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Immigration protest takes place in Carmel
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
An organized protest against U.S. immigration policy took place July 21 outside the Carmel office of Indiana Sen. Todd Young.
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More than 100 people protested outside Young’s office at 310 E. 96th St. in Carmel. The protest was organized by Stuart Mora, who works at Munoz Legal, an Indianapolis law firm that specializes in immigration law. The protest also was supported by the Indiana State AFL-CIO and activist groups Indivisible Central Indiana and the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance.
The protest was part of a simultaneous protest by groups across the state. A similar protest took place at U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz’s (R-Noblesville) office in Noblesville and Republican U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym in Mishawaka.
The protest was titled “Invest In Our Communities Not Ice”. It is a reference to the policies of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
“We would like to see investment in the health care, housing and education, not investment in the terrorizing of our communities,” Mora said.
When asked for a response from Young’s office, his staff sent a press release on Young’s support of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, including Young’s support for border security.
Mora would like to engage in a dialogue
with Indiana’s leaders on matters of immigration.
“The door remains open. We’d be happy to have Sen. Young or his staff join us and pray with us and think about what does it mean to be a Hoosier? What does it mean to be a loving person in our community,” Mora said. “We believe we can move our congressional representatives and have an impact right here in Indiana.”
Indianapolis resident Lamont Hulse, a volunteer with Indivisible Central Indiana who took part in the protest, said the
group recently met with Young’s staff. Hulse said 50 people from his organization participated in the meeting. He said they were given literature on recent legislation by Young’s office.
The protest lasted 50 minutes and featured six speakers, including Mora.
There was one counter-protestor. A motorist on 96th Street stopped his pick-up truck in front of the protest and honked his horn for approximately one minute before driving off.
Carmel revises budget review process
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council has set its schedule for reviewing and voting on the 2026 budget.
CITY NEWS CITY NEWS
Like last year, the city will use zero-based budgeting, which requires department leaders to justify every expense rather than using previous budgets as a baseline. However, a few changes are coming in an effort to make the process more efficient.
Previously, two city councilors spoke to each department director to review their proposed budget in detail. The council wanted to avoid that process this year, as it led to long meetings when department leaders presented their budgets to the full
council.
“I advocated for a lot of these changes after last year’s budget process,” City Councilor Rich Taylor said. “It gets us more detail earlier in the process.”
City of Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson said he hopes the new process will lead to most questions being addressed much earlier than last year.
This year, the entire council will receive the same information at the same time.
The 2026 budget schedule is:
• Sept. 1 – Budget estimates will be sent to the city council
• Sept. 8 – Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and Jackson will present a report about the proposed budget to the city council
• Sept. 15-16 – Department directors
will present their budgets to the city council during budget workshops
• Sept. 23 – Finkam and Jackson will present an updated budget to the council based on feedback from previous meetings
• Oct. 6 – The proposed budget will be introduced at a city council meeting.
• Oct. 20 – A second reading of the budget and vote is expected
The council must approve the budget in October to meet the state-required deadline.
City councilors may still meet with city department directors individually, but Finkam and Council President Adam Aasen requested that councilors be respectful of department leaders’ time.
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Dozens of people gather July 21 to protest U.S. immigration policies outside the office of U.S. Sen. Todd Young at 310 E. 96th St. in Carmel. (Photo by Todd Golden)
Commission reviews U.S. 31 plan Council approves $2.6M to continue paving projects
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel Plan Commission discussed proposed guidelines for future development of the U.S. 31 corridor at its July 17 meeting.
CITY NEWS
The 23-page U.S. 31 sub-area plan states that its goal is to create “a walkable, human-scaled environment that balances residential edges with vibrant, mixeduse development.” The City of Carmel developed the plan with consulting firm Yard & Co., which also recently developed a sub-area plan for the Home Place community.
Beginning in the 1980s, the U.S. 31 corridor became one of Carmel’s most successful business districts, but growth there has since stagnated.
Vacancy rates in the corridor were 21.3 percent in late 2024, compared to 2.9 percent in Carmel overall, according to real estate firm Colliers Indianapolis.
The sub-area plan recommends developing “high-quality, human-scaled urban architecture, site and trail design” providing amenities attractive to visitors, employees and residents.
The City of Carmel is considering updated guidelines for development in the U.S. 31 corridor. (Photo by Todd Golden)
Other recommendations include removing restrictions regarding permitted uses on specific floors of buildings, adding publicly accessible plazas, installation of more seating for pedestrians; and changes to maximum building heights at major intersections. The plan also suggests adding space for a food truck park and temporary retail villages.
A plan commission committee will take a closer look at the proposal before sending it back to the full commission for a vote. The next plan commission committee meeting is Aug. 5. View the plan at bit.ly/4f4QXZL.
By Todd Golden • todd@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council met July 21 to approve funds for repaving projects, amend group home regulations and express support for the city partnering with a website that promotes service opportunities.
What happened: The council voted 8-0 (councilman Matt Snyder was absent) to spend $2.6 million from the general fund to support street paving projects.
What it means: When the city approved the 2025 budget, it expected to collect a newly implemented wheel tax this year to help fund repaving projects. Because of a timing issue, the tax will not be implemented until 2026. The $2.6 million will help cover the shortfall caused by the delay and will allow remaining 2025 projects to be completed as scheduled.
What happened: The council voted 8-0 to approve a resolution that supports Carmel’s partnership with an organization that promotes service opportunities.
What it means: The resolution supported Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam’s efforts to partner with JustServe.org, a website that allows organizations to promote service opportunities and provides a searchable site for those seeking themor interested volunteers.
What’s next: The city expects to launch its partnership with the website in the fall.
The sudden, shooting pain he experienced was caused by a life-threatening ruptured aneurysm. The expert team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital responded with skill and compassion. Exactly the kind of care that makes a difference.
Public invited to give CNO input
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The City of Carmel has engaged three urban design firms in a competition that could shape the future of the former CNO campus.
CITY NEWS
The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback Aug. 4 to 11 on designs by firms Browning Day, Ratio Design and Yard & Co. The designs will be available to view online and at display stations at Carmel City Hall, the Monon Community Center and the Carmel Clay Public Library.
include:
• Green space with potential for water features, plaza and trails.
• Modern office space.
• Public gathering/entertainment space such as a central lawn or amphitheater.
After gathering public feedback, a team of city employees and city councilors will make a recommendation on which firm should complete a full master plan for the 80-acre campus vacated when CNO relocated last year to a new headquarters on Illinois Street.
The former CNO site is bordered by City Center Drive to the north, Congressional Drive to the east and south and Pennsylvania Street to the west. It is part of the U.S. 31 corridor.
According to the City of Carmel, devel-
• A walkable retail and business district with proximity to healthcare providers.
• Housing options appealing to varied life stages of Carmel residents.
• Unique destination elements not found elsewhere in the community.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is expected to play a key role in guiding design work of open spaces.
Details on how to access the designs will be posted on the city’s website and social media accounts in late July.
We’re the proud sponsor of both $2 Tuesdays on August 5 and 12, but we’ll be there EVERY DAY—registering eligible Hoosier voters, sharing division resources, and celebrating all things Indiana.
The former CNO campus. (Map: Hamilton County GIS)
DISPATCHES
Carmel Parks fall program registration date set — Registration for Carmel Parks & Recreation fall activities begins on Aug. 1. Recreation programs in Nature, Aquatics, Adaptive, Arts & Culture, Sports, Senior, and Wellness are all included as part of the program.
Finkam named to leadership initiative — Carmel mayor Sue Finkam has been selected for the ninth class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. The only Indiana mayor in the class, she joins 47 mayors total from 17 countries in the multipartisan professional management training program. Since its launch in 2017, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative has provided training to 359 mayors and over 635 senior municipal officials across 41 countries.
CHS Class of 1960 reunion — The Carmel High School class of 1960 will have a class reunion on Aug. 23 on the covered deck at Carmel VFW Post 10003. No reservations are required for the casual meal planned for 5:30 p.m. The VFW is located at 12863 Old Meridian Street, not to be confused with the American Legion post. For any questions, contact Fred Swift at swiftfred19@gmail.com.
Women’s Collaborative event — Elevating Hoosier women professionals and entrepreneurs is the docus of the 2025 Indiana Women’s Collaborative Aug. 28 at The Westin Indianapolis, hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Session topics include confidence and credibility in leadership; making connections that matter; building influence through relationships; executive thinking for non-executives; setting boundaries that build trust; and owning your voice as a thought leader. The Empower Award Lunch panel will include former Lieutenant Governors Suzanne Crouch, Sue Ellspermann and Becky Skillman. Registration is $199 for members and $249 for non-members. The 2025 Indiana Women’s Collaborative Empower Award will be presented to the professional who has made significant contributions to empowering women and had a meaningful impact on her organization and community. Nominations can be submitted through Aug. 4 at indianachamber.com/empower-award. View the agenda or register at indianachamber.com/conferences.
Deceased Westfield man implicated in memorabilia hoax
By Leila Kheiry and Ann Marie Shambaugh Leila@youarecurrent.com, AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield man allegedly implicated in a national multimillion-dollar sports memorabilia hoax apparently killed himself the day after Westfield Police Department officers executed a search warrant July 15 at his business on South Park Drive.
INVESTIGATION
In the post, Lemieux claimed that Dominique Ball of Carmel played a major role in the scheme. Ball, who operated the Authentic Sports Collectibles shop at Carmel City Center from 2012 to 2014, was the “sole person” who put 100,000 items into the market with counterfeit Tom Brady signatures on them, the post states.
According to a news release from the City of Westfield, the search warrants were related to the alleged counterfeit sports memorabilia scheme. On July 16, a second search took place at a location in the 300 block of Hoover Street, and upon arrival officers found the man, later identified by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office as Brett Lemieux, 45, deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Westfield Police Department is leading the investigation and declined to disclose any information beyond a brief statement released July 16.
Lemieux posted a lengthy statement on the Facebook group Autographs 101 the day of the first search warrant. The post has since been deleted, but screenshots are still circulating.
In the statement, Lemieux wrote that through the company Mister Mancave, he — along with others he named — had sold more than 4 million counterfeit stickers and holograms to collectors, surpassing $350 million in sales over the past 20 years.
Lemieux wrote that those items were fraudulently authenticated using auto pens that can digitally mimic signatures and bootlegged technology. He wrote that there was between $500 and $700 million worth of merchandise in the building when police executed the search warrant.
“There will be photos of this bust, I’m sure of it,” he wrote. “If it was fanatics, they may try to bury it all, but the Westfield Police Department came today at 9 a.m. with semitrucks. I hope no one tries to hide this. I want to expose it all and how big of an operation — you all knew (it) was going on but grasp how big it was. I wish I could write a book about this.”
Current attempted to reach Ball for comment but did not receive a response. WPD and the FBI declined to comment on whether Ball or others are also being investigated.
The scope of the scheme has stunned collectors and dealers of sports memorabilia, but the numbers cited by Lemieux in the post have been disputed by some.
According to a report in The Athletic, Florida-based sports platform Fanatics was aware of Lemieux and the alleged counterfeiting scheme for several years and assisted law enforcement in the investigation. Zohar Ravid, Fanatics president of specialty business and new ventures, told The Athletic he does not believe Lemieux and his associates counterfeited “millions upon millions” of items, as Lemieux’s Facebook post claimed.
“If the numbers were real, we wouldn’t have waited years to put that much pressure on,” Ravid said. “These aren’t the numbers. It’s grossly exaggerated to make a statement. The problem is real. The extent and the scale of it is less than what is being presented, but it is symbolic of what is happening in the industry.”
Fanatics did not make Ravid or anyone else available for an interview with Current, but the company issued a statement about the incident.
“Unfortunately, bad actors exist in every consumer industry,” the statement reads. “In this case, the best way for collectors to know that they are buying officially licensed, 100% authenticated memorabilia, especially online, is to buy from a reputable primary source.”
This is not the first time Lemieux’s business ventures have been investigated. In 2013, the then-Attorney General Greg Zoeller filed a lawsuit against Ultimate Sports Connection after the business failed to fulfill customers’ orders. A Hamilton County judge ordered Lemieux to pay restitution to the victims, who reported losses of $13 to $450, according to news reports.
Lemieux
COMMUNITY
Posh Picnic fundraiser set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Posh Picnic has proven to be a popular fundraiser for Coxhall Guild.
EVENT
Maggie Zoiss, publicity chairman for Coxhall Guild, said the event, which supports Coxhall property and Hamilton County Parks and Recreations, allows guests to display their creativity by designing their own tablescape with themed place settings.
The seventh annual Posh Picnic is set for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Cripe Pavilion at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. The early setup period is 2 to 4 p.m.
“The Coxhall Guild is continuously working on projects in conjunction with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation to enhance the Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens,” Zoiss said. “This past year, we have been working with the Hosta Society to add a showpiece garden on the south side of the mansion. The Guild also hosted our first Kite Festival at Coxhall Gardens in April, and we plan to host the Kite Festival again on April 25, 2026. We would also like to add a Halloween Festival in the fall of 2026.”
Tables will be judged, and prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Most Posh (elegant), On the Road Again (travel), People’s Choice and the Spirit of Indiana. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, whether casual or elegant, along with drinks of their choice. Music is provided by MGS DJs.
Zoiss said there is a new activity for the event, a lockbox game sponsored by Indy Facets Private Jeweler.
Participants will have the opportunity to purchase keys both online and on the night of the Posh Picnic. One key will unlock the lockbox, and the winner will receive a pair of 14k white gold lab-grown diamond studs. The diamonds have a retail value of $3,495. The winner must be present at Posh Picnic to claim the prize.
Tim Griffin from the Carmel Fire Department will serve as emcee. Admission is $75 per person for early registration and $100 per person after July 31. Parking is available at the Coxhall Mansion Parking Lot. Transportation to the event tent will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. For more, visit coxhallguild.com.
OBITUARY
Linda Louise Snyder, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and lifelong educator, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 75. After a life marked by service, faith, and compassion, she entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on April 27, 1950, in Indianapolis, Linda graduated from Pike High School and earned her degree from Ball State University. She went on to obtain two Master of Education degrees from Butler University, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of education.
belonged to her family, for whom she was a constant source of encouragement and unconditional love. Along with the countless individuals Linda considered part of her extended family, she is survived by her husband, Charles; son, Matthew with whom she shared a deep and special bond; daughter-in-law, Ashlee Anderson Snyder; sister, Shayne Hare; brother, Jay Bradley; and her grandchildren, Charlie (7) and Benjamin (6), who brought a sparkle to her world and immense joy to her life.
Linda’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Growing up in the Methodist Church, she later embraced Catholicism alongside her beloved husband of nearly 50 years. Together, they worshiped at St. Thomas Aquinas before making Our Lady of Mount Carmel their spiritual home in the 1980s.
For 42 years, Linda served the Westfield Washington School District as a dedicated fifth-grade teacher. Her passion for childhood development and education led to an exceptional career and earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Indiana Teacher of the Year award presented by then-Governor Evan Bayh. Beyond the classroom, she was an unwavering advocate for children, volunteering countless hours to support youth education and mentoring countless individuals, many of whom considered her a second mother and lifelong counselor.
Linda was a woman of boundless generosity, always offering her time, wisdom, and care to those around her. Linda’s heart
When she wasn’t with her family, Linda could often be found with a book in hand, always learning, constantly growing. Through her quiet strength, deep compassion, and resolute faith, she left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family she loved so dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Westfield Washington Education Foundation.
Visitation was held Monday, July 28, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Following visitation, the Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 am. The committal services was held at Carmel Cemetery, after which all joined the family for a memorial meal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home of Carmel. Friends may leave a message of condolence for the family by visiting https://www.arnmortuary.com/obituaries/linda-snyder
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BRINGING THE SMOKE
Woody’s BBQ has served Carmel customers for more than 20 years
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
The summer heat is on full blast in the parking lot at John Kirk Furniture in Carmel. Temperatures in the 90’s are expected on a recent mid-July day.
The asphalt isn’t the only thing barbecuing, as customers line up in front of Claude (Woody) and Samantha Wood, the father-daughter team running the Woody’s BBQ pop-up trailer on Fridays at the furniture store parking lot.
They pulled the trailer into the parking lot that morning at 6 a.m. and started cooking. By early afternoon, all their inventory was spoken for — 20 pounds of brisket, 20 pounds of pork, 12 slabs of ribs and two pans of smoked baked beans.
An early customer arrived and asked about the day’s special. Claude Wood, 69, looked back at the ‘Pit Master’s Menu’ board affixed to the side of the trailer and called out to his daughter, who is a senior majoring in biology at IU Indianapolis, “I still don’t see meatloaf!”
Samantha, 21, went to the board and posted ‘Smoked Meatloaf’ as the daily special. Woody shook his head and jokingly asked her, “Do I have to do everything?”
Former Carmel builder James Taylor approached the stand and ordered a slab of ribs. He’s had them before and said they’re worth every penny.
After more than 30 years of barbecuing, Wood knows the tricks of the trade. Fearful that if he cuts the meat that it will sit and dry out, Wood asked Taylor, “You’re not going to eat that right away, are you?”
Taylor said, “As soon as I can.” Wood’s story is the stuff of Hollywood. Orphaned at age 3, he became a ward of the state of Indiana and was raised in the Soldiers and Sailors Orphanage in Knightstown. He ran away as a teenager and became a farmhand. He was 18 when he became a chef at the Tippecanoe Country Club in Warsaw. Barbecuing wasn’t on his menu then, but a chance encounter took care of that.
“One Saturday, I was going home, and this older guy was off on the side of the road cooking ribs and I got about a block past him, and I took a whiff of air and I’m going, ‘Oh, my god,’’ he said. “So, I went
back, me and him became friends. I worked with him every Saturday. He taught me what he knew.”
The Carmel resident leased space three days a week in a parking lot at 106th and College for 20 years when the city’s plan to place a roundabout at the location forced him to seek alternatives. Construction on the roundabout started in September 2022 and was completed in April 2023.
Wood has now been at the Kirk parking lot for about five years.
“When I met Woody, you could tell that this was one of the most honest people I’ve ever met in my life,” said Tom Kirk,
president of Kirk Furniture. “When he asked me about putting his truck out there with his food, the first thing I thought was, ‘Oh, food, that’s great.’ The second thing is, I like the guy. He said, ‘How much is it going to cost?’ And I said, ‘Nothing.’ He’s been (here) ever since.”
Unfortunately for Wood, the run is going to end this fall when he shuts down the trailer. He estimates he has lost about 35 percent of his business since the move from 106th and College. He said he barbecued 200 pounds of meat weekly at the old location and is now down to 60 pounds a week.
Another reason for closing is the current economic environment. He feels customers are afraid to spend money with the talk of tariffs and he estimates his food costs have increased 12 to 15 percent this year alone.
“I’m a small guy,” he said. “I don’t buy like the big companies buy, so I’m paying higher. I won’t ask you for $20 for a sandwich. I won’t do that. It’s ridiculous.”
What won’t end are the many charitable initiatives he and his family undertake to benefit local communities. Every third Saturday, they head to Roberts Park United Methodist Church in downtown Indianapolis to feed the homeless. On Father’s Day weekend, he fed 320 U.S. Air Force
veterans. Every Sept. 11, he feeds 500 first responders and their families.
“He has an incredible commitment to first responders, especially the fire department,” said Chris Cruzan, the experience center manager at Ovation Audio Video, a business also located in the Kirk shopping center.
Wood will now have more time to spend with his wife Linda and their family of eight daughters and three sons.
“(Wood) is the most honest, thoughtful person in Hamilton County,” Kirk said. “Everybody loves Woody.”
ON THE COVER: Woody’s BBQ and its booth at July’s CarmelFest. (Submitted by Claude Wood)
WOODY’S BARBECUE TIPS
• Once you start smoking, don’t open the lid. Every time you open the lid, you lose heat.
• Smoke all meats at 220 degrees.
• Use dry rub on meat, not a wet rub or ‘mop’.’ Dry rub produces better flavor and a better crust on the outside.
• Don’t wrap brisket in butcher paper because paper draws moisture out and it dries the meat.
• If your meat is cooked but you aren’t eating it until tomorrow, wrap the meat in plastic and then wrap it in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven at 170 degrees. That way you’re warming the meat, not cooking it. Plastic holds moisture in, and aluminum foil will hold the heat in.
• If you aren’t going to eat ribs right away, don’t let the butcher cut them because air will hit the meat and dry it out.
• Tune out the noise when friends and family suggest your barbecue is so good you should open a restaurant. “Let me give you a little advice,” Wood said, “Don’t listen to your friends, don’t listen to your family because if they tell you it’s good, they’re not going to tell you it’s bad.”
In a 2019 photo, Claude Wood, second from right, with Carmel police and fire personnel. (Submitted by Claude Wood)
Woody’s BBQ founder Claude Wood and his wife Linda Wood volunteer for the Salvation Army.
OneZone buys Good Day Carmel
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Jeff Worrell founded Good Day Carmel in 2014 to try to spread positive news about Carmel and its people, businesses and events.
FINANCE
Since then, it has grown into a multi-media platform that delivers popular features like the weekend BIG LIST of things to do.
When Worrell revealed he might be willing to hand over the reins of Good Day Carmel to another party, OneZone chamber leaders felt it could be a perfect opportunity to acquire an already-established platform to expand its own mission of telling stories about the community.
To that end, Fishers-based OneZone acquired Good Day Carmel and took over management July 1. Terms of the sale were not disclosed by either party.
“I took it as far as I could as a one-man show. I just decided, with my work on civility, my work as a city councilor, and my family, I really needed to let something go,” Worrell told Current.
OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell
said acquiring Good Day Carmel provides another way for the chamber to connect with the community. He said he intends to expand the platform’s scope.
“We have some amazing businesses in our own backyard,” he said. “It’s important for us to share those stories. You’ll see a small business spotlight, some more connectivity between some of the social media content (OneZone does) into that newsletter. This gives us another avenue.”
Good Day Carmel will continue to provide the news it has, and Worrell plans to continue providing video content for the platform. Russell said he wanted to make sure Good Day Carmel maintains Worrell’s “energy and positivity.”
Worrell said he feels he accomplished the mission he set out to do.
“We met our goals,” Worrell said. “We put a positive spin on a lot of things in Carmel. We were able to highlight and congratulate people who were doing good work in Carmel.”
Learn more about Good Day Carmel at gooddaycarmel.com. Learn more about OneZone at onezonechamber.com.
Roadmap to trust funding, Medicaid protection
Commentary by Christine Stolle
When planning for your future, it’s important to understand the roles of a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) and a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). An RLT helps avoid probate and ensures your assets transfer smoothly to your heirs but does not protect assets from long-term care costs or Medicaid eligibility rules. In contrast, a MAPT is designed to shield your assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements after a five-year look-back period, preserving wealth for your loved ones.
Why funding your trust matters
A trust — whether revocable or irrevocable — only works if it’s properly funded. If assets aren’t retitled into the trust, they remain vulnerable to probate, creditors, or Medicaid spend-down. Funding your trust is simply the process of transferring assets into the trust’s name, ensuring they receive the intended protections. What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
A MAPT is an irrevocable trust that protects assets from long-term care costs while helping you qualify for Medicaid. While you give up direct ownership, you appoint a trustee—often a trusted family member or professional—who manages the assets. You retain the right to live in your home and can receive income from trust assets. Upon your death, the assets pass to your beneficiaries outside of probate.
Key benefits of a MAPT:
• Avoid probate: Assets in the MAPT bypass probate, saving time, money, and stress for your loved ones.
• Protect privacy: Unlike wills, trusts are private documents.
• Preserve out-of-state property: Avoids probate in multiple states.
• Protect against scams: Assets aren’t in your direct control, reducing vulnerability to fraud or undue influence.
• Medicaid eligibility: Assets in the MAPT (after five years) are not counted for Medicaid, helping preserve your estate.
• Safeguard your home: Protect your home from Medicaid estate recov-
ery after death if it’s been in the trust for five years.
• Maintain control: While the trust owns the assets, your trustee manages them according to your wishes.
• Protect family wealth: Ensures assets go to your heirs rather than being spent on long-term care costs. The five-year look-back rule Medicaid reviews financial transfers over the five years before applying. Any transfers to a MAPT during this period can result in a penalty. The five-year clock starts when you fund the trust— not when you sign it. Early planning is essential.
What does “funding the trust” mean?
Funding means retitling assets into the trust’s name, including:
• Real estate
• Bank and investment accounts
• Life insurance policies
• Personal property
• Business interests (case by case) Assets not properly transferred remain exposed to probate and Medicaid spend-down.
Retirement accounts and MAPTs To protect your retirement assets, strategic planning is essential when utilizing a MAPT – it is important to work closely with your financial advisor and CPA. This collaboration ensures you can strategically withdraw funds (“harvesting”) to minimize taxes and safeguard your assets.
Final thoughts
In Indiana, funding your trust correctly and early is key to protecting your assets and starting the Medicaid five-year look-back clock. Our team at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law collaborates with your financial and tax professionals to ensure your plan stays current and effective. Reach out to us anytime — we’re here to help secure your future and give you peace of mind.
For more, visit dillman-owen.com.
Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law.
Summer wellness tips for seniors
Commentary by David Stordy
After an Indiana winter, summer sunshine feels like a gift. But when the heat kicks in, it’s more than just uncomfortable -- it can pose real risks to your health.
As we age, our bodies don’t regulate temperature as well. You might not feel thirsty even when you’re dehydrated. Conditions like heart disease or diabetes, or medications that affect circulation, can make it harder to stay cool.
A few smart summer habits
• Drink water often – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Keep a bottle nearby and aim to sip throughout the day.
• Keep your home cool
– Use air conditioning or fans and close the blinds during the hottest part of the day.
Conditions like heart disease or diabetes, or medications that affect circulation, can make it harder to stay cool.
• Eat light, cool meals – Avoid using the oven when it’s especially hot. Salads, fruit, and pre-cooked proteins are great options.
• Watch for signs of heat stress – Dizziness, fatigue, swelling, or muscle cramps are all signs to slow down and cool off.
Need a Little Extra Support?
If everyday tasks start to feel more tiring this time of year, you’re not alone. BrightStar Care offers in-home help on your terms—whether it’s assistance with meals, companionship, or personal care. Our team is here to help you stay safe and independent all summer long. You’ve earned the right to enjoy the season — comfortably and confidently.
David Stordy is the directorowner of BrightStar Care. To learn more about home care or schedule an assessment, call BrightStar Care at 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.
Medical use of psychedelic mushrooms might have benefits
Commentary by Dr. Carol Weesner
Boomers, blue meanies and Silly
Putty — perhaps the names take you back to the 1960s, elementary school bullies, or playing years ago with some wonder substance you had fun playing with until your mother found it stuck under the kitchen table. But alas, none of this is the case in this article. All the above terms are slang for magic mushrooms, or medically speaking, psychedelic mushrooms. Interestingly, after all the years of bad press and parental distress, they may turn out to be quite beneficial, in the appropriate doses and setting, of course.
Johns Hopkins University, among other universities domestic and foreign, has published several studies on psychedelic mushrooms in the treatment of depression, adding credibility to the idea. I don’t imagine they had any trouble finding volunteers for the control group, or for those who struggle mightily with depression and haven’t found a lasting solution. For those who haven’t had depression, count your blessings, because no one can truly
understand its depths and effects on daily life unless you’ve been so touched. The ingredient of note is psilocybin, which can cause alterations in perception, mood and thought processes. It is thought to act on serotonin receptors
in the brain (the same receptors targeted by drugs such as Prozac) that affect depression and anxiety. One of the most exciting findings is that one or two psilocybin treatments have been found to have rapid and persistent positive
effects, sometimes lasting up to a year. Research has shown the treatment to be safe in supervised settings, but temporary side effects such as nausea, headaches and anxiety may be seen. It is not recommended yet for schizophrenia or severe psychosis.
Those affected by Parkinson’s disease should take note as well. The University of California San Francisco has found that individuals with mild to moderate disease showed improvements in mood, cognition and motor function. Again, the improvements in these symptoms lasted weeks to months. Psilocybin has also been studied and shown promise in the treatment of various addictions. It is very exciting and promising that something so long maligned may benefit so many. Bell bottoms, short basketball shorts and Chuck Taylor shoes are back in vogue, too, so what’s next?
Whether you’re greeting attendees, assisting with rides, or making new friends, your involvement makes a meaningful impact. Volunteer with us to help create a stronger, more welcoming community. There's a volunteer opportunity for anyone looking to make a di erence!
westfieldin.gov/volunteer or scan the QR code to find out how you can get started.
Dr. Carol Weesner is the founder and medical director of Motion 4 Life Fitness in Carmel. For more, visit motion4lifefitness.com/ about-us/.
Jean-Marc Mayu leads dance crew at Motion 4 Life Fitness. (Photo courtesy of Tom Weesner)
Eskenazi doctor’s aging brain care program grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dr. Malaz Boustani’s research on dementia care has expanded in the last year.
Boustani’s research led Eskenazi Health Aging Brain Center in Indianapolis to be established in 2008. The center combines research and clinical care, resulting in the rapid translation of research discoveries into clinical practice. The center works closely with the patient’s primary care provider and the multidisciplinary care team, consisting of physicians, nurses, psychologists, care coordinator assistants and social workers and develops a personal treatment plan for each patient. The plan includes medications as well as nondrug treatments to improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
also the family member or caregiver. So, when we developed the program, we wanted to improve the quality of life of the patients living with dementia and also the quality of caregivers and keep them in their homes and their communities as long as possible.”
A Carmel resident, Boustani said his team evaluated the program in a controlled trial and found that it worked.
“This program focuses on brain health,” Boustani said. “The brain is the only organ in the body you can’t transplant. The dementia syndrome is one of the most common problems to make you lose your brain, starting with affecting your memory and language. It starts affecting your emotion and then finally starts affecting your ability to function. Unfortunately, certain patients end up leaving their home and live the rest of their lives in an institutional setting. This doesn’t just cause a problem for the person that has dementia, but
“That led us to publish in the highly prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association,” he said. “I wanted to make sure my work didn’t stay on the bookshelf, so I converted it into a clinical program. This clinical program has been able to do exactly what we did in the original research study and was able to keep people at home much longer than other programs without jeopardizing the quality of life of the patient and the quality of life of their care partner.”
In 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center announced a new dementia care and payment model. It was developed, in part, by Boustani and providers at Eskenazi Health, who were part of the team that helped guide the payment model of care. Eskenazi Health became one of the first health systems to utilize the new care model. Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience is the first model established by the Innovation Center that directly ad-
dresses the needs of unpaid caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The model aims to provide comprehensive support and resources for caregivers intended to help reduce caregiver strain and to keep patients in their homes.
“This month, this program or a prototype of it is now available across the entire nation and is delivered across 400 organizations,” Boustani said.
The GUIDE model became available on July 1, 2024, with Eskenazi Health being one of the first to implement it.
“Between 2008 and 2024, I worked with colleagues across the country and with the Alzheimer’s Association to make sure the program is available to every American,” he said. “The benefit of this program is it’s a win-win for everybody. If you are a patient living with dementia, it improves your quality of life. It prevents you from worsening your functional decline and your behavior and depression. It also prevents the stress and depression of your care partner. It reduces your need to go to the hospital inappropriately by almost 50 percent. It keeps you at home longer by at least 24 months. It reduces the cost of care substantially.”
Boustani said reducing insurance cost is why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services support the model.
Continued on Page 7
Boustani
Meridian Audiology: Built on trusting relationships and improving communication
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
sandwich from their hometown in Ohio.”
The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with and offering the top-of-theline newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorder.
“The number of patient referrals, along with referrals from area Consierge and Internal Medicine Physicians speaks volumes to us,” VonBlon said. “We have the trust of our patients and many area physicians. They tell their friends and their patients about us, and we cannot buy that kind of loyalty and referral!” She goes on to say “We’ve also had many of our previous patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and that is a testament to our relationships we build with them. I even went on vacation this year and made a special stop along the way to bring a longtime patient back their favorite
W We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss Dr. Wyss states, “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm MondayFriday by appointment only. T They are located at 911 E 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@ meridianaudiology com Website: meridianaudiology com
Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Parkinson Foundation program director Addie Cunningham views pickleball is as the sport that draws a wide range of interest.
“We wanted to create a fun, active and inclusive way for our community to come together in support of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease,” Cunningham said. “Pickleball is a sport that brings people of all ages and abilities together, and it perfectly aligns with our mission to promote movement, connection and hope.”
So the nonprofit is using Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s as a fundraiser. The oneday tournament, set for Nov. 15 at The Picklr, 9847 Cumberland Pointe Blvd., Noblesville, features women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. Players compete in skill levels ranging from 3.0 to 4.0-plus, divided into two age divisions, 50 and older and 50 and under, Cunningham said. All proceeds benefit the Indiana Parkinson Foundation and their mission to support individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
“The idea grew from recognizing how powerful physical activity and community engagement can be in improving the
lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s.
The Noblesville resident said several people with Parkinson’s will participate in the tournament while others will volunteer or be a part of the event through cheering on the participants. All funds raised through Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s will support the vital programs and services we offer across Indiana, providing exercise, encouragement and education to those affected by Parkinson’s and their families.”
Noblesville-based Indiana Parkinson Foundation has CLIMB, an evidence-based exercise class developed for living with Parkinson disease.
“Our CLIMB classes incorporate many of the same types of exercises that pickleball encourages, but we haven’t included actual pickleball in the classes out of consideration for safety,” Cunningham said. “Pickleball isn’t a good fit for everyone with Parkinson’s.”
Registration for nonmembers of The Picklr is $65 per player. The first event is included in the registration cost, each additional event is $20. The Picklr members’ registration is $50 per player. The first event is included in the registration cost, each additional event is $10.
For information about sponsorship, volunteering or to register to play, visit indianaparkinson.org/p4p/.
VonBlon
Wyss
Indiana Parkinson Foundation program director Addie Cunnignham and her husband, Eric Cunningham, will participate in the third annual Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s. (Photo courtesy of Addie Cunningham)
Resident enjoys several Sycamore Reserve activities
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
Better late than never. That’s how Sycamore Reserve resident Terry Klemann probably felt after moving into the facility in February.
A native of St. Louis, Klemann, 71, was content living in an apartment complex when she was having conversations with her two adult children about moving into a facility that was more elderly friendly.
Balking at first, Klemann decided to look at a couple of facilities, with Sycamore Reserve in Indianapolis being one of them.
“I really didn’t want to move,” Klemann said. “But my kids asked me to reconsider, and I said I’d take a look.”
After checking out Sycamore, Klemann fell in love with it and ruled out all other options.
“There was really no comparison between the (the other options),” Klemann said. “They are super, and they treat you really well.”
Klemann enjoys the food and service she receives, plus it’s pet friendly, something very important to Klemann because she has a Lhasa Apso named Lady.
Klemann, who has been single for nearly 30 years, also appreciates the social opportunities at Sycamore Reserve.
“(Sycamore Reserve employees) take you to the bank, pharmacy, the grocery
“There are also a lot of outings. You get a weekly agenda so you know what’s going on be it bingo, happy hour, live entertainment.”
— Terry Klemann
store — really, anything you need,” Klemann said. “There are also a lot of outings. You get a weekly agenda, so you know what’s going on, be it bingo, happy hour, live entertainment.”
Klemann moved to Indianapolis several years ago to be near a younger sibling who had an illness. Prior to that, she lived in Illinois and Upstate New York. She has a son in Arkansas and a daughter in New York.
Klemann also worked at Macy’s for nearly three years, but after her brother died, she thought of moving but chose to stay in Indianapolis because of friends. That’s when she moved into an apartment until her children brought up the topic of a senior facility with things to do.
“I can go swimming in the beautiful swimming pool and there’s a nice garden with pool parties and so many other things,” Klemann said. “If you’re bored here, it’s your own fault.”
Continued from Page 5 program functions under the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation.
“No one wants to live in a nursing home,” he said. “No one wants to go to the hospital for just the sake of it and no one wants to burden their loved one. Everyone wants to optimize their quality of life, and this program fits all of that.”
Boustani said he and his wife each have family members who lived with dementia. Unfortunately, Boustani said the program did not expand quickly enough for his wife’s parents in Kentucky and his father and mother in Syria to take advantage of it.
The Eskenazi Health Aging Brain Care
“Through decades of research in brain health, we have learned that by reorganizing care, we can obtain better outcomes at lower costs,” Boustani said.
The team that helped develop the innovative model includes Boustani; Dr. Christopher Callahan, chief research and development officer of Eskenazi Health; Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation; the Regenstrief Institute; and the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Klemann
TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
By: Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at IU Health Fishers
Total joint replacement surgery is a common and highly effective procedure for individuals experiencing chronic joint pain, limited mobility and reduced quality of life due to joint damage. Most often involving the hip or knee, these surgeries are typically recommended when non-surgical treatments—such as medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes—fail to provide adequate relief. At IU Health, total joint replacement is a cornerstone of orthopedic care, with expert surgeons performing thousands of these procedures each year. The surgery aims to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, reducing pain and restoring function so that patients can return to the activities they enjoy.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT?
Candidates for joint replacement are evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms, overall health and personal goals. Patients considering joint replacement are encouraged to attend a convenient virtual educational seminar, which helps them understand their condition, treatment options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Our team works directly with patients to create a personalized care plan for their needs.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR SURGERY?
Preparation for joint replacement begins well before the day of surgery. IU Health provides comprehensive pre-surgery educational resources and has team members dedicated to ensuring patients and their support partners have all their questions answered throughout the journey. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This includes reviewing medications, conducting blood tests and assessing cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Preparing the home for recovery is also important—this may involve removing trip hazards, installing safety equipment like grab bars, and arranging for help with daily tasks during the first few weeks post-surgery.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?
The surgery itself typically lasts one to two hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Immediately after the procedure, patients begin a carefully guided recovery process that includes pain management and early mobilization. At IU Health, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals—including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and case managers—works closely with each patient to ensure a smooth and safe transition from surgery to recovery. Most patients begin walking with assistance the same day or the day after surgery.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the specific joint replaced. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital and continues at home or in an outpatient setting, with physical therapy playing a key role in regaining strength, flexibility and independence. Patients gradually transition from using assistive devices such as walkers or crutches to walking unassisted. While many people begin to feel significantly better
within a few weeks, full recovery and return to normal activities often take several months.
ARE THERE RISKS?
As with any major surgery, total joint replacement carries some risks. However, when performed at high-volume centers like IU Health, the risks are low, and outcomes are generally exceptional. Most artificial joints function well for 20 years or longer, allowing patients to enjoy longterm mobility and quality of life improvements.
IU Health is recognized nationally for its comprehensive joint replacement program, offering patients access to advanced surgical techniques, innovative research and coordinated care throughout the entire journey. With a strong focus on patient education and individualized treatment plans, IU Health helps patients navigate the joint replacement process with confidence. By choosing a trusted healthcare partner and preparing thoroughly for the experience, patients can look forward to life with less pain, better function, and a renewed sense of independence. Learn more about Indiana’s most preferred destination for total joint care at iuhealth.org/orthopedics.
Dr. Leonard Buller
Author mixes
love of books and horse racing
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Catherine Besaw was able to marry her love of books and horse racing.
At 76, the Carmel resident wrote her first book, “Worth Fighting For — a Bluegrass Romance,” which was published in April.
“My 7-year-old granddaughter wants to be an artist,” Besaw said. “I tell her, ‘Don’t wait to be in your 70s like me.’”
Besaw said the original format for the book started more than 30 years ago, but she never quite completed it.
“It was just something fun to do,” said Besaw, who also owns small shares in horses for fun. “When COVID hit, I moved into a new home on the day everything shut down (in March 2020). There was nothing much to do and I pulled out the old book, which was dated in so many formats, and I just started to write.”
During that time, Besaw met Noblesville resident Myra Levine, who has published two books. Levine also is a writing coach.
“She convinced me that I could actually write a book, that I could publish, and she would help me every step of the way, and she did.” Besaw said. “When I look at the first draft now, it was so amateurish. It just grew and developed. Myra helped me proofread and get it published through Amazon.”
Besaw said the first draft sat dormant for years,
“I was a working mother,” she said. “I didn’t honestly think that people would be interested in what I have to say and just needed something.”
Besaw said the book focuses on two things she loves — Kentucky and horse racing.
Besaw, who moved to Carmel in 1991, lived in Lexington, Ky., for seven years. She previously lived in Lake County in Indiana in the 1970s and worked for a man who owned horses and was half-owner of a farm in Lexington. Besaw’s husband, Gary, enjoyed horse racing, so they developed a friendship.
“I would work with his partner and do the secretarial work and he and my husband would go
Continued on Page 11
Catherine Besaw with thoroughbred Seize the Grey in January. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Besaw)
to the races,” she said. “We fell in love with Lexington and moved there and I worked for a man named Robert Clay.”
Clay owned Three Chimneys Farm before selling it in 2013.
The book’s plot centers on a couple, Brett and Perry, who have a bitter argument and are separated. Perry has a thoroughbred horse farm.
“The only purpose of throwing in when Perry sees a murder is to put them back together because Brett is a police detective,” Besaw said. “I had to get them back to living in the same house and that was for protection.”
She is working on a second book, “Worth Believing In,” that develops other characters in the first book. She said she wants to finish it by the end of the year.
“I like romance. I love happy endings,” she said. “I like mysteries. I lead a book club through the Newcomers Club of Carmel.”
After retiring from her work in office, Besaw worked in two scrapbook shops that both closed, and then worked parttime at Carmel Clay Public Library but had to quit because of her back issues.
“There’s a lot of bending to put books on the shelf,” she said.
SEIZING THE MOMENT
Catherine Besaw became involved with MyRacehorse, where people can own micro-shares of horses.
At first, Besaw was skeptical when her husband told her about it, but then she did more research.
“I said, ‘You know we are never going to own a racehorse on our own, so let’s do it,’” she said. “He bought a couple shares in horses and so did I.”
Besaw has shares in eight horses.
She said no horse compares to 2024 Continued from Page 10
Preakness winner Seize the Grey. They now have shares in the breeding rights for Seize the Grey.
They bought the racing shares when the horse was 1 year old. Seize the Grey has more than 2,000 owners.
“That’s typically when you are going to buy your share when they are 1 year old,” she said. “You don’t do it for profit.”
There are perks, such as special trips to Keeneland in Lexington or Saratoga (N.Y), and if your horse wins, you get to go into the winner’s circle. That happened July 5 when a horse she has shares in, Elite Heat, won a maiden race at Horseshoe Indianapolis on the day of the Indiana Derby. She also visited Seize the Grey at Gainesway farm in January.
“It’s a hobby and you don’t make money off a hobby,” she said.
“Worth Fighting For” is Catherine Besaw’s debut novel. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Besaw)
Stratford resident Terry devoted to helping others
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sharon Terry has survived two heart attacks and two bouts of cancer but is still going strong at 87.
The Statford resident has led a life devoted to volunteering.
Terry has lived at The Stratford for four years. The longtime Carmel resident worked at The Stratford when it opened in 2008 as a part-time concierge.
“I was there the very first night it opened,” she said. “I lived in the Village of WestClay and I knew the person that was building The Stratford because she lived in the village.”
She previously worked in the Village of WestClay, starting in 2000. She and her husband moved to the Village of WestClay in 2004.
“I knew the marketing director and I was there two weeks after it opened,” Terry said. “There were 200 people in there because everyone wanted to see it. I said, ‘You need some help.’”
So, the marketing director asked if Terry wanted to work there.
“I had never worked other than being a nurse,” she said.
But after talking with her husband, she decided she did want to work in The Village of WestClay Information Center. She helped start Breakfast with Santa, an ice cream social and a croquet tournament.
Before working at The Village of WestClay, her only job was being a nurse.
Terry has four sons, who she said all have successful careers
Her son, David Broecker, was the quarterback on Carmel High School’s first state championship football team in 1978. He played football at Wabash College and then went on for postgraduate work at MIT and University of Chicago.
Her second son, Tom Broecker, attended Yale University and is head costume designer for “Saturday Night Live.”
“As my husband said, we went 11 years without a new car because they
were all in these private colleges,” Terry said.
Her third son, Ed Broecker, is a lawyer and Zionsville resident. After a divorce, she had a fourth son, John Terry, who came from her second marriage to Steve Terry. A lawyer, Steve died at age 96 in 2019.
“Steve adored the boys and they adored him,” Terry said. “We had a rule in our house that if you don’t make the honor roll, you can’t play sports. We never had any trouble.”
David. Ed and John played football and Tom played tennis at CHS.
Terry was a nurse at St. Vincent but quit after her second son was born. She got divorced when her first three sons were young and moved back to the Indianapolis area after living in New York.
She worked as a nurse for an ear, nose and throat doctor. She and Steve moved to Carmel in 1971 after getting married. All four sons graduated from CHS.
Terry served two terms on the Carmel Clay Schools Board of Trustees. She also helped start Coxhall Guild to support Coxhall Gardens and Mansion.
The only thing that has slowed Terry recently was a second hip replacement. Her femur broke when she was moved
Sharon Terry’s book “Oh My! What a Life!” was published in 2010. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Terry
Continued from Page 5
to the operating table. She developed lymphedema, which occurs when lymph fluids build up, which sometimes causes swelling.
“When I had the first cancer, they took out all the lymph nodes in my groin,” she said.
The first cancer was metastatic squamous cell, a type of skin cancer, and the second cancer occured three years later. It was metastatic ovarian cancer.
“I had radiation, chemotherapy and never had another cancer,” she said.
Sharing memories
For her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Sharon Terry decided to write a book, so they would have her memories.
“Oh My! What a Life!” was published in 2010.
“One of my sons gave me a book on how to write a book on your life story,” she said. “I would write one or two pages when I went to Florida, but then my grandson, who was 11 then, said, ‘I didn’t know you were poor growing up.’ After that, I decided I had to get busy (writing).”
The book follows Terry growing up in poverty as the youngest of seven children. Her father died when she was 9 years old.
Her mother remarried when Terry began high school and then moved from Washington to Poseyville. She graduated from Poseyville High School with 29 students in her graduating class.
After her second marriage, Terry began volunteering. She volunteered at Saint Elizabeth Seaton Catholic Church and at Carmel Middle School.
“They didn’t have a paid nurse, so I volunteered as a school nurse,” she said.
“I did that for a couple of years and then spent 13 years on the PTO. Then they gave me a plaque for 13 years of devotion to Carmel Middle School.”
Terry then became president of the CHS PTO and an elementary school PTO. In 1984, her husband suggested she run for school board.
She has continued volunteering at The Stratford. She is an elected member of the resident advisory council, serving on dining, activities and welcoming committees.
“I love to stay busy, and I enjoy people,” she said.
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Addressing pickleball injuries
Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf
ickleball, a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has rapidly gained popularity among older adults, particularly those 55 and older. Its social and physical benefits make it an appealing choice for maintaining an active lifestyle. However, like any sport, pickleball comes with its risks, especially concerning foot, ankle and calf injuries. Understanding these injuries and seeking professional treatment can help players stay active and healthy.
Common injuries in pickleball Ankle sprains: One of the most frequent injuries in pickleball, ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or awkward landings. Older adults are more susceptible to these injuries due to decreased ligament elasticity and balance issues.
• Achilles tendinitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Overuse during dynamic movements common in pickleball can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in players who may not have engaged in regular physical activity prior to starting the sport.
Plantar fasciitis: Many pickleball players report heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, a condition resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It can arise from the repetitive impact associated with pickleball and wearing inadequate footwear.
Calf strains: This injury involves a tear in the calf muscles and often occurs during explosive movements such as sprinting or sudden stops, which are common in the fastpaced nature of pickleball.
Risk factors for older adults
Players older than 55 face unique risk factors that can increase the likelihood of foot, ankle and calf injuries. These include:
• Decreased flexibility: Aging often
results in reduced flexibility, which can limit range of motion and contribute to injuries.
• Reduced muscle strength: As we age, muscle mass and strength tend to decline, making older adults more vulnerable to strains and sprains.
• Balance issues: Impaired balance can lead to falls and increased risk of ankle injuries.
Importance of professional treatment
Proper treatment and management of foot, ankle and calf injuries are crucial for older pickleball players. Consulting a podiatrist can provide several benefits:
• Expert diagnosis: Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot-related issues, ensuring you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Customized treatment plans: They can create tailored rehabilitation programs that consider individual health needs and activity levels.
• Preventive advice: Podiatrists can recommend appropriate footwear, orthotics and stretching exercises to prevent future injuries. Encouraging active lifestyles Staying active is vital for overall health, especially in older adults. Although injuries can be daunting, understanding the potential risks and prioritizing foot and ankle health will help players enjoy pickleball safely. By seeking the expertise of a podiatrist, older adults can address any concerns, get back on the court faster and continue playing the sport they love.
In conclusion, it’s essential for pickleball enthusiasts aged 55 and older to remain vigilant about their foot health. With the right knowledge and support, they can minimize their risk of injury and enjoy the many benefits that this fun sport offers. Remember, prioritizing your foot care is a crucial step in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
and
are boardcertified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.
Dr. David Sullivan
Dr. Kenneth Stumpf
Carmel resident’s book features comical country song titles
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Aretired newspaper columnist, Carmel resident Garret Mathews finds a way to stay busy.
Mathews, 75, has written several books and plays since retiring in 2011 after 24 years of being the metro columnist for the Evansville Courier & Press. Prior to that, he wrote columns and features for the Bluefield (W.Va.) Daily Telegraph.
“I like to think of it as a toy. It’s just fun for me,” he said of writing books and plays.
His latest book, released in June, is “Fractured Country Song Titles,” a series of humorous country song titles with illustrations. He doesn’t expect to make a lot of money from it but said he would be happy to get his book in Cracker Barrel, a Branson, Mo., gift store or get some country and western radio stations to discuss it.
“It would be nice to have some success,” he said. “It’s something to play around with. I’m a writer, not a book salesman.”
His first humor book was “From My Funny Bone (hopefully) To Yours,” a collection of 46 humor columns, in 2024.
“In 1971, what I really wanted to do was to write humor columns,” said Mathews, who graduated from Virginia Tech that year.
Mathews had hopes of writing a humor column for a metro paper. He sent samples but got a job as a reporter with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
“After a while, I got a once-a-week humor column there,” he said.
At the Evansville Courier, he wrote a mix of columns, some based on interviews, some on opinion and some humor.
“To me, the hardest writing to do is humor because it’s (the beat) of a song,” he said. “If your punchline is out of whack (the humor doesn’t work). With these (song) capsules, it’s the same thing. If you have one or two too many words, it’s not as funny.”
Mathews said it was fun to come up with the song captions.
“I started with the idea of doing 20 or 30, and then I got the idea to do 80 to 100 in the book,’” he said. “The
idea came in the 1970s and ‘80s when I occasionally wrote a column of silly country and western song titles. I wrote a couple columns like that in Bluefield and two or three in Evansville.”
After writing some more, he found a talented illustrator in Tim Eterno.
Some of the song titles include “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose,” “She’s Acting Single, I’m Drinking Doubles” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”
His theatrical play about the Civil Rights Movement, “Jubilee in the Rear View Mirror,” has been performed three times.
His books include “Swing Batta,” which was published by Michigan State University Press, is about coaching 10-year-old baseball players.
When not writing, Mathews enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren.
By his own admission, Mathews gets bored easily. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, he practiced juggling a 16-pound shot put and bean bags.
For more, visit pluggerpublishing.com and garretmathews.com
Garret Mathews has writen several books and plays. (Photo courtesy of Garret Mathews)
Fusion 9 adds spice to Carmel
By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com
Blending bold flavors and cultural influences, Fusion 9 is the latest addition to Carmel’s Legacy River District, offering a menu that spans Indian, Asian, and American cuisines.
FOOD
The restaurant, at 14560 River Rd., held a soft launch in June and is preparing to celebrate its official grand opening Aug. 9.
Founding Partner Prakash Alluri said the location was selected “at the heart of Hamilton County, where Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield converge,” with the goal of becoming “an integral part of the vibrant, growing community.”
The menu includes dishes intended to appeal to a variety of preferences.
Menu items include Peri Peri Wings, Dynamite Momos, Mango Kebab and Blazing Shrimp Bombs. Entrées range from Hakka Noodles to Butter Chicken, served with garlic naan and a selection of Indian and local draft beers.
Fusion 9’s Chicken Tikka Masala dish is displayed. Fusion 9 is located at 14560 River Road in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Fusion 9 restaurant)
The restaurant also has a full-service bar with cocktails such as a Spicy Margarita and an Old Fashioned with Indian-inspired elements. It also plans to introduce live music in the coming months.
The name Fusion 9 refers to nine spices and the restaurant’s goal of combining culinary traditions. The space includes a bar, large screen for sports viewing, and areas suited for both small and large groups.
For more, visit thefusion9.com.
Parker Green reaches 1-year mark
By Aidah Brown news@currentincarmel.com
Parker Green Jewelry, a Carmel-based e-business founded by Mia Lawlor and Carrie Oblazney, recently celebrated its first-year anniversary.
JEWELRY
Lawlor and Oblazney were inspired to start their business because of a shared love of creativity and jewelry.
“We met when our youngest children were playing soccer for Carmel FC more than a decade ago,” Lawlor said. “We both saw jewelry not as just an accessory, but as something deeply personal. We wanted to create a brand that would go from a workout to a night out.”
Parker Green has created an assorted collection, with the goal of having something for all tastes.
“This next year, we’re focused on expanding our collections and deepening our connection with our customers,” Oblazney said. “Most importantly, we’re excited to continue building a brand that brings joy and confidence to our customers’ everyday lives. We will be at Hoosier Sister in Clay Terrace on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Turkle & Associates’ Girls’ Night Out Indy
Automate Your Front Desk
on Sept. 18 from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.”
Philanthropy in the community is also part of the business.
“A portion of our profits from every single piece of jewelry we sell will go to an agency that provides help to those in need. Two organizations we donated to this month are Coburn Place and Girls Inc,” Lawlor said.
Coburn Place supports survivors of domestic violence and Girls Inc. works to empower girls.
For more, visit parkergreenjewelry.com/.
Mia Lawlor and Carrie Oblazney, founders of Parker Green Jewelry, recently celebrated their one-year in business. (Photo courtesy of Mia Lawlor and Carrie Oblazney)
Summer safety tips for children
Commentary by Dan Slubowski
VISION
Pediatric emergency departments often see a spike in preventable injuries during the warmer months, many of which can quickly turn a carefree day into a medical emergency.
WATER SAFETY
One of the most urgent concerns during summer is water safety.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. Active supervision is critical when kids are around water.
Race in-person or virtually
Leashed & in-stroller dogs welcome Shirt, medal and swag for all participants
Fundraise for PAWsome prizes
Parents and caregivers should set aside distractions like phones during swim time, and children should always wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or swimming in open water. Inflatable floaties may offer a false sense of security.
HEAT AND SUN EXPOSURE
Heat and sun exposure also are major risks during the summer. Children are more susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
To prevent this, ensure your child drinks water regularly, takes breaks in the shade and wears lightweight, breathable clothing. Parents and caregivers should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to children every two hours and more frequently if they are swimming or sweating. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also protect skin and eyes from UV rays.
FALLS AND INJURIES
Falls and injuries from bikes, scooters or playground equipment are other common causes of emergency department visits in the summer.
Wearing properly fitted helmets and protective gear significantly reduces the risk of head injuries. Make sure bikes and outdoor toys are in good condition, and always supervise younger children during active play.
Dr. Dan Slubowski is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North.
currentnightandday.com
Legendary Guess Who vocalist to perform hits, new songs
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Burton Cummings, these words are music to his ears.
“People are saying, ‘Burton, you still sound like the guy on the records,’ and that aways makes me proud and happy,” he said. “That is something every singer wants to hear.”
Cummings, famous for being the lead singer of The Guess Who, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The tour is named for his most recent album, “A Few Good Moments.”
“It’s a tremendous band I have,” he said. “It’s the best band I’ve ever had around me. Some of these guys I’ve been with now for 20 years. We do the big songs. We understand why people are coming to see us.”
Cummings said the band performs the signature Guess Who hits, such as “American Woman,” “No Time,” “Laughing,” “Share the Land,” “Undun,” “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” and “These Eyes.” After leaving The Guess Who, Cummings started a solo career in 1976. One of his biggest hits is “Stand Tall.”
“We do a lot of my solo stuff,” he said. “So, it’s a two-hour show. It’s pretty high energy and a lot of recognizable songs, that’s the main thing. We’re feeling this great welcome back feeling to the states, so it’s terrific right now.”
Cummings, 77, has plans to return in 2026 with former Guess Who bandmate and fellow Canadian Randy Bachman. Cummings and Bachman co-wrote nearly all of The Guess Who’s biggest hits.
However, Cummings’ focus now is the current U.S. tour.
“It’s basically the same show every night, although we do change it around a little bit from time to time,” he said. “But I love being on stage, and so do the guys in the band, and we plan to do this for
quite a while yet.”
Cummings said he spends time talking about the past.
“I talk to the audience and they find out things they might not already know,” he said. “Overall, we try to send the audience home happy. That’s our main goal.”
Cummings was glad to return to performing after the COVID-19 shutdowns in March 2020. He had to cancel a North American tour with Bachman in 2020 and there were tight restrictions when touring resumed. Cummings said he did get COVID-19 during that time.
“I was very sick,” he said.
But he is back feeling great and had several touring dates in the U.S. in 2024.
“One of the things that makes me the proudest is that the songs have never gone away,” he said.
Cummings said his favorite Guess Who recording is “No Time.”
“I think it has lasted well,” he said. “It still sounds like a rock ‘n’ roll song. I’m very happy with that. As far as my solo
stuff, my new album is my favorite in a long time. I think the songs are strong and my vocals are good. We are doing several songs from the album on the tour now and the reaction is tremendous.”
Cummings said it took about four months to record the album.
“Some of the songs were older than I had written before,” he said.
Cummings still enjoys the recording process.
“I’ve been making records for 60 years,” he said. “It’s one of the most important things to me.”
With so many different ways people listen to new music, Cummings said he and his band do whatever they can to promote it, in addition to live performances.
“We come at promoting it from different angles,” he said. “I’m very happy with the critics’ response. Everybody’s saying it’s a terrific record.”
For more, visit burtoncummings. com. Tickets are available at thecenterpresents.org.
‘WAITRESS’
“Waitress” runs through Aug. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Now that’s Funny Comedy Night is set for July 31, followed by Divas of the Songbook Aug. 1 and Murder Mystery Night Aug. 2 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
TOMMY DECARLO
Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer of Boston since 2008, and former Chicago lead singer Jason Scheff will perform at 7 p.m. July 31 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MAN ON THE MOON’
Fritz and the Tantrums will perform its “Man on the Moon” tour at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCHES
Center Presents tickets on sale Aug. 1 — Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 for individual events in the 2025-26 Center Presents performance season at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available online at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or through the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Carmel.
Concert to feature political folk songs — Carmel singer-songwriter and former U.S. government educator Mike Culver will perform at 8 p.m. at the Turntable at Indianapolis. The evening will feature a set of political folk songs addressing critical issues facing the U.S. Opening for Culver will be his daughter, Abigail Jane, a Carmel High School graduate and music technology student at IU Indianapolis. For more, visit turntableIndy.com. Tickets are $10 for ages 18-21, $18 for ages 21 and older.
Burton Cummings will perform Aug. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Burton Cummings)
CHS grad debuts first album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Emma Hedrick mixes her many interests into her music.
MUSIC
The 2016 Carmel High School graduate said she draws inspiration from different sources, including poetry, Haiku, colors and personal experiences. Her debut album, “Newcomer,” features 10 original songs in the contemporary jazz genre.
“I wrote the songs for this album over the course of seven years and we recorded it last November (2024) at the Bunker Studio in Brooklyn,” Hedrick said. “January to April was the mixing and mastering phase and since then, we’ve been working on the album art, promotion, music videos and finishing touches.”
Hedrick, a jazz vocalist-composer, returns for album release shows at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. The shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 1. The album will be released the same day on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms. Peter Eldridge, of the New York Voices, produced the album. “I’m most looking forward to debuting
Emma Hedrick’s debut album “Newcomer” is set for Aug. 1 release. (Photo courtesy of Emma Hedrick)
these originals for the audience and getting to celebrate the release together,” Hedrick said. “The Jazz Kitchen has been supportive of my career and a place of community from the start, so I’m grateful to do my first album release show at the venue.”
Following the two shows at the Jazz Kitchen, Hedrick will begin a weeklong tour of seven shows in four states.
The touring band includes Ellie Pruneau, piano; Greg Niemi, drums; Gavin Gray, bass; and Shane McCandless, saxophone.
Tickets for The Jazz Kitchen shows start at $15. For more, thejazzkitchen.com and emmahedrick.com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
ANCC MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM® SITE VISIT
The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® is the highest credential a healthcare organization can achieve. A Magnet designation indicates to patients and the public that these organizations have met the most stringent, evidence-based standards of nursing excellence in patient care delivery.
Indiana University Health North Hospital was designated as a Magnet organization in 2015 and 2020 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and they are now applying for redesignation.
We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail.
• All comments must be submitted by August 29, 2025
• Anonymous comments should be sent in writing to the Magnet Program Office.
• Please note that ALL COMMENTS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL and will not be shared with the organization.
Send Comments to: Noriko Gates Magnet Recognition Program Office 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500 Silver Spring, MD 20910
E-Mail Comments to: magnet@ana.org
Why is Magnet important?
Magnet recognition acknowledges the invaluable contributions of nurses in all healthcare settings and among all populations worldwide. It is a results-driven recognition that fosters nurse engagement and the role nurses play as interprofessional team members to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Scan here to learn more about the Magnet Recognition Program
Mural brightens The Cat
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The front of The Cat building is coming to life with a mural of cats.
THEATER
Zionsville resident Briget Carroll, 29, is painting the mural at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.
Carroll said the work is still in the early stages, but she and The Cat owner Will Wood have been talking and planning the project since October 2024.
“We started by refreshing the front of the building and taking it from a dark gray to The Cat’s signature orange, and (it) will soon be covered in Cats,” Carroll said.
There have been a few obstacles this summer.
“Rain, humidity and timing — plus my fear of ladders — are making it take a bit longer than I’d like, but I finally started painting (the week of July 14) and hope to get it done by the end of summer,’ she said. “I’ve been able to go three to four hours on a good day.”
A freelance illustrator, Carroll painted the mural on the side of The Cat building
in the alley in 2022.
“That was my first mural ever,” she said. “Will had the idea, and I brought the vision to life for him. So, when he told me he wanted something on the front, we decided to go bigger and bolder but still keep the mid-century style and color schemes like the mural from years ago. Will and I first connected because he knew my uncle (comedian Dave Dugan), and (we) hit it off because of our love for cats and art.
“Even though the idea of a mural was scary and something I’d never done before, it has become one of my favorite things to do.”
SELLERS MARKET
A digital sketch of the mural. (Rendering courtesy of Briget Carroll)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
Docket Number PZ-2025-00130 DP
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Plan Commission will conduct a meeting on the 19th day of August, 2025 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at the Carmel City Hall, Council Chambers, One Civic Square, 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Number PZ-2025-00130 DP that is seeking development plan approval (the “Request”). The subject site includes the parcels that are identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Tax Parcel Identification Numbers 16-10-31-00-00-002.202; 16-10-31-00-00-003.000; and, 16-10-31-00-00002.442, which parcels consist of approximately 9 acres and are generally located on the east and west side of Kinzer Avenue along the southern portion of the Gramercy development (collectively, the Real Estate”).
The Real Estate is zoned pursuant to the “2024 Gramercy PUD Amendment Ordinance, Ordinance”, No. 695-24 and the Real Estate is also referred to as “Gramercy East”.
The Request seeks development plan approval to create lots and commons areas for the future development of townhome buildings and landscaping on the Real Estate.
The Request and the associated plans and exhibits may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above Request are encouraged to submit written comments to bbutler@carmel.in.gov, up to 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, via email to Bric Butler Administrative Assistant City of Carmel Plan Commission, and/or, present their comments in-person by attending at this Plan Commission meeting. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
City of Carmel, Indiana:
Bric Butler, City of Carmel Plan Commission Administrative Assistant Carmel City Hall One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 571-2416
Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov
Attorney for Applicant Buckingham Properties, LLC:
Jim Shinaver, Attorney
Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC 11350 N. Meridian St., Suite 320 Carmel, IN 46032
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: 136th Street Multi-Use Path Construction 22-ENG-08
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County,
Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “136th Street Multi-Use Path Construction” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.
All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana.
A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.
The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
The project will construct segments of multi-use pathways along 136th Street from Towne Road to Ditch Road and along Ditch Road from Sherbern Drive to 136th Street. The work generally consists of grading, storm sewer, prefabricated bridge installation, curb construction, asphalt paving, sidewalk and curb ramp construction, RRFB signs and pavement marking installation.
Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section.
Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.
This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.
A Non-Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Engineering Conference Room, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032 and offered virtually. Virtual meeting instructions available on the City’s e-Procurement Portal. All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference.
For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.
No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
Head and Heart show set
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
A little more than 15 years after starting as a small indie band from Seattle, The Head and The Heart is touring in support of its sixth studio album, “Aperture,” and will perform Aug. 6 at Everwise Ampitheater in Indianapolis.
CONCERT
Co-founded in 2009 by lead vocalist Jonathan Russell and former vocalist Josiah Johnson, the band consists of Russell, violinist Charity Rose Thielen, bassist Chris Zasche, pianist Kenny Hensley, drummer Tyler Williams and guitarist Matt Gervais.
“When I first moved to Seattle, I was (waiting) tables in an Irish restaurant,” Russell said. “At some point, the band started doing little shows on the weekends. I don’t know if I ever really could have envisioned where we’re at now.”
After self-producing its first two albums, the band then signed with Warner Bros. They left the label after their fifth studio album, “Every Shade of Blue,” in 2022. Being free agents under new management, they had no deadlines and decided to take back the creative decisions
within their own band.
“We realized when making ‘Aperture’ we were ready to self-produce again,” Russell said. “We learned that we can do it on our own and it feels even more like ourselves. This band is capable of playing all types of music, but I think it’s most interesting when we don’t have an outside producer putting their touch on it.”
On the second leg of the ‘Aperture’ tour, Russell feels as if this tour is a “rebirth” for the band.
The Head and The Heart will be joined by opening bands Marfa and Wild Rivers. For more, visit whiteriverstatepark.org/event/ the-head-and-the-heart-aperture-tour/.
Center’s children’s concert series returns
news@currentincarmel.com
Families can introduce young children to the joy of live performance through Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ monthly Peanut Butter & Jam series, which begins a new season Sept. 27.
PERFORMANCES
With fun and informal sessions designed specifically for ages 1-7, PB&J is typically presented one Saturday each month from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Studio Theater in Carmel
The season begins with MARS the Melody Maker at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 27
“American Idol” veteran Marrialle Sellars, aka MARS, will sing, dance and groove with live guitar music and interactive songs.
Tickets for sessions are $10 per child, which includes free admission for two accompanying adults. Tickets and more information are available at TheCenterPresents.org/PBJ, 317-843-3800 and the
Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office.
The rest of the season’s events include:
• Grupo Bembé: Latin Rhythm, Melody & Movement
10:30 a.m. Oct. 11
• Silly Safaris: Animals of the North Pole
10:30 a.m. Nov. 22
• Melchior Marionettes: Holiday Cabaret on Strings
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Dec. 13
• Move & Groove with The Call
10:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2026
• Traveler’s Dream: Musical Journey to Early America
10:30 a.m. Feb. 21
• Bobcat Opossum
10:30 a.m. March 7
• Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
10:30 a.m. April 4
• Todd Williams Trio: All Aboard the Short Track Shuffle 10:30 a.m. May 23
The Head and The Heart is set to perform at Everwise Amphitheater Aug. 6. (Photo courtesy of The Head and The Heart)
LIFESTYLE
Across
1. Religious offshoots
6. Change for a five
10. Queries
14. Penske Honda luxury line
15. Math term used with median and mean
16. “Go ahead!”
17. Nitwits
18. Give off
19. Part of SRO
20. Why is the pig an unpopular teammate on the Pacers?
23. Thai neighbor
25. Tail motion
26. Poem
27. ___ Brothers Band
30. MCL dessert choice
32. WTHR morning show
33. Lewd look
35. Zilch
39. If a Hoosier is the victim of a crime, who do they call?
42. British noble
43. Grammar subject
44. Words of denial
45. Light brown
46. Kitchen utensil
47. Scatter
51. Banks or Young, briefly
53. Miracle-___ (plant food)
54. What’s the best thing about living in the rural parts of the Hoosier state (and why you keep doing the Current crossword)?
59. Guesstimate phrase
60. Days gone by
61. Spanish pal
64. Hoosier Park harness part
65. Heroic tale
66. IndyGo passenger
67. Bingo relative
68. Colts ticket specification
69. Pollster’s find Down
1. Unhappy
The Current Artistic Pallet Public Notice Artistic Composite Pallets – Phase 2 Building Expansion, represented by Garrett Clark of ACP Realty LLC, is petitioning seeking Plan Commission approval of Development Plan & ADLS (Docket No. PZ-2025-00131 DP Amend/ ADLS) for a proposed project located at 4518 West 99th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 (Tax Parcel ID: 17-13-07-00-23-001.000). The scope of the proposed project includes a new 39,000 square foot expansion. A public hearing will be held for this petition as an agenda item in the City of Carmel’s Plan Commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 6:00pm at Carmel City Hall. This petition may be examined at the DOCS office. Any person may offer verbal comments at the hearing or may file written comments prior to, or at the hearing.
2. “Green” prefix
3. Spot for a driver’s drink
4. Hoosier National Forest growth
5. Miss Hamilton County accessory
6. Butler frat letter
7. Request at a Chinese restaurant
8. Word processor command
9. Cain’s brother
10. Sun-dried brick
11. Submarine detector 12. Slays
13. Fashion sense
21. Possess
22. Cain’s mother
23. Bovaconti Coffee order
24. Hawaiian greeting
28. Inbox filler
29. Author Rand
30. Ivy League school in Philly
31. 401(k) kin
33. Indy Zoo roarer
34. Seine contents
35. Lymph ___
36. Next to
37. divvy patron
38. Start to physics or logical
40. Genetic letters
41. Domino dot
45. A couple
46. Music’s Yoko
47. Baby bird?
48. A trio
49. Pine’s sticky secretion
50. Budget, in brand names
51. Mideast nation
52. Throw out
55. Shapiro’s Deli loaves
56. Slangy refusal
57. Go-___ (small racer)
58. Muslim ruler
62. ___-Xer
63. Chicago airport code Answers on Page 23
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT ) SS: COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) CASE NO. 29C01-2505-MI-005462
IN RE THE NAME CHANGE OF ) BRITTANY STRADLING ) Petitioner, ) )
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Brittany Cierra Stradling, whose mailing address is: 10237 Central Avenue, Carmel, Indiana, 46280, in the Hamilton County, Indiana, hereby gives notice that Brittany Stradling has filed a petition in the Hamilton Circuit Court requesting that her name be changed to Brittany Cierra Baker. Notice is further given that the hearing will be held on said Petition on October 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, /s/ Brittany C. Stradling Petitioner
Date: May 20, 2025 /s/ Kathy Kreag Williams, Clerk
PUZZLE ANSWERS
far northside Marion County We are a friendly, growing, professional company that provides accounting, tax and business advisory services, searching for a service-oriented person as an addition to our team. This new position will work closely with our clients and other team members to enter data, ensure accurate & timely processing of documents, and maintain both internal and client files. For more information & qualifications or to submit a resume email: position4newperson@gmail.com
SUNDAYS
Anthony’s Chophouse has earned Wine Spectator’s 2025 Award of Excellence, an honor given to the world’s best restaurants for wine.
And on Sundays, we invite you to explore our award-winning list for less.
Enjoy 50% off bottles priced $100 or less, and $50 off bottles over $100.
Our extensive selection is hand-selected and carefully curated to complement every dish. With one of the most diverse wine lists in the city, Anthony's Chophouse is making Sundays your new favorite wine night.
anthonyschophouse.com 3uprooftop.com
