made with her mental game.

Brown is optimistic about the fourthranked Shamrocks’ chances of making a run at the IHSAA state championship after they won the State Preview tournament Aug. 5 at Prairie View. Brown tied for third while teammate Addi Kooi was the medalist.

Although Brown said the team didn’t play its best, it won by 11 strokes. It was Brown’s first high school tournament this season as she had just returned Aug. 4 from the Junior PGA Championship in Hot Springs, Ark.

SAMANTHA BROWN

Westfield High School girls golfer Samantha Brown’s aim is to win a state high school title. (Photo courtesy of Brown family)

Brown

USA computing team earns gold

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Yuni Xia wants to see more women follow her path.

the competition. The Olympiad consists of two contest days where participants tackle algorithmic problems.

The team also had time to do some sightseeing.

ACHIEVEMENT

The Carmel resident, an associate professor at the Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing and the program director of computer science at IUPUI, led the USA Computing Olympiad team in the 2023 European Girls’ Olympiad in informatics competition held July 15-21 in Lund, Sweden. The team earned two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.

“Encouraging girls to pursue programming helps create a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which fosters creativity and innovation,” said Xia, who has a doctorate in computer science from Purdue University. “It can help to close the gender gap in STEM fields, boost girls’ confidence and enable them to pursue a wide range of career opportunities.”

More than 52 nation were represented in

“The host arranged an excursion for us to visit Skånes Djurpark, which is a Swedish zoological park with a large collection of Nordic animals,” Xia said. “It was a lot of fun.”

The four members of the USA delegation were from all over the U.S.: Maria Chrysafis, California; Tina Wang, Missouri; Eva Zhu, New Jersey; and Christina Li, a U.S. citizen who lives in China.

“The European Girls Olympiad in Informatics provided an extraordinary experience for these girls, challenging not only their problem-solving skills but also exposing them to a vibrant community of brilliant young minds with a shared passion for computer science,” Xia said.

In 2022, Xia took a team to compete in the International Olympiad in Informatics. But this year that competition is at the end of this month while Xia will be occupied teaching classes.

STYLE SHOW & LUNCHEON

Riverview Health Auxiliary invites you to the Autumn Elegance Style Show & Luncheon featuring the latest fashions by The Secret Ingredient.

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Where: The Bridgewater Club, 3535 East 161st Street, Carmel, IN 46033

Registration & Shopping: 10:30 a.m.-noon Style Show & Luncheon: 12 p.m. $60/ticket

Sponsored by Riverview Health Medical Staff

Xia

4th baby surrendered in Carmel

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

An infant was surrendered Aug. 7 in the Safe Haven Baby Box at Carmel Fire Department Station 345 on College Avenue, the fourth baby surrendered there in less than 18 months.

CFD

CFD Chief of Community Relations John Moriarty said the baby was surrendered at 2:08 p.m. On-duty firefighters Riley Cheatham and Federico Navarrete responded within a minute.

Further details about the baby couldn’t be disclosed, according to Moriarty, other than the infant was healthy and quickly received by a foster family.

The first baby box was installed in Indiana in 2016. Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name, said there haven’t been any infant abandonment-related deaths in Indiana since then.

“I believe that the (baby boxes) and the Safe Haven law is the best initiative we have to fight infant mortality,” Znachko said. “Look at how many lives that are being saved.”

He Knows Your Name is an organization

that exists to honor every child with a name in life and dignity and honor in death.

Safe Haven has accepted 132 legal infant surrenders, with more than 30 occurring through baby boxes.

At a press conference Aug. 9 at Station 345, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes Monica Kelsey said the baby box concept is fairly new in the U.S. and that the local community is doing its part in making a difference.

“CFD is paving the way for parents to keep their children safe,” Kelsey said.

Joe

Boarini, ball of foot pain patient

From left, Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name; Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes; and CFD Fire Chief David Haboush at an Aug. 9 press conference. (Photo by Edward Redd)

Court reporter receives grant

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Amy Doman, this was a very special grant.

HONOR

The National Court Reporters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the National Court Reporters Association, recently presented its first Court to CART grant to NCRA member Doman, a freelance court reporter. CART stands for communication access real-time translation.

“I’m as happy as a hound dog with two tails,” the Carmel resident said.

The $1,000 grant honors the memory of Eligio Antonio Rosario, Sr., the stepfather and lifelong role model of NCRA member and NCRF Trustee Rich Germosen. Germosen is a freelance court reporter and agency owner from New Brunswick, N.J.

“I applied for the scholarship, which honors my dear friend’s stepfather, through the National Court Reporters Foundation,” Doman said. “People who contribute to NCRF are called ‘Angels.’ I have been an Angel for three years. In June, my mother passed away somewhat unexpectedly. My practice

group friends contributed funds to make my mother an Angel for a year. So, I received my congratulations from NCRF one week, and received a certificate in memoriam the next week. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster summer.”

Stenographers are used to provide live captions for news, sporting events, political debates and other events.

“I have always admired the incredible skill it takes to write for the world to see, sometimes in a font as tall as I am,” Doman said.

“That was a skill that I thought was just out of my reach. Through my practice group, I’ve met captioners, and they are the ones who encouraged me to take the leap. My goal was to be a CART/captioner within five years. Receiving this grant will change that timetable to one year. The value of resources and mentors I am receiving is priceless.”

Doman has been a freelance court reporter since 1990 with most of her work being depositions.

Doman is also certified in Texas, California, Illinois and Washington, so she travels to those states for work.

OBITUARY

Jack Elmer Taylor, 93, of Carmel, Indiana, departed this life at his home on Thursday morning, August 3, 2023.  Jack was born on November 6, 1929, in Elwood, Indiana, to the late Harry Elmer and Ruby Irene (Wilburn) Taylor.  He was a proud graduate of Purdue University and had worked as a treasury administrator for GTE for 35 years, retiring in 1987.  Jack, and his late wife Betty, were loving parents who lived their life based upon integrity, humility and graciousness.  They believed in paying it forward, especially in their love for their grandkids, by investing in their education.  Avid travelers, they loved to explore the outdoors, including hiking everywhere from Canada to the Swiss Alps.

Jack was a longtime member of East 91st Street Christian Church.  Jack was also a member of the Gloversville, N.Y., Masonic Temple, Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral, Mohammed Shriners of Peoria, Ill., and the Purdue Alumni Association.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty L. Taylor; beloved daughter, Debra L. Taylor and dear infant sister, Margaret J. Taylor.

Jack is survived by his devoted children, Gary L., Gregory L., and James E. Taylor; grateful grandchildren, Sherique L. Williams, Joseph C. Taylor, Tracey A. Dingle, Jackson E. Taylor, Nathaniel J. Taylor, and Cameron W.P. Taylor; eleven great-grandchildren (with one on the way) and dear brother, Jerry L. Taylor.

Visitation for Jack was Friday, August 11, 2023, at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel.  Funeral services for Jack were Saturday, August 12, 2023, at East 91st Street Christian Church followed by interment at Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Arcadia, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Jack are suggested to one of the following:

• National Park Foundation: 1500 K Street, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005

• Purdue for Life Foundation: Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907

• E. 91st Street Christian Church Missions: 6049 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel. com for the Taylor family.

Doman

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Carmel. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

This is the spray plaza along Monon Boulevard in Midtown. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

CARMEL VISION

Get to know the candidates seeking to become city’s next mayor

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

For the first time since 2007, Carmel residents will have more than one mayoral candidate on the ballot in the general election.

Democrat Miles Nelson, a one-term member of the Carmel City Council, is running against Republican Sue Finkam, a threeterm member of the council. Finkam won a close three-way race for the mayoral nomination in the May Republican primary, while Nelson was not opposed in the Democratic primary.

In 2019, Nelson was the first Democrat ever elected to a municipal office in Carmel. He describes himself as a lifelong political moderate who is eager to “continue moving the city forward” as a “bold leader.”

“My opponent talks about Carmel as being a cocoon that’s warm and safe. That’s something that, in my opinion, means status quo. It’s short-sighted. It’s thinking small,” Nelson said. “(Carmel 2.0) means ensuring Carmel is always a welcoming and inclusive city that — regardless of your skin color, religious beliefs, who you choose to love, your age — it’s a city that not only welcomes you, but encourages you, that helps you thrive, that listens to you and most importantly hears you.”

Finkam, who — in addition to Nelson — was a speaker at the Carmel Pride event celebrating diversity in June, said her reference to Carmel residents feeling like they’re in a cocoon was to emphasize the city’s commitment to public safety and its results.

“People enjoy the fact that this is a lowcrime community, and they want to keep it that way,” she said. “My No. 1 priority as mayor is to deliver just that.”

Finkam, a 16-year Carmel resident and CEO and founder of marketing agency Fire Starter, has released a public safety plan, which includes creating the Carmel Mayor’s Advisory Council on Public Safety to bring together various local agencies, and maintaining a high level of trust in the city’s ability to deliver world-class services through measures that include expanding the online transparency portal.

Public safety and transparency have been among Finkam’s campaign priorities since announcing her bid for mayor in the fall of

2022.

“To me, it’s about authenticity,” she said. “I didn’t want to say one thing in the primary and then pivot away from it in the general (election). That doesn’t make sense. That’s not who I am.”

Nelson, a 19-year Carmel resident and owner and president of executive search firm American Opportunity, Inc., also lists transparency as a key campaign issue, one he’s not convinced Republican leadership has taken seriously enough.

“The biggest complaints that I hear about our elected officials is a lack of transparency and a lack of communication,” Nelson said. “All three (Republican primary mayoral candidates) were talking about more transparency and being more accessible. I would argue they’ve had plenty of terms to fix that. And they didn’t.”

Mayor Jim Brainard, a Republican who took office in 1996, decided not to seek an eighth term. His last general election challenge occurred 16 years ago when he defeated Democrat Henry Winckler and Independent Marnin J. Spigelman.

The candidates answered the following questions from Current:

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Nelson:

• Smart fiscal management that prioritizes infrastructure investments for our streets, drinking water and wastewater management without raising taxes

• Building an inclusive, environmentally friendly city that attracts and retains talent

• Keeping Carmel a top-rated city for safety by hiring and retaining highly qualified individuals and equipping them to keep themselves and our community safe

Finkam:

• Protect our quality of life through crime prevention and ensure our public safety is well staffed, trained, funded and supported

• Ensure financial excellence through prioritized spending on essential services, budget discipline and transparency

• Engage residents in building Carmel’s future, including development, transportation, recreation and the arts

WHAT ARE CARMEL’S GREATEST STRENGTHS? WHERE DO YOU SEE AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT?

Nelson: Carmel is a highly sought after community in which to live due to its world class amenities, school district, safety, quality of life and low taxes.

We can improve communications with our residents about what is occurring in Carmel, especially with regards to proposed developments. We can also be transparent about how decisions are made. As mayor, I will hold bi-monthly town halls along with our department heads that will rotate through neighborhoods so that residents can ask questions and be involved in decisions affecting Carmel’s future.

Finkam: Carmel excels in many areas. Notably, Carmel’s strengths are its high-performing schools, safe streets, strong neighborhoods, model transportation network, unique placemaking and thriving quality

of life. We offer incredible amenities with a low cost of living, including one of the state’s lowest tax rates.

Regarding areas of improvement, we need to proactively engage residents in community planning and be transparent about city operations. We need more forsale housing, not oversaturate the rental market nor overburden our infrastructure. Together, we can prioritize essential services, support our quality of life and have strong financials to keep our taxes low.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CARMEL’S FINANCIAL HEALTH?

Nelson: Carmel’s financial health is strong. Our operating expenses do not exceed our tax revenue; we have consistently paid down debt. Carmel also has a diversified revenue stream, which helps to protect it from economic downturns. We have a strong foundation, and I will be committed to making sure that our city remains financially sound.

Finkam: Carmel is in a strong financial position. Moving forward, we need a leader experienced in managing budgets within large organizations to deliver great service at a low cost to taxpayers. We cannot put our safety or quality of life at risk with overspending, debt, high taxes or fees.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CITY’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING ITS SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENTS AND THEIR NEEDS?

Nelson: Carmel benefits from generational diversity. We should work to ensure our senior citizens remain engaged and continue to make valuable contributions to our community. We should create a seniors commission to provide input on city policies, programs and accessibility that ensure a high quality of life. We should support organizations like PrimeLife Enrichment, which helps seniors lead active, independent and purposeful lives.

Finkam: To encourage active aging in our community, we need to ensure our physical environment is accessible, affordable social activities are offered and we keep seniors

Miles Nelson

Sue Finkam

COVER STORY

Continued from Page 18

involved in rewarding programs and volunteer activities. Additionally, we should partner with PrimeLife Enrichment to develop a long-term strategic plan for sustainability.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE IF A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD SUPPORT?

Nelson: By weighing a variety of factors including whether the project aligns with the city’s vision for the future, the project’s impact on the community, its financial viability and whether there is public support for the project. It’s important to respect the character and autonomy of our existing neighborhoods while balancing development which can increase our tax base and quality of life. All of these factors must be considered before moving ahead with a project.

Finkam: I would determine if the proposed development:

• Fills a community need

• Fits within the character of the neighborhood

• Provides a true return on investment.

• Enhances our neighborhoods

• Improves the quality of life for taxpayers

• Improves Carmel in the long-term

• Happens without incentives

• Helps Carmel remain special

WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Nelson: I have a vision for Carmel and I am ready to lead. As a city councilor and community leader, I have a track record of delivering for our neighborhoods and standing up for our community. Carmel is one of the best places in America to live and raise a family. I’m running for mayor to keep it that way. Working together, we can keep Carmel moving forward.

Finkam: I am a wife, mom, business owner and community servant. I’ve loved serving our city for the last 12 years, and it would be the honor of my life to serve as your mayor. Once elected, I promise to serve with strength and dignity and ensure Carmel is well represented.

WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE OR THE BEST WAY FOR VOTERS TO REACH YOU?

Nelson: Miles4mayor.com and mnelson@ miles4mayor.com

Finkam: SueFinkam.com and Sue@ SueFinkam.com

Presented by

Friday, August 25: Kids starting at 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 26: Teens at 5 p.m., Adults at 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 27: Finals & Award Ceremony at 5 p.m.

Contestants will be competing for up to $500 in cash prizes!

Improve joint health with ELDOA

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

A fitness center in Carmel is home to the only certified trainer offering ELDOA, techniques designed to create space between joints to relieve pain and improve overall health.

PAIN RELIEF

Zionsville resident Allison Ackert has owned Indy ELDOA at 1030 S. Range Line Rd. in Carmel for three years. She has a master’s degree in neuroscience and more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry.

According to Ackert, ELDOA can help provide relief for a variety of conditions, including chronic ailments like scoliosis.

“We can do stuff for the hip, any part of the rib cage and any level of the spine,” Ackert said. “It’s very detailed, and it’s very effective.”

Classes involve targeted abdominal strengthening exercises, deep myofascial stretching and spine-specific methods. As space is created between joints, improve-

ments can include joint function, spinal rehydration and reduced pressure on the discs.

Indy ELDOA also offers SomaTherapy, a form of tissue therapy that can help joints adjust themselves. This therapy is used in conjunction with ELDOA exercises.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve treated someone in a therapy session and the joint that’s a problem just readjusted itself when we treat the tissue around it,” Ackert said.

Indy ELDOA offers free classes for firsttime clients and is open to all ages. For more, visit provfs.com.

CONSU M E 2023 FALL DINING GUIDE

Consume will be delivered to 130,959 households on Sept. 5, 2023 Its mission is to help our audience get dialed in on where to gather for gastro delights with an autumn focus, among others. It will have meaningful content packaged with targeted advertising messages to help readers choose from among dining and entertainment spots in Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence/Geist, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville. There, they can gather with friends and family for fall specials, outdoor dining and football watching, as well as other pursuits. Consume will feature which establishments have fall specials and fall-centric menus, fall-inspired cocktails and fall attractions; it will cover restaurants, bars, breweries and coffee shops. So, Consume, because it’s good for your business!

Indy ELDOA owner Allison Ackert leads an exercise session at the Carmel facility. (Photo courtesy of Allison Ackert)

Ackert

Lake City Bank has proposed remodeling the former Day Furs building on Range Line Road for a new branch. (Image from documents submitted to the City

Lake City Bank plans new branch

Lake City Bank is planning to remodel the former Day Furs Building on Range Line Road for a new branch in Carmel.

REMODEL

The Warsaw-based bank has submitted plans to the City of Carmel to renovate the interior and exterior of the building at 1361 S. Range Line Rd., which was constructed in 1972 and expanded in 2003. A drive-thru, outdoor ATM and bicycle

Day Furs was last open to the public in the building it had occupied for 35 years in February. It continues to operate through pop-up shops and its website, dayfurs.com.

Lake City Bank has more than 50 locations in northern and central Indiana. It operates two branches in Carmel at 100 W. 96th St. and 9640 N. Michigan Rd.

The Carmel Plan Commission’s commercial committee is set to review plans for the building remodel at its Sept. 5 meeting.

Afterglow Market joins City Center

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

Rachel Mirabella has spent most of her career in fashion and is passionate about supporting environmental and humanitarian efforts within the industry. She owned PillowTalk women’s boutique in Carmel and was a senior manager for a national chain of boutiques.

repurposed, often organic. They have also been produced in ways that are sustainable, with manufacturing practices that include minimizing water use, waste and impact on the planet.

NOW OPEN

Most recently, she has operated an online store, Afterglow Market, and is moving the brand to a physical location at 846 S. Range Line Rd. The space will sell clothing for men and women.

The store will hold a grand opening celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 17. Guests can expect prizes, giveaways, music, food and drinks, with festivities continuing through the weekend.

“Everyone is invited,” Mirabella said. “It’s a party to celebrate this dream coming into fruition.”

Afterglow Market merchandise is made from materials that are renewable and

“The current concept of the brick and mortar will be new-with-tags inventory but only exclusively purchased from companies that are making heroic efforts toward a greener fashion industry,” Mirabella said. “You can rest assured if you’re buying a garment inside of Afterglow Market that we’ve already done the research — the companies have really high standards.”

These standards include fair trade, employing people in an ethical way and being transparent about business practices.

In addition to brand-new merchandise, pre-owned clothing will also be available for purchase. The AGM Balance Program is a buyback system for gently worn clothing from a list of approved brands. In return, customers will receive points on their account that can be accumulated and spent.

For more, visit afterglowmarket.com.

Mirabella

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

7 p . m . – M idnigh t

VIEWS

Navigating the arc of life

Commentary by Terry Anker

Food and beverage vendors open at 7 p.m. Bring your chairs to enjoy the music. The stage will be located at the corner of 2nd Ave NW & W. Main Street.

ESSAY

We leave the world the same way we enter it, naked and alone — so goes the modern retelling of Ecclesiastes 5:15. For those of us who prefer the original, “As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.” Like much of the accumulated wisdom of humankind, the admonishment is open for some degree of interpretation. Is the crux of the message to inform us that worldly possessions do not pass with us into a next existence — reminding us therefore of the folly to build our entire beings around them? Or it could be to better help us to prepare for the natural arc of life?

We begin life nearly helpless and often end it almost the same way. We grow, learn and obtain an ever-increasing set of physical skills until we begin to shrink, forget and lose mastery of our corporal self. In be-

tween, we build a family, a home and a career only to arrive at a point no longer filled with mortgage payments, back-to-school nights, anniversaries and early morning staff meetings. We go from a life of leisure to one of great obligation and back again.

If this curve is assured, what elements of our youth might we anticipate as we slide down the back end of the slope? Children smile effortlessly. They worry little. They are curious and willing to learn without embarrassment. They largely know no shame. They forgive as easily as they love. They take help as offered and let you know how they feel. They eat as they wish and play with their favorite toys for hours. If our return is guaranteed, could we find joy even as we confront the diapers?

Wasn’t exactly fun money

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

“Have a yard sale!” they said. “It’ll be fun!” they said. Alas, dear readers, I naively fell for their hateful lies and recently turned my driveway into a B-grade flea market smelling of sweat and desperation. I did make around $500 and managed to purge more than a decade of accumulated trinkets and trash from our basement and several forgotten closets, but fun? Absolutely not.

“I had to haul the junk upstairs, wipe away dirt and spider webs and arrange charming vignettes in such a fashion as to draw the buyer in.”

HUMOR

For starters, I spent days sifting through boxes and containers sorting everything from old college textbooks to my husband Doo’s outdated hunting equipment into three categories: Throw Away, Keep and Sell/Donate. The thrill of rediscovering a beloved wedding photo was vastly outweighed by the hours hunched over baskets full of discarded Barbie accessories and probable exposure to mold.

Next, I had to haul the junk upstairs, wipe away dirt and spider webs and arrange charming vignettes in such a fashion as to draw the buyer in, to make them think they wanted, nay, needed, a semi-broken train set circa 1998 or a collection of mismatched Christmas mugs. I even meticulously stickered every item with pink price tags in anticipation of a fast-paced, crowded

Saturday.

Of course, then it rained. I nearly stroked out last-minute prepping in my hot, humid garage before finally deciding to postpone it until the following day, when I had to compete with dumb church services and family lunches. Ugh. Where are all the people?

Ultimately, I made some cash and cleared our storage room by half, and Goodwill received two van loads of decent artwork, toys and glassware. But my friends are big, fat liars. Because having a yard sale was definitely not fun.

Peace out.

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

–DANIELLE WILSON

A different word for everything

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

One of the things on my bucket list is to be fluent in another language.

HUMOR

My wife Mary Ellen and I are planning a trip to Mexico this winter, so I decided to look into the many apps that you hear advertised on the radio like Babbel, a lousy name for an application that claims to help you speak a new language clearly. There was also Rosetta Stone and Duolingo.

I opted for Duolingo and am achieving some success. Up until now, the app has been pretty good, so long as I speak only in the present tense and want to order only beans and rice at a restaurant. It also gives me different scenarios and then provides the terminology I might employ in those situations, like at a library or a café. Here’s one:

• You are walking down the street alone. You see a stranger. You ask for directions and then strike up a conversation. You suggest having a drink where you can talk, maybe get to know each other better and then plan to have some fun together.

This sounds to me like a chapter from “Spanish 101 for Street Walkers.”

Now, in my sixth month of study, I get the feeling that Duolingo is running out of new things for me to translate from English to Spanish. The sentences below are actual examples from Unit 14 along with a few editorial remarks by me. All are 100 percent true. Totalmente Cierto!

• Yesterday, the birds cleaned the kitchen.

• (What about the bottom of their cage?)

• The horse and the cow went out for dinner.

• (Good luck. It’s hard to find a good vegan restaurant in Indiana)

• My cat cleans the house.

• (But his litter box is still a disgusting mess)

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• The duck learned to use the toilet.

• (But never flushes or puts the lid down)

• The pig wrote a letter to his grandmother.

• (How many pigs still have a living grandmother?)

• The horse is taking lessons in German.

• (But is having trouble putting on the lederhosen)

• The cats are learning Chinese.

• (Big deal, they are Siamese cats)

• Pigs can learn to spell.

• (Yes, and they think “farm” is spelled E I E I O.)

I doubt I will ever have to use any of these phrases, but it’s always good to be prepared. For example, right now I have to wrap up this column quickly. There is a lot going on in my house and I need to attend to it now…

• Mi cerdo y mi vaca estan en la computadora pidiendo una pizza de anchoasa entregar.

• (My pig and my cow are on the computer ordering an anchovy pizza to be delivered)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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NMLS# 951306

HorizonBank.com

Systems Engineer. Carmel, IN. Develop and execute strategies to acquire complete set of customer requirements, deliver requirements analysis, develop an Occupant Classification System (OCS) design, and validate that OCS meets customer requirements. Conduct requirement analysis for OCS electronic control units developed based on AUTOSAR, ISO26262, and cybersecurity standards. Perform requirement management and review for CAN/LIN communication, diagnostics (UDS), boot loader, power management, functional safety, OTA programming, cybersecurity, and OCS algorithm modules. Develop design interface documents for high level system architecture. Review software design documents and code for OCS algorithms. Calibrate and flash boot loader software component modules. Analyze product functionality issues and provide technical solutions to Systems and Software Engineering teams to meet product delivery and launch timelines. Requires Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering and five years of progressive experience in the automotive industry. Experience must include: leading automotive ECU integration and testing, developing software architecture for automotive ECUs, reviewing requirement specification documentation, reviewing code and test plans, and use of Polarion, CANalyzer, JIRA, CAN/LIN, and AUTOSAR. Mail resumes to: Aptiv Corporation, Attn: Jennifer Zacarias, HR Manager, 13085 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032. Ref: 71500A.

T

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

“I opted for Duolingo and am achieving some success. Up until now, the app has been pretty good, so long as I speak only in the present tense and want to order only beans and rice at a restaurant.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

CCP’s musical revue seeks to raise funds for permanent home

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Community Players will celebrate its 30th birthday Aug. 16.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

PAULSON AND SCHARBROUGH

PERFORMANCES

A nice gift would be a new home. The acting company has not had a permanent home since it had to leave Clay Terrace in 2018.

Carmel Community Players will hold a two-night fundraiser featuring a musical revue of the works of Jerry Herman called “Jerry’s Girls” Aug. 18-19 at Woodland Country Club of Carmel in the grand ballroom. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. each night. There also will be a silent auction and prizes. Proceeds benefit the CCP Capital Fund.

“For the next 30 years, we hope we only have one new home,” longtime CCP board member Rich Phipps said.

Since April 2018, after its lease was terminated at Clay Terrace, CCP has performed at four different venues: 17 productions at The Cat in Carmel, four productions at the Ivy Tech Auditorium in Noblesville, three productions at the Switch Theatre in Fishers and one at the Carmel Friends Church.

CCP was issued a certificate of incorporation as a nonprofit corporation on Aug. 16, 1993, by Indiana Secretary of State Joe Hogsett, now Indianapolis mayor. CCP performed its first production, “Once Upon a Mattress,” later that month at what was then Carmel Junior High School.

Phipps, a Carmel resident who has been on the board since 2009 and is CCP’s treasurer, attended the first public meeting of the Carmel Community Players in early 1993 before it was incorporated.

“I went to the meeting expecting this group would be saying they are going to put on a show, but they were much more ambitious than that,” Phipps said. “Right from the get-go, they wanted to put together complete theatrical seasons with productions of all ages with musicals, comedies and youth shows. The emphasis

was really on community.

“It’s not just the name, it was fundamental to the whole identity of the organization. CCP people started participating in everything from the CarmelFest Parade, Carmel International Arts Festival and they sang at the farmers market.”

In the past 30 years, CCP has performed 137 shows, along with more than 30 cabarets, talent shows and fundraisers.

There were 23 productions, all plays, at 15th 1st Street NE in Carmel, a 60-seat venue fondly referred to as “Studio 15,” Phipps said.

There were 25 productions, mostly musicals, at the former Carmel Performing Arts Center at 575 West Carmel Dr., which is now Piano Solutions.

Then there were 46 productions at Clay Terrace’s Playhouse, which had approximately 120 seats. The first one was presented in October 2009 and the final one began in February 2018.

“(Clay Terrace) was almost like a permanent home, but we always knew it was year to year on the lease,” he said.

There are several advantages to having a permanent home.

“Some directors only really want to direct shows where they can release on location,” Phipps said. “To pick up a show from a rehearsal site and only move in a couple days before opening night, it limits what you can do. It limits what kind of set

From left, Vickie Cornelius Phipps and Susan Smith (with Marilyn Monroe) in CCP’s 2007 production of “Nunsense” at Clay Middle School. Both actresses will be featured in “Jerry’s Girls” at the CCP Fundraising Gala. (Photo courtesy of CCP)

you can have. You can’t be as ambitious in your vision of the show.”

The Cat, for instance, has a smaller stage, so it limits the cast size.

“From an audience perspective, it gets confusing where you are going to be,” he said. “We lose patrons that way because senior citizens, in particular, might not want to drive all over the place to try to find us.”

Phipps said it’s hard to find directors if they don’t know the production site.

“I’ve only directed a few shows, but I’d never want to direct a show without knowing where we were going to put it on because it impacts everything in terms of the staging and how much room you have and what kind of set you have,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest driver along with controlling your own destiny in putting on the shows when you want to put them on.”

“Jerry’s Girls” features six women with ties to CCP and Herman’s shows, such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame.”

Phipps’ wife Vickie is one of the six performers, along with Susan Smith from Carmel. The others are Fishers residents Diane Tsao and Jill O’Malia, Heather Hansen of Zionsville and Georgeanna Teipen of Greenfield.

Tickets are $75 or $500 for a table of eight. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Joe Paulson and Sarah Scharbrough will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Freeform Concert Series presents Steve Everett with Jefferson Rinck at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Admission is free for this series. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. Deception: An Event of Magic & Lies’ is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 and Nicolas King & Seth Sikes —The New Belters will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

The Marshall Tucker Band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 18 and Unforgettable Fire: U2 Tribute Show is set for 8 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

“FOUR OLD BROADS’

“Four Old Broads” will be featured Aug. 1827 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

DISPATCH

Documentary set for PBS showings — “The Addict’s Wake,” a documentary on the opioid crisis in Brown County, is being released nationally on PBS this month. It will show at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 26 on WIPB, the Ball State University PBS station and at 9 p.m. Aug. 31 on WFYI, Indianapolis’ station. Amy Pauszek, a Geist resident whose photo column Where’s Amy appears in Current newspapers, and former Fishers residents Lisa Hall were the producers, and Zionsville resident Michael Husain was the director.

Islamic Theatre presents new play

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Mohammad Amin is convinced theater provides strong benefits.

PRODUCTION

“Our goal is to give confidence to kids, especially children of immigrants and refugees, to be able to communicate stories to a different audience,” said the Carmel resident, who founded the Lantern Islamic Theater Co. “It also helps children develop skills.”

The company’s second full production is “Halima and the Flying Hijab,” set for 7 p.m. Aug. 18–19 at Eman School, 11965 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. The first play was presented last summer.

Amin, a 2016 Carmel High School graduate, wrote the play with Hana Shatara Sobers, a Whitestown resident. Sobers also has a role in it.

“It’s about a little girl whose time it is to put on the hijab, but she is not ready and tells a big lie,” Sobers said. “It’s about the truth you are not comfortable with and realizing you have to tell the truth.”

Lina Fatnassi, 9-year-old Eman School

fourth-grader from McCordsville, plays Halima.

“The hardest part is memorizing all my lines,” she said.

Atif Baloch, Fishers, plays a role as a protester. His son, Zohair Boloch, is playing Imam, who is accused of stealing Halima’s hijab., Musa Sethi, a Fishers resident and a freshman at Eman, enjoys interacting with people in the cast.

The group is supported by the Alhuda Foundation mosque in Fishers.

Tickets are $10 and available at Eventbrite and at the door.

Time for fall beers

Commentary by Mark LaFay

The kids are going back to school, and in my opinion, that means it’s fall. I know it isn’t officially fall yet. I mean, we haven’t had Labor Day weekend, and the temperatures are still ebbing and flowing between 80 and “make it stop.” But we are deep in the heart of August. Currently, we are wrapping up fall guides, pumpkin beers are coming back on tap, and the smell of pumpkin-spiced bacon (yes, that is a thing) can be faintly detected on the easterly breezes. One of the many things I love about fall is the food and the beverage. I don’t drink much beer anymore, but I love a good Oktoberfest and pumpkin beer. Judge me. I don’t care. Generally speaking, these Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers are only available this time of year. If you don’t have a favorite, here are four options to get you going.

UPLAND OKTOBERFEST

Upland makes killer beer. Champagne Velvet is my favorite beer. This is a delicious beer that is more of a märzen than a true fest beer. It is malty, crisp and delicious. Grab one at their new tap house in Clay Ter-

The cast of “Halima

Where’s Amy attends ‘La Casa Azul’

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attended the one-night only performance of “La Casa Azul” Aug. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for The Performing Arts in Carmel. The production was a collaboration with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra on Gregory Hancock’s musical about the life of artist Frida Kahlo. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

From left, “La Casa Azul” vocal Director Tammy Anderson (Indianapolis), stage director Georgina Escobar (New York City), CSO conductor Janna Hymes (Carmel) and composer, choreographer, producer Gregory Hancock (Carmel). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

“La Casa Azul” composer, choreographer, producer Gregory Hancock (Carmel) with cast member Jessica Crum Hawkins (Fishers), who played Frida Khalo.

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

A visit to Ketchikan and Revillagigedo Island

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we make the first of two visits to Ketchikan.

TRAVEL

Ketchikan is on Revillagigedo Island at the southern end of Alaska’s portion of the famous Inside Passage, a waterway that snakes around the islands and fjords in Alaska’s Panhandle and along the coast of British Columbia.

Before Europeans came onto the island, the indigenous Tlingit people used it for a fish camp. In 1885, an Oregon canning company sent Mike Martin to Revillagigedo Island to establish a salmon cannery, which soon supported a town. Ketchikan, named after the Tlingit name for a creek running through town, was incorporated in 1900. In 1903, the town enacted an ordinance banning brothels from the downtown area, west of Ketchikan Creek. Until they were shut down in in 1954, a number of brothels operated along Creek Street, a boardwalk perched above the east side of Ketchikan Creek in what was then disparagingly called “Indian Town.”

Today, Ketchikan is a picturesque city with a population of about 8,000. Each summer, cruise ships make about 500 stops in Ketchikan’s harbor, bringing in about 1 million visitors. Ketchikan bills itself as “Alaska’s First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Because of its rainfall, Ketchikan is also sometimes called the “Rain Capital of Alaska.” Ketchikan and the surrounding area include the largest collection of standing totem poles in the

world. Until recently, the Chief Kyan pole in Whale Park near the center of town was featured on Page 25 of U.S. passports. The historic buildings along Creek Street have been restored. The Star Building, named for the star in the center of its maple dance floor, was once the largest brothel in town and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dolly’s House, another former brothel on Creek Street, is now a museum.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

A view of downtown Ketchikan, Alaska. (Photo by Don Knebel)

The Chief Kyan totem pole in Ketchikan.

Hard look at lazy words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Americans like being the best at things. We’re the best at baseball, jazz, freedom, national parks — pretty much anything Ken Burns has already covered. Yes, living in the Land of Opportunity is glorious. Now, I’d like to award us (and, by us, I mean U.S.) a super-sized gold medal for smashing words together more efficiently than anyone else in the world.

GRAMMAR GUY

Because Americans value efficiency, we combine multiple words into one super word. One way we do this is through contractions. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the kind of contractions that lead to babies. I’m talking about combining two words to make one short word. These words include don’t (do not), we’ve (we have), and can’t (can not). Yes, contractions increase our efficiency, so we have more time to manage our burgeoning stock portfolios while refilling our Big Gulps (for free). But some contractions can be tricky.

Have you ever been tripped up by “should’ve?” Should’ve is a contraction for “should have.” For example: I should’ve worn

sunscreen when we were at the zoo. What about “should of”? As Americans, sometimes we talk so quickly, we say things like “shoulda,” which is an even shorter way of saying “should’ve.” Many people mistakenly think this phrase is “should of.” “Should of” is incorrect and should never be spoken, typed, or otherwise communicated. The same rule applies for “must’ve” (not must of), “could’ve” (not could of), and “would’ve” (not would of).

If someone you care about uses “should of,” wait until you have some one-on-one time with them, calmly sit them down, and then gently correct them. Please don’t correct them in public; that’s the quickest way to lose friends.

In general, contractions like “should’ve” are still regarded as informal speech, so, if you’re writing your doctoral dissertation or cover letter to be hired as a lawyer, avoid these shortcut words. However, in everyday conversations, feel free to contract away. After all, the First Amendment grants us free speech. And since it’s the first one, that probably means that it’s the best.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00176 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of August 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

Silvara PUD, Section 6.1: Maximum 35% lot coverage allowed, 50% requested.

With the property being known as 518 Almond Creek Dr., Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2023-00176 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax ID 17-09-34-00-17013.000.

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.

The Old Town Design Group, LLC PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00175 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of August, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms,1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

Request variance approval for 37.5% lot coverage, when a max. 35% lot coverage is allowed.

With the property being known as 10523 Laurel Ridge Ln.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00175 V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Laurel Ridge Subdivision Lot 8.

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 Shannon II

Sandeep Allam

PETITIONERS

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: 20-ENG-13 Veterans Way – City Center Dr. to W. Walnut St. Road Construction

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 “Project” at the office of the Clerk, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (City Hall) until 9:45 EST and in the Council Chambers at the same address between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST on or before September 6, 2023 , 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. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – 20-ENG-13 Veterans Way – City Center Dr. to W. Walnut St. Road Construction”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket Nos. PZ-2023-00171 V and PZ-2023-00172 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of August, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Caucus Rooms, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

UDO 2.04 Maximum Building Height 18-ft allowed for an accessory building, 20’- 2 ¼” requested on pool house

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 him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project is for the construction of the extension of Veterans Way between City Center Dr and W Walnut St, as well as a roadway connecting Rangeline to Veterans Way and new roundabout at the intersection of Veterans Way and W Walnut St in Carmel, IN. The project consists of installing storm sewers, water main, sanitary sewer, communications conduit, Duke Distribution duct bank, new full depth asphalt pavement, curbs, truck apron, concrete sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping.

Contract Documents must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

August 19

August

UDO 5.02 (B)(3)(a) Combined square footage of the Ground Floor of a Private Garage and/or Accessory Building shall not exceed 75% of the Ground Floor Area of the Principal Building, 79% requested.

With the property being known as 1571 Asherwood Ln., Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2023-00171 and PZ-2023-00172 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax ID 17-13-09-00-13033.000.

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.

The Old Town Design Group, LLC PETITIONERS

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.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on August 23 at 2:00 P.M. in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) 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 thirty (30) 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 5-22-182.

Sue Wolfgang, Clerk

First Advertisement: August 15, 2023

Second Advertisement: August 22, 2023

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

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ARMESON LECTRIC LLC

Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel!

Susan 317-432-1627 pawptrl@aol.com

Fenced Yard

24 Years

Experience

Luv the dogs

dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions

Email:huntclubkennel@gmail.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive. net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net

40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net