Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 33
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact Managing Editor Todd Golden at todd@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentincarmel. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Share your thoughts
Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Carmel market (38,529 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Carmel advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Michigan Road apartment rezone approved
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Land on the northwest corner of Michigan Road and 99th Street in southwest Carmel was rezoned to allow for the construction of apartments and retail use by a 5-4 vote of the Carmel City Council during its July 7 meeting.
Carmel-based developer Edward Rose Properties plans to build 360 apartments in seven three- and four-story buildings on a 22-acre parcel previously occupied by the Resort Condominiums International headquarters.
To do so, the land had to be rezoned from I-1 Industrial to a Planned Unit Development district to set zoning standards specific to the project. The ordinance rezoned the real estate to allow for a mixeduse development, including multifamily and commercial uses.
Debate during the city council meeting touched on several topics related to the Michigan Road corridor as well as on the project.
“This is about a land-use issue. This is about a property tax issue. This is about a strain on U.S. 421, the number of units that are being added there,” said Rich Taylor, city councilor at-large, who voted against
CITY NEWS CITY NEWS
the rezoning.
Taylor said the land could continue to be used for business purposes that he said would bring in more property tax revenue.
“We are missing out on very high-paying jobs that’s very difficult to locate anywhere else in the city of Carmel,” Taylor said. “We haven’t focused on this area to try to attract traditional economic development. As an at-large city councilor, I have to take a look at not what’s just best for one district, but what’s best for the city overall. To me, that is diversifying our tax base, our employer base. We have plenty of apartments.”
Some council members noted that con-
tinued industrial use for the property and that area of Carmel has not been a recent consideration.
“I’m a little more skeptical on the industrial use, but admittedly, we haven’t explored it all,” said council member Adam Aasen, who represents the Southeast District.
Aasen voted against the project.
Some councilors also raised concerns about public safety and the lack of a plan for the Michigan Road corridor.
Other council members supported the project.
“The reason I am a yes is because I see the efficacy in doing something to take ownership in a Carmel way of this part of our city,” Councilor Ryan Locke said. “Putting some people there and some people that we care about and some activity, even if it’s apartments, which I’m not super keen on, it feels like it’s right here because of what it could start to spur.”
Other councilors voiced support for the project because it would bring in just under $2.2 million to the Parks Capital Improvement fund. The city requires $6,039 for each new dwelling to be placed in the fund.
The next city council meeting is July 21 at Carmel City Hall.
Lifesaving effort earns recognition
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Police Department Chief Drake Sterling presented the Citizens Commendation Award to three Carmel residents who played a part in saving the life of a man who was suffering from cardiac arrest.
Ahmed Mereb, Dr. Anita Joshi and Carmel K-9 officer Branden Owens received the award during the July 7 Carmel City Council meeting at City Hall. Joshi is a city councilor who represents Carmel’s West District.
Sterling said Jazz Roundtree suffered a life-threatening emergency May 4 inside the Proscenium parking garage during the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. Roundtree collapsed inside the garage.
Mereb was driving through the garage with his family when he saw Roundtree in distress and exited his vehicle to help. At the same time, Joshi, a pediatrician, was walking through the garage and also
responded to the emergency.
Both began to administer CPR. CPD officers were dispatched to the scene and Owens responded. He retrieved his AED and applied it while he performed chest compressions. Owens was later assisted by CPD Sgt. Matt Keinsley. Two shocks from the AED were administered before Carmel Fire Department personnel took over care
of Roundtree.
According to Sterling, Roundtree regained a pulse and was transported to IU North Hospital for further treatment. Sterling said Roundtree has since been released but was unable to attend the award ceremony.
Keinsley and Owens were also presented with a Lifesaving Award.
An artist rendering of an apartment building planned for the Michigan Road development. (Artist rendering)
From left, Carmel Police Department officer Matt Keinsley, Ahmed Mereb, CPD officer Branden Owens and Carmel City Councilor Dr. Anita Joshi were recognized for their lifesaving efforts at the Carmel City Council meeting July 7. (Photo by Todd Golden)
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam wears an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey during the July 7 Carmel City Council meeting. Finkam wore the jersey to settle a bet between herself and the mayor of Edmond, Okla. (Screenshot of Carmel City Council meeting)
Finkam wears Thunder jersey to settle bet
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A wager between two mayors led to an unusual sight at the July 7 Carmel City Council meeting.
WAGER
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam sported an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey with the number worn by that team’s star player Shea Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder defeated the Pacer last month in the NBA Finals — securing the championship with a Game 7 victory.
Finkam wore the jersey of the reigning NBA MVP after losing a bet to Mark Nash, the mayor of Edmond, Okla., a suburb of Oklahoma City. The wager was over which team would win the NBA title. The loser had to wear the jersey of a winning team’s player to a council meeting.
“I heard a few times, ‘Did you lose a bet?’ Yes, yes, I did,” Finkam said at the meeting. She read a note from Nash to the council.
“’Thank you for being such a great sport. Rivalries like these bring our cities together in ways that go beyond sports. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share this lighthearted tradition with you. Looking forward to seeing that Thunder blue in Carmel,” Nash wrote.
It is common for municipalities to engage in a friendly wager when teams that represent their communities compete for a championship. The Pacers, who lost star Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles in the first quarter, led at halftime of the decisive Game 7 but could not hold off the Thunder in the second half in a 103-91 Indiana loss.
Finkam said she doesn’t intend to have to wear an opposing jersey again and finished her remarks with “Go Pacers!”
Repaving request triggers discussion on Carmel streets
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A public hearing during the July 7 Carmel City Council meeting to request $2.526 million to support street repaving costs turned into a wider discussion on Carmel’s priorities for streets beyond simply repaving.
CITY NEWS
The discussion came after the request for appropriation from the general fund was made by Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson.
City Council Member Matthew Snyder raised “fundamental issues” with the process of how Carmel appropriates money for street repairs.
“It’s been $5 million, year after year after year,” Snyder said. “It never changed. Even though costs have gone up 40 percent and our standards have got stricter and our (city street system) has gotten exponentially larger. Here we are playing with $2.5 million dollars to
hit an $8 (to) $9 million number that is 100 percent arbitrary.”
Snyder said that of Carmel’s 1,111 total lane miles, only 30 percent are rated as “good” by the standard of Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating or Visual Condition Index, the two methods used to determine road quality by municipalities.
Snyder said the council should have a conversation about using money allocated for other infrastructure projects for use to “truly put money into our roads.”
Concerns raised by other council members were related to whether current paving projects would be delayed if the appropriation request was taken to committee for further discussion.
Council President Adam Aasen suggested that the ideas debated by the council be sent to the Finance Committee. That was approved unanimously.
The next city council meeting is at 6 p.m. July 21 at Carmel City Hall.
CPD offers a moment to remember
Commentary by Steve Greenberg
Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make a kid’s heart soar at a community event or anywhere, really. On July 3, it was something altogether different.
COLUMN
My bride and I were joined by my daughter and her three girls, the grandgirls, as I call them. One is a rising first-grade student at Carmel Elementary School. She was steadfast in her quest at CarmelFest — beyond the two-story ice-cream cone and a lemon shakeup. She wanted to see Officer Morris, her school resource officer from the Carmel Police Department. Mission accepted. She and I traipsed all through the festival, asking officers on duty whether Morris was nearby. One said he believed Morris’ shift had ended. The kid’s chin dropped. Hard.
As we were walking to the car, I saw two officers sitting on a golf cart, and I said to my granddaughter, “Maybe THEY know where Officer Morris is.” She gave me an expectant “Really?” I said, “Let’s just go find out.”
Sure enough, they said Morris had, indeed, left for the day. (Insert a more-pronounced
chin drop here.) One of these gents pulled out his iPhone and instantly had Morris on FaceTime. My granddaughter could have melted, and it wouldn’t have been from the heat. They had a pleasant conversation. When it was over we both thanked the intervening officers and left. I asked her, “Why did you want to speak with Office Morris?” I should have asked way back at the beginning, but, you know, heat and humidity. “He keeps us safe and he tells me he hopes I feel better when I have a tummy ache.”
Look, it’s a little thing to most of us, but it wasn’t to her or to the CPD officers and their colleague, Morris. The selflessness displayed made this little girl’s day, if not her summer.
The culture at CPD, in my view, is amazing. Nobody had to do what transpired, and thus everyone in the department should take a well-deserved bow.
Steve Greenberg is the co-founder, co-owner and executive vice president of Current Publishing. You may email him at steve@ youarecurrent.com.
Council hires law firm to investigate CCI controversy
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council on July 7 approved the selection of law firm Dentons Bingham Greenebaum to investigate controversies surrounding the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. It also added language to its agreement letter with the firm ensuring its own actions are considered as part of the review.
CITY NEWS
The move comes after a tumultuous year for the Christkindlmarkt, during which Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam abruptly fired a majority of its board, its CEO resigned and a former board member filed a defamation lawsuit against Finkam and the city. The annual holiday market is run by Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc., a nonprofit launched by the city in 2017.
The agreement between the council and the law firm states that the cost of the review is not to exceed $125,000. It also states that the scope of the investigation will be determined after the Dentons Bingham Greenebaum team interviews city councilors with concerns about the matter followed by city executive branch officials with oversight of the event.
Councilor Ryan Locke, an attorney who chairs the investigation committee, said the initial goal is to “set a foundation” for the review.
“It looks moderately broad, and that’s on purpose to open the initial round of conversations, putting us behind the attorney client privilege with them to ensure that we come to the appropriate scope,” Locke said.
Councilor Tony Green, also an attorney, said the broad scope makes it appear the council is on a “fishing expedition.” He proposed an amendment adding the city’s legislative branch — the city council — to the scope of the investigation.
“There’s clearly the appearance of political motivation behind this,” Green said. “For a number of individuals to say, ‘We’re going to go after the executive, but whatever we do is somehow protected or not relevant or not important, that’s completely a lack of transparency.”
When asked by Current to explain the political motivation, Green said the strongest advocates on the council to conduct an investigation were on the slate of an
opponent of Finkam in the 2023 election.
“Those same councilors clearly had or have personal ties to the persons who were directly impacted by Mayor Finkam’s decisions regarding the former CCI board and CEO,” Green said. “A reasonable person would at least question the motivations behind an investigation that seems to be searching for answers to questions currently missing in a very broad scope of the investigation.”
Councilor Jeff Worrell, who moved to launch the investigation at the council’s May 5 meeting, said Green is an “avid supporter of Mayor Finkam,” so his comments were understandable.
“This is not about a squabble or a fight,” Worrell said. “This is about insistence by the city council for transparency and full truthful disclosure.”
Locke said he did not take issue with Green’s motion to add the legislative branch to the wording of the agreement, because he believes the council is already included as part of the investigation as part of the City of Carmel. The council voted to approve the amendment.
When the council voted to launch the investigation in May, councilors indicated they would work with a firm that had not previously done work with the city. However, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum provided legal services to the city as recently as 2023, according to city invoices.
Locke said he was aware of the firm’s previous work for the city. He said it hasn’t conducted business with the city since Finkam and the new council took office at the beginning of 2024 and that it is a good fit for several reasons.
“There was a desire to find somebody that, based on their relationship to all, was distant enough from the central core facts and the current administration of our government as a whole that would give us an objective, rational approach to getting this done,” Locke told Current.
Before initiating the investigation, the council partnered with Finkam to create the Affiliate Review Committee, which held a series of meetings to review the city’s ties to several organizations, including CCI. In a statement sent to Current, Finkam said her administration has welcomed questions from the council about CCI throughout the process but has not received any.
UNMATCHED SERVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS
When it comes to your business, we take a comprehensive approach toward meeting your goals. Our cross-functional team works together to provide innovative solutions, personal service and local decision making that exceeds expectations. With Commercial Banking at The National Bank of Indianapolis, you are supported by experts in their field, so you can succeed in yours.
Carmel rated fifth-best job market nationally
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Financial technology company
SmartAsset rated Carmel as the fifth-best job market in the country according to an article published July 1.
CITY NEWS
SmartAsset used six metrics to determine its rankings: unemployment rate; income growth; the percentage of workers with employer-sponsored health insurance; typical commute time; the percentage of remote workers; and median housing payments as a share of income.
Carmel was cited its median earnings for workers ($101,038, according to Smar-
tAsset) - the best ranking in their analysis. Carmel also rated 8th in unemployment rate at 2.27%.
Carmel rated highest among cities in Indiana. The only cities ahead of them nationally were Bend, Ore., Richmond, Va., Seattle and Bellevue, Wash.
“It’s always a pleasure to see others recognize what sets Carmel apart, including our robust economy, highly skilled workforce, and focus on innovation and quality of life. Being named one of the top five job markets in the U.S. reinforces that Carmel is a place where businesses thrive and professionals find real opportunity for success,” said Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam in a city press release.
Swan Software Solutions, an IT services company headquartered in Carmel, celebrated its 20th anniversary June 12.
LOCAL BUSINESS
Founded by Alex Morozov, Swan Software Solutions now has six offices in Europe. He and wife Alla, who is vice president of public relations, named the company Swan after the fairy tale, “The Ugly Duckling.”
Morozov is proud that Swan Software Solutions has grown in an ever-changing IT business environment.
“Not many companies survive 20 years in their lifetime and especially in the IT area where everything is so competitive. We’re proud to be here and we’re proud of
what we’ve done,” he said.
Morozov also is proud of what Swan Software Solutions has done to support local charities and countrymen in his native Ukraine.
“We are very proud to support the local community. We’re doing a lot for local charity and we’re also helping Ukraine,” Morozov said. “We have a lot of developers in Europe, but we started originally in Ukraine. I believe what goes around, comes around. We’re trying to do good for the community, city and state. That’s probably one of the reasons we’re successful.”
Swan Software Solutions employs more than 350 people worldwide, including more than 200 IT pros, according to the company’s website.
For more, visit wansoftwaresolutions. com.
Andrew Thornton Vice President, Commercial Banking
Carole Veatch Vice President, Treasury Management
Holli Ford Vice President, Private Banking
Swan Software Solutions founder Alex Morozov, center, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the business.
(Photo courtesy of Swan Software Solutions)
Hamilton County 4-H Fair returns
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair returns to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds at 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville from July 17 through July 21.
EVENT
Exhibits and displays will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 17-20. Admission and parking are free.
As construction continues on Pleasant Street and at the Bicentennial Pavillion, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Kathleen Bohde is asking patrons to enter the fairgrounds from Clover Road.
“We know there’s projects going on here in Hamilton County for the betterment of our community, and there are a lot of projects going on at the same time,” Bohde said. “We have lots of parking in our back 14 acres and will have signs directing people back to our grass lot away from Pleasant Street.”
For more, visit extension.purdue.edu/ county/hamilton/hamilton-county-fair/visitor-information.html.
Schedule of events:
JULY 17
• 8:30 a.m.: 4-H bucket calf show
• 9:30 a.m.: Llama senior showmanship
• 10 a.m.: 4-H crops judging, 4-H horse & pony english show, 4-H poultry show and 4-H robotics activities
• Noon: 4-H dairy goat show
• 1 p.m.: 4-H tractor driving contest, Extension Homemakers Flower Show and children’s story time
• 7 p.m.: 4-H sewing & consumer clothing revue and Grace Scott Band
• 7:30 p.m.: Walk-A-Llama
JULY 19
• 8:30 a.m.: 4-H public speaking contest
• 9 a.m.: 4-H swine show
• 9:30 a.m.: 4-H llama junior showmanship
• 10 a.m.: 4-H horse & pony dressage
• 11 a.m.: 4-H demonstration contest
• 1 p.m.: Antique tractor pull and children’s story time
• 1:30 p.m.: 4-H llama field obstacle
• 2 p.m.: Kids’ craft activities
• 3 p.m.: Extension Homemakers’ food & craft show
• 5 p.m.: 4-H cat show and 4-H dog drill team demonstration
• 5:30 p.m.: 4-H llama costume contest
• 6 p.m.: 4-H horse & pony contesting show
• 6:30 p.m.: Homemade ice cream contest
• 7 p.m.: Walk-A-Llama and youth swine exhibition
• 8 p.m.: Bracken DJ & Sound Company
JULY 20
• 9:30 a.m.: 4-H sheep wool judging
• 10 a.m.: Worship service, 4-H horse & pony hunter & jumper show and 4-H sheep show
• Noon: 4-H pocket pet show
• Noon to 4 p.m.: Caravan Classes kids’ crafts
• 1 p.m.: 4-H lawn & garden tractor contest, children’s story time and Walk-A-Llama
• 1:30 p.m.: Westfield Ukulele Circle
• 2 p.m.: Gilbert Family Gospel Band and youth pedal tractor pull
• 2:30 p.m.: 4-H parents’ llama show
• 3 p.m.: Kids’ craft activities
• 4:30 p.m.: Youth sheep exhibition
• 5 p.m.: Antique tractor parade, 4-H food & microwave auction and pet parade
• 6 p.m.: Farmer olympics
JULY 21
9 a.m.: 4-H beef show
9:30 a.m.: 4-H 1/16th tractor pull
10 a.m.: 4-H horse & pony versatility show and 4-H llama youth judging
2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.: Youth talent contest
3 p.m.: Royal showmanship
7 p.m.: Supreme showmanship
DISPATCH
July Eggs & Issues scheduled — OneZone Chamber invites the business and civic community to attend the July Eggs & Issues, featuring special guest Jim Morris, president and CEO of Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. The event will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. July 18 at The Bridgewater Club at 3535 East 161st St. in Westfield. Morris has more than three decades of leadership experience in both the nonprofit and business sectors, with the past 15 years leading Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. Under his guidance, the organization has grown from serving 24 families annually in Marion County to more than 100 families across four central Indiana counties each year. Attendees can register at onezonechamber.com.
OBITUARY
Maureen Kay Harlan (Godfrey), 81, of Carmel, Indiana passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on August 12, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, Maureen was the middle of 3 daughters. Maureen dedicated her life to caring for others. As a Registered Nurse, a wife, a mother, a church volunteer, and most of all as “Grammy”.
As an RN, Maureen spent time working in the geriatrics, family medicine, gastroenterology, and most recently, labor and delivery at Community Hospital North where she retired in August 2008. Maureen was also a volunteer school nurse at Mohawk Trails Elementary and Clay Junior High School in the 1980’s. Maureen cared for her MotherIn-Law as well as her own Mother in their final days of life. She set a lifetime of examples for her daughters and granddaughters of care, compassion, and commitment for loved ones.
Maureen and her husband, John R. Harlan lived in Carmel and were members of Carmel United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. Maureen and John were active in volunteering for and with the church in many areas including Junior High Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) Leaders, College Group Fellowship Leaders, Sunday morning greeters, CUMC Food Pantry volunteers, and multiple Missions trips to Henderson, KY. Maureen participated in United Methodist Women’s Circle and some of her closest friends were women she met while her girls were in preschool at CUMC. They have “played bridge” monthly for 40 + years. Maureen’s commitment to her faith, her family and her friends spanned her entire adult life and continues to be an inspiration to her family.
Maureen and John enjoyed traveling in their retirement visiting Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, Costa Rica, The Panama Canal, Nicaragua, Canada, Greece, Spain, France,
Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Caribbean, and Switzerland. They also spent many Friday nights around the kitchen table playing Dominos with good friends.
Maureen was a long-time member of PEO in Carmel and served as President and Vice President of her Chapter. Maureen was also an active member in her Plum Creek Farms Neighborhood where she and John lived for the last 20 years. Maureen participated in and hosted “Bunko nights” and morning breakfasts with her neighborhood friends and was always available for an evening walk.
Maureen was preceded in death by her husband, John of 60 years, her mother, Jane Godfrey, her brothers-in-law James R Harlan II, Jeff C. Harlan, and Michael Shaffer.
Maureen is survived by her two daughters, Jill Harlan Reagan, and Holly R. Dunn, her son-in-law, James Glenn, and her five beloved granddaughters, Lauren H. Price, Katelyn R. Dunn, Madelyn Y. Dunn, Kennedy K. Phillips, and Ellie P. Dunn.
Maureen is also survived by her two sisters, Colleen Craft and Cecelia Young, her sistersin-law Janet Harlan, Sally Shaffer, Marge Harlan, her brother-in-law John Young, 5 nephews, 6 nieces and 14 great nephews and nieces.
Maureen was deeply loved and will always be remembered as a wonderful and much missed daughter, sister, wife, mother, grammy, aunt, nurse, caretaker, and friend.
A deep Thank You to Magnolia Springs of Bridgewater for the care, love and happiness they provided over the last few years. Maureen’s family was grateful for so many friends, committed staff and entertainment mom enjoyed there.
A Celebration of Maureen’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 3rd from 2pm to 4pm at Carmel United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
CARMELFEST BRINGS THE CROWDS OUT TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH
The band Cease And Resist plays in the Civic Square gazebo in front of City Hall on July 3. (Photos by Todd Golden)
A pair of curious goats take a peek from the petting zoo at CarmelFest KidZone outside City Hall.
The annual July 4 parade takes place on Range Line Road as part of CarmelFest. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Hamilton County U.S. 31 lane closures begin July 14
news@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced July 7 that paving work on U.S. 31 in Carmel will begin July 14 and will require some lanes to be closed as the work is done. Overnight lane closures will begin on
ROAD WORK
U.S. 31 between 116th and 216th Street in Carmel and Westfield. Lane closures are planned between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly. INDOT said that at least one lane will remain open to traffic until work is completed.
Overnight ramp closures are also planned as paving progresses from south to north.
Members of Carmel Seniors Speak, a community Facebook group, visited South Haven, Mich., June 16 to 18. They had dinner with South Haven Mayor Annie Brown and visited several locations around town. The group will celebrate its one-year anniversary in August. Learn more at facebook.com/ groups/carmelseniorsspeak
The Business Services Division provides access to register and manage the filing requirements for your business through the INBiz portal. Everything starts with getting an Access Indiana sign-in with the state.
Additional services: Trademarks
UCC Filings
Certified Copies Authentications
SOS Forms Notaries Public
Additional support: IRS links
Certificates for Banking Workers Comp. Claims Info Expert Advice Sources
Register with: Department of Revenue Workforce Development Indiana Professional Licensing Attorney General Indiana Dept. of Administration
Stay Connected:
Updating and verifying your contact information is the best way to be notified of requirements and other important information.
From left, Judy Ford, Lin Simmons and John Simmons on the KalHaven Trail, which runs from South Haven, Mich., to Kalamazoo, Mich.
CARMEL SENIOR GROUP TAKES ROAD TRIP TO MICHIGAN
South Haven Mayor Annie Brown with gifts from Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. (Photos courtesy of Chuck Ford)
DISPATCHES
Cicero Legion Riders plan fundraiser — Cicero American Legion Riders is hosting its seventh annual Mongo’s Ride July 26, with all proceeds supporting local veterans. The ride begins at the Cicero American Legion and ends at Harley-Davidson in Fishers, where there will be a live landing of a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, food, raffles and live music from Moonshine Vandals from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Mongo’s Ride is in memory of SPC Luke “Mongo” Frist, who died from injuries while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2004. For more, visit legionriderscicero@ gmail.com.
Hansen Foundation golf outing set — The 7th annual Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation Golf Outing will be held July 26 at Pebble Brook Golf Course in Noblesville. The foundation will use the 2025 proceeds to continue funding scholarships at Guerin Catholic High School, Marian University, internships at the Merciful HELP Center, Concussion Legacy Foundation and begin funding a Wabash College scholarship. For more details and registration, please visit erh32.org.
State chamber offers tobacco program — Indiana officials estimate that nearly 40,000 Hoosiers will try to stop using tobacco after tax increases went into effect July 1. The new average price of a pack of cigarettes in Indiana is $11 because of the $2 per pack bump. The tax hike also applies to vapes and chewing tobacco. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Wellness Council of Indiana is releasing an enhanced version of its Quit Now Tool, a web-based platform that offers modernized ready-to-use modules for tobacco users, nonusers and employers. The program is free for WCI members. For more, visit wellnessindiana.org.
Hamilton County young professionals golf outing — The Westfield Young Professionals Council, a council of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce that connects young professionals with a network of peers, mentors and regional business and civic leaders, will host its 3rd annual golf outing Aug. 27 at Wood Wind Golf Course in Westfield. The outing is for young professionals 40 and under who live and/or work in Hamilton County. Tickets include 18-holes and access to the range; two golf carts per foursome; a Bloody Mary Bar; a box lunch; and entry to the 19th Hole Reception. Register at tinyurl.com/4d7dd9ka.
Mudsock Fest helps TherAplay
By Lauren Weidinger news@youarecurrent.com
The sixth annual Mudsock Fest, an overnight ticketed fundraiser, will be presented at Mystic Waters Campground in Pendleton from July 25-26. The event primarily benefits Children’s TherAplay at 9919 Towne Rd. in Carmel.
FUNDRAISER
The two-day event will feature live music beginning at 7 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m. July 25 and resuming from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 25.
New this year is a silent disco beginning at 11:30 p.m. July 25. A grilled cheese giveaway will also be held during the silent disco.
The event is presented by self-described “musicaholics” Brandon Cass and Derek Deckman. A suggested $25 donation is requested for admission.
Besides live music, the event will feature swimming, a paddle boarding race, a fishing contest, cornhole tournament, kayaking, silent auction, live auction and 50/50 raffle.
The main beneficiary is Children’s TherAplay, a nonprofit therapeutic center that uses horseback riding, or hippotherapy, to help children with disabilities achieve their goals. It offers occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy services to children aged 18 months to 13 years old.
Live bands will perform at Mudsock Fest. (Photos courtesy of Katie Stratman, Children’s TherAplay)
Licensed therapists use horses to “accelerate the physical, emotional and behavioral development for children with disabilities and/or unique needs.”
Katie Stratman, development manager for Children’s TherAplay, said through horseback riding, patients can experience similar movement patterns to walking, providing therapeutic benefits to those looking to increase strength, coordination and mobility.
This year, the Animal Protection League in Anderson will bring dogs to Mudsock Fest, who will be available for adoption. Attendees can camp at Mystic Waters Campground. To reserve a spot, call 765221-1078. Mudsock Fest tickets can be purchased online at mudsockfest.com/tickets/. Tickets will also be available for purchase on-site the day of the event.
INDIANA FEVER GUARD LEXIE HULL HOSTS CAMP IN CARMEL
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull celebrates kids during her basketball camp at Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel June 28. (Photo courtesy of Ella Shelton/ProCamps)
Yours For The Making lets customers get artistic
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Aja Huerkamp teaches Advancement Via Individual Determination at Carmel and Creekside middle schools, but she also has an artistic side.
ART
“I used to joke that I had a degree in cutting and pasting. I have always loved any opportunity to make a mess,” Huerkamp said.
Whether painting or piecing together arts and crafts, Huerkamp is in her element. So much so that she decided to go into business to pursue her passion.
Huerkamp recently opened Yours For The Making, at 13620 N. Meridian St. at Meridian Village in Carmel, a DIY arts and crafts studio.
Huerkamp said she runs the business in partnership with her husband, Kyle, and she gets help from her children as well.
Yours For The Making offers workshops in wood sign painting, fabric painting, wreath making and beading.
Customers can sign up for a scheduled workshop, or the business can host a private party, a team-building exercise or book club. There are also two kids classes with a different craft featured each time.
“I’ve been doing this outside of the busi-
ness for quite a while,” Huerkamp said. “We are just now having all of the pieces come together to be in this spot and open up as a storefront.”
Customers can mold their own experience. Experienced crafters have a working space, and inexperienced crafters will be instructed by Huerkamp.
“If you’ve been dragged here against your will, you’re on a date and just want to make her happy and this isn’t your vibe? You’re still going to leave with something that you love because I’m going to walk you through every step of the process,” Huerkamp said.
Groups can make arts and crafts together.
“People are enjoying themselves a lot when they come out with a group of friends because it’s something to do while you’re chatting, talking and entertaining each other,” Huerkamp said.
Yours For The Making will have an open house from noon to 4 p.m. July 19 to celebrate its grand opening. All ages are welcome. Interested parties can sign up for a workshop or take part in a miniature wood and fabric project. Prizes, coupons and treats will be available.
For more, visit yoursforthemaking.co.
CORRECTION
In an article with the headline, “City release survey results” in the July 8 edition of Current in Carmel should have said an “overwhelming majority of survey respondents” instead of “an overwhelming majority of Carmel residents.”
Yours For The Making co-owner Aja Huerkamp with a craft made by a customer at the Yours For The Making craft studio at 13620 N. Meridian St. in Carmel.
(Photo by Todd Golden)
Carmel resident helps kids develop social skills
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A former elementary school teacher in Pike Township in Indianapolis, Nancy Stephens was seeking a new vocation after being a stayat-home mom for several years.
MANNERS
The Carmel resident’s oldest child, Sophia, just finished her first year at Indiana University. Her other three children attend Carmel Clay Schools, so she was looking for something to do with her time.
manners and etiquette,” Stephens said.
“It’s been just wonderful. I bring all the materials to teach a lesson. I set up a role play for a high tea party. I bring in all the tablecloths, all the teacups, place settings and then we do role play.”
Stephens
“I wanted to use my creativity as a teacher, and I still love teaching,” Stephens said.
Stephens said she heard from so many parents on how children are always on their cell phones and questioning whether they can communicate person to person. So, she started The Kind Kettle in the fall of 2024.
“I put together a curriculum teaching
She teaches students how to properly enter a home or order at a restaurant. However, her main purpose is her wanting youth to share kindness with each other.
Stephens will have a monthly etiquette high tea program for homeschooled children ages 7-15 at the Westfield Washington Public Library, starting Sept. 8, during the school year. Stephens said she was asked by the library to return after holding two tea sessions. She is going to offer enchanted forest tea for ages 3-6.
She also takes teatime into clients’ homes, setting up in the dining room or outdoor living space.
For more, visit thekindkettle.com or The Kind Kettle on Facebook.
price includes installation & warranty
If you happen to have missed us these last few years, we’re a locally owned and operated company specializing in large trees. We stock thousands of them in our yard at 300 South (146th) and Michigan Road. Come walk through the farm and choose the perfect trees for your space, or give us a call and we’ll pick them out for you. From there, we’ll handle everything: delivery, installation, mulch, cleanup, and warranty. It’s all included in our prices. We’re grateful for the thousands of customers who have trusted us, most of whom have left us 5-star ratings. We’re fully stocked and ready to earn your business!
A SECOND CHANCE
By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com
South College president turns cancer survival into career of service
When Courtney Martin Sechler was 4 years old, her father gave her the ultimate gift — a second chance at life. Diagnosed at age 2 with Wilms tumor, a rare pediatric kidney cancer, Sechler lost both of her kidneys before her third birthday.
“It was an incredibly difficult time for my family,” Sechler said. “My parents were young, navigating a complex medical crisis while also caring for my 1-year-old sister. It was a scary and confusing time for all of us.”
For the next year, Sechler underwent regular dialysis while her family clung to hope. In 1994, Sechler’s father donated a kidney to his daughter.
“It’s hard to fully express what that bond means,” Sechler said. “My father didn’t just give me life; he gave it back to me. Growing up with that knowledge has shaped how I see family, sacrifice and what it means to love unconditionally.”
The transplant saved her life – and 30 years later, that same kidney is still going strong as the Carmel resident navigates a career inspired by her medical journey.
Sechler is the president of South College Indianapolis, a private college in Carmel that trains health care professionals in nursing, diagnostic imaging, health sciences and more. It’s not the career she once envisioned, but it’s one that lets her make an impact every day.
“It is an honor and privilege to work with such a talented and thoughtful leader,” said Lynn Patton, South College Indianapolis Campus’ academic dean. “Ms. Sechler’s dedication to excellence and quality education is evident in all aspects of her commitment to our students and team members.”
From a young age, Sechler felt called to work in health care. Inspired by the doctors, nurses and support staff who guided her family through her cancer diagnosis and kidney transplant, she envisioned a future in which she could give back the same way. As she got older, however, she realized that being immunocompromised made direct patient care risky, forcing her to reconsider how she could serve.
That shift, though difficult at first, led
her to a path she found equally meaningful. Through health care education and leadership, Sechler discovered a way to channel her passion and purpose. In her current role, she helps train and inspire the next generation of medical professionals who will one day deliver the same compassionate, skilled care that once saved her life.
At South College, Sechler tries to lead by example.
“Ultimately, my goal is to continue cultivating a campus that’s known for excellence, innovation and heart,” she said.
“We’re not just educating students, we are shaping the future of healthcare in our region, and that’s a responsibility we carry with pride and purpose.”
The Indianapolis campus is growing fast, with programs built to meet workforce demands and fill shortages in critical areas like nursing and allied health. But for Sechler, it’s not just about producing qualified graduates. It’s about creating compassionate ones.
“I hope my story helps our students understand the true weight and worth of what they are preparing to do,” Sechler said. “Health care isn’t just a profession. It is a calling that holds real, lasting impact.
Every decision, every interaction, every moment of care has the power to shape someone’s life, just like it did mine.”
Giving back and raising awareness have long been central to Sechler’s life. She remains involved in initiatives such as the annual Kidney Walk, Relay for Life and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Her work with organizations like the Make-AWish Foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to advocacy, particularly for children and families facing serious illness.
As a childhood cancer survivor, Sechler has contributed for years to a long-term follow-up study at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting research on transplant outcomes and survivorship. She also stays involved in support groups for childhood cancer and organ transplantation, where she shares her story to offer guidance and hope to others on similar paths.
In her professional life, she integrates the same spirit of advocacy into her leadership. By bringing personal experience into educational spaces, she helps future health care providers understand the impact of compassion and presence in patient care. For Sechler, advocacy isn’t always about visibility — it’s about influ-
ence, empathy and using every opportunity to make a difference.
“She brings fresh perspectives and is consistently willing to navigate the challenges of providing an effective learning experience and developing a culture that enhances the skills of each of our team members,” Patton said.
Her own kidney has defied the odds. The typical transplanted kidney lasts between 12 and 15 years. Hers has lasted more than double that time.
“That gift comes with a sense of purpose,” Sechler said. “I want to make the very best of the life I’ve been given. It pushes me to live with intention, to lead with heart and to give back in every way I can.”
As she prepares to celebrate the 31st anniversary of her transplant this summer, Sechler is focused not just on what she’s survived — but on what she’s building.
“I was given a second chance for a reason,” she said. “This is how I honor it.”
Courtney Martin Sechler with her father and kidney donor, Scott Sechler, at PNC Park in Pittsburg, Penn., in 2018. (Photos courtesy of Courtney Martin Sechler)
Courtney Martin Sechler, left, at Disney World at age 2 in 1993 with her sister, Caitlyn Starkey.
ON THE COVER: South College President Courtney Sechler at South College, Indianapolis which is at 301 Pennsylvania Parkway in Carmel. (Photo by Todd Golden)
Nonprofit trains shelter pets to become medical service dogs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
An Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization is helping dogs and people through its mission to take dogs from shelters and rescue organizations and then train them to be certified medical service dogs for people living with a variety of physical and mental health conditions.
ANIMALS
Medical Mutts was founded in 2013 by Jennifer Cattet and her husband, Jack Topham. Cattet said she started training dogs when she was 18 — about 40 years ago — and previously worked for a different nonprofit that runs a prison-based dog program.
“I became a trainer because of my love of dogs and also because it was really a harsh reality to face how many dogs are surrendered every year and euthanized, because our relationship with dogs is not as positive and rosy as we would want it to be,” she said. “The dogs are ending up in shelters because dog lovers are breeding them or buying them or surrendering them. … When we founded Medical Mutts, we wanted to find a way to pull dogs out of a difficult situation, give them a wonderful life where they’re not going to be surrendered again, where they’re going to be placed with a person who really knows what they’re doing.”
The organization not only trains dogs. It works with its clients to make sure they understand their responsibilities.
“The dog gets a really good-quality home and then the person gets a dog that is going to help them,” Cattet said, “We’re trying to create teams where the dog and the person really rely on each other and where they’re going to be able to grow together and together have a better life. So, we really wanted to help on both ends of the leash.”
Traditionally, service dogs are bred for the work — mostly Labrador or golden retrievers. Cattet said taking primarily mixedbreed shelter dogs was a “little bit of a bet,” but one that has paid off for the nonprofit. Medical Mutts trainers visit shelters and carefully assess dogs who might succeed. They look for young dogs between 1 and 2 years old, with friendly, loving dispositions that are not timid or easily spooked and have a deep love of treats.
“All of our dogs are trained with treats, and we want dogs that are very motivated, because some of these dogs are going to have to wake up in the middle of the night to alert somebody,” Cattet said. “If somebody’s glucose level is going down in the middle of the night, or some child is having a seizure and the dog has to wake up, that dog has to be motivated enough to get out of their bed and do their job.”
Even with a thorough screening, not all of the dogs chosen for the program become service dogs. Abby Harlan, development director for Medical Mutts, said that — similar to programs that train dogs bred specifically for service work — only about 30 percent of the dogs that start training with Medical Mutts graduate from the program. The rest are available for adoption — still a win-win for the dogs and the families they end up with, especially since Medical Mutts dogs have gone through that initial screening, a quarantine period to make sure they are healthy and veterinary care, including vaccines.
“All dogs are good dogs, right? But we really have some adoptable dogs that may have better temperaments or be better with kids or cats,” Harlan said. “Whereas, you don’t necessarily always know what you’re getting when you go to a city shelter.”
Medical Mutts has a resident cat named Marvin — also adopted from a shelter — whose job is to greet visitors, provide stress relief through gentle head butts and purrs, and test how well the dogs react to a cat.
For more about Medical Mutts, including the nonprofit’s adoption program, visit medicalmutts.org.
Medical Mutts founder Jennifer Cattet, left, and Director of Training Eva Rudisile with Amway, a service dog in training. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
bb.q Chicken brings authentic Korean flavors to Carmel
By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com
A new restaurant specializing in Korean fried chicken has opened in Carmel. With a restaurant at 12505 Old Meridian St., Suite 140, bb.q Chicken launched May 30 as part of a growing international franchise known for its fresh, made-to-order chicken and unique flavors.
DINING
Founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 1995, the franchise has since grown to more than 3,500 locations worldwide.
The “bb.q” in the name stands for “Best of the Best Quality,” a promise the brand takes seriously, according to Local Store Marketing Coordinator Yeeun Park.
“We use only fresh chicken and prepare each batch to order for maximum crispiness and flavor,” Park said. “Our recipes are rooted in authentic Korean traditions, with a wide variety of unique sauces and styles that you won’t find elsewhere.” Some of the most popular menu items
so far include Honey Garlic chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, the Bulgogi Rice Bowl and the signature Golden Original fried chicken. The Carmel location offers dine-in service, carryout and delivery.
Park said the company opened in Carmel because of its strong community atmosphere, growing population and vibrant local economy.
“The area near the mall has good foot traffic, a growing number of apartment complexes and a steady population, making it a great spot to introduce our brand to more people,” Park said. For more, visit bbqchicken.com.
The Beauty Lounge Salon and Med Spa opens in Carmel
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
In April, Eve Harris launched The Beauty Lounge Salon and Med Spa at 10291 N. Meridian St., Suite 126 in Carmel.
NOW OPEN
Harris, who has more than two decades of experience in the salon industry, sold her previous business — The Beauty Lounge — in 2022 so she could focus on her private clientele. But she knew opening another salon was in her future.
“After I sold it in 2022, I took about three years off and just served my own private clientele while looking for commercial real estate,” said Harris, founder and master stylist at The Beauty Lounge Salon and Med Spa. “Then I found the space that we’re in last August and started negotiating on this space. We started construction in November of last year, and then we just opened it April 1 and had our grand opening May 10.”
Eve Harris, center, and The Beauty Lounge Salon and Med Spa team at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the salon. (Photo courtesy of Eve Harris)
Harris’ newest venture offers a variety of salon, beauty and bridal services. In addition to the traditional offerings like haircuts, color and extensions, she also offers waxing, makeup application and private makeup lessons.
“We do all things hair, so hair color, cuts and smoothing treatments, and a ton of hair extensions,” Harris said. Learn more at beautyloungecarmel.com.
Food offerings at bb.Q Chicken
(Photo courtesy of bb.Q Chicken)
15th Annual New England Style Lobster Boil
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Basile Opera Center • 6pm
Join us to celebrate summer, connect with friends, and make new memories in the heart of the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Featuring live singers, dancing, an open bar, and a delicious lobster and/or beef tenderloin dinner, this fun-filled summer event will be an evening to remember!
LOBSTER DINNER • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • SPECIALTY COCKTAILS
SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION IN OUR CITY
To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code
SATURDAY, JULY 19 6 p . m . – 11 p.m.
high-energy country music band is out of Fishers, IN. Jai, with brother David and best friend Kevin Bonewitz, knows how to entertain a crowd.
The street party begins at 6 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors.
You won't want to miss this fun, free community event!
Don't forget your lawn chairs!
Toto lead singer still enjoying life on the road
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Joseph Williams is best known as the lead singer for the rock band Toto off and on since the mid-1980s.
Yet Williams has lent his voice to other projects, including “The Lion King,” and has written scores for TV shows and movies. He learned from one of the best as his father is legendary film composer John Williams, who has won five Academy Awards for his film scores.
For the moment, Joseph Williams’ focus is on Toto’s summer tour, which has an Aug. 6 stop at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Toto will be joined by Christopher Cross and Men at Work in a 6:45 p.m. concert. Guitarist Steve Lukather is the sole continuous founding member of Toto.
“We just have so much fun, so that keeps us going, and the audiences have been growing over the years,” Williams said. “We did the three years with Journey and (that) actually helped us a lot with ticket sales and all that stuff. So, it’s been a great run and it just keeps getting better. Speaking for Luke (Lukather) and myself, we love to be on the road, and the audiences seem to really be digging it. So, that keeps me motivated.”
Williams said the group changes up the setlist whenever it can.
“Obviously, the hits are there, but there are a handful of other songs that are different (from last tour),” Williams said. “We love to pull out some deep cuts from some of the albums. Diehard fans will obviously know some of these more than the casual fans. We rock really well and groove really strongly. It’s a good set. I think people are going to be pleased.”
Among the band’s biggest hits are “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna” and “Africa.”
“The audience response is great and gives us a kick in the pants,’ Williams said of “Africa.” “David Paich isn’t really touring with us anymore and I get to sing his parts in the verse, and that’s a lot of fun because it’s down on a slightly
different range for me. It’s great to see the younger generations loving it, knowing that song with the help of all the covers over the years.”
Williams said “Africa” has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify.
Williams, 64, served as the lead vocalist from 1986 to 1988 before he returned full-time in 2010. In between, he performed occasionally with Toto.
“I was primarily writing scores for TV shows,” he said. “It was perfect timing because I could work at home and be with my kids when they were growing up, which was great.”
Williams’ father is still active.
‘“He’s an amazing specimen,” Williams said. “He’s going strong and currently working on something for the Vienna Philharmonic. He’s 93 and sharp as a tack. I’m not going to speculate I’ll be as sharp as he is at that age, but I’m going to try.”
The first time he worked with his father was in 1975 when he was 15 years old.
“He would never have me working on something if he didn’t know I could do it,” he said. “I was very fortunate I got to work on a couple of ‘Star Wars’ films and a few others.”
Williams said it’s hard to choose which of his father’s scores is his favorite.
“One that is really high on my list is the first Indiana Jones, ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’” Williams said. “I think that’s a brilliant score. He’s got so many. ‘Schindler’s List’ is incredible. I love all the ‘Star Wars’ stuff.”
Williams provided the singing voice of Simba in the 1994 animated version of “The Lion King.”
“I’m very proud of that. It’s great to be part of the Disney legacy,” he said. Toto is known for its versatile musicianship.
“It’s a band of excellent musicians who have careers working with other artists,” Williams said. “That was true when the band formed and we try to keep to that idea.”
For tickets, visit, ruoffmusiccenter.net.
‘WAITRESS’
“Waitress” runs July 17 to Aug. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘XANADU’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Xanadu” July 16-20 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
SONGBOOK ACADEMY
Songbook Showcase is set for 7 p.m. July 17 and Songbook Academy in Concert is set for 7 p.m. July 19 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“I Want My ‘80s! A Totally Tubular Party!” is set for July 17, followed by vocalist Melissa Sondhi July 18 and Dueling Pianos July 19 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘PUFFS’
Main Street Productions presents “Puffs,” a youth production, July 17-27 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
DISPATCH
Potter to perform in Fishers — Singer-songwriter Grace Potter will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. Tickets are on sale at npdamp.com and mokbpresents.com. Potter burst onto the scene in the early 2000s both as a solo artist and with her band the Nocturnals. She disbanded the Nocturnals in 2013, teaming with producer Eric Valentine for the 2015 album “Midnight.” In 2025, Potter released “Medicine,” produced by T-Bone Burnett. For ticketed shows, the venue is an all-ages facility, and children 2 and under are admitted free. Guests can bring their own lawn chair and blankets. For more, visit gracepotter.com and fisherslive.com. The new date for Band of Horses is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Nickel Plate District. It was previously postponed by severe weather and high winds.
Toto members Steve Lukather, left, and Joseph Williams will play Aug. 6 at Ruoff Music Center. (Photo courtesy of Toto)
FHS grad assists with show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Leon Benbow-Blomberg, this is a special opportunity.
MUSICAL
The 2016 Fishers High School graduate is the assistant choreographer for Footlite Musicals’ presentation of “Hadestown Teen Edition,” which runs July 18 to 27 at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis.
“I really enjoyed getting to create the choreography for some of my favorite pieces in Hadestown,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make my mark on such a fabulous show.”
mythologies being created to be told (or sung!) again and again,” Benbow-Blomberg said. “While we don’t have the iconic rotating stage of the Broadway version of ‘Hadestown,’ there’s still a lot that was able to be accomplished with the right formations and types of movement that I envisioned on the stage.
Marguerite Bourgeois, a 2024 Bishop Chatard High School graduate, is enjoying her role in the ensemble.
BenbowBlomberg
This is Indianapolis resident Benbow-Blomberg’s first time helping with choreography for a production.
“The biggest challenge for me for the choreography was making sure to create movement that showcases some of the key concepts of ‘Hadestown,’ from emphasizing the plot of the story, to amplifying the percussiveness of some lyrics, and overall, bringing together the theme of
“There is never a dull moment, and it really gives everyone an opportunity to shine in their own ways,” she said. “We work as a unit yet also as individuals, and it’s been an amazing process to figure out how that’s supposed to work.”
Gisele Dollinger, who lives in Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, is the music director and conductor.
“Even though I’ve worked with musically talented teenagers for the last 30 years, every summer I’m amazed at these next-level students.” she said.
This is the 50th season of Footlite youth artist productions. For more, visit footlite. org.
Opera event returns to roots
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey sees it as only fitting that Lobster Palooza is back at its original Meridian-Kessler roots for its 15th anniversary.
FUNDRAISER
The event returned to the Basile Opera Center in 2023 after two years at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville during renovation of Basile Opera Center. Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 26 at 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.
in December of 2016 and I thought this is one of the weirdest, exciting events I’ve ever heard of in nonprofit fundraising,” he said. “Whoever thought of in the heat of July, Larry Bird, opera and lobster. I just thought that it was the craziest combination I’d ever heard.”
Bird, the NBA legend and former Indiana Pacers head coach and executive, and his wife, Dinah, served as honorary chairs of Lobster Palooza for a few years.
Starkey
Starkey said they can use the entire property because Indianapolis Opera owns the building now.
“Meridian-Kessler is historically synonymous with long-running events,” Starkey said. “One of them is this particular building and campus (that) used to host GreekFest when the Greek Orthodox Church was here and that grew from a one-day event to three.”
Starkey said the event started on the property in a circus tent with an idea of legacy board members.
“I remember coming to the company
“We’re not sure anybody else does anything like this on any level,” Starkey said. “You still get the fresh Maine boiled lobster that we fly in the day before, and on top of that, you get a fundraising event with opera singing, an incredible array of mixed drinks and refreshment of Fork and Ale beer, Tito’s and exquisite wines.”
A cigar bar has been added this year.
The event helps support the Indianapolis Opera’s music education programs.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
ZCHS grad to make B&B debut
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Izzy Casciani has attended Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre shows for years.
MUSICAL
Now, the 2024 Zionsville Community High School graduate will make her Beef & Boards debut in the ensemble of “Waitress,” set for July 17 to Aug. 31 at the Indianapolis venue.
“I saw many Beef & Boards shows as a teenager and I always admired the quality and professionalism happening so close to my hometown,” said Casciani, who attends New York University School of Arts. “I feel very lucky to be up there myself now. I am most looking forward to working as an understudy for the first time, and I’m very excited to meet and work with all of the talented people involved in Beef & Boards.”
Casciani said she loves the music in “Waitress.”
“I went through a big phase of listening to it nonstop in middle school,” she said. “I like that (‘Waitress’ composer) Sara Bareilles’ music easily connects with people, whether they like musical theater or not,
Zionsville Community High School graduate Izzy Casciani will perform in “Waitress.” (Photo courtesy of Izzy Casciani)
and I also love the underlying theme of the importance of feminine relationships, whether that’s friendship or motherhood. I’m very excited to perform in the wedding scene in Act II. It’s so joyful and fun.”
Casciani attended the Songbook Academy, the Great American Songbook Foundation’s summer intensive summer program, in 2022 and 2024.
“My time at Songbook gave me a beautiful foundation for my work as both an actor and singer, but also just as a human,” she said. “It has been such a privilege going to school in New York City, and aside from the incredible training, I love that I can have one foot in that hub of music and theater and one foot here, where the talent is no less abundant but much more accessible.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Carmel native returns to city for Feinstein’s show
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
WED, AUG 6 AT 7:30PM
& MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THU, AUG 7 AT 7:30PM
& MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SUN, AUG 10 AT 7:30PM
Opera singer Melissa Sondhi will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
CONCERT
A former Carmel resident and a graduate of Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, has lived in San Francisco for the past decade and has an impressive background as an opera singer.
Sondhi began singing at age 12, starting with the school choir. She then auditioned for a school musical in what she described almost as a joke, but after getting the lead part, she stayed with singing and took voice lessons soon after.
“It’s just grown and grown for me every time,” Sondhi said.
Her body of work has grown as well.
Earlier this year, Sondhi, a soprano, was a semifinalist in the Loren L. Zachary Society for the Performing Arts competition, a national vocal competition for young opera singers. In 2023, she took first place in the Adult Classical Voice category at the Los Angeles Semifinals of the Music International Grand Prix competition. Two years earlier, she was a semifinalist in the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and in 2017, she was a finalist in the East Bay Opera League’s Young Artists Scholarship Awards Competition.
Last year, Sondhi returned to Opera San José for her second season as the inaugural Wadhwani resident artist, with her debut of in role of Pamina in “Die Zauberflöte” and singing the role of Musetta in “La bohème.” She also will return to Pocket Opera in her debut of the role of Mariane in “Tartuffe.”
For her performance at Feinstein’s, Sondhi will sing opera but promises a variety of genres.
“What I’m going to be doing is some opera but mix it in with some musical theater,” Sondhi said. “Some classic standard songs, too, and I have a couple of jazzier things in there. It will be a mix of genres, but opera will be the highlight.”
The performance will be her first at Feinstein’s making the evening even more special, like her visit to Park Tudor in 2023.
“Park Tudor has a visiting artist series and bring back an alumnus who is particularly established in the arts,” Sondhi said. “I got to do master classes with some of the students in the musical theater classes, and I put on a performance and that was really special as I got to sing on the stage I grew up singing on.”
Sondhi has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance and an Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
“What I’m going to be doing is some opera but mix it in with some musical theater.”
— MELISSA SONDHI
Sondhi
1. “The Tortoise and the Hare” writer
6. WTTV military drama
10. Apple tablet
14. Riyadh resident
15. Parts of OMG
16. Multi-nation defense org.
17. IMPD criminal record listing
18. Taj Indian Cuisine bread
19. Calif. neighbor
20. What you might call a roundabout while approaching one...
23. New Big Ten school, initially
25. Teachers’ grp.
26. Ruth Lilly Prize winners
27. ...what you call the roundabout while waiting to enter...
32. Butler GPA booster
33. Crucifix
34. Florist’s cutting
35. Bottleneck consequence
37. Zilch
41. TV’s “Warrior Princess”
42. Indiana State Seal bovine
43. ...what you call the roundabout when you realize you’re in the wrong lane...
47. Whirlpool alternative
49. Ancient
50. Put in stitches
51. ...what you call the roundabout when you miss your turnoff
56. Paint with a sponge
57. Hoosier National Forest growth
58. Turns sharply
61. Footnote abbr.
62. Gawk
63. ___ savant
64. Brickyard 400 winner
Earnhardt
65. Ship deck
66. Do not disturb
1. Egyptian viper
2. Fishers Farmers Market corn buy
3. IND checked item 4. Fragrance
5. Amazon fish with a nasty bite
6. Like some yogurt
7. Tea type
8. Apple computer
9. Word with lip or ‘N
10. “And pretty maids all ___”
Postal delivery
Leaning
Snoozes
ATM user’s annoyance
Apple music player
Utilizes
Quarrel
Zionsville HS volleyball
venue
29. “Trick or ___!”
30. Letters of debt
31. OneAmerica Tower race: ___ to the Top
35. Crooked Stick golfer’s prop
36. Brown County lodging
37. Medical research agcy.
38. “In my opinion...”
39. Peace symbol
40. From the beginning
41. Noblesville’s North Pole holiday, briefly
42. Torment
43. Like Fridays, in some offices
44. Facilitate
45. “Little” nursery rhyme shepherdess
46. Peyton’s bro
47. Threw in
48. Mazda model
52. Sporty sunroof
Start of a conclusion
Move, in Realtor lingo
Formally relinquish
Sault ___ Marie
July 15, 2025
Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com
ORDINANCE NO. D-2769-25
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 6-63 OF THE CARMEL CITY CODE
Synopsis: Ordinance amending motor vehicle and equipment parking regulations on a city sidewalk, multi-use path, or bicycle lane.
WHEREAS, the City of Carmel (the “City”) within the reasonable exercise of its police power, may by ordinance regulate the operation of motorized vehicles and equipment on City sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes; and
WHEREAS, the City has previously regulated the operation of motorized vehicles on City sidewalks, multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, and roadways within its corporate limits, such regulations being codified, in part, in City Code Section 6-63; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, now finds that it is in the interest of public safety and welfare to amend the regulations related to the operation of motorized vehicles and equipment on City sidewalks, multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, and roadways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing Recitals are fully incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. The following subsections of Carmel City Code Section 6-63 are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
Ҥ 6-63 Regulation of Vehicular and Equipment Use on Sidewalks, Multi-Use Paths, Bicycle Lanes, and Roadways.
(a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Bicycle. A form of Micromobility that is foot-propelled, with two or three wheels in contact with the ground, including unmodified Class I, II, and III e-bikes with a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 20 miles per hour.
Bicycle Lane. That portion of a Roadway or Roadway shoulder that has been distinguished from the portion of the Roadway that is to be used by Motor Vehicle traffic by a painted stripe, a curb, or another bicyclist traffic control marking or device.
Equipment. Any tool, fixture, piece of construction equipment, abandoned construction or other material, or object placed on, blocking, or obstructing any portion of a City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway.
Micromobility. Any open-air device designed for personal transportation, propelled wholly or in part by a mechanical or electrical motor, regardless of whether it also incorporates human power, and typically operating at lower speeds than traditional motor vehicles like cars or motorcycles. The term does not include golf carts, electric mopeds capable of reaching speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour, and electric motorcycles.
Motor Vehicle. Any vehicle that is propelled in whole or in part by a motor or any mechanical or artificial means, or is being pushed or towed by the same, except:
a) A Bicycle or other form of Micromobility;
b) A manual or power wheelchair;
c) A City of Carmel-Clay Parks and Recreation owned or leased snowplow, snow blower, sweeper, lawn mower, maintenance vehicle or repair vehicle;
d) A City of Carmel-Clay Parks and Recreation owned or leased public safety vehicle;
e) An Authorized Emergency Vehicle, as that term is defined in § 8-1;
f) A lawn mower, sweeper, or snow removal machine weighing no more than 2,200 pounds; and
g) A City-owned vehicle.
h) A vehicle contracted by the City performing City official business.
i) A Motor Vehicle authorized to occupy a portion of Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway pursuant to a use agreement approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety.
j) A Motor Vehicle authorized to occupy a portion of Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway pursuant to an emergency declaration under Ind. Code 10-14-3-29 or other applicable federal or state statute(s).
k) A Motor Vehicle belonging to a utility company operating in a recorded utility easement or performing an emergency repair. Multi-Use Path. An off-road public accessway intended for pedestrians, bicyclists, and Micromobility.
Roadway. All roads, streets, highways, alleys, courts, squares, or other public ways in the City that are dedicated and open to public use for Motor Vehicle traffic.
Sidewalk. A walkway as defined in I.C. 9-13-2-167, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(b) Motor Vehicle or Equipment Use Prohibited. Except as provided in this section, no person, business, or other entity shall, at
any time, operate, drive, park, place or let stand any Motor Vehicle, including golf carts, or Equipment on or along any Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path including expanded pedestrian and bicycle areas of Monon Greenway in Midtown, or Bicycle Lane located within the City’s corporate limits, except that Motor Vehicles are permitted to otherwise lawfully cross the same at a driveway, alley or highway as necessary to enter or exit a highway or adjacent property. Motor Vehicles with a Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 10,000 pounds may cross a Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path or Bicycle Lane to access an adjacent property.
Such vehicles are not relieved of any liability for damage they may cause to infrastructure.
1) Permit required for Motor Vehicle or Equipment parked on or placed on a City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway.
a) Persons who wish to park a Motor Vehicle or place Equipment on a City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane or Roadway must obtain a Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway Parking Permit (the “Permit”) from the Department of Engineering.
b) The cost of a Permit is $100 for one day; $150 for two days; and $200 for 3 days. The permit is valid for 24 hours. If its expiration time falls after 10 p.m., the permitted Motor Vehicle may remain parked or permitted Equipment placed until 6 a.m. the following day.
c) A Permit allows one Motor Vehicle to park or Equipment be placed on a City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, or Bicycle Lane and is valid for a single Motor Vehicle or piece of Equipment for a period of up to three (3) days, in a single location. The City reserves the right to revoke a Permit at any time, for any reason. A Right-of-Way Permit is required for any Motor Vehicle parking or Equipment placement exceeding three (3) days. The Department of Engineering may, at its discretion, reduce certain Right-of-Way Permit requirements if no disturbance is made to the Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway. No bonding shall be required to obtain a Right-of-Way Permit pursuant to this subsection.
d) All Motor vehicles and Equipment parked or placed on a City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane, or Roadway must prominently display a valid Permit. Failure to do so will result in a violation of this Section.
e) Permit holders parked on a Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path or Bicycle Lane must allow a minimum width of five (5) feet of the path to remain accessible to maintain ADA accessibility.
f) Motor Vehicles or Equipment owners or users in violation of this Section may be cited by Carmel Police Department, Carmel Engineering Department inspectors or City’s Code Enforcement officers, or their designees.
g) If a Motor Vehicle or Equipment causes any damage to City Sidewalk, Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Lane or Roadway, the permit holder shall reimburse the City for any necessary restoration work.
h) If a permit applicant requires a closure of a Roadway or a portion thereof, applicant must obtain authorization from the Board of Public Works and Safety, and follow all applicable safety and rerouting/detour protocols required by the State of Indiana, Carmel Police and City Engineering Departments.
(c) Duty to Yield and Signal. Whenever a person is operating a Bicycle or other form of Micromobility upon a Multi-Use Path or Sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any person they approach from behind and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and then safely passing such person.
(d) Riding No More Than Two Abreast. No more than two bicyclists shall ride abreast in the same direction on any Bicycle Lane, Multi-Use Path, Sidewalk or Roadway located within the City’s corporate limits.
(e) Animals Leashed. Any person who takes a dog or other domestic animal on any Multi-Use Path or Sidewalk located within the City’s corporate limits shall continuously restrain the same by means of a firmly held or attached leash that is extended to a length not to exceed six feet.
(f) Bicyclists to Obey Laws. The operator of any Bicycle or other Micromobility located within the City’s corporation limits shall obey all traffic signals, traffic control devices, signs, and markings upon any Roadway, Bicycle Lane, Sidewalk or Multi-Use Path unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other authorized official.
(g) Child Bicyclists. It shall be unlawful for a child under seven years of age, as well as for the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the same to suffer or permit such a child, to operate a Bicycle or other Micromobility in a Roadway in the City while such Roadway is open and used by Motor Vehicle traffic, except that any child can
cross a Roadway on a Bicycle or Micromobility in a direct, expedient, and prompt manner when accompanied by his or her parent, legal guardian, or custodian, and that any child may operate a Bicycle upon a Sidewalk or Multi-Use Path subject to the restrictions in this section.
(h) Right-of-Way. Pedestrians have the right-of-way while on any Multi-Use Path or Sidewalk located within the City’s corporate limits, and all others must yield or adjust their rate of speed and direction of travel to avoid a collision with all such pedestrians. However, pedestrians must yield to vehicular traffic at those points where Multi-Use Path, Sidewalk, or trail intersects or crosses a Roadway.
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a Bicycle or other form of Micromobility to deliberately block or close a roadway intersection so as to facilitate the passage of other bicyclists or pedestrians through the intersection without stopping, yielding to other traffic, or in contravention of the traffic signals, traffic control devices, signs, posted speed limits, or markings upon a Roadway, Bicycle Lane, Sidewalk, or Multi-Use Path.
(j) Monon Greenway Speed Limits. No vehicle on which one or more persons and/or property is or may be transported or drawn, whether motorized or propelled by human power, the wind, or in any other manner, may operate or travel in excess of 20 miles per hour on or along the Monon Greenway, or at such lesser speed as is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then present, except that no such vehicle may operate or travel in excess of 15 miles per hour or at such lesser speed as is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then present, on or along the Monon Greenway from and including its intersection with 111th Street to and including its intersection with 136th Street, and provided that such speed limitations shall not apply to public, police, fire, health, and safety vehicles.
(k) Penalties. Any person who fails to display a valid permit under this section shall be subject to a fine of $200 for the first offense, a fine of $250 for the second offense, and a fine of $2,500, plus costs, for all subsequent offenses within the same calendar year.
All other violations under this section shall be subject to a fine of $10, for the first offense, a fine of $25 for the second offense, and a fine of $100, plus costs, for all subsequent offenses within the same calendar year. This does not limit the authority of the court to impose additional penalties as permitted by law for moving violations, including suspension of driving privileges and mandating the violator attend and complete a defensive driving class. First and second offense violations of this section may be filed with the Ordinance Violations Bureau.”
Section 3. All prior ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, to the extent of such inconsistency only, as of the effective date of this Ordinance, such repeal to have prospective effect only. However, the repeal or amendment by this Ordinance of any other ordinance does not affect any rights or liabilities accrued, penalties incurred or proceedings begun prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. Those rights, liabilities and proceedings are continued and penalties shall be imposed and enforced under such repealed or amended ordinance as if this Ordinance had not been adopted.
Section 4. If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason declared to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance so long as enforcement of same can be given the same effect.
Section 5.The remaining portions of Carmel City Code Section 6-63 are not affected by this Ordinance upon its passage.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from January 1, 2026 and signing by the Mayor and such publication as required by law.
PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 16th day of June, 2025, by a vote of 9 ayes and 0 nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL
Adam Aasen, President Matthew Snyder, Vice-President Rich Taylor Anthony Green
Jeff Worrell Teresa Ayers
Shannon Minnaar Ryan Locke
Anita Joshi
ATTEST:
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this 17th day of June 2025, at 11:15 A.M.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 17th day of June 2025, at 11:30 A.M.
Sue Finkam, Mayor
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Project: Central Park Boardwalk Replacement Project
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 July 30, 2025 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 – Central Park Boardwalk Replacement Project” printed clearly on the outside of the envelope.
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. A three year maintenance bond will be required upon final completion. For bids in excess of $300,000, bidders must submit a Certificate of Qualification under Ind. Code 4-13.64 with their bid, or prior to performing any work on the Project. 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: The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is proposing to remove and replace the boardwalk at the Carmel/ Clay Central Park which will be purchased by CCPR. Contractor shall remove the existing boardwalk, install the new boardwalk, and transition the existing trail to meet the new boardwalk. Alternate work for the replacement of limestone blocks over concrete block retaining walls. All work is specified in the Construction Plans and Specifications for said project.
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 CrossRoad Engineers, PC, 115 N 17th Ave, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107; Phone: (317) 780-1555. A digital set can be obtained by emailing Dakota Clark at dckark@crossroadengineers.com. The plan charge will be $100 on the online plan room. Payments and costs of Contract Documents and related supplemental materials are non-refundable.
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 Tuesday, July 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. local time on site at the Central Park Playground Pavilion southeast of the intersection of N College Ave & Central Park Dr W. 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 Dakota Clark at (317) 780- 1555x139 or dclark@crossroadengineers.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 waive any of the terms, conditions or provisions contained in this Notice to Bidders or the Bid Documents or any informality, irregularity or omission in the bid process or in any bid which waiver is deemed in the Owner’s discretion to be to the advantage of Owner and which does not afford any bidder a material competitive advantage over other bidders and 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.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2024-00147 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of July, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2 nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
UDO Section 5.39 (C) – Directional Signs not exceeding three (3) sq. ft. in sign area and not higher than three (3) ft. above ground level; 12 sq. ft and 6.5-ft in height requested
With the property being known as: The 5.97-acre site is located at 1215 Veterans Way (Carmel Development II Subdivision, Lots 6 & 1A, 1B). It is zoned C-1/City Center, Ordinance Z-571-13). Filed by Stephen Kunkel of The Sterling Group, on behalf of Proscenium Carmel Owners Association Inc.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00147 V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel number 16-09-36-0000-027.000
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.
Proscenium Carmel Owners Association Inc. PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2025-00133 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of July 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
The Applicant is seeking approval to construct two 14-ft diameter, 68-ft tall silos for storage of powdered activated carbon to support public water supply treatment in a zone that is otherwise residential and has a maximum accessory building height of 18 ft.
With the property being known as: 11825 River Rd, Carmel, IN 46033
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00133 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel no. 17-10-34-0000-003.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Bruce L. Cooley, PE, BCEE, Citizens Energy Group PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2025-00121 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, regarding a Development Standards Variance application filed by Legacy Builders, LLC, on behalf of Bedford Falls of Carmel LLC, owner of the real estate.
The applicant seeks variance approval from Section 1(F)(1) of the Bedford Falls PUD Ordinance Z-667-21, which requires a front porch on all dwellings. The request is to allow, but not require, the use of side-oriented porches on select homes, in order to provide architectural flexibility and accommodate alternate front door placements.
This variance would permit (but not mandate) the use of side-porch configurations on the following lots:
Lot 1 – 14572 Bedford Falls Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
• County Parcel: 17-09-22-00-20-001.000
• State Parcel: 29-09-22-020-001.000-018
Lot 4 – 14548 Bedford Falls Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
• County Parcel: 17-09-22-00-20-004.000
• State Parcel: 29-09-22-020-004.000-018
Lot 7 – 14524 Bedford Falls Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
• County Parcel: 17-09-22-00-20-006.000
• State Parcel: 29-09-22-020-006.000-018
Lot 10 – 14499 Mitchel Ln, Carmel, IN 46032
• County Parcel: 17-09-22-00-20-009.000
• State Parcel: 29-09-22-020-009.000-018
Lot 18 – 14575 Mitchel Ln, Carmel, IN 46032
• County Parcel: 17-09-22-00-20-017.000
• State Parcel: 29-09-22-020-017.000-018
The variance, if approved, would provide the option to modify the porch and door location for these homes, while still allowing construction under the original approved configuration if preferred. 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.
ApplicAnt: Legacy Builders, LLC
/s/ Steve Schutz
Steve Schutz, Member
WILL MOW
residential and commercial lawns WILL DO SPRING CLEAN UP WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs
Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
PUZZLE ANSWERS
email position4newperson@gmail.com.
Staff Support for Accounting & Tax Practice-Part Time Ideal for a parent that wants to work while the kids are at school or retired person seeking part-time work in far northside Marion County We are a friendly, growing, professional company that provides accounting, tax and business advisory services, searching for a service-oriented person as an addition to our team. This new position will work closely with our clients and other team members to enter data, ensure accurate & timely processing of documents, and maintain both internal and client files. For more information & qualifications or to submit a resume email: position4newperson@gmail.com
