January 2, 2024 — Carmel by Current Publishing

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YEAR OF CHANGE Carmel residents can expect new city leadership, continued construction in 2024 / P12-13

Outgoing councilors reflect on service, what’s next / P2

$400K roundabout sculpture OK’d by CRC / P4

Civility event aims to spark culture shift / P6

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Outgoing councilors reflect on accomplishments By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com m The year 2024 began with big change in local government. On Jan. 1, not only did CITY NEWS Carmel’s first new mayor in nearly 30 years take office, but five new faces joined the Carmel City Council. They replaced leaders with a combined 44 years on the council, who are moving on to other endeavors. The following highlights the outgoing councilors’ time in office and what they plan to explore next. AT-LARGE: KEVIN “WOODY” RIDER Kevin “Woody” Rider joined the Carmel City Council in 2008 and served as the council representative on the Carmel Plan Commission for 12 years during an era that saw massive growth and redevelopment. He served in an at-large position throughout his time on the council. “I had a lot of fun (serving on the council),” Rider said. “It was nice to be partnered with one of the most effective mayors in the United States, and it felt good to be a part of helping Carmel grow.” Among the many projects Rider, a Republican, helped guide during his years in office, he said two that stand out are improving connectivity of bike paths and roads and fostering a business-friendly environment. Rider, owner of two Carmel restaurants, said he always aimed to be accessible to his constituents and address their concerns — even when they didn’t always see eye to eye. “I was involved in a ton of the projects, and I was always available when people had questions or needed to talk. I would go to their neighborhoods, I would go to their meetings,” he said. “People would say, ‘You’re not listening to me,’ and I’d say, ‘I’m listening to you, but I’m not agreeing.’ It’s a hard position to be in. But I’m pleased with how it went.” Rider’s time in office is ending after he lost a close primary race for mayor in May 2023. With more time on his hands, he plans to expand his volunteer efforts and travel with his wife. He is also willing to continue serving the community in new capacities. NORTHEAST DISTRICT: SUE FINKAM Sue Finkam, first elected in 2011 to represent the Northeast District, ran for mayor instead of seeking reelection to the council. After a successful campaign, she became mayor at noon Jan. 1. She said her time on the council was “the

Outgoing members of the Carmel City Council were recognized during the Dec. 18 meeting. They are, front, from left, Miles Nelson, Tim Hannon, Sue Finkam, Laura Campbell and Kevin “Woody” Rider. Returning members are back, from left, Adam Aasen, Jeff Worrell, Teresa Ayers and Tony Green. (Photo courtesy of the City of Carmel)

best preparation to run for mayor” and that it gave her experience and perspective to begin her new role. “The knowledge gained through our work on crime prevention, community engagement, fiscal discipline and smart development all led to the platform upon which I ran, and it will guide my decision making as we work to identify operational efficiencies and service improvements to create better outcomes for our taxpayers,” she said. Finkam, a Republican, said she is proud of the body of work the council completed during her three terms, and she considers helping coordinate the donation of 63 acres of land for a new park in her district among her top accomplishments.

which she considers among her top accomplishments as a councilor. “I’m really proud of that, because I think we’ve done a lot in terms of education, not only for residents but also for employers in our city about hiring people with disabilities,” she said. Campbell served as a campaign co-chair for Finkam and is co-leading a nonprofit that is overseeing the mayoral transition and managing inaugural events. Once that work ends, Campbell said she doesn’t know what her next steps will be, but she does not plan to seek elected office again and wants to spend more time volunteering in the community.

NORTH DISTRICT: LAURA CAMPBELL

Miles Nelson made history in 2019 by becoming the first Democrat ever elected in Carmel. He decided to run for mayor after Jim Brainard announced he would not seek an eighth term, but Nelson came up short against Finkam in the November 2023 election. Nelson, who represents the West District, said among his top accomplishments in office was working with Brainard on the city’s first proclamation recognizing LGBTQ Pride month, signed by Brainard in June 2021, and helping coordinate Carmel Pride, an annual event launched in 2021 by Carmel High School students to celebrate the local LGBTQ community. “I’d like to think that Carmel is a forward-thinking, progressive city, but we didn’t always have that reputation,” Nelson said. “Moving the needle on these types

When Laura Campbell moved to Carmel from New Jersey in 1977, she told her father she wouldn’t consider living here after college. In time, her views changed, however, and she helped lead the city she once wanted to leave as a member of the city council from 2016 to 2023. Campbell, a Republican, said she’s proud of what the council accomplished during her tenure, as the city continued its transformation from a bedroom suburb to becoming a destination of its own. “I’m very proud of the fact that we have built this city that our kids want to come back to,” she said. Campbell served as council president in 2020, a role that unexpectedly included managing meetings and city business through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, she was a key figure in launching Carmel’s Advisory Committee on Disability,

WEST DISTRICT: MILES NELSON

Continued on Page 3

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Republican Tim Hannon often voted in the minority in split votes during his at-large term on the city council, making it difficult to advance some of his ideas and initiatives. But he doesn’t view those instances as allout defeats. “I don’t have any crowning glories. I would say, tongue in cheek, that I’ve been able to inflict a couple of bad paper cuts is perhaps my proudest accomplishment,” he said. “But I’m proud of my efforts, even in losing votes, to try to clearly state how I would have done (something) differently, and maybe leave examples for future councils.” Hannon, a retired U.S. Navy veteran with no previous political experience, ran for office in 2019 after becoming concerned about the city’s spending priorities and a lack of citizen involvement. During his time on the council, he frequently raised questions about city finances and advocated for enhanced safety measures to protect drivers and pedestrians. Hannon did not seek a second term and is not planning to seek another elected office. He plans to spend more time working to grow Stronger Veterans, a local group dedicated to reducing veteran suicides, and is open to serving the community in other roles. “My goal in these four years (on the city council) is to try to leave the campsite better than I found it,” he said. “It’s been frustrating, because I would have liked to have done a lot more improvements for the campsite than I have. But I’ve tried to leave breadcrumbs of what I think is good governance.”

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of things so that everyone — regardless of your skin color, religious beliefs, who you choose to love — felt like this was a city that wanted you to be here and welcomed you and encouraged you to build a life, build a career, raise a family and valued who you were, regardless of your differences.” During his mayoral run, Nelson frequently campaigned on the importance of the city supporting Carmel Clay Schools, which he described as the city’s “No. 1 economic driver.” Two seats on the school board will be on the ballot in November, but Nelson said he is not interested in running for school board — or any other elected office. “I have no plans for that in the future. At this point, I’m here to kind of reintroduce myself to my family and to my friends,” Nelson said, describing his mayoral campaign as a full-time job. Nelson plans to continue running AOI, an executive search firm he founded in 2017.

January 2, 2024

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CRC OKs $400K roundabout art By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com A 25-foot tall steel sculpture has been proposed in a roundabout on Main Street at Lexington Boulevard. CITY NEWS The Carmel Redevelopment Commission unanimously voted Dec. 20 to allow CRC staff to negotiate a contract with Casto Solano, an artist based in Spain. The $400,000 sculpture, set to be placed on the east end of Carmel High School, features steel wires shaped into the head and neck of a student looking to the sky, hair blowing in the breeze. Solano’s sculptures have been installed in multiple U.S. cities and several European nations. “You’ve seen us work with our local artists to develop really great art but also go across the world to get world-renowned artists, as well,” CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said at the meeting. The city worked with CODAworx, a Wisconsin-based firm that connects artists with organizations seeking to commission work, to find and select the yet-to-benamed sculpture. Installation is expected in mid-2024.

A $400,000 metal sculpture by Casto Solano is planned to be installed in the roundabout at Main Street and Lexington Boulevard. (Rendering courtesy of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission)

CODAworx also assisted the city in selecting “Taking Flight,” a book-themed sculpture planned in a Main Street roundabout on the west end of CHS. The sculpture and its placement is set to be discussed and reviewed by the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee.

Crider named chief of staff news@currentincarmel.com

tive-duty service. He has a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy Carmel Mayor-elect Sue Finkam anUniversity and a bachelor’s degree in politinounced Dec. 27 that Jim Crider will serve cal science from the University of Kentucky. as chief of He is also a graduate of the Center GOVERNMENT staff in the for Creative Leadership in Greensmayor’s office boro, N.C. starting Jan. 1, the same day Finkam “I have been fortunate to serve took office. the citizens of Carmel during a Crider has served as director of period where we have taken some administration for the City of Carmtruly unique and innovative steps,” el since 2017. Crider said. “There is more work to Crider “We are fortunate to have some be done and we have tremendous incredible talent already serving the citiopportunities ahead. I am humbled to be zens of Carmel, and no one is more qualified asked to take a bigger leadership role and to lead on Day 1 than Jim Crider,” Finkam to help execute Mayor-elect Finkam’s visaid. “Jim is a servant leader and undersion for our city that builds upon our past stands our vision and priorities to ensure successes and never takes for granted the world-class public safety, increased transresponsibility we have to better serve our parency and effective and efficient delivery fellow citizens.” of government services so that Carmel will The chief of staff role is a new position remain the best place to live, work, raise a for the city. family and retire in the country.” Carmel residents interested in being Crider began working for the city followconsidered for professional opportunities or ing his retirement from the U.S. Army at the appointment to boards and commissions are rank of colonel following 29 years of acencouraged to apply at elevatecarmel.com.

State Law will not record a vote for multi-candidate offices if you select a straight ticket. You MUST vote for the three City Council at Large candidates January 2, 2024 separately to have your vote count. .

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Baby surrendered at CFD station first adopted under new law news@currentincarmel.com An infant surrendered in a Safe Haven Box at a Carmel fire station in August has been adopted. She is believed to be CFD the first baby adopted through an amendment to Indiana’s Safe Haven Law that allows surrendered newborns to be placed directly with a licensed child placing agency instead of the Department of Child Services. The law went into effect on July 1, 2023, and the baby was surrendered the next month. “The law prevents a child from languishing in the foster care system, instead placing them with an adoptive family within hours,” said Meg Sterchi, executive director of Adoptions of Indiana. “Adoptions are finalized in three months, instead of 18 months to three years.” Indiana has 110 safe haven baby boxes that allow mothers in crisis to surrender their newborn safely, securely and anonymously if they are unable to care for the infant. Four babies have been surrendered at Carmel Fire Station #345 — the most for any baby box in the nation. Carmel Fire De-

Hamilton County Judge David Najjar holds the newly adopted baby. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

partment Chief David Haboush lobbied state lawmakers for the amendment in an effort to ensure the infants are placed with an adopted family sooner. Hamilton Superior Court 5 Judge David Najjar granted the baby’s adoption on Nov. 17, National Adoption Day. “I could not be more thrilled,” Najjar said at the hearing. “A lot of adoption cases will come through this courthouse today, but none like this one. I am honored to be part of this, and I am honored to say I am granting this adoption.”

Ford, Wilburn host town hall By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com With the 2024 legislative session approaching, State Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) and State STATE Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) gathered feedback from constituents Dec. 18 during a town hall meeting at the Monon Community Center in Carmel. Ford The Democratic legislators representing portions of Hamilton, Marion and Boone counties spoke about several issues, including the Indiana Lifeline Law. The law grants immunity to minors for some alcohol-related offenses when seeking help for related emergencies. Wilburn, a proponent for mental and behavioral health, said some legislators want to add immunity for some drug-related offenses for minors suspected of drug-use overdose. Reece Axel-Adams, a Pendleton resident, asked Wilburn her thoughts on

extending the potential immunity in these cases to those older than 21. Wilburn said the stigma related to drug use needs to be addressed in Indiana, particularly with lawmakers. Her hope is that present laws and harm reduction strategies will help educate lawmakers, law enforcement and the community. Gun control was another topic discussed at the town hall, with some attendees voicing concerns Wilburn about Indiana’s permitless carry law passed in 2022. The law removed the requirement of a handgun permit to legally carry, conceal or transport a handgun within the state for some residents. Ford said many law enforcement officials opposed the law, and he said he shares many of their concerns, including an increased potential of guns being present during traffic stops. The 2024 legislative session starts the second week of January.

YOUR CARMEL CITY COUNCILMAN AT LARGE I am humbled by your support as I begin a new term as your city councilman. I will continue my theme of “I Hear You” as we work together to make Carmel a special place to live, work, play and raise a family. During this period of transition to a new mayor and a new council in Carmel, I look forward to a productive and thoughtful working relationship between our public leaders and our citizens. Please join me at a special kick-off for a series of discussions and workshops to encourage active dialog and sense of civility in our community.

CARMEL CLAY PUBLIC LIBRARY Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – 6PM – FREE EVENT With Alexandra Hudson, noted author of The Soul of Civility “Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves” From her book: “There’s no question that public leaders have a central role to play in decreasing partisanship and promoting tolerance and civility. Their conduct, tone, and the use of their platforms set a tone that ripples throughout broader society. Public leaders reflect SPECIAL ALERT FOR STRAIGHT what they think voters want. TICKET VOTERS Citizens mirror what they State Law imbibe will not record a vote for multi-candidate from their leaders offices if you select a straight ticket. You MUST on social media, radio, and vote for the three City Council at Large candidates . separately to have your vote count. television. To depolarize our society, and promote tolerance and civility, public leaders and citizens must both play important roles.” I hope to see you at this important discussion. PAID FOR BY JEFF FOR COUNCIL

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January 2, 2024

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As the daughter of an etiquette expert, Alexandra O. Hudson has long believed in the importance of EVENTS minding her manners. But during a stint working in national politics several years ago, she realized that being polite didn’t often ease the deepHudson ening tensions she saw between those who disagreed. Sometimes, in fact, it was a detriment, such as when she witnessed people who were poised and polished use their good manners to achieve ruthless or cruel results. “This experience galvanized for me the essential difference between civility and politeness. Politeness is etiquette, manners and external technique, where civility is something deeper, a way of seeing others as our moral equals who are worthy of a bare minimum of respect just by virtue of being human,” she said. “Sometimes, respecting others requires being impolite, telling hard truths and engaging in robust debate.” Hudson’s experience inspired her to write a book, “The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves,” released in October 2023 and published by St. Martin’s Press. She will visit the Carmel Clay Public Library at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 to speak at a free event called “Civility: We Can Do Better” to share concepts in the book and encourage a spirit of civility in Carmel. Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell organized the event, which he will moderate, after being enlightened and inspired by Hudson’s book during the 2023 campaign season. He said he’s observed an increasing lack of civility in recent years and wanted

to do his part to reverse the trend, at least in his hometown. “I’m not saying Carmel has a lack of civility, but I do think there is plenty of room for growth,” he said. “I would like to start being able to share the concept that we can disagree, we can be vehemently opposed, but I still respect you, with no desire to hurt you or punish you or embarrass you. But I disagree and ask you to respect my Worrell position just as I respect your position.” Worrell said he hopes the library event will launch a continued focus on civility in Carmel, and he encourages anyone interested in continuing the effort to contact him to help determine what comes next. Possibilities include a citywide book club, smallgroup discussions or a civility app. “I’m looking for an army of Carmel citizens who are motivated by this concept and want to do something within their community to foster this as a cultural shift,” he said. Hudson, an Indianapolis resident and adjunct professor at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, said she wrote the book to empower everyday citizens and that a cultural shift toward civility must begin at the local level. “I hope that this event is the start of something really exciting in Carmel and in our country,” Hudson said. “We severely underappreciate the power we each have to be part of the solution.” Register to attend the library event at carmelclaylibrary.org/event/9772501. Learn more about Hudson and “The Soul of Civility” at alexandraohudson.com. Contact Worrell at jworrell@carmel.in.gov or 317-471-9836.

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Apply for city boards — Mayor Sue Finkam has launched a new website for Elevate Carmel, Inc. featuring a portal for residents to apply for seats on boards and commissions active in city hall. Carmel residents seeking involvement are encouraged to apply at elevatecarmel.com.

Holiday tree recycling — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will host a Holiday Tree Recycling event from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 5 at Westermeier Commons in Central Park, 920 Central Park Dr. in Carmel. To participate in the drive-through style event, community members can bring their live, decorationfree holiday tree to the Westermeier Commons parking lot. Learn more or sign up as a volunteer by emailing volunteer@carmelclayparks.com.

January 2, 2024

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Center renews search for naming rights partner By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

McDermott said. McDermott said the five core values are excellency, integrity, inclusion, innovation The Center for the Performing Arts anand collaboration. nounced in 2019 it was seeking a naming There has been an increased commitment rights partner. The time to diverse performances, with an ARTS seemed right until it defiestimated 40 percent of the artists nitely wasn’t. featured at the Center coming from Jeffrey McDermott, the Center’s diverse backgrounds, president and CEO, said a naming The Live at the Center concert partnership agreement with a health series, which launched during the care company was nearly in place, pandemic, features free livestreams but then in March 2020, the COVID-19 of local artists who were paid by McDermott pandemic brought it to a halt. the Center and then given the lives“That naming partner, in my mind, very tream video and audio assets to allow the appropriately decided they needed to step artists to promote themselves. Nine Live at back and focus on essential services and fo- the Center events are planned for 2024. cused on keeping their employees engaged Adam Arceneaux, a Carmel resident who and employed, and we needed to do the serves as a Center board member and is same thing,” said McDermott, who agreed chair of the naming rights committee, said not to divulge the company’s name. the time is right for the naming rights Internally, McDermott said the Center partner search. The committee consists of made the decision to pause the search for a board and community members. naming rights partner during the pandemic. “We’ve come through the pandemic stronBut now, McDermott said the Center has ger than ever,” Arceneaux said. “We’re finddecided to resume it. ing there is a pent-up demand and appetite “Last year, we had record ticket sales for performing arts. We’ve had a number of and we had some record numbers with our sellout performances, and the six resident educational programs and events,” McDercompanies are all doing well.” mott said. “The Christkindlmarkt, which Arceneaux said there is no timetable for happens on our campus, is going stronger a decision. than ever.” “We’re interacting with different patrons The Center saw a 45 percent increase to see who might be a good fit for this opin patrons in 2023, including a 50 percent portunity,” he said. “It’s really a long-term increase in first-time visitors and a 30 perrelationship that we are looking for.” cent increase in return visitors. McDermott said the name has to be “We’re not looking for the highest bidder something that makes sense for the Center to put their name on our campus. We’re and the partner. looking for someone that aligns with our “It’s got to have a good sound and feel to vision, our core values, all of those things,” it, but I say it’s all negotiable,” he said.

DISPATCHES Inauguration ceremony — An inauguration ceremony for Carmel’s recently elected mayor, city councilors, judge and clerk will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green. The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required to attend. Learn more at bit.ly/3TIOkUO.

Street department earns award — The Carmel Street Department has been named a “Clean Air Champion for Biodiesel” by Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Inc. for its efforts to lower emissions by adding B20 soy-fueled trucks to its fleet. The award was presented last month at the 2023 Indiana Environmental Conference and Winter Technical Meeting. This summer, the street department acquired six 2023 Ford F250 trucks with diesel engines to begin the pilot program. At that time, a partnership was established with Al Warren Oil Co. to provide the City with the B20 blend at the street department. The Street Department also partnered with GPS provider, Geotab, to produce the formula to track the emissions output of the trucks and compare them with regular diesel and 87 octane gasoline.

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January 2, 2024

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Noblesville High School senior guard born to play basketball By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com It might be a slight exaggeration, but Noblesville High School senior point guard Aaron Fine claims he has been playing basketball since he was born. “With my dad coaching, my first word was ‘ball’ and my (first) phrase was ‘ball shoot,’” Fine Fine said. Fine’s father, Matt Fine, is a Millers assistant coach for head coach Scott McClelland and was previously head coach of Muncie Central and Winchester high schools. “I’m kind of like another coach on the floor, which is helpful to my teammates,” Aaron Fine said. “I can talk to Coach Mac or talk to my dad or one of the assistants and we can figure out things together.” Fine averaged team highs of 17.1 points and 4.4 assists per game in the first seven games for the Millers (6-1). His shooting percentage was 49 percent, including 32 percent from 3-point range.

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The four-year varsity player averaged 13.8 points as a junior, 13.7 as a sophomore and 5.2 as a freshman. “I’ve gotten a lot better at running our DIAGNOSED TREATMENT LOWE offense,” Fine said. BY “I’veDR. always been able to CALL OFFICE FORabout DETAILS score, but I’ve done a lot better getSenior guard Aaron Fine leads the Noblesville ting people involved. Overall, I’ve just grown High School boys basketball team in scoring. as a leader.” (Photo courtesy of Aiden Caddell) Fine, one of three returning starters, said he has always been $1,000 a vocal leader. our goal is just taking the next step and, OFF “With usCUSTOM winning the SMILE sectional last year, hopefully, getting a deeper run in the tourDESIGNS

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nament,” he said. “Our sectional is so tough that we can’t really look past it. There are probably four or five of the top 15 teams (in the state) in the sectional. We’re just trying to keep getting better.” McClelland said Fine had the luxury of growing up around the game. “One of his strongest attributes is he just loves being in the gym,” McClelland said. “He likes staying afterwards and shooting. Aaron will come in and shoot on his own on the weekends, after school and before school.” McClelland said Fine thrives because of his passion for the game. “We’ve asked a lot from him with his leadership, not just being a leader or point guard, but having another voice on the floor,” McClelland said. “He’s tried to take steps with his leadership each year. He’s off to a good start. The one thing that he has done a better job of this year is rebounding. We’re going to need him to be an integral piece for our team to be successful.” Fine said he wants to play in college at some level and major in business. Fine’s younger brother, Adam, is a sophomore who splits time between the varsity and junior varsity teams.

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The Assistance League of Indianapolis hosted its Jingle and Mingle holiday luncheon and style show Dec. 7 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit’s community initiatives, including Operation School Bell, ALI Bears and ALI Friends. Learn more at alindy.org. Above, ALI members model fashions from The Secret Ingredient. (Photos courtesy of Kathy Wylam)

From left, Deb Myers, ALI vice president of philanthropic programs, and Kathleen Hart, advisory council member.

From left, ALI member Cindee Potterack and Pam McNeally with AECOM Hunt.

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OBITUARIES Lorene Hoopingarner, 99 of West Lafayette and formerly of Ossian, went to the next life, being reunited with her husband John and oldest daughter Kay, on Friday morning December 22, 2023 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette, IN. After graduating from Salem Center High School in 1942, Lorene became a registered Nurse after attending an RN program at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, MI. Lorene and John lived their early years of marriage in Ossian, Indiana, where their two daughters were born, living in the house that John had built. Due to a change in John’s career, the family moved to Carmel, Indiana in 1958 and in 1960 built the home where most of their adult lives were spent. Until her retirement, Lorene was a surgical nurse at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville and then at St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis. She enjoyed reading, golfing with John, sporting events, but most of their time and efforts centered on their family. After retirement, Lorene and John wintered in Sarasota, Florida, close to their daughter Kay. When back in Carmel, they played a leading role in the upbringing of their grandson Sean. In 2005, they moved to West Lafayette to be close to their daughter Gail. They first lived at

Greentree Patio Homes before moving into Cumberland Health Campus. Lorene was born on March 14, 1924 in Steuben County, IN a daughter of the late Dale and Esther Butler. She was united in marriage to John D. Hoopingarner on June 14, 1947 in Steuben County. He preceded her in death on September 16, 2014 after 67 years of marriage. Survivors include her daughter: Gail (Burk) Thompson; son in law: Larry Combs; three grandsons: Sean (Jamie) Filipow, Trevor Thompson and Brady (Tori) Thompson; three great grandchildren: June, Taylor and Supreya Thompson. She was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Kay Combs, a sister Anna Rose and a brother Delmer Butler. Private Services will take place at a later date at The Tower Life Center in Zanesville, IN. Interment will be take place in the Hoverstock Cemetery in Zanesville. Preferred Memorials can be made out to the Wounded Warrior Project sent in care of Myers Funeral Home P.O. Box 403, Markle, IN 46770 To sign Lorene’s on-line guest book visit www.myersfuneralhomes.com.

Robert (Bob) Isaac Myers of Fishers, Indiana died at home on December 18, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born to Iona Bowman Myers and Glen F. Myers on February 8, 1942. He received his undergraduate degree from Manchester College and his MS and PhD from Purdue University. He is survived by the love of his life for 46 years, Joyce Ramsey Myers, son Justin Robert Myers (wife Emma), grandsons Jackson and Nicholas Myers of Carmel, sister Beverly Carney of Lebanon, brother Richard Myers of Logansport, and many much loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Nicholas, James, John and sister Jean Ferriera. Bob was a career educator beginning as a 6th grade teacher at Daniel Webster Elementary school in Logansport, IN. From there he moved on to serve in the capacity as an elementary school principal,

assistant middle school principal, curriculum director, business manager and superintendent. This career took him to many school districts including those in Bunker Hill, Sharpsville, Wabash, Huntington, Lafayette and Cheyenne, WY. Bob loved his family and three dogs above all else, but had an incredible passion for education, the Constitution, and the people he worked with. He knew no stranger, was known coast to coast for his humor, made every effort to show off his Pride and Joy, and was always the truest definition of humility with everyone he met. He enjoyed many road trips to Colorado and Wyoming, and spent long hours in the loving restoration of his family’s homestead in Cass County, Indiana. The family will host a celebration of life next summer. Memorial donations may be made to the Hamilton County Humane Society SURVIVOR PROGRAM at 10501 Hague Rd., Fishers, 46038.

January 2, 2024

COMMUNITY

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SANTA VISITS CARMEL ICE SKADIUM

City of Carmel

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY COMMEMORATION - Thursday -

January 11, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. Tarkington Theater Audra Frankie of Carmel greets Santa Claus during the Ice Skating Club of Indianapolis’ Skate with Santa held Dec. 15 at the Carmel Ice Skadium. At the event, attendees took to the ice with Santa Claus and warmed up with hot chocolate and other treats. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

DISPATCHES Learn about 4-H — The public is invited to learn about Hamilton County 4-H at a dropin event from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 3, at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., in Noblesville. 4-H is an experiential program for youth in grades 3-12 (mini 4-H for grades K-2) that is delivered by Purdue University Cooperative Extension. Learn more at puext.in/hamco4h. U.S. Military Academy nominations — U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) has nominated several Carmel High School students to attend U.S. Military Academies. They are Joseph Del Busto (Academy at West Point), Chloe De Leon (Academy at West Point, Air Force Academy and Naval Academy), Christine Hu (Air Force Academy and Naval Academy) and Spencer Luhrs (Air Force Academy).

Commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King through live performances by the Carmel community.

carmel.in.gov

146th St. Kroger could expand — The Kroger on 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway near northeast Carmel could expand and add a fuel center. Proposed amendments to the Noble West Planned Development ordinance were introduced to the Noblesville City Council in December to allow for the upgrades to the grocery store and guide development of surrounding retail parcels adjacent to 146th Street.

January 2, 2024

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January 2, 2024

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YEAR OF CHANGE currentincarmel.com

Carmel residents can expect new city leadership, continued construction in 2024

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com The year 2024 is set to be one of change in Carmel, with the city’s first new mayor taking office in nearly 30 years and several new members joining the city council. In other ways, however, the upcoming year will likely reflect those in the past, with construction continuing or beginning on several redevelopment projects and expansions and renovations to school and park facilities. The following summarizes several local leaders sharing their thoughts on what Carmel residents can expect in the year to come.

NEW CITY LEADERSHIP One of the most noteworthy changes to occur in Carmel happened at noon Jan. 1, when Sue Finkam became mayor. She succeeds Jim Brainard, who served in the role for 28 years. Brainard said he met frequently with Finkam to help her be as prepared as possible for the transition. “There’s a lot of day-to-day things that the city council members don’t have a lot of opportunity to see,” Brainard said. “So, Finkam I’m copying her on every important email at this point and will be available to help her as needed after my term ends.” Finkam said she frequently hears that she’s got big shoes to fill (and she doesn’t disagree), but she said she was recently advised to respond by reminding people that she wears “different shoes.” She described her leadership style as different than Brainard’s, but she expects to continue carrying out his vision for many initiatives already underway. “For me, it’s putting my stamp on ongoing projects when and where it’s appropriate,” She said. “I’ll put my stamp on — in the short term — a lot of the how and the why, and long-term, the what.” Finkam has already been working to implement her Elevate Carmel plan, a document she unveiled during her campaign that outlines her vision and goals as mayor. Many of the initiatives are expected to be under way in 2024, but Finkam wants to begin her term by listening — first to city staff, then to residents through a communitywide survey. She anticipates launching the survey early in the year and using the responses to refine the Elevate Carmel plan. Some city staffing changes have begun, with Jim Crider becoming chief of staff — a new position — Jan. 1. Crider had been the city’s director of administration since 2017. Before taking office Finkam began working to find a new police chief to succeed the retiring Jim Barlow. She hopes to select a new police chief this month, but she’s not in a rush. “Having managed people for many years, I know the pain

Construction of a mixed-use development on the site of the former AT&T building at 210 3rd Ave. SW is set to begin this year. (Rendering courtesy of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission)

associated with hiring the wrong person,” she said. “We’re going to be very patient and hire the right person.” In addition to Finkam, newly elected officials who took office in Carmel Jan. 1 were city councilors Rich Taylor, Matt Snyder, Anita Joshi, Ryan Locke and Shannon Minnaar and city clerk Jacob Quinn.

ELECTIONS AT ALL LEVELS This year, Carmel voters will head to the polls for national, state and school board races. The U.S. Presidential race will be at the top of the ballot in the May 7 primary and Nov. 5 general elections. At the state level, all seats in the Indiana House of Representatives and some Indiana Senate seats will be on the ballot. Hoosier voters will also elect a new governor. Both at-large seats on the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees will also be on the ballot.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES, BEGINS Several redevelopment projects will finish construction in 2024, while others are expected to break ground. Carmel Redevelopment Commission Director Henry Mestetsky said residents can expect to see construction occur in several areas next year. “Development is happening throughout Carmel’s core,” he said. “It’s not like we’ve picked one place and said, ‘Here’s where we’re going to concentrate development.’” CRC projects continuing in 2024 include: MONON SQUARE NORTH — Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024. The project on the northwest corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive includes retail space, multi-family units and a parking garage.

CIVIC SQUARE CONDOS — Construction is expected to begin in early 2024 on 24 for-sale condos to wrap two sides of the Civic Square garage at Veterans Way and Red Truck Road. MUSE — Previously known as The Corner, construction is nearly complete on the mixed-use project on the southwest corner of 116th Street and Range Line Road. It is expected to open in 2024. CARMEL CITY CENTER — The plan to transform a field into a development anchored by a performing arts campus began in the 1990s and is set to wrap up in 2024 with completion of the Windsor and Wren buildings. ICON ON MAIN — Construction will continue on the mixed-use redevelopment on the southeast corner of Main and Old Meridian streets. The $75 million project includes apartments, for-sale condos, office and retail space, a parking garage and public plaza. Completion is expected in 2026. OLD MERIDIAN APARTMENTS — The $60 million fivestory, mixed-use development at 12865 Old Meridian St. will likely start construction in 2024. PENN 111 — Construction is expected to begin in early 2024 on Penn 111, a $700 million mixed-use project on the northeast corner of 111th and Pennsylvania streets. The full project is expected to take many years to complete. PROSCENIUM — The Proscenium on the northwest corner of Range Line Road and Carmel Drive has been open for several years, but in 2024 it is expected to be enhanced with a 4,500-square-foot building to house an Italian steakhouse and wine/coffee bar. PROSCENIUM II — Construction on Proscenium II, just east of the original Proscenium redevelopment, is set to be

Continued on Page 13

January 2, 2024

COVER STORY

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

Continued from Page 12 complete in 2024. The project includes luxury apartments, condos, office and retail space and a parking garage. Retail tenants are expected to be announced in early 2024. 1ST ON MAIN — Construction on the $40 million mixeduse project on the northeast corner of Main Street and Range Line Road is expected to be complete in early 2024. MAGNOLIA — Construction on the condominium buildings is expected to continue in 2024. The city continues to work with developers on the design of the multi-family building on the southeast corner of Range Line Road and City Center Drive. Construction on that phase of the project is not expected to be underway in 2024. LOR/1933 LOUNGE — Construction will continue on a three-story building at 111 S. Range Line Rd. that will be anchored by 1933 Lounge. HAMILTON CROSSING — With work on its hotel and training center complete, Republic Airways is likely to begin construction in 2024 on its relocated headquarters building in the Hamilton Crossing redevelopment project southeast of Meridian Street and Carmel Drive. MÉLANGE — Construction of Mélange, which includes luxury townhomes and flats at Veterans Way and Monon Green Boulevard, is nearly complete and is expected to be fully open in 2024. THE SIGNATURE — The five-story building on the northeast corner of Old Meridian and Main Streets with luxury apartments, condos and first-floor retail should be complete in 2024. FORMER AT&T SITE REDEVELOPMENT — The former AT&T building at 210 3rd Ave. SW has been demolished, and work on the six-story mixed-use development replacing it is expected to begin in 2024. OTHER CRC PROJECTS — CRC-funded roundabout art on Main Street at Richland Avenue and Lexington Boulevard is set to be installed in 2024. The final classic car-themed sculpture in a series along 96th Street is also set for 2024 installation. A new Palladiscope show will debut in early 2024, and work will continue on the Carmel Clay History Museum, a Clay Township project partially funded by the CRC. The museum is expected to open in late 2024.

PARKS PROJECTS Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation expects to begin or complete several projects in 2024, according to CCPR Director Michael Klitzing, including: WHITE RIVER GREENWAY NORTH EXTENSION — The trail ends at Tall Timber Run but will be extended to 146th Street. The project, which is funded through a $4 million READI grant, also includes a new trailhead with parking, restrooms and an overlook just south of Prairie Trace Elementary School. Trail construction is expected to take six to 12 months, with the trailhead construction lasting 12 to 18 months. WHITE RIVER PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE — The $11 million bridge over the White River will connect Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers. It will help complete an east/west trail route between the Monon Greenway and Nickel Plate Trail. Work is expected to begin in early 2024 and last 12 to 18 months. MONON COMMUNITY CENTER INDOOR PLAYGROUND

— The indoor playground on the west side of the Monon

Construction is expected to begin this year on Monon Square North, a mixed-use project east of the Monon Greenway (which is set to be widened) on the site of the former Monon Square shopping center. (Rendering courtesy of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission)

Construction on an indoor playground at the Monon Community Center is set to begin this year. (Rendering courtesy of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation)

Community Center will connect the existing KidZone to a multipurpose room with designated times for open play. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2024.

COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN — The plan, which CCPR aims to update at least every

five years, will guide the development and management of CCPR through 2028. CCPR began collecting public input for the plan in 2023, and it is expected to be complete and adopted in 2024. NATIONAL REACCREDITATION — The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies will review CCPR in the spring to validate compliance with 154 standards representing national best practices for parks departments. CCPR has been nationally accredited since 2014. WEST PARK SHELTERS — Three new picnic shelters in West Park’s Engledow Commons will be complete in 2024 and available for reservations in time for the summer season.

CCS TO COMPLETE, BEGIN CONSTRUCTION WORK Carmel Clay Schools has also been working on several construction projects. Progress expected in 2024 includes: Completion of the natatorium complex at Carmel High School, which includes a 50-meter competition pool and therapy pool in a new wing north of the existing natatorium. Completion of the Greyhound Activity Center at CHS. The 85,000-square-foot building north of the football stadium

The Carmel High School natatorium complex is set to be completed this year. (Rendering courtesy of Carmel Clay Schools)

will provide indoor practice space for the marching band and athletic teams. Beginning of a major renovation at Cherry Tree Elementary. Upgrades to the school, which was built in 1989, include expanded office space, a reconfigured entryway, additional classrooms and more. An addition at CHS to expand the polytechnic program will begin construction. The 14,000-square-foot addition on the northwest side of the building will house advanced construction and automotive programs and allow other programs to expand.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Some major road construction projects are expected to be complete or make major progress 2024. Work to reconstruct 3rd Avenue SW between Autumn Drive and 2nd Street SW should be complete, and the reconstruction of College Avenue between 106th and 96th streets will see substantial progress. The project is expected to be complete in mid-2025. A few of Carmel’s roadways may be named or renamed with a theme. “I think it would be cool to name a road after each of our Sister Cities, especially in our downtown area near the Monon Trail in the center of our city,” Brainard said. ON THE COVER: Changes coming to Carmel in 2024 include a new mayor and progress on several redevelopment projects. (Submitted photos and renderings)

January 2, 2024

BUSINESS LOCAL

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

DISPATCHES Carmel home sale stats — Carmel’s residential real estate market was dynamic in November 2023, with homes selling more quickly and sale prices increasing. According to F.C. Tucker Company, Carmel homes sold four days, or 17.4 percent, faster than in November 2022. The average sale price for a home in Carmel increased 38.9 percent to $713,820, compared to this time last year — and was the highest average home sale price in the 16-county central Indiana region. The average price per square foot for a Carmel home decreased 12.8 percent to $184.35.

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Merchants Bank hire — Merchants Bank has hired Derek Elston as treasury management sales officer, based out of Carmel. Prior to joining Merchants Bank, Elston operated as a community development officer at United Fidelity Bank. Within this new role with Merchants Bank, ElElston ston will oversee several key consumer and business relationships, advocating for their cash flow needs and improving and further developing their banking experience. Elston played collegiate basketball at Indiana University from 20092013 and professionally in Malta, Portugal and England from 2013-2015. PMG hire — Carmel-based Pence Media Group has hired Sarah Cox Dedrick as senior public relations and marketing strategist. She has more than a decade of strategic communications, public relations and marketing experience. She has worked in several specialized industries, including higher education, special needs, hospitality and immersive digital experiences. The Stratford receives honor — The Stratford in Carmel has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year. The certification is based on an anonymous survey completed by team members at The Stratford. In addition to being a Great Place to Work, The Stratford was named a Fortune’s Best Companies to Work for in Aging Services. As a result of the Great Place to Work certification, The Stratford was eligible for Fortune’s list. Gourmet Tastings at Regalique — Regalique, 110 W. Main St., Suite 120, in Carmel, is hosting Gourmet Tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. Learn more at Regalique. com.

January 2, 2024

BUSINESS LOCAL

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

Estridge Studio E provides gallery of choices for homebuyers By Tirzah Rowland news@currentincarmel.com Inspired by showrooms in London and along the East Coast, along with its own designs, the team at Estridge DESIGN Homes said the company offers an elevated and personalized design approach to clients at its new Studio E in Carmel. The longtime Indianapolis-area homebuilder moved its corporate offices to 645 Carmel Dr. in early 2023 with plans to create a customizable space for its design center, called Studio E, as a contemporary reflection of its established brand. “We wanted a creative on-trend space with the feel of an art gallery,” said Devon Bloxom, director of sales and marketing for Estridge Homes. Bloxom said clients can move through Studio E room by room and see the quality and variety of choices. The studio features crisp white walls and ceilings above polished concrete floors in rooms displaying tiles and cabinetry options. Curated fixtures are displayed on built-in shelving. Islands with seating are open to clients throughout the space. “We started planning the space knowing we were moving our offices,” said Rob McGraw, Estridge Homes co-owner and chief operating officer. “We looked at other builder’s studios and other industries.” Understanding that trends and styles evolve quickly in the age of social media and design shows, McGraw said he wanted a space that would be easy to change to keep up with client interest and would provide more product options. “When they walk in, they are drawn in. It is a very inviting space that inspires people to want to put together their own home,” McGraw said. “The intentional lighting, open-air flow and strategic design make it feel different than other studios.” Artwork by local artists available for purchase is displayed in front of the studio. “We wanted to support local artists,” McGraw said. “The artwork adds to the gallery feel.” Unlike traditional builder-design centers, Studio E focuses on empowering design and style more than specific products and predetermined ideas, according to McGraw. “We wanted to provide more creative flexibility, not create a focus around specific materials.” McGraw said. “The product is art more than locked-in suggestions.”

Estridge offers an á la carte experience with up to 20 or more options in each category and hundreds of choices and combinations overall for everything from light fixtures to exterior finishes, Bloxom said “This space was built with an elevated experience in mind,” Bloxom said. “Clients walk through the space and see visions of a custom home from the robust number of choices.” Considered a semi-custom builder, the Estridge motto, “Different by design,” inspired the space that opened in November and frames the entire design and build process, Bloxom said. “We change our product a lot. We put a lot of thought into architecture and neighborhoods,” Bloxom said. “We allow structural changes to our floorplans.” Prices vary by neighborhood but are designed for a broad range of clients and budgets. “The next year will be important for home buying. If you are looking to personalize your home, visit one of our neighborhoods,” Bloxom said. “They all have different homes and overall feel.” Sales consultants at Estridge model homes connect clients with Studio E for preview appointments. There they meet with a designer to guide the process but are given creative freedom within their desired budget. For more, visit estridgehomes.com.

Studio E design center in Carmel offers personalized services to clients. (Photos courtesy of Estridge Studio E)

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HEALTH

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Tom Weesner, president of Motion 4 Life, along with John Davis, Larry Davison and Mark Ohlman set up a vintage model train in the entry of the Motion 4 Life fitness facility at 14801 Market Center Drive, Suite 100, in Carmel. The model train will be on display at Motion 4 Life until mid- to late-January. (Photo by Adam Seif)

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VIEWS

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A little is enough Commentary by Terry Anker “Let’s hurry and get going so that we can hurry and get home.” It is a classic dad line. On its face, it makes little sense. ESSAY If we don’t want to be away from the house, why go? Even if we must go, there is scant evidence that leaving earlier will mean that we are away any less than if we leave later. Some of us put up the Christmas decorations earlier each year but by New Year’s Day would pitch a fit if hearing a carol. We come to the banquet table starving, eat more than our fill and leave with some uncomfortable regret about the second piece of pie. We humans are infected with wanderlust. More is better. New is better. Our closets are filled with items that we are unlikely to ever wear and many more shoes than feet. We acquire, move, consume and explore like our lives depend upon it. For a few contented souls, rocking on the porch from dawn to dusk is quite enough. But most of us

Thanks for the memories, Part 2

are possessed with a notion that settling is dangerous. Perhaps our ancestors came to know that survival is linked to finding a more reliable source of fresh water or seeking a mate outside of our own shallow gene pool. Today, our journeys are more likely to help us flourish in impressing others on social media than in keeping us alive. Is there a space between not going at all and going so often that relevance is lost? Can we love Christmas without being overwhelmed by it? Can we feast at the table without abusing our stomachs? There is a big space between immobility and unreliability. And moving around a bit is likely good for us. Still, shouldn’t we enjoy where we are while we are there?

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

I fail to see the (AI) humor Commentary by Danielle Wilson Friends, what are our thoughts on AI-assisted writing? Is it a digital darling saving us time and effort, or a HUMOR Terminator-in-waiting ready to eradicate our creative brains? I decided to try it this week to see what kind of local newspaper humor column it could produce. I began with some basic inputs, including word count, “opinion” and “funny.” The result? Mid. It generated sentences like, “Gone are the days of struggling to string together coherent sentences; now we have AI to save us from the perilous task of using our noggins. It’s like having a literary Groundhog Day, but less entertaining.” Not a bad start, but a bit boring. So, I had ChatGPT refine it, with instructions to be “snarkier.” In less than 10 seconds, I had, “Who needs human wit when algorithms can churn out content as charming as my Mamaw’s cat memes, even if AI has the charm of a rusty can opener?” And, “Who needs originality when a machine can regurgitate clichés and tired expressions with unparalleled efficiency?” Better, but too repetitive (I’d never use “charm” twice in one question! The horror!). I ran it a few more times but couldn’t quite get my personal style and tone across. Con-

“In less than 10 seconds, I had, ‘Who needs human wit when algorithms can churn out content as charming as my Mamaw’s cat memes, even if AI has the charm of a rusty can opener?’” – DANIELLE WILSON clusion? If I were scripting a form letter of sorts or perhaps a one-off editorial, ChatGPT might be my go-to. But for my voice, absolutely not. Bring on Sarah Connor! I suppose AI-assisted writing is the savior we never knew we needed — or maybe we didn’t. So, here’s to a future where robots pen our jokes (and columns? Mwah-ha-ha!) and we all pretend it’s an upgrade. Cheers to progress, or whatever. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie Here is Part 2 of my yearly look back on the people, places and things HUMOR that gave me ideas for my column. • Thanks to the website that offers cooking tips. For example, “Don’t cook your asparagus with the rubber band still on the stems.” Yes, if your spears are exceptionally chewy one night, you have discovered the culprit. • Thanks to the quack doctor who said he invented a mobile app that would cure acne if you held the phone to your head. He was arrested for fraud. Asked if he would serve his sentence like a man, he said, “Breaking out is not an option.” He also said his wife was worried that even a short prison sentence would jeopardize their marriage. “She’s my main squeeze,” the dermatologist told everyone. Which is not something his PR agency wanted him to say. • I also celebrated Indianapolis’ high ranking for cities with the most rats. The Crossroads of America (Indy’s nickname) was rated 15th, indicating exactly what was crossing those crossroads. So, the rats were rated higher than the Cubs this year. Washington, D.C., was rated fourth on the list with half a million rats — 500,535 if you count Congress. • Thanks to my wife, who wanted to try a new Chinese restaurant. She found one online and ordered the food. I called back to find out how long it would take to get there. “Where do you live?” I was asked. I said the north side of Indianapolis. “Oh, about six hours. Sir, you are call-

ing a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Ohio.” “No problem,” I said. “I love Cantonese food.” • One morning I sliced my finger when cutting a bagel. I told Mary Ellen we had to go to the emergency room because of all the blood and white ooze coming from the injury. After some testing, the doctor told me it was cream cheese and jelly. • Kudos to a new chess website. First, I wanted to assess the competition. Each player has a bio online. Canty is an international grandmaster. The bio says he is very tricky and “might catch you with your pants down.” I suggest you not play him on Zoom. My favorite was Zara. Her bio says she is a good sport, loves animals, is a nonsmoker and wants to play with someone who likes romantic dinners. Hmmm, maybe she thinks she’s on ChessMatch.com. • I was frustrated that I can never find the TV remote, so I tied a piece of dental floss around the device and connected it to the couch leg. Great results. I don’t miss nearly as many shows and I have 34 percent less plaque. • In bad weather, I started jogging in Walmart and Costco, sometimes getting in as many as 6 miles on a rainy day. I only do Costco now. Walmart started charging me mileage. Have a great 2024!

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

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Documentary filmmaker creates first fictional production By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Filmmaker Rocky Walls’ forte is making documentaries. “I never thought I’d write a MOVIE fictional film. Like, never,” Walls said. The Fishers resident never expected his Noblesville-based 12 Stars Media company would make a feature film. “I would say the concept of revealing secrets in a laundromat came to me first, then I started joking with my team about filming it as a reality series later,” said Walls, executive director of 12 Stars Media. “I’ve always wanted to film something in a laundromat, so I think one day when my mind was wandering, I came up with the idea for what would become a key scene in this film — two characters revealing untold truths in a laundromat.” Starring in “Dirty Laundry” are Mitchell Wray and Charlie Schultz, who are freshmen at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Wray, a University High School graduate who grew up in Carmel, plays Kyle Miller. Schultz, a Westfield High School graduate, is cast as Eric Hernandez. Wray and Schultz didn’t know each other before college. The film began production in December 2023 in Indianapolis. “Before I met and worked with any of the actors, I expected the process and experience to be completely different from a documentary,” Walls said. “I was surprised to find out how much common ground there was. Mainly in the way that the actors, even though they are acting, have to become very authentic when portraying their characters. So, a lot of the skills and experience I have in making a documentary subject feel comfortable being themselves ended up being useful for helping the actors authentically become their characters.” Walls said the film will be a feature-length movie, which must be more than 40 minutes, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The

‘MENOPAUSE, THE MUSICAL” Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Menopause, the Musical” Jan. 5 through Feb. 4 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Feinstein’s presents “Melissa Errico: The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5-6 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. PEANUT BUTTER & JAM The Peanut Butter & Jam series will feature Movers and Shakers with Relevations Dance Company at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Actor Mitchell Wray, left, confers with filmmaker Rocky Walls. (Photo courtesy of 12 Stars Media)

script was 60 pages, so Walls estimates the film will run between 65 and 75 minutes. Filming was done at night at an Indianapolis laundromat. “As the night goes on, you kind of evolve into that character, and by the end of the night, you are that character,” Schultz said. “You go home and go to sleep, then you wake up the next morning and start the whole process again getting into that character.” Schultz said it’s been great to work with Walls because of his documentary experience. “He really cares about people,” Schultz said. “From a director’s standpoint, he wants to know how we’re feeling on all these different levels, and that’s really beautiful because he puts us in the right perspective to feel comfortable getting into these characters.” Wray said the fact the film is set in the 1990s caught his attention. “I love the aesthetics from then,” Wray said. “I’ve always been into vintage clothing and being able to bring our own style and interests to the film to help make these characters our own.”

Wray said he has always wanted to be a film director. “So, just seeing behind the scenes and talking to the crew members, it’s so interesting to see what they’re trying to accomplish while we’re acting,” he said. Wray said he looks forward to seeing the rough cut. “I have an idea of what it’s going to look like in my head, but I’m sure it’s nothing like what the finished product will be, in a good way,” he said. “The film won’t premiere until next fall, so we have a whole year to envision what we think it’s going to be like.” Wray has been acting since he was young. He performed with a national touring group in “Finding Neverland.” The main characters’ family members appear in some flashback scenes, which focus especially on the relationship Kyle has with his mother, Christine, played by Erika Lewandowski, and the relationship between Eric and his father, Carlos, played by Ian Cruz. Walls said Deborah Asante, founder of Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis, lends her incredible screen presence as a Mysterious Stranger.

Adult-child music classes set editorial@youarecurrent.com There are openings for the Child & Adult Music Class program “A Snowy Day” at 10:45 a.m. Jan 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 9:30 a.m. sessions sold out. The class is designed for caregivers to take a musical walk through a winter wonderland with their child. Participants will stomp in imaginary snow, play with penguins, catch snowflakes and search for polar bears using rhyme, rhythm, melody and beat. The caregiver and child class is led by singer/guitarist “Ms. Michelle” Marti, who will provide an age-appropriate music curriculum as well as toys and percussion to immerse children in the music. Child & Adult Music Class is presented in partnership with Westfield Veterinary Care. Open to all ages, best for 18 months to 5 years, participation is limited to 10 children, with a minimum of five required to offer the class. The cost is $72 for all six class sessions. Siblings under 10 months can attend free of charge. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

January 2, 2024

NIGHT & DAY

Reilly enjoyed run as ATI executive director By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Jim Reilly had experience operating a nonprofit after running the Indianapolis City Market in Indianapolis. THEATER After leaving that position, Reilly started his own consulting company, The Reilly Group. But when the Actors Theatre of Indiana approached him about being a consultant, he was unsure he could do the job. “I don’t act, I don’t sing, Reilly I don’t dance, but I can run a business,” he said. “I said, ‘Let’s give it a three-month contract.’” Reilly served as ATI’s executive director for 12 years before retiring in late December. “It’s been a good run,” Reilly said. “I had fun. I told them if they ever need me, I’ll help them. The time has come for some younger blood. I’m ready not to have the fundraising worries. I’m sure they will bring in someone who has the experience and the knowledge. My skills weren’t in the artistic field, they were in the business world. You have the combination of someone who likes theater and understands business.” Reilly said he and his wife, PJ, always loved the theater. Reilly, 76, said he liked that the ATI office was near his Carmel home. PJ worked in the front office of Carmel High School for 28 years before retiring three years ago. “She liked her job, and I liked working in the theater,” Reilly said. “It gave me some flexibility. I liked being around the actors all day, just being able to sit in the office. When I was doing my work and they were rehearsing, it made the day interesting. I liked hearing all the old songs, especially if it was an old Broadway show where I knew all the songs.” Reilly, who is from Chester, Pa., moved to Indiana to work for Simon Property Group. He eventually worked at the Indianapolis City Market in Indianapolis. Reilly has three children, who live in different states, with nine grandchildren. “This will give us time to hop in the car and go,” Reilly said.

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

‘Menopause, the Musical’ set By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

heretofore untapped part of the theatrical market, women of a menopausal age, she also gave actresses of a certain age Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck can’t even begin continued employment in an industry that to remember how many times she has generally doesn’t have an abundance of appeared in “Meno- opportunities for us.” PERFORMANCES pause, the Vanbiesbrouck has played the Musical.” Soap Star role more than any other Vanbiesbrouck will perform in role, but she also has performed the role of the Soap Star in Beef & as the Iowa Housewife. Boards Dinner Theatre’s produc“What I like about all the roles is tion that runs Jan. 5 to Feb. 4 at that somewhere in the audience, the Indianapolis venue. no matter where we’re performing Her first appearance in the muin the country, there will be a persical was in 2004 in her hometown Vanbiesbrouck son who relates to each and every of Detroit. part on stage,” she said. “We ran there for 4 1/2 years, which Vanbiesbrouck’s favorite Soap Star is unheard of in the City of Detroit and number is “Hot Flash” to the tune of “Heat also why we are still, to this day, the lonWave.” gest-running musical in Detroit Theatre Vanbiesbrouck said some of the other History and also the Wilde Award winners favorite audience numbers are the Bee of Best Ensemble Cast,” Vanbiesbrouck Gees’ disco medley “My Husband Sleeps at said. “After the Detroit run ended, I toured Night” to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ and “My the country for years, took a short break Thighs” to “My Guy.” and returned again in 2012. It’s been on/off “In this show, if the audience is enjoying pretty steadily since then. Jeanie Linders, themselves, the actors can’t help but do who wrote, ‘Menopause, the Musical,’ not so, as well,” she said. only created a show that tapped into a For more, visit beefandboards.com.

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LIFESTYLE

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Exploring Eiteljorg’s Jingle Rails exhibit Commentary by Don Knebel

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In the last of our visits to interesting sites in and around Indianapolis, we stop by Jingle Rails, an annual holiday TRAVEL exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art opened in White River State Park in 1989. The museum was named for Harrison Eiteljorg, whose extensive holding of art and other items from and about the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America formed the foundation of the museum’s initial collection. Today, the museum’s collection is considered among the finest of its kind in the U.S. Every holiday season since 2010, the museum has featured “Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.” At the heart of this special exhibit is nearly a quarter mile of miniature railroad tracks. Nine G-scale model trains follow the tracks over wooden trestles and through make-believe tunnels, passing by buildings and landmarks representative of Indianapolis and the American West. Almost everything is created from natural materials, including such things as tree bark, nuts,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

A replica of Monument Circle at the Eiteljorg Museum. (Photo by Don Knebel)

seeds, leaves and cinnamon sticks. Structures from Indianapolis at the beginning of the exhibit include the Eiteljorg Museum, Union Station, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Monument Circle, complete with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument decked out as the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree.” On a nearby representation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, slot cars race each other around the miniature oval. Western scenes include the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Faithful, Mount Rushmore, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip. Lights and holiday

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trimmings are everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere enjoyable by adults and children alike. Each year, the presenters of Jingle Rails attempt to provide something new. The addition this year is a lighted inflatable train on the museum’s front lawn, colorfully calling attention to what is inside.

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

January 2, 2024

LIFESTYLE 1

Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com

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Across 1. UIndy alums 6. “Harper Valley ___” 9. ISO closing chords 13. Cowboy competition 14. Palladium ticket word 15. “Nae” sayer 16. Post-season football game for Purdue (1978 and ‘84) and Indiana (1988 and ‘90) 18. “___ never work!” 19. Tic-tac-toe win 20. Bad check letters 22. Hoosier Motor Club org. 23. Unattractive 26. Some IBM products 28. Replies to an invitation, briefly 30. ___ step further 31. Butler frat letter 32. Strong request 33. Fashion Mall store for Italian fashion 35. Shopping binge 37. Circle City Soul Food dessert choice 41. Fighting words 42. Conditional phrase 44. Doing the same old thing 47. Muppet friend of Elmo

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49. Wagering option inits. 50. Private teacher 51. Sassy talk 52. Leaky tire sound 53. Commotion 54. Carmel-to-Cincinnati dir. 56. IND posting 58. Propositional phrase? 60. Pantone Color of the Year 2024 65. List entry 66. IRT play part 67. Watch again 68. Dermatologist’s concern 69. Vonnegut: “___ Sirens of Titan” 70. Maine-to-Florida hwy. Down 1. Org. 2. Fish eggs 3. Toothpaste tube letters 4. Fake drake 5. Big Apple neighborhood 6. Bridgewater Club golf instructor 7. Indiana’s Brook, Brooklyn, Brooksburg and Brookville 8. Piercing tools 9. WTTV forensic drama 10. Musical span 11. Work out in the YMCA pool

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12. “Finally!” 17. Conks on the head 21. Unpaid-for perk 23. Fleecy boot brand 24. Elevate 25. Sneaker feature 27. Pancho’s TV amigo 29. Place for books 31. Photo 32. Texter’s “Gimme a sec” 34. Egypt’s capital 36. ___ scheme (investment scam) 38. FDR’s successor 39. Genesis name 40. Decomposes 43. Atlanta-based cable co. 44. Type of type 45. Bare existence at the Ponderosa Sun Club 46. Makes amends 48. Oil cartel 51. Bloodsucker 52. Bank vaults 55. Tiff 57. Drive-___ window 59. CPR expert 61. Had scallops at Vida 62. GI entertainers 63. Buddhist doctrine 64. Alphabet ender Answers on Page 23

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2023-00292 SU & PZ-2023-00297 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of January, 2024 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 Special Use application to: Approve for the ”Special Use” of Daycare in the B-6 zoning district as well as a parking variance. The site is zoned B6/Business. With the property being known as 690 Pro Med Lane, Carmel, IM. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2023-00292 SU & PZ-2023-00297 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-09-25-00-01-001.000. 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. Ben Udell Petitioner

CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS Project: White River Greenway North Trail Extension Notice is hereby given that the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation will receive sealed bids for the above described Project at the Board’s Administrative Offices located at 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel Indiana 46032 on January 23, 2024 at 10:00 am local time and, commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room of the Administrative Offices. 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 – White River Greenway North Trail Extension.” 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 performance and payment bonds, and begin work without delay in the event the award is received. The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: Construction of a new trailhead and pedestrian trail, including incidental items such as restroom building, parking lot, river overlook structure, concrete curb, pavement markings, signage, retaining walls, temporary and permanent erosion control measures, HMA/PCCP trails and sidewalks, bike racks, bollards, drainage culverts, landscaping, and lighting on the overlook structure. Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at and obtained from the office of Eastern Engineering Supply Company, 9901 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038; Phone: (317) 598-0661. The plan charge will be listed on the online plan room. Payments and costs of Contract Documents and related supplemental materials are non-refundable. NO DEPOSITS ACCEPTED. 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. A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on January 9, 2024 at 10:00 am local time in the Conference Room of the Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Administrative Offices, 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032 and, weather permitting, shall conclude with a site visit to the location where the Work is to be performed. All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory. The Board intends to award a contract for the Project in accordance with Ind. Code §36-1-12 et seq., to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid does not exceed the funds available for the Project. The Owner shall have the right to accept any alternates in any order or combination or accept on the basis of the Base Bid alone, unless otherwise specifically provided in the bidding documents and to determine the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder on the basis of the sum of the Base Bid and any alternates accepted. For special accommodations for individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting and in need of assistance, please call or notify Ben Deichmann at (317) 566-0629 or bdeichmann@sjcainc.com 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. Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation 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. Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation 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 Board as determined by the Director.

January 2, 2024

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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, goodnatured 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

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