July 28, 2026 — Current in Carmel

Fire station planned in part of water distribution building

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 youarecurrent.com

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Contact the editor Part of the Carmel Utilities’ water distribution facility on W. Main Street is proposed to house a new fire station. . (File photo)

Carmel may add fire station inside of a westside water utilities building

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com For years, City of Carmel officials have said the addition of a fire station in northwest Carmel is a top priority, but various issues have prevented it from taking shape.

Now, the city has a plan to make it happen.

Instead of constructing a new building, the city plans to redesign the east side of the Carmel Utilities water distribution facility at 3450 W. 131st St. as Carmel Fire Department Station 47.

City officials announced the plan July 20 during a Carmel City Council finance committee meeting and shared the news again during the regular council meeting that followed.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said space in the water distribution building is underutilized.

“Our water department has taken immaculate care of this building,” Finkam said. “By designing a portion of the building for a new fire station, we can keep the water distribution team largely in place while meeting the need for our seventh fire station. This approach leverages a city asset we already have, reduces costs and accelerates our timeline.”

Finkam proposed using $5 million in excess local income tax funds the city recently received to kickstart the process.

“Setting these dollars aside now signals our firm, collective commitment to delivering a much-needed fire station for Carmel’s west side,” Finkam said.

“This seed funding, if you will, ensures we are ready to act and demonstrates that expanding public safety remains a priority.”

CFD Chief Joel Thacker said it would cost $12 million to $14 million to build a new fire station, but officials didn’t say during the meetings how much the new plan would cost. A city spokesperson told Current “meaningful cost savings” are expected compared to new construction and that a clearer estimate will be available after design work is complete.

City Councilor Adam Aasen said he supports the plan but questioned how the city will fund staffing, equipment and ongoing expenses that have previously prevented plans for a new station from moving forward.

Zac Jackson, City of Carmel CFO, said public safety local income tax dollars dedicated to fire and EMS services will be considered to help with ongoing costs, as the same 2025 law that cut property taxes also restructured how

LIT dollars are used. The city also will look for other funding options.

Finkam said she felt the city couldn’t afford to wait any longer to begin planning for a new fire station.

“What we’ve learned the last couple of years of the state legislature is there is no certainty except it’s going to be uncertain as far as long-range planning,” she said. “So, we felt we had to bite the bullet and move forward with it.”

CFD plans to move its maintenance team from a facility at 106th Street and Gray Road to the new station, which will free up its current space for expanded firefighter training.

The mayor is aiming for construction to begin in July 2027 and for the station to open a year later.

Thacker said CFD often struggles to arrive at calls in northwest Carmel within the national standard of four minutes.

He believes the addition of Station 47 in “an incredible building that has great bones” will significantly help.

“It’s in the location that we feel meets the need out there,” Thacker said. “I think it’s a great use of our current resources to get us to the point of having another facility up there to serve the community.”

Several city councilors expressed support for the plan.

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Investigation deadline set

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com

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The law firm investigating the City of Carmel’s handling of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is on the clock.

After a lengthy discussion July 20, the Carmel City Council voted 6-3 to give Dentons Bingham Greenebaum 30 days to produce a report. If it doesn’t, it must provide the documentation they collected over the course of the investigation to the city council’s Taylor attorney.

Councilor Rich Taylor initiated the conversation, which didn’t appear on the council agenda. He said he is ready to “move on.”

“These questions that could have been asked or could be investigated, they have (had) plenty of time to do this,” Taylor said. “I’m very concerned about how this process has worked.”

The council voted 8-0 in May 2025 to launch the investigation. At the time, several councilors said they had unanswered questions about circumstances that led to the October 2024 replacement of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board and subsequent events that led CCI CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld to resign.

In the preceding months, an Affiliate Review Committee comprised of the city council had been reviewing governance and finances of several nonprofit organizations with connections to the city. The committee’s April 2025 meeting focused on CCI, but several people with ties to the nonprofit said the information presented was one-sided.

They also brought up conflict of interest concerns.

By the end of the month, Rosenfeld had resigned and former CCI board president Sue McDermott had sued Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and the city for defamation (the case is pending in a state court of appeals). Councilors voted to launch the investigation at their next meeting.

Councilor Adam Aasen joined Taylor and Councilors Jeff Worrell, Teresa Ayers, Shannon Minnaar and Tony Green in voting in favor of the 30-day deadline.

“The concerns that I had that led me to vote for the investigation have really

been resolved,” Aasen said. “Whether it’s communication with the council, board makeups, meeting with the new Christkindlmarkt director, I’ve been very impressed with how things have been proceeding.”

Locke, who joined Councilors Anita Joshi and Matt Snyder in voting against the deadline, said he believes it’s important to finish the work that was started, even if the situation has changed since the investigation began.

“Sometimes when you Locke shine a light in a room, the things that are happening in the room go away, which is a beautiful part of government,” Locke said. “We get to be a check and balance on behavior. We look at something and we find out how to fix it. That doesn’t mean the issues that started the concern in the first place are gone.”

McDermott, the former CCI board chair, said she is disappointed by the vote to “arbitrarily” set a deadline.

“By setting a short deadline, without even consulting with Dentons to find out where they are with their investigation and how much more time they may reasonably need, it seems the council has just given any naysayers on either side of the issue the ability to attack and try to discredit Denton’s ultimate findings because it was rushed at the end,” she said.

As investigation chair, Locke is the point of contact between the council and the law firm. Because the city councilors’ role in the Christkindlmarkt controversy is also included in the scope of the investigation, Locke said he has remained as hands-off as possible.

A spokesperson for the City of Carmel told Current the city set up a data room last year for the law firm to review Christkindlmarkt documents. After doing so, the firm requested more data, and the city provided links to 6,341 pages of requested documents.

The contract with the law firm states that the cost of the investigation will not exceed $125,000. Taylor said that amount was reached in December 2025.

Councilors said they may consider adjusting the deadline after receiving a status update from the law firm.

Dentons Bingham Greenebaum did not respond to a request for comment.

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Stormwater fee plan scrapped

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com The Carmel City Council has hit the brakes on a proposal to raise the residential stormwater fee to fund infrastructure improvements in Concord Village and elsewhere.

At finance committee and city council meetings July 20, city legal counsel Sergey Grechukhin said he believes the ordinance was introduced prematurely, because city code requires the Board of Public Works to propose stormwater rates, not the city council.

“We believe that both the statute and our own code is very clear that this process has to start with the BPW and then go to city council for approval, not the other way around,” Grechukhin said.

City Council President Matt Snyder proposed the idea during a July 3 town hall meeting to discuss infrastructure issues, primarily in Concord Village. Residents said they have experienced flooding and in the neighbor-

hood for decades.

Snyder said raising the monthly stormwater fee from $6.85 to $10 could generate enough funds to overhaul infrastructure in Concord Village and projects in other parts of town.

However, in a July 14 public meeting, Mayor Sue Finkam, City Engineer Bradley Pease and other city officials said stormwater infrastructure in the neighborhood is mostly working as designed. They said much of the flooding is caused by private improvements blocking drainage flow.

They also presented a $4 million plan to replace concrete streets with asphalt and add bump-out parking to narrow the road and aim to reduce speeding. That project does not need city council approval to proceed.

Although the councilors withdrew the proposed stormwater fee ordinance, another version is expected to come before them at a future meeting.

The city is planning to stop using annual cost of living adjustments to raise the fee and adopt set rates instead.

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CDBG priorities reviewed

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com The Hamilton County Commissioners reviewed priorities for the county’s Community Development Block Grant program at their July 13 meeting.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG program provides resources to local governments to expand economic opportunities, build public facilities and develop affordable housing.

The total funding available for 2026 is just more than $2.54 million, combining a new 2026 allocation of $1,179,216 with remaining funds from previous years.

In Year 3 of Hamilton County’s CDBG five-year consolidated plan, Michelle Westermeier, community development program manager, said priorities are expanding and sustaining affordable housing development across the region.

A key element includes partnering with a local continuum of care agency to offer immediate and long-term supportive housing for vulnerable populations, including domestic violence survivors, at-risk veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges.

During the public comment period,

Fishers resident Andrea Davis, executive director of Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, stressed the importance of support for the development of affordable housing in the county and raised concerns about continuum of care.

“I just wanted to make sure you are aware that the continuum of care that serves Hamilton County is not specific to Hamilton County,” Davis said. “So, when you’re talking about these folks in need of housing, I just wanted to make sure you understand that it’s very possible, if not probable, that as housing needs are prioritized, the folks who are chosen to live in whatever housing gets created here will not necessarily be residents of Hamilton County.”

The plan is to continue the county’s owner-occupied home repair program to preserve existing housing through emergency repairs, accessibility modifications and aging-in-place updates. The initiative also funds new utility connections for residents in the northern portion of the county.

Westermeier said the county’s four participating cities — Carmel, Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville — will focus on infrastructure improvements that directly benefit low-income areas.

OBITUARY Karla Lu Katterhenry, 83, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 27, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Leo and Beatrice (Graf ) Pfotenhauer, Karla lived a life rooted in faith, family, and—of course—the Purdue Boilermakers.

Karla went on to attend Purdue University, graduating in 1969. On June 22, 1969, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Katterhenry.

Together they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Kurt and Kevin, whom she loved dearly.

Once her boys began school, Karla began her career as an instructional assistant at Carmel Elementary School, where she faithfully served students and teachers for 29 years. She retired in the summer of 2012 so she could spend the rest of her life as a loving wife and vibrant Grammy.

Karla is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, James “Jim” Katterhenry; her sons,

Kurt (Susan) Katterhenry and Kevin (Lacy) Katterhenry; her grandchildren, Courtney (Jayden) Mahan, Lindsay Katterhenry, Zack Katterhenry, Paige Katterhenry, Bryce Katterhenry, Connor Katterhenry, Garrett Katterhenry, and Caroline Katterhenry; her cherished greatgranddaughter, Selah Katterhenry; her twin sister Karen (Ed) Michael and youngest sister Elyce Meilstrup, and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Beatrice (Graf ) Pfotenhauer; her brother, Terry Pfotenhauer; and her beloved nieces, Paula Baugh and Evelyn Rodgers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m., at Carmel Friends Church in Carmel, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Karla’s remarkable life.

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The Fresh Market coming to The Farm development

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Multiple businesses have opened at The Farm this year, and many more are in the works, including a grocery store.

And now, the grocery store has a name.

Steve Pittman of Pittman Partners, which developed the 48-acre property that was once his family’s farm, said the grocery store planned for the mixed-use development will be The Fresh Market.

The European-style supermarket chain was founded in North Carolina and has locations in Carmel and Westfield.

The Fresh Market was named the Best Grocery Store in America three consecutive years by USA Today. That article prompted Pittman to land it.

“When I read it, I said, ‘That’s what I want the grocery store to be,’” he said.

“I want west Carmel and Zionsville to have the best.”

A development plan for the grocery store received town approval earlier this year. A late 2027 opening is anticipated.

The Farm rounded out its food options this year with the opening of Torchy’s Tacos, Sweetgreen, Graeter’s Ice Cream and Rise’n Roll Bakery. The establishments joined Bibibop, Piada Italian Street Food and West Coast Sourdough. Offerings range from highend options like Niku Sushi to more affordable choices like Shake Shack and Torchy’s.

“We have a lot of the food category checked off,” said Sam Pittman, who handles the retail side of the development. Sam is Steve Pittman’s son.

Steve Pittman said he’d like to land a high-end steakhouse next to The Fresh Market, although that’s likely several years away.

Construction is underway on another commercial building that is expected to be completed by September. It will house five new tenants. The first will be a Crafter’s Pizza and Drafthouse.

The Pittmans intend to bring in more service businesses at The Farm. Current ones include Community Pet Healthcare and Machos Barbershop. A nail salon is in the build-out phase.

Sam Pittman said they are selective about what tenants they add. Any new ones must be a good fit and offer some-

The Farm at Zionsville, a 48-acre mixed-use development, has had a number of new businesses open in 2026, including a taco restaurant and ice cream shop. (Photo courtesy of Pittman Partners)

thing new.

“We probably say no more than we say yes,” he said.

The Pittmans said they want The Farm to be a community where tenants at Sylo, the onsite 400-unit apartment complex, as well as people from all over the area, can enjoy. However, that doesn’t mean constant construction.

There is an empty lot between Niku and Stock Yards Bank & Trust, which opened in June, that will eventually be developed.

“We haven’t felt the need to be building something everywhere,” Steve Pittman said.

Rather, they prefer smaller, incremental steps in filling up The Farm. The development has been phased in.

The first phase was the construction of Sylo. It opened at the end of May 2025. Steve Pittman said occupancy is nearing 60 percent.

“In spite of a lot of supply, the place is really filling up,” he said.

A single bedroom starts at $1,599 a month. Sam Pittman said prices are competitive in the local market. There are plenty of amenities at the luxury apartments including an infinity pool, golf simulator, large common areas, fitness studio, cabanas and more.

Steve Pittman said there is a mix of tenants, from older residents who have downsized but don’t want to live in a retirement community, to young professionals and those waiting on their home to be built in another development in Zionsville.

“I think this has been well received by Zionsville,” he said. “It really serves the need in the community.”

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Driver accused of wielding knife

Woman facing 52 fraud charges

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com

A woman was arrested July 17 in Carmel for allegedly threatening another driver with a butcher knife during a road rage incident.

That driver contacted Carmel police.

According to a probable cause affidavit, he reported that a car pulled up beside him at approximately 11:40 a.m. at the intersection of 116th Street and AAA Way. He looked over to see the driver roll down her window and wave around a butcher knife.

Odum “If you ever get in front of me again, I’ll cut you!” is what the man told police she said. She then got out of the car and got out her phone to take a picture.

When confronted by police, the woman, Jamericah Odum, 32, reportedly ignored an officer’s commands and attempted to resist arrest, the affidavit states.

“Additional officers were needed to assist in placing double locked handcuffs on her, which she forced her hand out of almost immediately,” the affidavit states.

Odum, a Carmel resident, was charged with felony intimidation and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. She was released from the Hamilton County Jail after posting $25,000 bail. A trial is scheduled for Oct. 12.

A Carmel woman is among six people accused of defrauding Indiana’s Medicaid program of $10.9 million by billing for services that they didn’t provide.

Faith Casas, 26, is facing 52 fraud charges for her role in the scheme. She and the other defendants have ties to Senior Home Care Agency, which was established in 2023 in Indianapolis.

“It is important to remember that these people are stealing from taxpayers — from you,” Attorney General Todd Rokita stated in a press release. “Committing fraud and stealing from taxpayers is bad enough, but it is especially egregious when it’s committed against our most vulnerable citizens. Our office is committed to holding these bad actors accountable, and we’re not going to tolerate it in Indiana.”

Others facing charges are: • Alexander Byrnes, 39, of Indianapolis • Nichole Hoyt, 41, of Kendallville • Cortez Crook, 35, of Fort Wayne • LaShawn Wright, 40, of Fort Wayne • Jessica Schoof, 45, of Monroeville A hearing in Casas’ case is set for July 24 in Marion County.

DISPATCHES  McRoberts wants attorney held in contempt — Former NBA player Josh McRoberts of Carmel wants Zionsville attorney Michael Einterz held in contempt of court for allegedly failing to produce documents related to a land dispute lawsuit involving Zionsville Town Councilor Sarah Sampson. McRoberts accused Sampson of pressuring his grandmother, Carolyn Pennington, to sign over her property while on her deathbed. Einterz is accused of drafting the documents. A preliminary injunction was granted that gave the property to McRoberts, based on a revocable trust signed by Pennington in 2025. Boone County Superior Court I judge Matthew Kincaid ruled the documents Pennington signed days before her death were invalid. He also ruled Einterz must produce all documents related to representing Pennington. Attorney Curits Shirley, McRoberts’ legal counsel, has also requested the court deny a motion by Sampson to modify the injunction.  Clarification — Elizabeth Hamilton stepped down as Carmel Clay Library Foundation director to spend more time with her family. She plans to remain involved with the foundation and coordinate a visiting author program. Current ran a story on the CCPL leadership change in the July 21 edition.

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Rotary Club of Carmel leads with service and heart Commentary by Arnold Elston Being a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Carmel for 11 years has grounded me in a community that leads with service and heart.

Carmel is a place full of energy, growth and possibility, and this club reflects that spirit perfectly. Through our projects — whether supporting local youth programs, championing international initiatives or rolling up our sleeves for hands-on service — I’ve seen how much good can happen when people come together with purpose.

Being part of this club has shown me that service isn’t abstract; it’s personal, it’s local and it’s something we build together one project, one meeting, one connection at a time.

What has meant the most to me, though, is how the Rotary Club of Carmel has shaped me as a person. The friendships I’ve formed here feel genuine and lasting. The leaders I’ve met have challenged me to grow, to step up

Trusted, proven leadership for Hamilton County.

Danny Lopez is delivering results for Hamilton County!

and to think bigger about what I can contribute. This club has given me a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve with integrity and compassion.

Being a Carmel Rotarian hasn’t just enriched my life — it has helped define the kind of community member, leader and human being I strive to be.

Arnold Elston is a member of the Rotary Club of Carmel. He served as club president from 2023 to 2025 and will serve as District 6560 governor from 2028 to 2029.

Over $1.3 billion in taxpayer savings over the next two years Reduced education red tape so teachers can focus on educating our kids

Record funding for our K-12 schools Danny with his wife Sofia and children Daniel and Alexandra

Increased funds for mental health services for Hoosiers Paid for by Lopez for Indiana

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COMMUNITY DISPATCHES  Jim Irsay Acts of Kindness Day — The Rotary Club of Carmel and Kiwanis Club of Carmel are partnering to launch the Jim Irsay 1976 Acts of Kindness Day in the summer of 2026 in celebration of Carmel’s 50th anniversary as a city. This collaborative, community-wide initiative will feature multiple service projects across Carmel and will take place Aug. 5. Rooted in the shared mission of both organizations to strengthen communities and develop leaders through service, the event will bring together volunteers from Rotary, Kiwanis and other service organizations, local businesses and nonprofits to complete 1,976 acts of kindness, honoring the memory of Jim Irsay.  Special Olympics plane pull set — Special Olympics Indiana will have its 25th annual Plane Pull Challenge Aug. 8 at the Fedex Express World Hub at Indianapolis Airport. The annual fundraiser for Special Olympics has teams of up to 15 people move an 82-ton Boeing 575. The event is the largest single-day fundraiser for Special Olympics, with proceeds benefitting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The family-friendly event also has music, food, souvenir games and other activities throughout the day. The Kids Pull, at noon, features children ages 12 and younger who try to pull the airplane down the 12-foot runway.  Treasure Our Kids Trivia — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will present Treasure Our Kids Trivia, a college football-themed trivia night, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sept. 17 at BASH, 1235 Keystone Way, in Carmel. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel, gather friends or co-workers and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, raffles and spirited competition — all while supporting ICPYAS’s mission. Tickets are $75 per person. Learn more at indianaprevention. org.  Class of 1976 reunion — Members of the Carmel High School Class of 1976 are invited to participate in a 50th class reunion Sept. 18 and 19. Those who have not yet connected with the planning committee through Facebook may email carmelin1976.50threunion@gmail. com for details about the event, which will include time to reconnect and tour the school.

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Unified 4-H debuts at Hamilton County Fair

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com In its first year, the Unified 4-H program was a success at the Hamilton County Fair July 16-20, according to organizers.

The initiative is a new program in Hamilton County 4-H program designed to make 4-H more inclusive for youth in third through 12th grade. The program follows a mentoring model similar to Unified sports programs, pairing youth participants, known as champions, with experienced 4-H members or trained volunteers.

Champions participated in two fair showcase days, displaying projects ranging from cake decorating, gardening, scrapbooking and showing livestock including rabbits and sheep.

Kathleen Bohde, 4-H youth development extension educator, said the program has been considered for many years.

“We have been researching how other counties have implemented a program similar to this,” Bohde said. “Last year, we were able to do some site visits

Unified livestock showcase champions and their mentors. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Bohde)

to Hancock County’s Poss-Abilities program, and we wanted to then bring it back here to Hamilton County. The timing was just right for us to launch this program.”

Twenty-three mentors and 15 champions participated in the program, which is supported by the Love Like Lucy Fund, a memorial fund honoring the life of late 4-H member Lucy Koch, a Westfield resident who died in 2024.

“Lucy Koch was a third-grade, firstyear 4-H member before she passed away,” Bohde said. “We wanted to celebrate her legacy as a 4-H’er by utilizing her memorial funds to be the catalyst behind the start of the program. It has been a great honor to celebrate and remember her in that special way.”

Chandra Manges, a Unified 4-H committee member, said the program had many successes in its first year. Her

daughter, Kendall, was a mentor.

“Kendall is president of Champions Together at Fishers High School, and several of the kids from Champions Together were excited to be part of the Unified 4-H program,” Manges said.

“They had come to see Kendall at the fair years prior to support her, so now we got to tell them they were a 4-H’er just like her, and they were so proud to exhibit a project.”

Bohde said plans are underway to expand project offerings and start the program earlier in the year.

“We want to create 4-H opportunities for kids with all abilities to learn and grow so they can thrive in their community,” Bohde said. “Unified 4-H isn’t about changing who someone is. It’s about creating opportunities for every young person to discover what they can become. Adding the program with mentorship alongside youth has enriched our programs and created more culture for us to be accepting to all as we have always been in the past.”

For more, visit extension.purdue. edu/news/county/hamilton/2026/04/ unified-4-h.html.

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For sale: ‘Dream Home’ open to tours in August

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Buyers in the market for a luxury home can explore a unique option at Holliday Farms.

Next month, The Agency, a luxury real estate company, will host tours for The Reverie, a new, 11,366-square-foot custom home at 4430 Elmscott Ridge in Zionsville. It has views of the seventh fairway on the Club at Holliday Farms’ Championship Golf Course.

The three-story home built by Scott Bates Custom Homes and designed by Goldberg Design Group has five bedrooms, six bathrooms and four half-bathrooms. High ceilings are a dominant feature.

It has an in-home spa, a waterfall that goes into a resort-style pool and a 20-foot entertainment wall.

Traci Garontakos, managing partner for The Agency’s Indianapolis office, and listing agent for the property, said an in-home spa is a larger wellness trend for luxury homes and buyers.

“People no longer want to go to a gym,” she said.

“They want it in their home.”

The Reverie is this year’s Dream Home by Indianapolis Monthly, an annual event that showcases popular trends and designs in residential home building. And unlike most years, the home is not spoken for.

The Reverie is on the market for nearly $11 million and will be move-in ready in October. It will be fully

The Reverie is at 4430 Elmscott Ridge at Holliday Farms in Zionsville. It is more than 11,000 square feet. (Images provided by Scott Bates Custom Homes and Dare 2 Design)

furnished. Furnishings are by Dare 2 Design. Kitchen appliances are from Doca and Gaggenau.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a buyer,” Garontakos said.

Outside, there are retractable screens from Zionsville-based Phantom Screens. Landscaping is by P.J.E. Lawn Care & Landscaping.

“All the designers had free reign to show you what they can do,” Garontakos said.

Garontakos said the home is designed for the busy

high net-worth buyers who don’t have time to build a home themselves.

The Agency will use its national and global reach to find buyers. The Agency has 19 locations worldwide.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves in the new construction space,” Garontakos said.

Tour the 2026 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home this August. Learn more and buy tickets at indianapolismonthly.com/dreamhome.

DISPATCHES

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CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

 Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel on Aug. 27 at 502 East Event Centre. Taste of Carmel will bring together more than 40 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, caterers and beverage partners for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and community impact. This year’s “Touch of Class” theme celebrates CEF’s diamond 60th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to embrace the

occasion with elevated attire and a touch of sparkle, shimmer or diamond-inspired bling. General admission tickets cost $150. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana.com.  CHS Class of 2016 reunion — The Carmel High School Class of 2016 will hold a 10-year reunion at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis. The event will include dinner, a DJ, photo booth and more as attendees catch up with old friends, share memories and make new ones. Learn more and get tickets at

OBITUARIES Norman Harry “Hank” Kiesel, 97, Carmel, passed away July 12, 2026. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Walter G. and Margaret Ruth Kiesel.

He graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, WV before going on to earn his Engineering Degree from West Virginia University in 1951. While at WVU, Hank met his wife of 67 years, Anita Hamman.

He was an engineer for the Curtis Wright Company in Caldwell, NJ then later took a job with McDonald Aircraft company which later became McDonald Douglass, then Boeing. After an early retirement, he volunteered at St Lukes Hospital in Chesterfield, MO and at the same took up running, which was his passion.

He continued to run and hung up his running shoes at the age of 80 and proceeded

to walk until 97.

Hank was preceded in death by his wife Anita, daughter, Janet Blackwell, his sister Olive Schaffer and his great grandson, Jace Roeder. Survivors include his son, Barry and his wife Kim, five grandchildren, Matt Roeder, Adrienne Kiesel, Jake Kiesel, Josh Babcock, and Nick Peskoe, six great grandchildren, Brittany, Carter, Kingston, Asher, Bowen, River, Micah, Mila and two great-great grandchildren Auggie and Clara.

Memorial contributions may be made to Copper Trace c/o Nancy Pollock in the memo section Norman H. Kiesel.

Visitation will be held Saturday August 1, 2026, from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Cooper Trace Assisted Living 1250 146th St, Westfield, IN. A memorial service will begin there at 2:00pm.

Online condolences may be shared at www. flannerbuchanan.com.

Sylvia Nell Yott Gavit of Carmel, Indiana passed away at her home on June 21, 2026 at the age of 92. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 24, 1934 to Charles Bernard Yott and Nell Denny Yott.

Sylvia was graduated from Broad Ripple High School and Depauw University where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Sylvia was a lifelong homemaker who devoted herself to raising her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to homemaking she had many hobbies and is remembered for her beautiful needlework and other crafts. She was a lifelong needle pointer, knitter and miniaturist, whose miniature houses were displayed in the Carmel Miniature Museum. She won many awards for her needlework at the Indiana State Fair.

Among her last gifts were hundreds of baby blankets she knit for her great-grandchildren and family friends.

Additionally, Sylvia was an avid volunteer who was active in her community. She

belonged to the Junior League of Indianapolis where she served on the Executive Board and made lifelong friends. She was a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Women’s Committee, the Carmel Planning Commission, the Indianapolis Propylaeum and various school PTOs. Sylvia married George Bernard Gavit on September 7, 1957. She is survived by her children Elizabeth Gavit Filipow (Keith Filipow), Martha McQueen Gavit, and Charles Gregory Gavit (Lisa Gavit), ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Judith Yott and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Charles Yott.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Carmel Clay Public Library (carmelclaylibrary.org) or the Junior League of Indianapolis (jlindy.org).

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Indianapolis Propylaeum on August 30, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm.

chs16reunion.com/tickets.  BuffaLouie’s gives back — BuffaLouie’s is celebrating National Wing Day July 29 by donating $1 for every bone-in wing sold to Riley Children’s Foundation. BuffaLouie’s has locations in Carmel at 43 W. Main St. and in Bloomington at 114 S. Indiana Ave. Learn more at carmel.buffalouies.com.

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 Ascension St. Vincent named a top hospital — Ascension St. Vincent in Carmel and Fishers were named to Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals by State list. Clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, value of care and patient experience were all considered. The two Ascension St. Vincent hospitals were two of 253 facilities nationwide that earned five stars. Thousands were evaluated.

OBITUARIES Edward “Ed” Roy LeBlanc, 79, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, July 12, 2026, after courageously living for ten years beyond a colon cancer diagnosis, followed by a journey with frontotemporal dementia. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday, September 13, 1946, Ed often joked that while he was born in Tennessee, he had an Abbeville, Louisiana soul.

He attended North Central High School, Kentucky Military Institute (‘65), played football at Indiana State University (‘69), and proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Ed built a career in human resources with Mobile Oil, Sears Roebuck & Co., AutoSource, US Airways Express/Chautauqua Airlines, and ultimately the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he found what many considered his dream job. He married Karol Annette Klink in 1973, and together they shared nearly 53 years of marriage while raising three children and eventually making Fishers their home. Ed’s greatest joy wasn’t found in his résumé but in the friendships he cultivated over a lifetime.

He loved Sarasota and Siesta Key, annual trips to a remote Canadian island, and his beloved Ludington fishing trip with lifelong friends—a tradition that spanned five decades. He loved

Corvettes, classic cars, boats, skiing, dancing, and tinkering in the garage. Friends knew him as Big Ed, Fast Eddie, Fashion Eddie, or simply Dad, but everyone knew the same generous spirit beneath the jokes. He believed there were no strangers—only friends he hadn’t met yet—and chances are, if you met him, he welcomed you with a smile and his trademark greeting: “How you doin’?” Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Frances LeBlanc, and his sister, Nanette “Nan” Elizabeth LeBlanc McDermott. He is survived by his devoted wife, Karol; his children, Joseph “Joe” (Elizabeth), Alyssa Tolman (Dainen), and John “Johnny” (Kelly); seven grandchildren; his lifelong best man, Bob Runo; and countless extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held on Friday, September 18, from 5:30–10:00 p.m. at Sullivan’s Hardware & Garden (Keystone location), 6955 N. Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. The family will hold a private burial at Highlands Cemetery in Fishers. A complete obituary honoring Ed’s life, stories, and legacy is available online. https://www.indianafuneralcare.com/ obituaries/edward-leblanc

Paxton Waters of Carmel passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 74, after a brief illness. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 1952. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Rosemary Waters, on March 24, 2025.

Paxton and Rosemary married on July 19, 1974 and were inseparable for five decades. Their Carmel home for the last 36 years was where they truly flourished.

Paxton became an architect after graduating from the University of Nebraska. He designed motorsports facilities, including Iowa Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and California Speedway. He met fascinating people and visited interesting places.

Paxton’s joys were simple pleasures: grilling

out, playing guitar, a round of golf, a good monster movie. Spending time on the front porch with Rosemary and Oscar or relaxing beside the fire was home for him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, caring heart, and steadfast kindness.

He is survived by his son, Ben; his sisters, Julie, Betsy, and Margaret; his brothers, Bill and David; and his dog, Oscar.

A memorial gathering will be held on August 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, located at 325 E. Carmel Dr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.

14

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Rick Stephan was seeking this apple tree salt-and-pepper shaker set in the award-winning video.

(Screenshot of Mars video)

M&M’s collector’s quest earns marketing award campaigns and creative work in various advertising and marketing categories during the annual festival in June.

A Current in Carmel article in OctoStephan said for every episode there ber 2024 on Rick Stephan’s extensive would be about a dozen production M&M’s collection led to a story on people at the house. He said filming was WRTV-6 TV. completed in December 2025.

The exposure caught the “They wanted to get it done attention of Mars, Inc., which by the end of the year, but in produces M&M’s, and eventualorder to get it done, they had to ly led to a prestigious marketing find what I was looking for,” he honor. said. “The whole film has to do “Someone from Mars conwith Mars helping me find an tacted me to see if I would work M&M (apple tree) salt and pepStephan with them on a video that they per shaker that I wanted. It took wanted to put on TikTok and YouTube,” about four months for somebody to say he said. that they had one, and then Mars talked Stephan, 76, thought it was a hoax unthe people into selling it to me.” til he was convinced it really was a Mars The owner turned out to be a friend of representative who contacted him.

Stephan’s, a fellow M&M’s collector.

A production crew filmed his collec“Now they’re looking for the same tion and conducted interviews in the salt and pepper shaker,” he said. basement of his Carmel home several Stephan estimates he has more than times. three thousand items in his collection, “They originally showed nine epiwhich he said he started around 1994. sodes on TikTok,” he said. “Mars decid“Some are worth quite a bit and some ed internally it would call it RickTok. In are not,” he said. the actual contracts I had to sign, they The 28th annual M&M’s Collectors called it RickTok.” Club Convention will be Aug. 12-15 at Mars presented it as a YouTube video, North Embassy Suites in Indianapolis. combining all nine TikTok episodes, The event is only open to members. For and it won a Bronze Lion award at more, visit the club’s Facebook page.

Cannes Lions International Festival To view the video, visit youtu.be/ of Creativity in France. It is given to Tk64x-qYx4c.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

COMMUNITY

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07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Area beekeepers share sweet community

By Kaitlin Fallowfield news@youarecurrent.com Tracy Pielemeier recalled the wave of guilt she felt when she passed the beehives in her backyard.

She knew the boxes were full of honey, but it was too late in the season to harvest it. It was 2012, and, up to that point, all she knew about beekeeping was a one-day class she’d taken to get started and the two years her dad kept hives on her property.

She was sure the hives were doomed.

“So fall came, winter came, and I walked past those beehives on my way to the barn multiple times every day, going, ‘I’m a terrible person. I’ve killed them. I can’t believe I’ve killed them,’” Pielemeier said. “In the spring, they came busting out of those hives.

They were every bit alive and happy. I couldn’t believe it.”

She asked a local beekeeping business to help her harvest, and her colonies produced more than 100 pounds of the sticky-sweet nectar. When the Westfield resident reached out for community in the hobby, she found it in the Central Indiana Beekeepers Club, which meets in Holliday Park.

She found the group welcoming and knowledgeable, but the drive to Nora for meetings was becoming arduous.

When Pielemeier announced she wanted to start a beekeeping club closer to home, she was surprised to find an enthusiastic group ready to establish one with her, and in 2014, the North Central Beekeepers Club began in Hamilton County — a regional club that’s open to anyone interested in beekeeping, regardless of experience level. It has members from Carmel, Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville — all eager to teach and learn.

Both clubs are part of The Beekeepers of Indiana, which comprises 33 clubs across the state.

Westfield resident Peter Murphy and his wife, Peg, discovered the beekeeper’s group around eight years ago.

Murphy, owner of Laser Flash in Carmel, said they find the popular pollinators fascinating — so much so that Peg started a business beekeeping for others. She’s paid to take care of their hives and her customers get to keep the honey.

Wearing protective suits, beekeepers Jan Kea, left, Laurie Hunt and Tracy Pielemeier take a group photo. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Pielemeier)

“It’s not just about the bees — you’re learning about the weather, you’re learning about plants, so there’s a lot to learn,” Peter said.

Pielemeier said the community brings a wealth of knowledge that can’t be replicated online.

“Beekeeping is so local with regard to the weather,” she said. “You can watch all the YouTube you want. However, people experiencing your exact weather are a huge help. You can text them a picture and go, ‘Is this normal?’ The YouTube person is not going to be able to answer you on that kind of stuff.”

During meetings, beekeepers share experiences through networking and presentations. In a way, the group has formed a hive of its own. What started as roughly a dozen members in 2014 has become a regular gathering of 40 to 60.

What started as uncertainty one season has turned into a deep appreciation for the pollinators. After 14 years, Pielemeier said she finds zen in beekeeping, and she sees the bees’ intelligent design as confirmation of her faith. More than that, Pielemeier said the people she has met through the hobby remind her what’s possible in a connected community.

“I have met lots of beekeepers in many, many places, and they are all universally motivated, interested, helpful, kind and generous. I am astonished at the community,” she said. “Beekeepers are my tribe, so I’m so thankful to have found them.”

The North Central Indiana Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield.

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MAKING MOVES 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Volunteers serving in immigrant communities adapt to changing policies, impacts

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com As presidential administrations change, so, too, does U.S. immigration policy.

But the shift under the second Trump administration has been more seismic than most, leaving those who work with local immigrant communities scrambling to stay on their feet and adjust their services accordingly.

Several people volunteering in this space shared how their roles have changed in recent years, and how new or reinterpreted policies have made an impact on the local communities they serve.

‘THE DREAM IS THE SAME’ When Sharon Boller launched From Strangers to Neighbors in 2023, her goal was to walk alongside refugees from the time their resettlement program support ended until they were firmly established in their new community, a process she said typically takes two years.

Since then, the Carmel resident has helped families from Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan navigate learning English, buying a car, finding a home, landing a job and even registering to vote in central Indiana.

“When you meet all these families, they are real and tangible, and they have personalities and emotions and dreams,” Boller said. “For every single family, the dream is the same: To provide safety and opportunity for their children. It is always about the children.”

In the last couple of years, Boller has experienced some new challenges.

Recent federal legislation cut financial support for resettled refugees, and many have lost access to social safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

In the fall, Medicaid eligibility will disappear for many.

Boller said these services are vital to refugee families as they work to reestablish themselves.

Priya Gangwani with children in Grassroot Project’s Sponsor a Passion program at the Indy Art center. (Photo courtesy of Priya Gangwani)

“It’s this really long, slow ascent, but eventually they will get stable,” Boller said. “That’s why TANF and SNAP and Medicaid are so important to these families. To cut them off is basically just to strangulate them.”

An expanded U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement presence has also complicated daily life for the refugees Boller’s nonprofit serves.

“The difficulty and challenge in helping people find employment has exponentially increased since January of 2025,” she said. “People are more scared to hire someone because they’re afraid they won’t be here (long-term). English requirements have gone way up.”

Boller said those interested in supporting local refugees can do so by volunteering as English tutors, providing transportation to families without a vehicle, assisting with job searches or donating funds.

Learn more at fromstrangerstoneighbors.org.

‘IT’S JUST BEEN A HARD YEAR’ Grassroot Projects co-founder and Executive Director Priya Gangwani has a good understanding of the many challenges immigrants face building a new life in the U.S. She went through the process herself, beginning in 2003 when she moved to Indiana as an international student.

Her nonprofit works to empower under-resourced immigrant children in Indianapolis and Seattle, where her co-founder lives, by helping meet basic needs for food, clothing and more. Its Sponsor a Passion program provides opportunities for the children to participate in summer camps, music lessons, sports teams and more.

Since launching in 2017, Grassroot Projects has adjusted its programming to meet the needs of changing immigrant communities and to serve them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Lately, it’s had to shift again.

“The last year has been very, very difficult,” said Gangwani, a Carmel resident. “(The immigrant communities are) just scared, very anxious. We used to write names on care packages, but now they’re all numbers to keep them as safe as possible.”

The nonprofit is experiencing increased demand as a growing number of immigrants don’t feel safe seeking government support services.

“I have sleepless nights, because it’s so hard to say no to people getting all these calls,” Gangwani said. “It’s just been a hard year.”

Grassroot Projects welcomes support, Gangwani said, either through donations or volunteer hours. Volunteers assemble care packages in Carmel, make deliveries and organize donation drives.

Sharon Boller, founder of From Strangers to Neighbors, meets the new baby of one of the families the nonprofit serves. The organization provided the family with baby clothing, furniture, a car seat and the support of a volunteer community navigator. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Boller)

“We are blessed to be in Carmel, and we have so many resources here,” Gangwani said. “We sometimes forget what’s going on in Indianapolis, in those neighborhoods where resources are not easily available. These children are our future, and we have to invest in that.”

Learn more at GrassrootProjects.org.

‘THERE HASN’T BEEN ANY MOVEMENT’ Task Force Argo’s mission may be winding down, but it’s not over yet.

The nonprofit launched in 2021 to assist Afghan allies fleeing their home nation after the U.S. withdrew its troops and the Taliban rose to power.

Those who had assisted the U.S. were in extreme danger if they remained.

So, from her kitchen table in Carmel, retired U.S. Marine Anna Lloyd worked to coordinate evacuations. The effort was nearly nonstop at first but eventually slowed to a more manageable pace, then a trickle. Now, it appears to have stopped.

Continued on Page 17

COMMUNITY

CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Butler students volunteer for Grassroot Projects to collect and assemble hygiene products for 50 adults and 50 infants. (Photo courtesy of Priya Gangwani)

Continued from Page 16 “Task Force Argo has severely decreased operations,” Lloyd said in early July. “It’s been well over 30 days and there hasn’t been any movement except for one National Interest Lloyd Exemption visa waiver.”

Soon after taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders ending federal support for the evacuations and a travel loan that since 2022 helped fund the relocation flights. That left thousands of Afghan allies stranded in Afghanistan and temporary camps in other nations with no clear future.

Those already in the U.S. face challenges, too. Ongoing reviews of immigration cases have significantly slowed green card issuance, causing many applicants to lose their lawful status through no fault of their own, Lloyd said. Many allies fear being sent back overseas.

“Since 2021, they’ve built stable lives in the United States; securing jobs, obtaining green cards, and welcoming American‑born children,” Lloyd said.

“Now, during the government’s review of their SIV, asylum or family‑based immigration files, we have seen grammatical errors flagged. As a result, visas are being revoked. Faced with sudden loss of lawful status, many are now rushing to file asylum applications to avoid removal and protect their families. The system is broken.”

One of the last Afghans to be evacuated by Task Force Argo was Danial Karimi, who resettled with his wife

and young daughter in Indianapolis in December 2025. He had worked for the Harris Corp., helping U.S. and Afghan troops learn how to use the company’s radio systems.

Karimi transferred his Special Immigrant Visa case to the U.S. EmKarimi bassy in Pakistan, where local border officials required bribes to cover inflated Pakistan visa fees. Even still, they beat him and several other Afghans seeking to make their visa in-person appointment. Eventually, he connected with Task Force Argo and made his way to the U.S., where his family is adjusting to their new life.

“It’s a little hard for all three of us, even harder for my daughter,” Karimi said. “She misses her grandmother and grandfather.”

Karimi is working at a department store and intends to enroll in classes at Ivy Tech. Lloyd is thrilled to see his family building a new life, but her heart breaks for those left behind and those who may be forced to return.

“If you are found to be an infidel, you are subjected to the treatment that the Taliban will render to you,” she said.

“I have had Afghan allies taken into custody, kidnapped, tortured. I’ve had their children tortured. I have Afghan allies who are no longer here today and U.S. service members morally broken over this.”

Learn more at taskforceargo.org.

ON THE COVER: Volunteers from J.C. Hart

assist Grassroot Projects with inventory at a storage unit in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Priya Gangwani)

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BUSINESS LOCAL

CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Glascock said there is a difference between TREMBLE studios in different states because they have a local feel.

Victoria Glascock was seeking a par“They are very big on (franchise) ticular type of studio. owners teaching as well. That was im“I was looking for one that had an eleportant to me,” she said. vated Pilates feel to it,” she said.

Ashley Wilson will manage “I’ve trained in classical Pilates, the store, and there will be eight and I was looking for something other employees. more than that. TREMBLE has Glascock previously worked that to offer as well as the comas an account manager at Cummunity feel. It’s not owned by a mins in Columbus, Ind. Then corporation, it’s owned by the she worked at IU Health in its CEO and founder. That was very analytics department, and after Glascock important to me after coming she got her master’s degree, she from 12 years in corporate America. I started at Allied Solutions in Carmel. wanted that personal touch that it still “Then I was done with the corporate feels like it’s a community-based studio.” world,” she said.

Glascock is opening the first TREMGlascock, a former competitive dancBLE in Indiana at 5 Carter Green, Suite er, has always taught dance as a part106, in Carmel. The 2,200-square-foot time job. She more recently trained in studio will be attached to the parking Pilates. garage, which is part of The Tarkington “We are going to open up in mid-Aubuilding at Allied Solutions Center for gust and then have our grand opening the Performing Arts. on Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7),” “There’s more than 50 TREMBLE stuGlascock said. “I love the walkability dios and new ones are coming out,” said around (the studio).”

Glascock, a 2009 Carmel High School For more, visit makeittremble.com/ graduate and Carmel resident. carmel.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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BUSINESS LOCAL

CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Residents begin moving in at Portrait Midtown

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com A new apartment community is open in the heart of Carmel.

Tenants have begun moving into Portrait Midtown, developed by Indianapolis-based real estate investment firm Buckingham Companies, at 400 Industrial Dr. Portrait Midtown offers one-, twoand three-bedroom apartments; twoand three-bedroom townhomes; and one- and two-bedroom home-office residential combinations. The apartments are steps away from the Monon Greenway and Midtown Plaza.

“As we were designing the project, it was important for us to locate the entry points and the pedestrian connections to ease and encourage those connections with the neighborhood,” said Justine Massonnier, Buckingham’s senior vice president of development operations and design. “Within the building we did take the design direction to be of a very high-end and luxury approach.”

Portrait Midtown includes three outdoor terraces. One is designed as a quiet space, while another includes a pool and the third has a gathering space with fire pits.

Additional amenities include bike storage, a dog park and dog wash, coworking spaces, conference rooms, and a 24-7 micro market. Also available is valet trash removal, rentable storage

After nearly 10 years of selling e-bikes and accessories, Pedego in Carmel Midtown will permanently close July 31.

Store owner Josh Freedman emailed customers July 8 about the closure.

“This shop has always been more than a place to buy electric bikes,” he stated. “It became a gathering place for rides, conversations, and friendships.

We are deeply grateful to every person who trusted us with their business and became part of our community. It has

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? CALL FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION

Portrait Midtown is at 400 Industrial Dr., just steps away from the Monon Greenway and Midtown Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Buckingham Companies)

and a parking garage with more than 400 spaces.

“If you have a craving for a chocolate bar at 2 a.m., we can accommodate that,” Massonnier said. “In addition, we have a very large fitness center as well as on-demand fitness. We went very large in terms of amenities. We went above and beyond what we typically do with this property.”

The Buckingham Group was intentional about the art and culture it wove into the property. Portrait Midtown had a large-scale, multilamp installation by London-based public art studio Acrylicize installed in collaboration with the City of Carmel. It also has a custom mural.

“It’s important to us to go above and beyond and provide something that can benefit the neighborhood as well,” Massonnier said.

Learn more at portraitmidtown.com.

Pedego e-bike shop to close July 31

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com

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been an unforgettable journey to witness the growth of this shop with all of you.”

Freedman did not respond to a request for comment.

Pedego is having a storewide closing sale. Bikes, accessories and gear are available to purchase at special pricing while inventory lasts.

Pedego opened in 2017 at 254 Veterans Way just steps away from the Monon Trail.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.

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HEALTH

CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

New tech helps amputee stop planning around pain

By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com For most of her life, Olivia Sandlin planned her days around pain.

The 24-year-old Carmel resident spent years searching for answers after developing severe foot pain as a child.

What doctors initially believed was persistent tendonitis was eventually diagnosed as fibroadipose vascular anomaly, or FAVA, a rare condition in which a mass forms within muscle and soft tissue and often involves nerves.

In Sandlin’s case, the mass was embedded deep in the middle of her foot, causing severe pain that worsened as she grew.

“It affected all aspects of my life,” Sandlin said. “I woke up, I had pain. I went to bed, I had pain. And it just was exhausting.”

As the condition progressed, it gradually reshaped her life. She gave up sports during high school, spent years in a walking boot and learned to carefully ration her energy.

An MRI at age 17 finally revealed the source of her pain. Over the next several years, Sandlin underwent eight procedures — four in Indiana and four in Boston, where specialists were more familiar with the rare condition.

Doctors tried multiple treatments, including injections, surgeries to remove the mass, and procedures to freeze damaged nerves, but each offered only temporary relief. Eventually, she was told she could continue undergoing procedures every six to 12 months for the foreseeable future.

For Sandlin, who works in construction management and enjoys an active lifestyle, that wasn’t the future she wanted.

“I don’t want to do that,” she recalled thinking. “I really like my job in construction. I’m just an active person.”

Amputation was a possibility for years, but only after every other option had been exhausted.

“When my doctor in Boston eventually said, ‘If you want to cure yourself, then amputation would be the way to go,’ I was just like, ‘Sign me up,’” Sandlin said. “I was so ready to be done with the pain.”

On March 23, Sandlin underwent a below-the-knee amputation. The

Olivia Sandlin uses a prosthetic limb after becoming the first patient in Indiana to undergo an amputation procedure that used Tulavi Therapeutics’ allay Hydrogel Cap, a device designed to prevent painful complications. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hill Ponko)

surgery brought together orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Renn Crichlow of OrthoIndy with Dr. Ian Chow and Dr. Sameer Puri of Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s Nerve Injury and Limb Pain Program. During the procedure, they became the first team in Indiana to use an allay Hydrogel Cap by California-based Tulavi Therapeutics. The device is designed to help prevent painful neuromas — disorganized bundles of nerve tissue that can develop after a nerve is cut or injured — from forming after amputation.

“The goal is to provide both shortterm benefits in terms of reducing early nerve pain, and, more importantly, long-term benefits related to prosthetic use and an overall reduction in neuropathic pain in the lower extremity,” Chow stated.

Three months after surgery, Sandlin said the results have exceeded her expectations.

“It has not been very long,” Sandlin said. “But it still has been so much better. I could never have imagined that I’d be feeling this good so soon after surgery.”

Read the full story at youarecurrent. com.

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

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07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

21

Styx joins Chicago on co-headlining tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com To Styx vocalist-keyboard player Lawrence Gowan, the band’s “Windy Cities Tour” has been a long time coming.

Styx and Chicago, which both started in the City of Chicago, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. Gowan answered the following questions for Current.

Discuss having the first co-headlining tour with Chicago?

“I’ve been hoping for this to happen for years, quite honestly, because I’m a huge Chicago fan. I’m listening to them every night and I’m just loving it because I saw them way back in the early ‘70s. I saw them three times in the ‘70s, and those are huge concert experiences that I had growing up that I still really love. To me it’s very understandable why their music has lasted so long. It’s just it’s so well put together, and the idea of having two bands that emanated from Chicago, that are such preeminent groups as Styx and Chicago, it seemed like inevitably it was going to happen, but I was just beginning to wonder when. So now that it’s underway, audiences are just eating it up.”

Are you alternating who opens and who plays second?

“Yes, we are, but it seems a little bit easier when they close because there’s so many guys in their band. I think there’s 10 or 11 guys. I keep losing count. So, just the way the stage setup goes, it’s a little bit easier, I think, for the crew to have them close the show.

But at the same time, you know, I know we have to close, for example, in Toronto. That’s my hometown. I think we’ll close about a third of them. It doesn’t make any difference at all. It’s just a double-billed concert, and both bands play the same length of time.

Personally, I like going on first because we go on in daylight and we go into the darkness. So, I’m really digging that.”

Looks like you play “Build and Destroy” from the 2025 album and “Our Wonder-

‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ “The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Tim Wright and Steel Petals is set for July 30, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli’ July 31 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” with Don Farrell Aug. 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

From left, Styx members Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Terry Gowan (bass, vocals) and Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars). (Photo courtesy of Jason Powell)

ful Lives” from the 2021 album, “Crash of the Crown” in 2021. You also put out an album in 2017, so is it important to include the newer songs?

“The previous record ‘Crash of the Crown’ got to No. 1 on the Billboard’s Rock album chart, so we realized there’s a lot of people out there that want to hear new Styx music, and particularly the people — I’ll pick an arbitrary number — like people that are under 40 and weren’t even born when the classic rock era was putting out the biggest records at that time.

But they’ve embraced classic rock as being basically the central music in their lives. It’s nice for them to get something that’s concurrent with the lineup that we’ve had for the last 27 years that I’ve been in the band now.

They (younger fans) seem to really embrace it really quickly, and they want to hear at least something represented from those records. It’s a tough setlist to crack because there’s so many, as JY (James Young) will say it’s an ‘embarrassment of riches’ when it comes to really great Styx songs to play in a concert.”

It looks like (bassist and founding

member) Chuck Panozzo has been healthy enough to join you for the last three songs each night on this tour. Is it great for the band to have his presence?

“Is it ever. It’s great. He’s done all the shows so far on the tour, and if his health keeps up the way it is at the moment, and he seems to be in full vigor, then you know he’ll play as many shows on the tour as he possibly can.”

You’re one of the younger members of the band at 69, but the band does so many dates every year. Have you ever thought about cutting back that number?

“Whenever the gods of rock say it’s time to bring the curtain down, that’s when we’ll stop. Until that happens, we have no intention of slowing down.

We love doing this and we want to keep doing it. Look when you get to end your day with thousands of people on their feet, arms in the air, big smiles on their faces, it’s like such an overwhelmingly joyous feeling. Why would you want to move away from that? I want to have music in my life every single day and playing in front of audiences the way we do is just a fabulous way to live. Quite honestly, I recommend it for anyone.”

‘ANASTASIA’ Hendricks Civic Theatre will present “Anastasia” from July 31 to Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

CARMEL COMEDY CLUB Carmel Comedy Club will feature comedians Andrew Irving, John Fangman and Duncan Kissinger at 7 p.m. July 31, followed by Dave Dugan and Jeff Jena at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH’ Stewart Copeland, former drummer for The Police, will share stories on his “Have I Said Too Much” tour at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

BRIAN SIMPSON Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner and Jessy Jay perform at 8 p.m. July 31 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more,, visit thecenterpresents.org.

JESSE WELLES Jesse Welles with special guest Steph Strings will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park In Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

22

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Jazz pianist set for Tarkington

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Brian Simpson has built his career on strong collaborations.

The contemporary jazz pianist will be joined by saxophonists Jessy J and Jackiem Joyner in an 8 p.m. concert July 31 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We work together quite a bit and we’re all old friends,” Simpson said.

“It’s always special to do a package show like this. Most of my shows are on my own but it’s always fun to play other people’s music and we play on each other’s songs. It’s really a collaboration.”

Even during shows with his band, Simpson said he always has a featured saxophone player.

“But what’s fun about having Jessy and Jackiem both is I’ll have doubling on a lot of my melodies,” he said. “So, it’s kind of like having a horn section, which is a luxury.”

Simpson, who grew up in northern Illinois, said being back in the Midwest is always fun.

Simpson will feature songs from his most recent album, “Midnight Groove.”

“We’ll mix it up,” he said. “You get that recognition as soon as they hear a song they know. You want to do the ones they know and then, hopefully, they like the new ones. My biggest hit off radio was ‘It’s All Good,’ and there is ‘Saturday Cool,” (which was) probably my second-biggest hit. Then I do a medley from some older albums. It’s a nice mix of old and new from all of us, but they’ll definitely get the hits.”

Simpson said he performs more than 40 shows on his own each year.

“It’s almost more than I want,” he said.

Simpson is based in Los Angeles but is getting another place near Chicago.

“Just another secondary outpost. It’s a little easier to work out in the East Coast when I’m staying in the Chicago area,” he said. “Going coast-to-coast on a weekly basis is pretty tough. That gets old fast.”

Simpson said Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago are cities where he frequently performs smooth jazz.

“I find myself working with all kinds of interesting configurations, and it’s kind of been my specialty to make it work,” he said. “At first, I was under the tutelage of the late great George Duke, and I watched him put together these shows with diverse artists. I had a front-row seat to watching him work in that capacity, which I think prepared me well when I became music director for the Smooth Jazz Cruise back in 2005 or so. That was an amazing opportunity to work with 16 different artists on every cruise from David Sanborn to Marcus Miller to just about anyone you can name. The other part is knowing the side men because part of the work is putting the artist with the band that I would put together. These guys are my friends. At one time, I was one of them touring in support of another artist.”

Simpson said he tells people he has no patience for mediocre singers because he’s worked with Anita Baker, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne and the late James Ingram.

Simpson has been the Rehoboth Beach (Del.) Jazz Festival music director for the last 15 years.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and bsimpsonmusic.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

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07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

23

SONGBOOK ACADEMY FEATURES AREA VOCALISTS The Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive vocal program, concluded July 18 with a concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 40 national finalists included seven from Carmel High School and one each from Westfield High School, Zionsville Community High School and Noblesville High School. (Photos courtesy of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts)

NOW OPEN 61 CITY CENTER DR, CARMEL, IN 46032 Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts Artistic Director Michael Feinstein works with incoming Westfield High School senior Jacob Cintron during a Songbook performance.

Sadie Cohen, who will be a senior at Carmel High School, performs during a Songbook concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.

Grady Griffin, a 2026 Carmel High School graduate, performs during a Songbook concert.

(317) 564-4840 • CHARRED-INDY.COM

24

VIEWS

CURRENT IN CARMEL

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Cash in on visages potato chips with Pringles from one of the dollar stores. I hate to rob members I recently saw that a woman claimed of a famous snack family of their indito have seen an image of the Virgin viduality, but don’t they all look alike?

Mary in her grilled cheese sandwich.

One woman saw an image of Moses She posted her find on eBay for $28,000. and the Ten Commandments in someShe claimed the “miracle” was on thing called Marmite, an English delwhole wheat, but I figicacy that Brits either ure it had to be Wonder love or hate. I read that “It’s one thing to look Bread. it was also a big hit with into the clouds as I I started paddling vegetarians. That pretty do and see Donald through my wife’s beef much put an end to any Duck or a polar bear, stew, hoping for a simpotential food fest or but it’s quite another ilar experience with late-night gorging. Maymy meal, but with little to tell people you be if I read up on how success. Then I bought Marmite is made, that saw Caitlin Clark a package of frozen vegwould endear me to this in your eggplant etables at Kroger, and nutritious treat. Here’s parmesan.” when I opened it up, I what I found: “Salt is – DICK WOLFSIE thought, for a brief moadded to a suspension ment, that I saw Helio of yeasts, allowing the Castroneves in the carrot, cauliflower cells to shrivel. The yeast then self-deand green bean medley. Once the glob structs. Then the dying cells are heated, started to thaw, it honestly could have at which point the thick hull walls must been any racecar driver. So, I just ate it. be sieved out.” Yuk. This makes the proPeople looking for a quick buck on cessing of Polish sausage look good— eBay will start imagining these culinary even to vegans. apparitions. It’s one thing to look into I do believe you can find celebrity imthe clouds as I do and see Donald Duck ages in Jell-O. I recently thought I saw or a polar bear, but it’s quite another to Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White in the tell people you saw Caitlin Clark in your cherry-flavored variety, but it was just eggplant parmesan. my reflection, with my wife standing For many years, the late Myrtle behind me— laughing.

Young of Fort Wayne had amassed a colWell, that’s it for this column. I orlection of potato chips that she thought dered pizza with all the toppings for resembled celebrities such as Snoopy, dinner, and it was just delivered. I’m George Bush and Yogi Bear. She even not really hungry, but it’s fun to open appeared on the Johnny Carson show, the box and see new people. where he pretended to eat one (it’s on YouTube).

At one point, she complained that Dick Wolfsie is an author, she’d been having a heck of a time findcolumnist and speaker. ing new additions to her cavalcade of Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com. stars. Her daughter, who supplied her with chips, had been substituting Lay’s Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

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

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ACROSS 1. Spider’s creation 4. Japanese seaport 9. Regained consciousness 15. SR 32 sealer 16. Showed disrespect to

the Boilermakers’ foe 17. Took notice 18. Carmel mayor 20. Not family-friendly, moviewise 21. Had scallops at 9th

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Street Bistro 22. Country 24. Electrical letters 26. Black-and-white stinkers 28. Certain guy “ISO” 6 Fruits

someone 31. Corn core 32. High card 33. “The Song of Hiawatha” tribe 36. Bygone airline 37. “___ Fly Now” (“Rocky” theme) 40. Receding 41. Fishers mayor 44. Miniature racer 46. Tibet’s capital 47. Ind. National Guard rank 50. Subdue by dazzling 52. ___ Perignon champagne 53. Mongrel 54. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel 55. “The ___ Cometh” 58. “Goodness gracious!”

59. Ant group 61. Indy Zoo beast 62. Necessitate 65. Zionsville mayor 70. Aquafina alternative 71. Starts the bidding 72. Took a seat 73. Flubs a golf shot 74. Saudi Arabia neighbor 75. Lamb’s mom DOWN 1. Oz. and lb.

2. ___ de cologne 3. The Midwest, agriculturally speaking 4. Off-Broadway award 4 Circus Performers

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5 1 4 8 2 5 3 7 1 4 9 9 5 8 7 8 2 6 7 4 3 9 1 5. Father’s boy 6. Hunky-dory 7. Actor Reeves 8. TV’s Don Draper, for one 9. Noblesville mayor 10. Aviation prefix 11. Nasty 12. Indy’s summer hrs.

13. Ironwood Golf Course peg 14. Not even 19. Consumer protection org.

23. Bout ender, for short 24. Perform in a play at The Switch Theatre 25. Indiana State Fair Dairy Cattle Show critter 26. Westfield mayor 27. Superman’s alter ego 28. Sandwich’s ham partner with holes 29. Pale 30. Flavor enhancer letters 32. Greek marketplace 34. Letter-shaped con-

struction piece 35. Air rifle ammo 38. Colts’ org.

39. Ooh and ___ 42. Indy 500 entrant 43. Arp art 44. Thick, messy gunk 45. Lab eggs 48. Wrigley product 49. Attempt 51. Green prefix 56. “Have fun!”

57. Nearsighted one 58. Choose 59. James of “The Godfather” 60. Pig sound 61. Part of NBA (Abbr.)

62. Current staffers, briefly 63. Slangy negative 64. IND screening org.

66. Clothing line 67. Opp. of SSW 68. “Hee ___” 69. GPS suggestion ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

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An Expansion Designed to Highlight What You Love Joe Green, The Stratford’s director of dining, dresses up as a knight for A Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. (Photo courtesy of Ashely Bohlin)

Living like royalty at The Stratford Commentary by Ashely Bohlin

A

t The Stratford in Carmel, every Signature Experience is designed to spark curiosity, create meaningful connections, and bring a sense of adventure to everyday life. In July, our members stepped into a storybook as we celebrated our Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. It was a day filled with medieval fun, fascinating discoveries and a feast fit for kings and queens.

Our royal adventure began with a visit to the Indy Fencing Club, where members learned about the rich history of fencing and how it evolved into the Olympic sport we know today.

Watching demonstrations, discovering the techniques behind the sport, and hearing stories about its centuries-old origins made for an engaging and educational experience.

The excitement continued with a visit from marine biologists Cynde McInnis and Bailey Ulrich and their famous Whalemobile, a life-size inflatable humpback whale. Members enjoyed an interactive presentation featuring real whale artifacts before stepping inside the whale itself to explore its skeleton, muscles and internal organs. Guided by expert marine educators, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.

After a day of adventure and discovery, members gathered for a medieval-inspired feast featuring warm soup served in bread bowls, hearty giant turkey legs and Chef Laura’s famous bread pudding. Crowns, laughter and great company made this royal celebration one to remember.

For more, visit stratford-living.com.

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M e r i d i a n A u d i o l o g y : M a k i n g a D i ff e r e n c e i n t h e L i ve s o f t h o s e s t r u g g l i n g w i t h h e a r i n g

Realtor helps seniors along downsizing journey

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L

ee Ann Balta’s specialty is assisting seniors during their downsizing journey.

Balta is a certified senior housing professional for Century 21 Scheetz.

She partners with Betzy Bautista to lead the team. Balta has worked with Bautista since 2010. Bautista was Balta’s administrative assistant until two years ago, when Bautista obtained a real estate license and they became partners.

“We are better together, for sure,” said Balta, who works out of the Century 21 Scheetz office in Zionsville.

Balta presents free Silver Journey Senior Living Series seminars at 2 p.m. on the second Monday each month at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville. The Adult Children Series is held at 4:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at HusseyMayfield. They are 90-minute sessions and aren’t used as marketing tools.

“We’re not there to sell them anything,” she said.

Balta said approximately 70 percent of the population wants to age in place and live independently.

“Some people look at a 55-and-over community as kind of a resort with activities and amenities,” she said.

She said her clients are not always buying a smaller house or condominium; they are often moving into senior living communities.

“I’m 59, so most of my clients are around my age,” she said. “Everybody knows five or six Realtors. You end up using the one you know, like and trust or the one you feel will advocate for you the most or the one you feel safe with.”

Balta said there is a longer process of building a relationship with those in the process of downsizing.

“Just the consideration of what the next chapter looks like is just so much more than the real estate piece,” she said. “The real estate piece is just the last piece of what tends to be a bigger puzzle. It’s just a journey that I enjoy taking with people, building relationships years before they’re ready to actually make that step.”

Betzy Bautista, left, and Lee Ann Balta hold educational seminars on the process of downsizing. (Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Balta)

Balta said she helps clients process the steps and provides a support system.

“It’s talking about the market and the mental process of what’s going and what’s staying,” she said. “How do we remove all the unwanted items or wanted items that can’t necessarily go with them? A lot of people get stuck on what to do with this household of stuff.”

Balta said she often introduces clients to others who have gone through the process of downsizing or who are going through it at the same time.

“I try to have them focus on what’s next,” she said. “They’re downsizing, so what do they really want to take with them? If we can just focus on that, that starts to help them move in that direction. I often say don’t worry about the stuff that’s left behind, I’ll take care of that. That’s what my team does. It’s real estate, but it’s not real estate in the traditional sense of, ‘Call me when you’re ready to sell.’ That’s way too late in the process.”

Balta starts with a consultation to see what the clients’ support team is like as far as family members and close friends.

Continued on Page 17

Solution for toenail fungus Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf

I

f you have been struggling with stubborn toenail fungus, there is finally a revolutionary, non-invasive solution that delivers impressive results without the need for oral medications or potential burning from a laser. ToeFX, the advanced, FDA-cleared light therapy treatment, is transforming the way podiatrists address fungal infections.

ToeFX offers a sophisticated, safe and completely painless approach to restoring nail health. Unlike traditional treatments that can come with systemic side effects or require long, complicated daily regimens, ToeFX utilizes a highly effective photodisinfection process. By applying a specialized topical serum that binds to fungal organisms and activating it with precise red LED light, the treatment selectively disrupts the fungus while leaving your healthy tissue completely untouched.

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formed in-clinic, with each session lasting less than 20 minutes.” The protocol is simple and efficient, typically involving a series of visits every two weeks.

This streamlined approach makes it easy to integrate into your busy schedule, and because it is non-invasive, there is absolutely no downtime following your appointment.

The clinical results are truly encouraging. Many patients report visible improvement in the appearance of their nails after just a few sessions, with continued progress as the new, healthy nail grows out. Studies reveal success rates of 73 percent, 81 percent in clinical observations. Dr. Kenneth Stumpf said it is “a preferred choice for those seeking a reliable, modern, and drug-free alternative to clear their nails effectively.”

Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are boardcertified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.

YOUR f SILVER A JOURNEY�

G

STRAIGHT TALK. REAL ANSWERS. NO SALES PITCH � �

Join Us Monthly at The Hussey-Mayfield Library, Zionsville Expert Panels, Actionable Advice, Supportive Community

SENIOR LIVING SERIES: Medicare Decoded: What It Covers, What It Doesn't, and What It Costs You AUGUST 10 I 2 PM

g Scams, Schemes & Senior Safety: How to Protect What You've Earned SEPTEMBER 14 I 2 PM g Legal Documents Every Senior Should Understand (Before It's Urgent) OCTOBER 12 12 PM

ADULT CHILDREN OF AGING PARENTS SERIES:

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How to Have the Hard Conversations Without Becoming the Bad Guy SEPTEMBER 15 I 4:30 PM Caregiving Without Collapse: Roles, Boundaries, and Burnout OCTOBER 2014:30 PM

Brought to you by Lee Ann Balta, Certified Senior Housing Professional & Downsizing Coach

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

5

Volunteers set for final Colts camp at Grand Park

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

L

ois Craig knows she is going to miss volunteering at Indianapolis Colts training camp.

Craig is the volunteer coordinator for transportation for Colts players and families to and from the field at Grand Park. The 73-year-old Westfield resident has been in the role since the first Craig Colts camp in Westfield in 2018. The Colts have announced this year’s training camp, which begins July 29, will be the final one at Grand Park.

“I thoroughly enjoy it,” said Craig, a retired City of Carmel employee.

“They’ve been a great group of guys.

Our Colts are awesome. They are thankful and respectful. They ask us our name. They want to know about us when we’re driving them to and from the field. That’s the majority of them. There are few you know to leave

Sandy and Bill Kirsch, assist in transporting players to the field.

(Photo courtesy of Bill Kirsch)

alone because they don’t want to be bothered. The families are friendly. They want to know about you, too. They’ve been great and we’re all going to miss them. We were all sad they weren’t coming back.”

Craig’s husband, Mark, also volunteers.

Westfield resident Bill Kirsch, 76, and his wife, Sandy, are volunteers in ride assistance for the players. There

was no camp in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there was no contact with the players at camp, so Kirsch took tickets and took fans back and forth from the parking lot that year.

“I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything, except the heat,” Kirsch said. “You don’t realize how big these guys are until they sit down next to you. Most of them are pretty talkative, pretty good guys.”

His most memorable experience was when his wife drove a full load of offensive linemen to the field.

“I was in the cart behind her,” Kirsch said. “She didn’t get far before you saw the tire going down in the back. She did a good job driving it on three wheels.

But by the time she got there, the tire was almost on fire and it was smoking.

The guys in my cart started laughing, pointing to the cart.”

Kirsch said they learned later after a new tire was put on that there was a weight limit of 1,000 pounds.

“The five guys on the cart were over 300 pounds,” he said.

Kirsch said they are supposed to get special new volunteer shirts this year.

“It’s like the final frontier,” he said Metzig Ron Metzig, a 79-year-old Westfield resident, will volunteer for the third time. He helps Continued on Page 8

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

seat fans in the grandstand.

“The best parts of volunteering at Colts Camp have been helping fans find the best spot to sit for each practice for the best fan experience, showing the kids where to stand for the best autographs after practice and guiding the handicap fans to our special seating areas,” Metzig said. “I think that the best memories come from helping the kids get their footballs, jerseys or football memorabilia autographed after each practice and the expression on their faces when they are right up front on the rail along the field.”

Metzig said he will miss the fan contact experience and making each person feel welcome.

“We get the chance to meet people from all over the area as you strive to find them the best seat in the house each day, even engaging in a quick conversation with them and the huge fan support here at Grand Park,” he said.

Mark Samuels has volunteered every year since 2018. Samuels, who lived in Fishers before a recent move to Evansville to be closer to his wife’s aging parents, plans to Samuels do four volunteer shifts in August.

“I started doing ride assistance for fans and then after a couple of years I met the Colts Player and Family and Friends golf cart drivers and I switched to working with them for the last several years,” Samuels said. “I enjoy helping the families out, and this position allows you to see a lot of the behind-thescenes parts of camp.”

Samuels, 66, said he’ll miss the routine of getting to camp each day, working behind the scenes, and camaraderie he built with the other long-term drivers.

Samuels retired in October 2023 after more than 30 years at Lilly as an IT project manager.

“I tried working as a dog walker and new car delivery driver but was kind of bored, so I went back to work full time as an IT project manager as a contractor for Lilly,” Samuels said. “I like to be busy and work with people so I also worked at the Fishers Event Center when it opened up until moving down to Evansville.”

Balance: More than standing on one foot Commentary by Dan Scripter

W

hen I ask people how they feel about their balance, the first thing they tell me is that they can stand on one foot for a length of time. While standing on one foot is a tool — and one I use regularly to assess a person’s balance — it is a small piece of the overall picture of balance.

Balance affects each of us as we stand, move, and perform activities of daily living (ADL).

Understanding balance, and how it changes as we age, is important to prevent accidents and injuries. There are two types of balance: static and dynamic.

Static balance (maintaining position) is the ability to keep your center of gravity within the base of support (BOS). An individual’s center of gravity is typically a few inches below the navel, and it shifts with gender, body shape, body size, muscle distribution, and age.

Imagine for a moment, standing on a two-foot square. When you are balanced, your feet are in a relaxed stance, directly under you or slightly wider even if the square starts to shrink in size.

Dynamic balance is the ability to move beyond the BOS while maintaining postural control. An example would be leaning forward to place a plate on a table without stepping forward. This skill often declines in older adults due to age-related changes, cognitive decline, reduced lower leg strength and endurance, limited range of motion, and neurological issues such as numbness in the feet or legs.

There are a few things that you can do at home to help prolong your ability to maintain your balance. We use the movements below, along with others, with our clients at Motion 4 Life Fitness.

They focus on ankle range of motion (ROM), core strength, and training for the feet.

Ankle ROM and lower leg strength: • Toe Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your heels planted while lifting your toes toward your shins, then lower them back down. Perform the movement with one foot or both. Begin with two sets of eight reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and prog-

Motion 4 Life Fitness member Leon Walker works on his balance.

(Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life Fitness)

ress over the next few weeks to three sets of 15 reps.

• Heel Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Press through your toes to lift your heels until you’re on your tiptoes, then lower your heels back to the floor.

Perform the exercise with one foot or both. Start with 2 sets of 8 reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and progress over the next few weeks to 3 sets of 15 reps.

• Standing Heel to Toe Rocks: Stand upright, tummy pulled toward your spine, with a hand on an object for balance, such as a counter or table.

Put your right foot forward and left leg behind about hip-width apart.

Raise the toes of the front foot with the back foot on the floor. Rock forward until the front foot is fully on the ground, pushing through the front big toe for balance, and the back heel is off the ground. Rock backward until you return to the starting position. Do two sets of 12 repetitions then switch sides, rest 30 seconds between sets.

If you feel any dizziness, or notice anything that feels wrong, see your doctor immediately. If you want to work more on your balance, see your doctor for a program near you, or find a gym and work with a certified personal trainer who specializes in working with older adults.

Dan Scripter is a certified personal trainer at Motion 4 Life Fitness in Carmel.

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ADVERTORIAL

JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

By Dr. Kevin Sonn, orthopedic surgeon at IU Health Fishers

F

or many adults over 55, joint pain can slowly take away the activities they love, whether it’s walking Dr. Kevin Sonn the neighborhood, gardening or keeping up with grandchildren. When pain becomes chronic and begins to affect quality of life, joint replacement surgery may become part of the conversation. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?

UNDERSTANDING JOINT REPLACEMENT Joint replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure used to treat damaged joints, most often the hip, knee or shoulder. The surgery involves replacing worn or damaged parts of the joint with artificial components to reduce pain and restore movement.

At IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Fishers, specialists offer a full range of joint replacement options, including hip, knee and shoulder procedures, depending on your needs.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE? Joint replacement is not the first step in treatment. Most patients are initially treated with non-surgical approaches such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes.

You may be a good candidate for joint replacement if: • You have persistent joint pain that limits your daily activities • You experience reduced mobility or difficulty walking or climbing stairs • Your symptoms have not improved with nonsurgical treatments • Joint damage is impacting your overall quality of life At IU Health, care teams evaluate each patient individually, considering the severity of symptoms, overall health and personal goals before recommending surgery.

CONSIDERING NEXT STEPS If you’re experiencing joint pain but aren’t sure if you’re ready to consider surgery, there are helpful ways to learn more. Your first step is typically a

10

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

consultation with an orthopedic specialist. During this visit, your care team will review your diagnosis and explain treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

IU Health also offers joint replacement seminars designed to help patients better understand their condition, available treatments and what to expect throughout the process. These sessions can be especially valuable if you’re weighing your options and want to feel more confident in your next step.

two hours and is performed under anesthesia. After surgery, your care team will guide you through recovery, focusing on pain management and helping you begin moving safely.

Patients begin walking with assistance the same day of surgery. Recovery is supported by a multidisciplinary team that may include physical therapists, occupational therapists and care coordinators, all working together to help you regain strength and mobility.

WHEN IT’S TIME FOR SURGERY If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, your care team may recommend joint replacement as the best option to relieve pain and improve function.

Preparation begins well before surgery. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This may include reviewing medications, completing lab tests and assessing heart and lung health. You’ll also receive guidance on how to prepare your home for recovery, such as arranging help with daily tasks and minimizing fall risks.

Joint replacement surgery typically takes one to

MOVING FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE Choosing joint replacement surgery is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. With expert evaluation, personalized care plans and educational resources, IU Health helps patients understand their options and feel confident in their next step.

If joint pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, it may be time to explore your options.

Learning more can help you determine whether joint replacement is the right path toward moving more comfortably and staying active in the years ahead. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ joints.

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

11

Carmel resident finds niche as investment banker

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

B

ob Zoccola found another niche in his second career.

After 26 years as a trial attorney, Zoccola decided to make the move into investment banking after learning more about the work.

“One of my clients was in international business, and she gave me the opportunity to get into international business, which I jumped at,” he said.

“When I learned what (investment bankers) did, I thought I could do this, and this would be fun.”

It’s so much fun that the 83-year-old is still doing it nearly 30 years later.

That client who gave him the opportunity was the late Christel DeHaan, who owned Resorts Condominiums International before selling it.

At the time he shifted careers, Zoccola was based in London working with partners in a firm.

“They were investment bankers, and that’s who taught me that career move,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supporting family.

I’ve been blessed with opportunities to meet interesting, successful people that showed me ideas and exposed me to ventures that I never would have seen without their help.”

After the firm was sold, he had another client who owned and operated a family office in Jackson Hole, Wyo. He joined the team, where wealthy people would make funds available.

“We used their funds to do other ventures,” he said.

Now, Zoccola has his own company.

“I partner with other people who are either in the space or they recommend something to me,” he said. “Most of what comes our way now is word of mouth because they know what we do and they refer people to us.”

Zoccola moved to Carmel in 1972.

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

Bob Zoccola, middle, with his sons Jim, left, and Boyd, on right. (Photo courtesy of Bob Zoccola)

When he was with the firm, he conducted business in 152 nations.

Zoccola said he developed new skills when he became an investment banker.

“But a lot of the skills I developed as a trial lawyer and a licensed mediator (was) because a mediator is basically an arbitrator or a judge who makes a decision,” he said. “A mediator just gets the parties to talk and see if they can’t identify common ground.”

He now owns a company, Zolutions, LLC. “It’s part time, although there are moments when you know you got the deal inside the 1-yard line where you have to be ready to close the deal and make that a priority,” he said. “I try not to have too many things on my plate at one time, so that I’m able to give the right attention to any customer that I’m working with.”

Zoccola moved to Indianapolis in 1960 to attend Butler University. He majored in mathematics and then attended the University of Minnesota’s law school.

“I met the love of my life at Butler, and after law school, she brought me back here because she was a Hoosier and didn’t want to live in Minnesota,” he said.

His wife, Ann, died in 2019. He has 59-year-old twin sons, Boyd and Jim, and five grandchildren.

His sons and grandchildren all graduated from Carmel High School.

STAYING ACTIVE Bob Zoccola moved to The Stratford in October 2024.

“I’m the chair of Lifelong Learning, where I find speakers that I think would be interesting for our residents to hear about and learn from,” he said. “I ask

the residents to give topics that they would like to hear about and then I go find the speaker. Once a week, I lead a group that meditates here.”

Zoccola has kept a gratitude journal for more than 25 years.

“I write things that I’m grateful for that day, and what I found is the more you do it, the more things you’ll notice in the world to be grateful for,” he said.

“To me, it transforms the way you see the world.”

Zoccola said it’s an activity that he encourages everyone to try.

He said he gets involved in as many activities as he can at The Stratford.

“There are so many interesting people here,” he said. “When you hear their stories, you just go, ‘Wow.’ I mean intelligent, interesting people, and to hear their stories is special.”

Real estate agent helps seniors downsize

J

Join Downsize Indy for a FREE live event designed to simplify your move and connect you with trusted local resources.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ustin Steill and his team have developed a forte in helping older adults downsize their homes.

“Downsizing has always been a service we offer but it has become increasingly a larger part of our business over the past five years,” Steill said. “We Steill help a lot of people downsize into smaller homes. Then the next step is senior living communities.”

Steill is the owner and team leader of Homes With Steill Real Estate Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty. The office is in Carmel and Steill lives in Westfield.

“We serve a lot of clients in the Hamilton County area but also work in Indy Metro from Greenwood to Avon,” Steill said.

Steill holds open houses on weekends, usually Sunday afternoons.

Steill has a 12-person team. The team was established in 2013 and has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices since 2019.

Steill has helped lead a team that has served more than 1,000 families and closed more than $600 million in real estate. It is among the 20 largest teams in the Berkshire Hathaway network nationwide.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs,” Steill said. “Whether buying, selling or investing, our proven process ensures exceptional results. We are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.”

For more, visit justinsteill.bhhsindianarealty.com.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs.”

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Aging in Place: What you need to know before a crisis happens Commentary by Christine Stolle

F

or many older adults, there’s no place they’d rather be than home.

Aging in place offers familiarity, independence and comfort. But remaining safely at home isn’t simply a matter of wanting to stay there. It requires thoughtful legal, financial, and practical planning long before a health crisis occurs.

Here’s what every family should know.

Start with the legal foundation One of the most important steps in aging in place has nothing to do with your house. It starts with your legal documents.

Every adult should have a health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, living will and medical release of information (HIPAA). These documents allow you to choose the people who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.

Without them, your loved ones may have to petition the court for guardianship, a process that can be expensive, time consuming, public and emotionally draining. More important, it means someone else may end up making decisions that you would have preferred to make yourself.

It’s also important to review how your home is titled and ensure you have an up-to-date will or trust. Proper planning can help avoid probate while also preserving future long-term care planning options.

A paid-off house still has expenses Owning your home outright doesn’t mean living there is free.

Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, repairs and ongoing maintenance continue regardless of whether you have a mortgage. Many families underestimate these recurring expenses when planning for retirement.

In addition, staying in your home safely may require modifications such as: • Installing grab bars • Building wheelchair ramps • Replacing tubs with walk-in showers • Widening doorways • Improving lighting and accessibility These upgrades can become costly, especially if they’re made during an emergency rather than planned in

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advance.

Before making major financial decisions, explore available funding options such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), reverse mortgages, VA benefits or Medicaid programs that may help offset costs. And be cautious about gifting money or property, as doing so could affect Medicaid eligibility because of the program’s five-year look-back period.

Know when more help is needed One of the most difficult conversations families face is recognizing when living independently is no longer realistic.

Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or recovery from a stroke often require more than occasional assistance. They may require skilled care that goes beyond what a spouse or adult child can safely provide.

Families should openly and honestly discuss activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and mobility. Understanding when additional support is needed before burnout occurs can make all the difference for both the individual needing care and the family members providing it.

Aging in place doesn’t mean staying in the same house forever Many people assume the only choices are remaining in their current home or moving directly into assisted living.

Fortunately, there are many options in between.

Communities designed for older adults, such as 55-plus neighborhoods, maintenance-free villas, condominiums and independent living communities, can significantly reduce the burden of home maintenance while allowing individuals to maintain their independence and active lifestyles.

Sometimes aging in place simply means finding a home that’s better suited for the next stage of life.

Understanding the cost of long-term care Long-term care is one of the largest financial challenges many families will ever face.

Although Medicare plays an important role, it generally covers only shortContinued on Page 15

Continued from Page 14 term skilled care following a hospitalization. It does not pay for ongoing custodial care, which is the type of assistance many older adults eventually need.

Depending on your circumstances, long-term care may be funded through: • Personal savings • Home equity • Long-term care insurance • Veterans benefits • Medicaid Planning ahead is critical. Estate planning tools such as Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and Veteran Asset Protection Trusts can help protect assets while preserving eligibility for benefits, but they must be established well before care is needed. Waiting until a crisis occurs often eliminates many of the available planning opportunities.

Even the most devoted caregivers can experience burnout, lost income, declining health, and strained relationships.

Building a successful aging-in-place plan means recognizing that family support has limits. Adult day programs, respite care, in-home caregivers, and formal family caregiver agreements can provide valuable support while helping loved ones maintain healthy boundaries.

Plan for life after the loss of a spouse The death of a spouse can dramatically change someone’s ability to remain at home.

A surviving spouse may suddenly face reduced household income, the loss of a primary caregiver or unexpected ownership and title issues involving the home.

Planning ahead can help ensure that a surviving spouse has both the legal authority and financial resources needed to continue living safely and comfortably.

Aging in place is absolutely achievable for many families, but successful aging in place rarely happens by accident.

It requires thoughtful legal planning, realistic financial preparation, honest family conversations and a willingness to plan before a crisis forces difficult decisions.

The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have.

Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. For more, visit dillman-owen.com.

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

For some individuals, long-term care planning is less about whether you can afford care and more about how you want to pay for it, in addition to what opportunity costs you are willing to accept. Long-term care includes services like in-home assistance, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. In the state of Indiana, the costs of these services can vary significantly depending on the location and level of care. The expenses can sometimes go on for years and create meaningful financial and emotional stress if not planned for in advance.

The goal of planning ahead isn’t just to cover the costs, it’s to do so efficiently, without disrupting your broader financial and legacy plan.

The core decision often comes down to two approaches: purchasing insurance or self-funding care using your own assets. The time to make this decision is typically between the ages of 55 and 65.

The self-funding method means setting aside a portion of your own portfolio specifically for future care needs. For those that have the ability to pursue this method, it provides full control and flexibility related to the money. Assets can be invested how you choose and used for any other purpose (including inheritance) if not needed for care.

In addition, this method provides simplicity because there is no underwriting, no policy terms to be concerned with and no claims process to manage. On the other hand, self-funding means taking on all of the risk related to an unknown prolonged care situation, which can erode even a substantial portfolio.

The money earmarked for care also takes on the opportunity cost of not being used for other expenses in retirement and significant care expenses could reduce what you pass on to heirs or charitable organizations.

Some clients choose this approach if they have sufficient liquidity and are comfortable absorbing a potential high-cost scenario without affecting their lifestyle or other longterm goals.

Another option to pay for longterm care is an insurance policy. In most cases, these policies are issued using a hybrid product where life insurance or an annuity is combined with long-term care coverage. If care is needed, the policy provides benefits. If not, there is typically a death benefit paid to beneficiaries. Unlike a traditional long-term care insurance policy, which is a “use it or lose it” benefit, there is typically value in a hybrid policy even if care is never needed.

In addition, if started early enough, a lump sum or series of premiums can be turned into a larger pool of future benefits. Many of these hybrid policies offer fixed premiums, reducing uncertainty and they can help preserve other assets intended for your heirs.

However, long-term care insurance policies do often have upfront costs, can be complex with various benefit triggers or riders and lower flexibility since the funds are less accessible. Hybrid policies can be appealing for individuals who want to transfer some of the financial risk related to long-term care while still maintaining a predictable outcome for their estate.

Further, some clients will choose a middle ground approach where a dedicated portion of their investment portfolio is earmarked specifically for long-term care and balance some of the risk with a smaller insurance policy for catastrophic scenarios.

Some of the key questions to ask as you navigate this decision include: How important is protecting your estate? Are you comfortable with the uncertainty of potential care costs?

Would large healthcare expenses change your lifestyle plans? Do you prefer control or risk transfer? How is your health and would you qualify for coverage?

The bottom line is, there is no one-size fits all solution. Instead, the decision comes down to aligning your financial capacity with your personal preferences. Self-funding emphasizes flexibility and control.

Long-term care insurance offers leverage and protection. The key is to make the decision proactively, while you have the most options available.

Sycamore resident enjoys new home

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

I

t’s never easy leaving your home state or your home, but it’s something that Mary Buchanan did — and she’s thriving.

Buchanan, who turns 82 next month, is a new resident of the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis. She moved there in May and has enjoyed Sycamore immensely since her daughter Shelly did a search on where Buchanan could live. “(My daughter) took care of everything for me,” Buchanan said. “That was a big help.”

Buchanan described the search experience as a major reason for wanting to live there and she has not had any regrets.

“In my time here, I’ve liked it so much,” Buchanan said. “I can be myself with all my friends I’ve accumulated.

They have been great and wonderful and it’s been that (Sycamore).”

Buchanan, who lived in Indianapolis with her daughter prior to her move, is a native of Charles City, Iowa. She also lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Buchanan, who attended business school in Minnesota, worked for many years with the LeFebure Co. of Cedar Rapids, a major manufacturer of bank security equipment, safes and vault doors.

A widow, Buchanan has two daughters, Shelly and Tracy. Tracy lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Buchanan is a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and of fellow

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Mary Buchanan resides at the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living community. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reseve)

Hawkeye and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, She said she also enjoys working with her hands and lists quilting, knitting and crocheting as her hobbies.

“Idle hands are the devil’s work,” Buchanan said, laughing. “I miss my daughter in Iowa and I miss Iowa, but I’ve been loving my life here and it’s been more than fun.”

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Continued from Page 4 “These are all tasks that need to be done, and we’re starting to build a plan to delegate those tasks,” Balta said. “If they’re rich with people and a support system, then there may not be costs associated with the move, except for maybe at the very end when we’re selling the real estate. If they don’t have people, then we may need to hire a packer and a mover. I’m looking for those movers and packers that specialize in serving seniors because they know to be gentle, caring and respectful.”

Online auctions can help with items not being moved.

“I’m a huge trash-to-treasure girl, so I love online auctions because people aren’t traipsing through the house,” she said.

At Balta’s most recent auction from a 3,500-square-foot home, the auctioneer sold all but three items. The funds made from the auction could help with moving costs.

“We help people find joy in this and in going through the next process,” she said. “Every person’s journey is different and it’s so customized.”

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

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Fishers resident passionate about senior care

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A

fter working for several years in the corporate world, Stacey Williams has made a significant career shift. As she looked to transition into a more specialized and local position, she came across Seniors Helping Seniors and took the opportunity to open a location of her own.

“As I started thinking about leaving corporate and doing something more local, I wanted to focus on seniors or kids,” Williams said. “Seniors Helping Seniors was an opportunity that I saw, and it just speaks to my heart.”

Seniors Helping Seniors is an in-home care service designed to connect seniors with caregivers their own age. The similarity in age aims to promote understanding, connection and relatability between seniors and their caregivers.

Williams said she is passionate about fostering connections between seniors and caregivers because of her personal experience with her grandmother and her caretaker.

“My grandmother had suffered a stroke and lived for about 10 years after that, but had really significant health challenges. My family was very, very fortunate that we had an amazing caregiver, but it was so hard,” said Williams, a Fishers resident. “Everybody needs care, and they need people to give them care who are going to be caring and loving. There’s also an element of dignity and respect for the people who just want to age in place versus trying to go into a facility, which I think is ultimately better for people.”

Williams wants to put focus on quality care, which, for her, means hiring high-quality caregivers.

“If you look at the senior care industry in general, people can get into the industry without a lot of training,” she said. “They’re going to get training through their employer, but you don’t have to have those skills necessarily to get hired as a caregiver. We are very specific in trying to hire seniors to care for other seniors – people who have similar life experience, people who might have similar interests, so it’s about building that genuine relationship.”

Another focus is the comfort of those

Stacey Williams has opened a Seniors Helping Seniors center in Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Williams)

seeking care.

“The majority of older people want to age in place in their homes, because that’s what they know, and that’s where they’re comfortable,” Williams said. “(For us) it’s about creating the environment where they can do that safely (while) getting the help that they need.”

Williams finds hiring caregivers to be especially rewarding, enjoying the conversations with those who are passionate about the job.

“When you get somebody who’s in it for the right reasons; (when) you get a caregiver who comes in and they’re telling you stories about who they’ve given care to, and they get really emotional… that just warms my heart,” she said.

Williams’ Seniors Helping Seniors coverage areas are Hamilton and Hancock counties and eastern Marion County.

“I really want to be the local resource that people think of when they think of needing care,” Williams said. “I’m hoping Seniors Helping Seniors creates that brand awareness that people know automatically the high quality of care that we provide, and that we will be the go-to resource. I just want us to be that community resource in my territory… but I’m certainly starting here in Hamilton County.”

For more, visit seniorshelpingseniors. com.

Marquette retirement community plans major expansion

M

arquette, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community senior living destination in Indianapolis known for its exceptional lifestyle offerings and personalized care, broke ground on Part I of a significant expansion featuring the highly anticipated Terraces II development, a new residential option called The Flats.

Construction began June 16 on the first phase, which includes The Commons, an amenities enhancement featuring indoor multiuse sports court and waterfront lounge spaces. The ambitious multiphase project, a $102 million investment, will add 69 luxury apartment homes, 25 innovative stacked flats and a major expansion of the community’s central gathering space, representing the second most comprehensive development in the community’s history.

Anticipated opening in 2029, Terraces II will feature the same striking façade with glass wall corner units and sophisticated architectural design mirroring the popular Terraces I building, comple-

mented by a welcoming dining venue and convenient underground parking facilities. The development also introduces an innovative housing concept with 25 hybrid homes they are calling The Flats – a unique residential option that combines the privacy of independent homes with thoughtfully designed, single level flats, spacious layouts and generous outdoor enjoyment.

“This expansion represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s discerning seniors who seek both luxury and an active, engaging lifestyle,” stated Jake Cox, executive director of Marquette. “The Terraces II, The Flats and amenities development will set a new standard for senior living, combining our residents’ love for recreational activities like pickleball with sophisticated dining and living spaces that foster community connection.”

Key Features of the development: Luxury apartment homes (69 units) • Spacious, well-appointed residences full of natural light and premium finishes • Multiple floor plan options to suit

diverse lifestyle preferences • Exceptional comforts such as fireplaces, modern amenities and accessibility features innovative stacked flats (25 units) • Unique living concept combining privacy, convenience and connectivity.

• Thoughtfully designed for optimal comfort and functionality • Covered parking and private outdoor spaces

• Premium Amenities • Exclusive on-site dining venues featuring chef-prepared cuisine • Secure underground or at grade covered parking with direct building access • Seamless integration with existing community amenities and services: The Marquette Athletic Club, natatorium, resident garden, chapel, Township Tavern and creative arts spaces.

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