Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 31
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
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The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Dive into Delicious!
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
Hotel Carmichael announces major expansion
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Hotel Carmichael at Carmel City Center is planning to expand.
CITY NEWS
The luxury hotel, which opened in 2020 through a public private partnership between the City of Carmel and Pedcor Companies, will grow into the northern half of the adjacent Wren building.
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission met June 18 and approved an amended franchise agreement with Marriott, which operates the hotel as part of its Autograph Collection, detailing the plan.
The expansion will include 60 new guest rooms, including nine double rooms, 30 king rooms and 21 suites, three of which will be presidential suites.
Also included in the expansion is a 2,052-square-foot ballroom, which will accommodate 120 people in a banquet setting and 160 for a reception. Also being added is a new boardroom that can seat up to 18 people with a pre-meeting staging area.
The Adagio Lounge will also be expanded with a bar rework and more seating, with current boardroom space converted to additional lounge seating.
The ballroom and boardroom will be on the first floor of the building, and the added guest rooms will be in the three stories above it.
The kitchen will also be expanded to accommodate the larger hotel. The hotel will also have in-house laundry, a service that is currently outsourced.
“When the Palladium was designed, the concept of a marquee hotel was drawn there from the beginning,” CRC Director Henry Mestetsky said. “The partnership that was approved in 2017 could not have gone any better.”
The city is set to receive 75 percent of the hotel’s cash flow for approximately a decade as part of a plan to repay more than $12 million the CRC covered when construction costs rose higher than the initial estimate. After the CRC is repaid, the financial agreement in the partnership
is a 50/50 split between Pedcor and the city. The hotel expansion should result in the advance being paid back faster to CRC, according to Mestetsky.
The expansion will include no new city or taxpayer funding, as Pedcor is covering all costs of the build out. Hotel Carmichael will pay for new furniture.
“I’m not going to ask you for any money. I’m going to ask you for an opportunity to do something great for Carmel and also financially that will work out very well for all of us,” Pedcor Companies President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Cordingley said during the CRC meeting.
According to Pedcor, the improvements are expected to bring $16 million of value to the hotel, which anticipates that the improvements will generate $1.3 million more annually in net operating income by 2029.
“The entire district benefits when this hotel has more people activating it. From a city investment, a private-public partnership, I think we’ve knocked it out of the park,” Mestetsky said.
The hotel has seen a rise in occupancy each year since it opened. According to numbers provided by Pedcor, its occupancy
rate has risen from 63.3 percent in 2020 to 82.8 percent in 2024. In April and May, occupancy was 85 percent and 86.9 percent, respectively. The original projected occupancy rate was 77 percent.
The expansion is expected to make the hotel better equipped to host larger corporate events and more weddings than it can book now. Pedcor Senior Vice President Laurie Siler said during the CRC meeting that 151 corporate events and 25 weddings have been turned down because of capacity concerns.
“A 75 to 77 percent (occupancy rate) deems a stabilized hotel. When you get past 80 percent and into the mid-80s, that’s when people are starting to look at expansion,” Siler said.
The new guest rooms in the Wren building will be leased by the hotel from the Wren. Hotel Carmichael will receive a 4 percent management fee from the rooms added to the Wren building and will retain 100 percent of all food and beverage revenue generated from those rooms.
The expansion is scheduled to start in the fall and be complete by the end of 2026.
The Presidential Suite Bedroom planned as part of the Hotel Carmichael expansion. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Carmel)
The SWEETEST SANDWICH of the Summer.
This summer, we’re celebrating Tenderloin Tuesday’s Sweet Sixteen! Over 50 Hamilton County restaurants will offer special deals and savory spins on Indiana’s favorite sandwich on Tuesdays from June 24th to July 29th . Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com to redeem deals at your favorite tenderloin spots. Let’s celebrate 16 sweet years of Tuesday tenderness!
FU N FO R TH E WHO L E FAMILY
June 25 | 4–8 PM
(at participating locations)
Square dancing demo and audience participation | Do-Si-Squares from 6–7 PM
Mobile Piano Performance by Matt Soverns (Don’t miss his show at Feinstein’s on June 27!)
Scavenger Hunt
Store Specials
July 2 | 4–8 PM
(at participating locations)
Musical Performance at Anthony's Plaza Chad Mills with Grover Parido
Mobile Piano Performance by Matt Soverns
Scavenger Hunt
Store Specials
Snyder tapped for CCI board, fines raised for blocked paths
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council met June 16 to nominate a Carmel Christkindlmarkt board
member, approve higher fines for vehicles that block pedestrian pathways without a permit and introduce an ordinance rezoning 22 acres for a 360-unit apartment community.
What happened: The council nominated Councilor Matthew Snyder to serve on the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board.
What it means: CCI, the council and Mayor Sue Finkam recently announced an agreement to alter the nonprofit’s governance structure. The changes will give the council more input on the makeup of the board. An initial change includes adding a board member who is nominated by the council.
What’s next: CCI board chair Maddie Augustus is set to step down this summer. The council will make another nomination to fill the vacant seat. Additional governance changes are planned in 2026.
What happened: The council approved an ordinance raising fines for parking a vehicle on a sidewalk or pathway without a permit.
What it means: Fines for violation of the ordinance are $200 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $2,500 for subsequent offenses within a calendar year. The previous fines were so low that they weren’t a deterrent, according to city councilors.
What happened: The council introduced an ordinance to rezone 22 acres on the northwest corner of Michigan Road and 99th Street from industrial to a Planned Unit Development.
What it means: Carmel-based developer Edward Rose Properties is planning to build 360 apartments on a site that previously housed the Resort Condominiums International headquarters. The development is set to include a pedestrian-friendly centralized water feature and five acres of open space.
DISPATCHES
Foundation awards scholarships — The Riverview Health Foundation awarded seven high school seniors from Hamilton County the Dr. And Mrs. Malcom Bray Medical Scholarship and Hamilton County Medical Society Scholarship. Established in 1993, the Dr. and Mrs. Bray Medical Scholarship is presented annually to graduating seniors from each public high school in Hamilton County who plan to pursue a career in the medical field. Each recipient receives a one-time $1,000 scholarship. In partnership with the Riverview Health Foundation, each student received an additional $500 from the Hamilton County Medical Society Scholarship. Carmel High School student Madelyn Putman was among the recipients.
Former CHS swimmer earns national award — Alex Shackell, a 2025 Carmel High School graduate, has been named the 2024-
What’s next: The council is expected to vote on the rezone at a future meeting.
25 MaxPreps Female National Athlete of the Year. Shackell, who will compete for Indiana University, earned gold and silver medals in swimming for the U.S. at the 2024 Olympics. She won four IHSAA state titles earlier this year at Carmel, bringing her career total to 15. That included four consecutive victories in the 100-yard butterfly. Monon Mixers set — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will present several Monon Mixers — adults-only, after-hours events at The Waterpark — this summer. Guests ages 21 and older are invited to enjoy exclusive access to The Waterpark at 1195 Central Park Dr. W. from 8 to 10 p.m. June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22. Admission is $25 per person and includes access to all The Waterpark’s amenities. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/4natn1h
Snyder
West branch upgrades coming
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Improvements are set to begin this summer at the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Joyce Winner West Branch.
Upgrades include repairing the front facade, windows and heating and cooling systems. In addition, a holds pickup locker will be installed outside the 5,000-square-foot building. The $1.7 million project will be funded through existing reserves.
Library officials are also assessing the feasibility of adding solar panels to the roof as part of the project. CCPL installed solar panels at its main campus in 2023.
The branch, which is at 12770 Horseferry Rd., will be closed during the project and is expected to reopen in late November.
“The Joyce Winner West Branch has become a real favorite in the community and a great addition to the Carmel Clay Public Library,” CCPL Director Bob Swanay stated.
Improvements are set to begin at the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Joyce Winner West Branch in August. (Photo courtesy of CCPL)
“This project shows how committed the library is to giving everyone top-notch service, no matter which location they visit.”
The branch opened January 2020 in a building constructed in 2004 that previously housed two independent grocery stores.
More than 52,000 people visited the west branch and checked out more than 84,000 items in 2024, according to CCPL.
Learn more about the project at carmelclaylibrary.org/west.
Tax abatement plans on track
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council unanimously voted to maintain existing property abatements for four businesses during its June 16 meeting.
CITY NEWS
Earlier in the day during the council’s finance committee meeting, Carmel Chief of Staff Nick Weber said abatement recipients are required to file reports on or before May 15 each year indicating their progress toward targeted investment and hiring amounts. The council then reviews those submissions and determines whether they are in compliance with the agreement to continue receiving a tax abatement. Weber provided the following information about the four businesses:
• Alliance for Cooperative Energy Services Power Marketing — ACES has a fiveyear personal property tax abatement beginning in 2024. Weber said ACES has retained all its required employees and paid them slightly more than what they anticipated a year ago. ACES has not yet met personal property spending but has until 2028 to do so.
• Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator, Inc. — MISO has a 10-year personal property tax abatement that began in 2018. MISO has added 90 employees, versus the 84 projected. MISO didn’t report its personal property spending in 2024, but Weber noted that a previously recorded figure was “well in excess” of its commitment to spend $2.5 million.
• Schlage Lock Company, LLC — Schlage Lock has a 10-year personal property tax abatement that began in 2019. The company has added three times the number of new employees expected – 350 jobs versus an expected 125 jobs – with salaries five times more than projected. Schlage Lock’s personal property spending was less than projected. The company expected to spend $2 million but reported spending $700,000.
• ZP Investments, LLC and Zotec Partners LLC — ZP Investments and Zotec Partners have a 10-year real and personal property tax abatement that began in 2021. This was the first year of measured compliance. The companies retained all required employees and paid them more than expected. The company spent $60 million, versus an estimate of $47 million. They also spent much more in personal property at $11 million versus an expected $1 million. ZP Investments and Zotec Partners created 89 new jobs, less than the 300 they expected.
Weber
Former governors stress need for respectful dialogue
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Three former Indiana governors — including one former U.S. vice president — sat down for a discussion about public service and leadership in front of a packed OneZone Chamber luncheon June 12 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton conference center in Noblesville.
POLITICS
Gov. Mitch Daniels, governor from 2004 to 2012; Vice President Mike Pence, elected governor in 2012 and vice president in 2016; and Gov. Eric Holcomb, elected governor in 2016 and 2020, spoke with OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell to an audience of about 600.
During the discussion, Pence said he was proud of the Trump-Pence administration, even if it didn’t end the way he wanted it to.
After President Trump lost his bid for reelection in 2020, Pence defied Trump’s call to not certify the results of that election. Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, then stormed the U.S. Capitol where that certification was taking place.
Pence said at the June 12 forum that it was a privilege to serve as vice president. Without referencing current events, he added that he believes that the future of democracy depends on civility, character and respect.
Daniels agreed, stating that there are many examples of people in public office who treat their jobs with dignity and respect — even when they vigorously disagree with each other — and that he didn’t think those attributes would remain per-
manently out of fashion.
“It’s not that long since I left elected office in such a different world (than) today,” he said. “I hope that we’ll have people who, once again, embrace the idea that — yeah, having the right answers, the right policies, that’s important. But character is, too.”
Daniels said Pence displayed “remarkable character” during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, and the audience applauded in agreement.
Holcomb, who was recovering from losing his voice during an Indiana Pacers game the night before, agreed that civility will come back — but only if people work to make it happen.
Russell asked his three guests to name the most important issue facing Indiana. Holcomb said there are many issues, but if forced to pick one it would be workforce readiness — making sure Hoosier students are ready for the future. He added that Hamilton County is doing a good job with that.
Pence said the top current issue was the Pacers winning the NBA Finals, eliciting another round of applause from the audience. He noted that the two teams — Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are a metaphor for what’s happening in the country, with a stronger focus on the heartland.
Daniels agreed that Indiana is in a good position with a growing population and more college graduates choosing to stay. He said the challenge is to maintain that momentum in the face of what he said will be tough economic times ahead.
Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=258694.
Former Indiana governors Mitch Daniels, left, Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb answer questions from OneZone President Jack Russell during a June 12 forum. (Photo courtesy of OneZone)
Carmel grad’s surprise track success leads to Hall of Fame
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A funny thing happened to Todd Beyerlein on his way to the start of golf team tryouts as a Carmel High School freshman. He forgot his clubs, which he said turned out to be a pretty good mistake.
ACHIEVEMENT
“I was just looking to do something between basketball season and summer basketball season, so I meant to go out for the golf team,” he said. “An assistant track coach convinced me to go out for the track team that day because he thought I could jump.”
Beyerlein gave it a whirl and was hooked. The 1997 CHS graduate captured the high jump state title in the IHSAA state finals in 1996 at 6 feet, 8 inches and repeated as state champ in 1997 at 7 feet. He also won a variety of meets outside the state, including the Junior Olympics and the South Pacific Games in Fiji.
Beyerlein, who also competed in the long jump at CHS, was scheduled to be inducted June 21 as a member of the class of 2025 in the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame in Terre Haute.
A Seattle resident, Beyerlein didn’t even know there was an Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame until he heard his name had been mentioned about two years ago.
Beyerlein’s track success led to a scholarship to attend Stanford University from 1997 to 2001. He earned multiple All-Pac 12 Conference honors both in athletics and
Todd Beyerlein as a student at Carmel High School. (Photo courtesy of Todd Beyerlein)
academics and was part of the Stanford men’s 2000 NCAA Championship team. After Stanford, he accepted an academic scholarship to study architecture at the University of Michigan, and now he designs buildings across the nation and beyond.
“I used my track career as a leverage for my future life, which really worked out,” he said. “I say it was a springboard, and I meant for it to be. I knew nobody gets rich in track and field.”
Beyerlein’s wife, Jennifer, was a Stanford hurdler.
“She is completely unimpressed by my career as a track athlete because she won something like seven state (high school) titles and held a bunch of state records (in Montana),” he said. “She said, ‘It’s great you are being inducted into a Hall of Fame. Why am I not being inducted into a Hall of Fame?’”
Beyerlein said he always thought he was meant to play basketball, but stopped after his sophomore year, realizing track was his future.
“At some point, I realized it wouldn’t make much sense to injure myself playing basketball or football or anything else,” said Beyerlein, who has two children, son Hale, 25, and daughter, Evie, 14.
DISPATCH
Sculpture to be installed — The City of Carmel has begun preparing for the installation of the “Taking Flight” sculpture in the roundabout at Main Street and Richland Avenue. The sculpture, crafted from steel, aluminum and LED with a reinforced concrete footing, will stand approximately 20 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter. It depicts an upsweep of books taking flight and will be placed between the Carmel Clay Public Library and Carmel High School. A sculpture unveiling event is planned for 10 a.m. July 11. Artist Jason Klimoski is set to be in attendance.
Get to Know:
Indiana’s auto dealer SERVICES division
If you are in the business of manufacturing, selling, or salvaging a vehicle in Indiana, you are licensed and regulated by the Auto Dealer Services Division (“ADSD”). A person needs a license issued by ADSD if they:
• Sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale at least 12 vehicles or watercraft within a 12-month period.
• Acquire salvage vehicles for the purpose of restoring, reconstructing, or rebuilding the vehicles and resells, offers to sell, or advertises for sale the vehicles for use.
• Manufacture or assemble new motor vehicles or major component parts of motor vehicles.
• Sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale at least three new or used manufactured homes in a 12-month period.
Common Consumer Questions:
TITLE DELIVERY
Indiana law requires that a dealer provide a purchaser (or their financer) with title to a vehicle within 31 days. This ensures that the purchaser can register the vehicle with the BMV well within the 45 days that a paper tag is valid for.
CONVENIENCE FEES
As of July 1, 2024, the BMV has approved a maximum convenience fee of $22.50 for title transactions. The convenience fee should be identified as its own line item on a bill of sale or purchase contract.
TEMPORARY (“INTERIM,” “PAPER”) TAGS
Upon the sale of a vehicle, a dealer is authorized to issue one temporary, paper registration tag to the purchaser. This tag is valid for 45 days. Except in limited circumstances, a dealer may not issue a second tag to a purchaser for the same vehicle.
DOCUMENTATION
(“DOC”)
FEES
As of July 1, 2024, the Division advised dealers that it will not take enforcement action for doc fees at or less than $245.28. The doc fee must be identified as a separate line item on a bill of sale or purchase contract.
Beyerlein
Dream Home
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Longtime friends share Indy Eleven experience
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Ryan Hunsucker and Maverick McCoy are sharing a special experience.
SOCCER
Hunsucker, who will be a senior at Westfield High School in August, has been training with the Indy Eleven since July 2024. The goalkeeper hasn’t played for the United Soccer League team in games, but he dressed for home matches March 29 and April 19.
“It’s been a pretty amazing experience,” Hunsucker said. “It’s been great to step into the pro environment at my age. It gives me good insight at the standard and the level I need to play at when I’m older.”
Although it’s special just to dress, he would love the opportunity to get into a game.
“Dressing was so much fun,” he said. “I loved it.”
The 6-foot-3 Hunsucker and McCoy train with the pro team and play with U19 for the Indy Eleven Pro Academy. Hunsucker, who signed a USL Academy contract in January to be able to dress for games, has been playing with his good friend Maverick McCoy, from Carmel, since they were around 12 years old.
McCoy, a defender, has been taking online classes since starting high school. He
signed his second USL Academy contract in January after signing his first in March 2024.
Hunsucker has committed to play for Indiana University in 2026, while McCoy committed to the University of Notre Dame. McCoy also dressed for the same two home games this season. In addition, McCoy dressed for four games last season.
“It’s been a pleasure playing with Ryan over the past five-plus years,” McCoy said. “Watching him continue to grow and develop alongside me has been incredible. I’m super excited to see what he can do in the years to come.”
During his junior year, Hunsucker attended WHS in the morning, trained with the team at nearby Grand Park and then returned to school for two periods.
“If I went anywhere but Westfield, I’d have to go fully online to make it work,” he said.
Hunsucker, 17, said he is witnessing how the pros conduct themselves on and off the field.
“Everything they do is professional. They take everything extremely seriously,” he said. “They put full effort into every rep. It’s a pretty big jump from an academy team with a bunch of other kids. It’s cool to see the transition I need to make and insert myself into that and take after (the pros) in that way.”
From left, Maverick McCoy and Ryan Hunsucker have been playing soccer together for more than five years. (Photo courtesy of Wade McCoy)
Indiana Golf celebrates opening of Pete & Alice Dye HQ
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Exactly one year after breaking ground on the new Pete & Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center at The Fort Golf Resort, center officials cut the ceremonial ribbon and opened the doors June 5, offering guests a first look at the 13,000 square foot headquarters that also houses a hall of fame celebrating Hoosier golfers.
DEVELOPMENT
Before the ribbon cutting and tour, a brief ceremony at The Garrison conference center next door highlighted the importance of the new facility, named in honor of late longtime Carmel residents. Indiana Golf Foundation President Gina Giancone noted that the foundation, which has offices at the new center, serves more than 130,000 Indiana youth through programs and scholarships.
“The foundation’s mission is to teach life lessons through the game of golf and what we are here to celebrate today — our new headquarters — will help us do that on an even greater scale and reach more people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” she said. “This new facility represents the next chapter for Indiana Golf, one where we add more First Tee Indiana chapters and players, award more scholarships, introduce the game to more individuals, improve teaching opportunities at our facility and other Indianapolis public courses and support the amateurs and professionals throughout Indiana.”
The new building at 6002 N. Post Rd. in Lawrence is on The Fort Golf Resort, part of Fort Harrison State Park. Indiana
Department of Natural Resources Director Alan Morrison and his office were involved in the project and Morrison — who said he played a round at the resort just a few days earlier — said it was an exciting day for golf in Indiana.
“Fort Harrison State Park is the perfect place for the home of golf in Indiana and we’re thankful for what I’m hoping will grow to be an even deeper partnership in the future,” he said. “As a golfer myself, I understand a deep connection between this sport and outdoor recreation. Golf provides outdoor recreation and active lifestyle for over 550,000 Hoosiers, age 6 and above, and supports the health and well-being of an estimated one in 13 Americans.”
Steve Sterrett, who chaired the fundraising campaign for the $6.5 million project, said the idea started about eight years earlier.
“To see this building behind me come to life is an incredible testament to the golfing community we have here in Indiana,” he said. “The support of our donors, our players, PGA professionals, city and state has been incredible.”
Sterrett took the opportunity to tell supporters in the room that there was still about $123,000 needed to meet the $6.5 million fundraising goal, adding that the new building is just one part of the overall project.
Indiana Golf Executive Director Mike David said that while the construction timeline was short, the overall process has been long, starting with selling Indiana Golf’s offices in Franklin six years ago and moving into a temporary space.
For more, visit indianagolf.org.
Guests celebrate the June 5 grand opening of the new Pete & Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center at The Fort Golf Resort. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Carmel veteran turns 100
By Aidah Brown Aidah@youarecurrent.com
Gerald Mansbach reached a milestone May 24 when he turned 100 years old. The Carmel resident attributes his longevity to two factors.
MILESTONE
“One is genetics. My mother died at 94 and my father died at 91,” Mansbach said. “I think I inherited those genes from them, and I hope I have passed them on to my kids. The other is the good fortune I had to be treated by doctors in this area who are excellent and who actually have saved my life.”
A World War II veteran, Mansbach has many stories about serving in the U.S. Army, but his most vivid memories are of his loved ones.
“My favorite memories generally involve my family, my children,” Mansbach said. “They give me a great deal of satisfaction, and they are here now to celebrate this birthday. My life has been built around my family.”
To celebrate his birthday, Mansbach joined fellow residents at The Barrington of Carmel, a retirement community, and
later attended a dinner party with family and friends. Along with the importance of family, Mansbach also emphasized the necessity of friends and a cause.
“Having friends is a secret that’s not talked about when it comes to longevity,” Mansbach said. “One of the things I try to live by is if you want a friend, be a friend. Also, it’s important to believe in something and act on that belief, whether it be religion or anything else. Being involved probably would be the bottom line for a good, long life.”
Art contest winners recognized
Commentary by Cindy Muse
For 13 years, students from kindergarten through middle school have participated in an Earth Art Contest sponsored by Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. This year, 283 youth submitted eco-friendly artwork focusing on energy conservation and environmental stewardship.
ENVIRONMENT
Students were recognized in an awards ceremony last month at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam presented certificates to the semifinalists and winners. They are:
• Luna Deye — Kindergarten
• Ayaana Saini — Grade 1
• Hazel Bancroft — Grade 2
• Pravindi Dharmarathne — Grade 3
• Hunter Kramarz — Grade 4
• Shiloh Spring — Grade 5
• Aria Williamson — Grade 6
• Genevieve Spicer — Grade 7
Additionally, special awards were presented to Simone Downer (digital art), Summer Hurm (Facebook favorite) and Hannah Holtsclaw (Solential award).
In accepting the award, Saini wrote, “Mother Earth provides us so many things like food, water and air. It is our duty to keep it happy and healthy by planting trees and saving water and energy, We need a healthy planet for everyone.”
To see more photos of the semifinalists and winners and their artwork, visit carmelgreen.org/live-and-learn/art-contest.
Cindy Muse is a board member with Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. Learn more and contact the group at carmelgreen.org.
Gerald Mansbach at his 100th birthday celebration. (Photo by Aidah Brown)
From left, Linda Downer, contest winner Ayanna Saini and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam at the awards presentation. (Photo by Beth Meier)
Program empowers young entrepreneurs
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
High School Hustle helps Indiana students develop entrepreneurship skills by connecting them with industry leaders to turn side jobs into real-world occupations.
MENTORSHIP
The program runs from January to May, during which students attend six to eight meetings after school to be mentored by industry leaders and learn how to build a hustle. Then, from June to August, students compete for a share of a $100,000 prize and work to see who can make the most income during those three months.
“Mentors will take some time off of work and go into the school for an hour, and we’ll just discuss creating a side hustle and where to start,” said Hunter Beale, High School Hustle executive director.
“We don’t want to teach, we try to guide. Ultimately, we’re asking them questions and getting them to think for themselves. That’s what we want to be guided by, to help them level up and not rob them of their own thinking.”
From June to August, students try to earn as much revenue as possible with their side hustle. They receive $100 from the organization to kickstart their summer gig. Top earners earn a share of the $100,000 grand prize. The top five students each week who post their “hustle” on social media and log it on the dashboard win $100 for their business. Students who earn $400 or more will have their name added to a pool to win $10,000 at the end of the summer.
“Entrepreneurship is about failing a ton and learning quickly and having a high sense of urgency,” said Beale, a Fishers High School graduate.
In 2024, the program had about 20 students participating, and this year the program has just under 2,100 participants, including from Carmel High School. Beale credits the spike in participation to creating a captivating pitch to students and making it engaging enough to get their attention.
High School Hustle was founded by Scott Lingle and Peter Servaas in 2022. The two came together to run the program after discovering a mutual passion for entrepreneurship and starting their own side hustles in high school. Their goal is to empower one million high school hustles by 2034.
Those interested in participating in High School Hustle can learn more at highschoolhustle.org.
Home-A-Rama details announced
EVENT news@currentincarmel.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis recently announced that the 2025 Lee Supply Corp. Home-A-Rama will be presented in Chatham Hills in Westfield Sept. 11-14, Sept. 18-21 and Sept. 25-28.
Home-A-Rama is a showcase of some of central Indiana’s premier custom-home builders’ state-of-the-art homes in one of the region’s most sought-after communities. Announced builders include Custom Living; AR Homes; McKenzie Pierrot Homes; aaNovo; Randy Shaffer Custom Homes & Kent Shaffer Homes; Scott B. Campbell Custom Homes and Development; and Sigma
Builders.
“We are thrilled to bring Home-A-Rama to Chatham Hills this year with a lineup of incredible builders who are raising the bar in design, detail and innovation,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated.
Home-A-Rama attendees will tour custom homes featuring the latest trends in architecture, interior design and smart home technology. The event is open to those looking for inspiration, planning a future build or exploring high-end home designs. Showhomes range from $1.85 million to $4.59 million.
Tickets for the 2025 Lee Supply Corp. Home-A-Rama go on sale Aug. 1 at bagi. com/event/home-a-rama.
3.56%
Hunter Beale takes a selfie with students during a High School Hustle meeting at Zionsville Community High School. (Photo courtesy of Hunter Beale)
JULY 3 & 4
•
IN THE ?
WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE SOME SPECIAL MEMBERS
Rotary Outstanding Service Award (ROSA) Winner
Deb Gangstad
Executive Director Carmel Clay History Museum
Rotarian of the Year Award (ROTY) Winner
Arnold Elston
Past President Rotary Club of Carmel
CarmelFest is only possible thanks to the hard work of the Carmel Rotary Club, volunteers and the support of our sponsors!
Relocation consultant pens book Navy veteran plans inaugural military ball in Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Toyi Rodriguez initially had no plans to be an author.
AUTHOR
“I don’t have any education about writing,” she said.
But the Carmel resident, who has visited 47 countries, felt the need to share her knowledge as a relocation consultant in a book called “Global Citizen,” which was released in May. The first part of the book is cultural, and the second is about adapting to a new nation.
to enjoy her life abroad, because for me, it’s been one of the best experiences ever,” she said.
Rodriguez started writing tips, which became 25 pages in a week that grew to 50 pages in a month. She asked a friend, who is an editor and journalist, to help polish her manuscript.
“Instead, she said she would invite me to her writers’ club, and there were five authors,” Rodriguez said. “I was the only one who hadn’t published a book.”
She began to submit 3,000 to 5,000 words a month for a manuscript for review.
“I’m also an intercultural consultant,” she said. “I help them with the cultural part, but they come with a working visa, so I help them get the Social Security, driver’s license, open bank accounts, schools and housing, but also with cultural sensitivity, like don’t greet an American with a kiss like we normally do in Mexico and Europe.”
For several years, Rodriguez wrote tips for her clients. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the borders in March 2020, she didn’t have clients coming through on work visas.
Around the same time, she had two friends, one from Sweden and one from Spain, leave the U.S.
“The one from Sweden had a nice experience here,” Rodriguez said. “The one from Spain had a hard time in the U.S. because she didn’t speak the language. The things she did in Spain, like real estate, she couldn’t do here because she didn’t have a license. Because of the language and other barriers, she wasn’t able to adapt successfully. It was hard for her to make friends.”
So, during the pandemic Rodriguez reflected on her friend’s experience.
“(I considered) what made it hard for her
“That put me in the habit of writing, and I really liked it,” Rodriguez said. “I wrote 400 pages and then cut it to 300 pages.”
Rodriguez, a 50-year-old native of Mexico, has lived three years in Carmel after spending 16 years in Columbus, Ind. She also lived in Belgium and Memphis.
Five takeaways from the book, Rodriguez said, are adapting to a new culture takes time and intention; building meaningful connections is essential; embracing culture differences leads to personal growth; your identity evolves with every move; and preparation and flexibility goes hand in hand.
Rodriguez said the book examines how being punctual is perceived in different cultures of the world or how one addresses their boss or authority figures.
Understanding different cultural norms can help avoid misunderstandings.
The book is available in hardback and paperback in English and Spanish. It can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, among other sites. There also is a Kindle version. The Spanish version of her book was presented in Mexico this spring. For more, visit toyirodriguez.com.
By Les Morris mark@youarecurrent.com
Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Oscar Taylor is paying it back to his VFW post in a big way.
FUNDRAISER
Taylor, who was deployed overseas during the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign, admittedly struggled in the aftermath of his retirement from service in December 2023. Members of VFW Post 10003 in Carmel helped him with the transition from active duty.
athan Byrd’s, will begin at 5 p.m. It will include a D.J., master of ceremonies and a photographer. All VFW members, veterans and Gold Star families are invited.
Tickets are $40. Taylor’s fundraising goal is $10,000.
“I’m very appreciative of the VFW and the members,” Taylor said. “They were there last year when I needed them the most, and I want to give back to them this year.”
Taylor is organizing the post’s inaugural military ball, set for Sept. 13 at 502 Event Center in Carmel. The formal dining experience, which will be catered by Jon-
“I’m trying to make this a very special event for Indiana veterans,” Taylor said.
He’s no stranger to these events, stating that he has attended many of them and organized six or seven balls himself.
The Carmel VFW post is at 12863 Old Meridian St., and Taylor said the post has approximately 650 members. Taylor, who headed up statewide recruiting for the Navy, has been elected the post’s sergeant-at-arms. Individuals and corporations can pay to be sponsors of the ball with gold, silver and bronze packages available. To learn more, contact Taylor at mrotaylor79@gmail.com.
Rodriguez
Taylor
Native trees planted at nature preserve along White River
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
DEVELOPMENT
About 35 acres of former farmland close to the White River in Fishers is destined to return to its roots, literally, after the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc., planted 16,000 native trees.
The new trees in the Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve are tiny now — not much more than ankle-height — but CILTI President and CEO Cliff Chapman, a Noblesville resident, said the field will be a thriving forest in a few decades, providing natural habitat that supports native wildlife in the heart of the growing Fishers community.
CILTI has owned the site, which is adjacent to Carmel’s eastern border, for about 20 years, he said, and the organization always intended to plant trees there. But before the nonprofit bought it from the Eller family, that portion of the property had been enrolled in a prairie land preservation program and had to remain prairie for a specific time frame.
“It took 20 years for us to get it through that contract,” Chapman said. “Now, we’re able to restore it back to what it really wants to be. It wants to be a forest — we’ve kind of been fighting back (the) trees. Pulling out trees. We burned it a few times. It really wants to be a forest, and we want it to be a floodplain forest, too.”
While it would be easier to simply let the land naturally go back to forest, Chapman said that would lead to too many invasive Callery pears and other fast-growing trees, like cottonwoods. Long before it was farmland, the area had nut-bearing hardwoods, like oak and hickory trees, which grow more slowly but last longer and provide the best long-term habitat for local wildlife.
“So, with all these trees that we planted out here that are native to Hamilton County, they’re going to support insects that are native to Hamilton County, which are then going to be eaten by birds that are native to Hamilton County,” Chapman said, adding that the trees also provide erosion and flood control in the river’s floodplain. “There’s going to be cottonwood, there’s going to be sycamore — they will be part of the mix, and we want them to be part of the mix. But we also want swamp white oak and we want black walnut and we
want black cherry, because it provides a lot more wildlife resources.”
At the recently planted field, the 16,000 baby trees are difficult to see, surrounded by emerging prairie plants. Chapman found a row and pointed out a shagbark hickory. Eight feet down the row was another tiny tree, and eight feet to the left and right were more rows of new trees.
To help the new plantings thrive, Chapman said CILTI crews will mow around them for a few years, keeping fast-growing trees at bay while the hardwoods take root. He said that for the first few years, these new trees grow down, rather than up.
The preserve is behind Riverside Middle School on Eller Road, between 116th Street and Allisonville Road. It includes about 2 miles of easy dirt and grass paths that lead through open areas and forest that CILTI planted previously, closer to the river.
The end result of the plantings should be a thriving forest ecosystem that supports wildlife for many years to come.
The preserve is open to the public and leashed dogs are allowed. Parking is available behind Riverside Middle School, 10910 Eller Rd., after 4 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
For more about the nature preserve, visit conservingindiana.org/preserves/ nonie-werbe-krauss-nature-preserve.
Crew members planted 16,000 native trees this spring in a field that’s part of the Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Jen Thomas)
CLIMBING TO THE TOP
Monon Station features unique offerings in MCC’s new indoor play space
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
Carmel’s Monon Community Center celebrated the opening of its Monon Station Indoor Playground June 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $3 million project delivers Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s first indoor play park to the community, with an opening to the public set for June 27.
“Our goal was becoming a playground mecca. The one thing we were missing was an indoor play place, and that’s what we are doing with Monon Station,” said Michael Klitzing, CCPR director.
The centerpiece of the new space is the Luckey Climber, a large climbing area where children, and sometimes adults, can climb onto ascending, illuminated petals and finish their journey with a slide to the floor.
The equipment is the work of Luckey Climbers, a company based in New Haven, Conn., that has completed several projects in central Indiana.
The family-founded business was represented at the ribbon cutting by owner Spencer Luckey, whose remarks at the ceremony were as colorful as the lights on his company’s handiwork.
“The light-up climber you see here today is the actualization of a fantasy that we’ve had for many, many years,” Luckey said. “This is no more and no less than the greatest piece of playground equipment that we’ve ever made, and we’ve made a few in places as far away as Indonesia and China — 18 countries in all.”
The Luckey Climber in Monon Station is the first to include lights and a slide. It’s also the first to use dynamic lighting using programmable LED bulbs, according to Luckey.
Klitzing said he and his team recognized quickly that the shape of the room at the MCC made it difficult to use a traditional playground feature and comply with fall zone standards. However, because the Luckey Climber is completely enclosed by meshing, those safety standards were met.
Luckey lauded CCPR and the city.
“The (City) of Carmel is truly remarkable,” Luckey said. “As an architecture and design nerd, it’s amazing. I’m always trying to turn up the dial on wackiness and weirdness, and Michael and company said, ‘Great, let’s do it.’ And not everyone is like that, and it shows. There is a real sort of abundance mindset here.”
The equipment was a big hit with the audience that mattered most.
“I love it, I like everything,” said Crew Kopelman, 7, as he finished a trip down the Luckey Climber’s slide along with his brother, Roman, 4.
Other elements of the new Monon Station Indoor Playground include a variety of STEM-based activities and the Dream Tree, which will show projected images.
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam was unable to attend the ribbon cutting but issued a statement about the new feature.
“The new indoor playground at the Monon Community Center is a fantastic addition to Carmel’s already outstanding park system,” Finkam stated. “It enhances our commitment to providing accessible recreational opportunities for families, ensuring that kids have a safe and exciting and
climate-controlled space to play all year round.”
The indoor playground hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
CHILDCARE SERVICES FOR MCC MEMBERS OFFERED AT MONON STATION
Monon Station will serve as the Monon Community Center’s designated space for childcare services, which offers complimentary care for members. Childcare services are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the space with the purchase of a day pass during the MCC’s normal operating hours.
Learn more about MCC membership and day passes at carmelclayparks.com/monon-community-center.
ON THE COVER: Children ascend petals in Monon Station’s Luckey Climber June 13 at the Monon Community Center. (Photo courtesy of CCPR)
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and City of Carmel officials join children at the Monon Community Center June 13 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Monon Station. (Photos courtesy of CCPR)
The Dream Tree in the Monon Community Center’s Monon Station. Monon Station includes a giant light peg board.
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HUNTINGTON CELEBRATES CARMEL BANK RELOCATION
Huntington National Bank employees and other officials cut a ceremonial ribbon June 11 to celebrate the relocation of a branch in Carmel from 12505 Old Meridian St. to 1155 S. Range Line Rd. The branch provides customers with access to ATMs, tellers and personal and private bankers. Learn more at huntington.com/Community/branch-info?locationId=668. (Photo courtesy of Huntington National Bank)
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Former Le Peep rebrands as Maple
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Le Peep in downtown Carmel has a new name.
REBRAND
The breakfast restaurant has rebranded as Maple and split from the national franchise.
“Our team wanted to create something truly local and highlight the rich history of Indiana,” owner Ali Hessaraki stated.
The new name highlights Indiana’s historical ties as a top producer of maple syrup.
An updated menu features more items flavored with maple syrup and includes expanded offerings using seasonal produce. New items include the Maple BLT, Mediterranean Toast and Maple Madness, which includes fried dumplings with cinnamon
sugar and maple cream cheese icing. Le Peep opened in Carmel in the Indiana Design Center in early 2021. Previously, the space housed Blu Moon Cafe. Maple, which is at 200 S. Range Line Rd. Suite 115, is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more at mapleindy.com.
DISPATCH
USPS job fair — The United States Post Office will host job fairs at several central Indiana post office locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26. Available positions include rural carrier assistants with pay up to $20.38 per hour, plus some benefits. Job fair locations include 1745 W. Oak St. in Zionsville; 1900 Pleasant Rd. in Noblesville; 8500 E. 116th St. in Fishers; 275 Medical Dr. in Carmel; and 107 W. 4th St. in Sheridan. USPS personnel will be available at job fairs to provide information. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be available to work weekends and holidays. Applications are accepted online at usps.com/careers.
Le Peep has changed its name to Maple and split from the national franchise. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Local doctors assist kids in Ghana
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield couple recently returned from a 10-day trip to Africa to provide eye care for children at risk of being enslaved.
OPTOMETRY
Dr. Kennedy Neukam and Dr. Tyler Penny are optometrists who practice in Hamilton County. Neukam specializes in pediatric optometry at Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care in Carmel and Fishers, while Penny practices at VisionWorks in Carmel. The couple embarked on a medical mission March 21-31 in Ghana.
Neukam met Christy Farhar, CEO and founder of the Micah 6:8 Project, during a church retreat in 2024. The Indiana-based nonprofit supports a vocational training center and primary school in Yeji, a rural and poverty-stricken area on Lake Volta known as a slave hub in central Ghana. The organization teaches trade skills to reduce the risk of child trafficking and help end child slavery. While speaking to Farhar, Neukam realized she and Penny could offer medical assistance to the children by way of eye exams.
“They do a medical mission every March, but they’ve never had anyone from optometry or ophthalmology go,” Neukam said. “While we were there, we saw around 400 children at the school.”
The trip — which included members of the organization and nurse practitioners — took several days. The group flew to Accra, the capital of Ghana on the Gulf of Guinea. From there it was a 14-hour bus ride north to Yeji, with occasional detours when the roads were too damaged for the bus.
Neukam said the Micah 6:8 Project provides an education for children who otherwise might be forced into slavery.
“They can go to school all day. They get meals. They get health care and they get vitamins, supplements, water, all things that they didn’t have access to before,” she said. “We collected about four suitcases full of glasses that people in the community had donated to us. When we got there, we took a little bit of effort to kind of set things up — there’s not electricity all of the time and there’s not water all the time, so everything is a little slower.”
Teachers from the school flagged children with vision problems to be seen first.
“We checked their muscle tracking and checked their visual acuity,” Neukam said. “There’s a way to check prescription by just measuring it — I measure the length
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and shape of their eye. We didn’t have very sophisticated equipment. I just had a bunch of loose lenses that I was able to take on the flight.”
Neukam and Penny also treated some of the children who had scars in their eyes from trauma or viruses. They were able to provide children who needed corrective lenses with glasses and medicated eye drops for those with infections.
Neukam said although rural areas of Ghana can be dangerous, she felt safe with their group, which was led by a Ghanian native. And, she said, it was worth it to help the children.
“They are full of joy even though they have nothing,” she said. “They don’t know me, they’ve never met me but they let me put an eye drop in their eye. They’re just like ‘Okay I trust you and I need help from you.’ I would say something they wouldn’t understand so they just smile and say ‘yes’ or do a dance or sing or skip. They’re just so happy and they really wanted glasses — they were very excited to get glasses. It’s really cool, putting glasses on a kiddo who has probably gone their whole life and just not even realized it. It was really probably the most heartwarming thing just to know, there’s so many tough things in their lives and this will make one thing easier.”
Neukam said they would return if given the opportunity.
“It was 110 (degrees) and we had no fan because we had no electricity. Most of the time it’s stagnant. I had scabies. But just to see them happy and eager to come get their eyes checked, just to feel like you’re actually doing something with the skills that you have, I think it was totally worth it,” she said.
Learn more about the Micah 6:8 Project at micah68project.com.
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Dr. Tyler Penny, left, and Dr. Kennedy Neukam with students in Ghana. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Kennedy Neukam)
Blueprint for Improvement: Noblesville kitchen gets bold new look
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Noblesville kitchen evolved from a dark, cramped galley into a bright, pattern-rich space that celebrates both color and character.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The dramatic renovation replaced dark cabinets and plain counters with sage green cabinetry and crisp white quartz surfaces.
• Eye-catching geometric floor tiles create visual interest, while a classic subway tile backsplash adds timeless appeal.
• The arched doorway was preserved as a charming architectural feature.
• Warm wood window trim and vintageinspired lighting, including a stunning stained- glass pendant, infuse the space with personality and warmth.
• The result is a kitchen that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
Urban set to perform ‘High and Alive’ tour at Ruoff
By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com
Keith Urban has always been an artist willing to take chances musically, to leave room in the recording studio for creative spontaneity that allows songs to go in unexpected directions and take on dimensions he didn’t anticipate.
Urban will perform his “High and Alive” tour at 7 p.m. June 28 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.
As such, Urban’s albums have generally included at least a song or two that ventured beyond his signature rock-and-popinflected country sound or incorporated production approaches that veered from the norm of mainstream country music.
But as Urban turned his attention to making his follow-up to “The Speed Of Now Part 1,” he wondered if he should rein in his tendency to go off script in the studio. So, he purposely sought to create a more structured environment with the recording sessions.
Urban followed his plan and recorded all the songs for the album, which he planned to name “615” after the area code for Nashville where the album was recorded. That’s when something happened that Urban had never experienced before. With all the songs finished and ready for sequencing, Urban didn’t like what he heard and he scrapped the album.
“I think subconsciously I was wondering if sometimes my albums feel a bit scattershot and hard to define what they are,” Urban said. “And I thought, well, maybe I need to have more focus and definition for a specific kind of sound and a certain kind of song, and so I started recording those kinds of sounds and songs and I didn’t really, it didn’t allow for as much spontaneity as I’ve done on every other record — and exploration. The result was something a little bit too linear for me.”
Urban reluctantly set aside the album, but he now realizes he had been doing the right thing all along by allowing for spontaneity in the studio. And he set about making an album that felt right.
“The very first song we wrote after
that was ‘Chuck Taylors,’” Urban said. “It’s probably not coincidental why that song is so buoyant and high energy because I felt liberated after the ‘615’ experience. I’m like, ‘OK, well, I’ve confirmed how I don’t want to make records and I’d rather do it this way.’”
Urban named his new album “High” to represent the joy he felt during the project. And the music feels worthy of the enthusiasm the 57-year-old guitarist-singer-songwriter expresses about the album.
“High,” which was released in the fall of 2024, opens on an especially upbeat note with “Straight Line,” a rootsy tune with an irresistible groove, perky acoustic instrumentation and plenty of hooks that will feel instantly familiar to Urban’s fans. The same can be said of hefty ballads like “Daytona” and “Messed Up As Me,” two songs brought over from the “615” album that feel like prototypical Urban tunes. But Urban stretches out with other songs. The aforementioned “Chuck Taylors” combines the organic tones of acoustic guitar and a peppy synthetic beat to create a fresh and catchy sound, while “Laughin’ All The
Way To The Drank” punches up the beat and goes even more high octane when it hits an instrumental segment with banjo, violin and guitar solos. Taken together, “High” is a diverse, well-rounded effort that offers both musical comfort food and adventure.
Urban was happy with his latest album. But as he started planning for his tour in support of “High,” he sensed it was time for another change. He parted ways with three members of his touring band — Grammy nominated drummer Terence F. Clark, guitarist/keyboardist Nathan Barlowe, and most notably, guitarist and band leader Jerry Flowers, who had worked side by side with Urban since 1997.
“It was really born of the fact that I wanted to be literally out of a comfort zone of familiarity,” Urban said, adding that he and Flowers will always remain close friends. “I kind of have to just keep creating new things and creating with new people creates new things. It just does. And I was wanting to do that at some point when it just was the strongest sort of voice, and this year felt like the voice was speaking the strongest. It was like get out of your comfort zone. Throw yourself into a completely unfamiliar musical environment and see what happens.”
Known as one of country’s best live performers, Urban promises fans who see his “High and Alive” shows this summer will come away happy with the experience.
“We’ve got obviously new songs to put in there from the new record,” said Urban, who has 24 No. 1 singles on his resume, “(We’re) looking back into the catalog and finding some things we haven’t done in a long time or maybe ever, finding acoustic moments to do spontaneous things each night.
“I want it to be a high-energy night, so we come out of the gate swinging with the first couple of songs. I just want everybody to release. I just want everybody to forget about their lives for a couple of hours and just have a great time and leave feeling better than they came. That’s my mission.”
For more, visit ruoffmusiccenter.net.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“An Evening with Matt Soverns” is set for June 27, followed by “Bubbles Up! Let’s celebrate Jimmy Buffett” June 28 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE COTTAGE’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
‘THE RETURN OF THE KING’
“The Return of the King,” an Elvis Presley tribute show, is set for 7 p.m. June 27 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘ELTON AND ME’
“Elton and Me,” featuring songs by Elton John and singer-songwriter Salvadore Liberto, is set for 3 p.m. June 29 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCHES
Tenderloin Tuesdays are back — Tenderloin Tuesdays return to Hamilton County June 24 to July 29, featuring more participating restaurants than ever. Fifty local businesses will offer deals and discounts each Tuesday during the promotion, spanning a variety of establishments throughout Hamilton County’s cities and towns. For more, visit TenderloinTuesday.com.
CSO receives $20,000 grant — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra has been notified it will be receiving a $20,000 grant from the Allen Whitehall Clowes Charitable Foundation for operational costs for 2025. The funds will help the symphony fulfill its mission to provide family-friendly concerts and engage youth through education.
Keith Urban will perform his “High and Alive” tour at 7 p.m. June 28 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of PFA Media)
‘The Cottage’ is set for Red Barn
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor and Associate Artistic Director Luke McLaughlin took an immediate liking to “The Cottage” after seeing it on Broadway.
PLAY
“’The Cottage’ is fresh off Broadway, and the Red Barn is fortunate to be one of the first theaters in the Midwest to have the privilege of producing this play,” McLaughlin said. “As soon as the rights became available, I mentioned that Michael (Taylor) should try to scoop it up because it would be a hot property for theaters nationwide. We both cannot wait to share this hysterical, unique theatrical experience with our audiences.”
Red Barn presents “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6 at the Frankfort venue.
McLaughlin, who will direct, said Taylor also attended a regional production in Chicago to determine if it would be feasible to present the show in a theater of Red Barn’s size.
“‘The Cottage’ is a farce with a style entirely of its own,” McLaughlin said. “It
will be a great challenge for our company this year.”
McLaughlin said the play is fast paced.
“(The play is) filled to the gills with wit and keeps the audience on their toes from the moment the dialogue begins,” he said.
Taylor, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate who is a Frankfort High School theater teacher, portrays Beau in the production.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Regular vocal training essential
Commentary by Blair Clark
SINGING
Vocal and performance students must approach training as a continual process because the voice is both an instrument and a muscle that evolves over time. Just like athletes train regularly to maintain and improve their performance, singers must engage in consistent practice to develop technique, flexibility, and control.
Vocal training is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey that adapts to physical changes, artistic goals and new musical challenges.
The voice is highly responsive to both internal and external influences; among them, age, health, emotion and environment all affect vocal performance. As students mature, their vocal range, tone and stamina may change, requiring ongoing attention and adjustment.
Regular training helps students understand their evolving voices and adjust their technique accordingly, preventing strain and promoting longevity.
Continual training also reinforces funda-
mental techniques such as breath control, resonance, diction and posture. These elements form the foundation of healthy vocal production and need consistent reinforcement to remain strong.
Even experienced singers can develop bad habits if they become complacent or stop practicing regularly. Working with your private vocal coach helps you stay accountable and provides expert feedback to correct subtle issues before they become problematic.
Additionally, continual training fosters artistic growth. As students gain experience, they encounter more complex vocal abilities and vocal dexterity.
Vocal training also opens the door to ongoing discovery, as students deepen their understanding of music, interpretation and personal style.
Blair Clark, a veteran coach, entertainer, producer and songwriter, owns the Voice and Performance School in Carmel. For more, email Clark at: Info@ voiceandperformanceschool.com.
THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT SAT, JUL 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS MAN ON THE MOON TOUR
WED, AUG 6 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS & OTHER DELIGHTS
THU, AUG 7 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BURTON CUMMINGS OF THE GUESS WHO A FEW GOOD MOMENTS TOUR
SUN, AUG 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
STORIES AND SONGS WITH ROGER MCGUINN
SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAY LENO SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR
SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
IL DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT
THU, OCT 9 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MATTHEW MORRISON: RHYTHMS & REVELATIONS FRI, OCT 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP SAT, OCT 18 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR SUN, OCT 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS: JAZZ FROM THE BACK O’ TOWN FRI, OCT 24 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM & SUN, NOV 2 AT 2PM PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE FRI, NOV 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
TITO PUENTE JR. AND HIS LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
SAMARA JOY FRI, NOV 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEABO BRYSON FRI, NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE TUE, DEC 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND CREOLE CHRISTMAS MON, DEC 8 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHRIS ISAAK SAT, DEC 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
WAYNE NEWTON: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL SAT, FEB 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM CHRIS BOTTI
MAR 6 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM DIRECT FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS SUN, MAR 29 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
Katherine Abel and Michael Taylor rehearse a scene from “The Cottage.” (Photo courtesy of Luke McLaughlin)
JAY LENO
BRIAN MCKNIGHT
DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE SAMARA JOY JAKE SHIMABUKURO AIDA CUEVAS
Hysterics of incivility
Commentary by Terry Anker
Especially those with a limited vocabulary and after an adult beverage too many, angry people often begin their interactions with a bit of an accusation based upon some sweeping generalization or brutal stereotype.
ESSAY
Maybe this explains why so many social media posts begin with an indictment of one sort or another. “You people who are clearly phobic, stupid, of a different point of view than ours, or in any way otherwise wrong-minded, need to know how deep our contempt for you is.” There is no other approach to this abundant truth, at least in their minds.
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Carmel, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, is submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge storm water from construction activities associated with the 136th Street Trail Connections project. The project constructs segments of shared-use pathways along 136th Street from Towne Road to Ditch Road and along Ditch Road from 136th Street to W. Sherbern Drive in Carmel, Indiana. Runoff from the project discharges either into an unnamed retention pond that outlets to Elliot Creek or into Almond Ditch. Please direct questions to the City of Carmel Engineering Department at engineering@carmel. in.gov or at 317-571-2400.
Docket No. PZ-2025-00125 CPA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing upon a Petition to Amend the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the documents filed with the Department of Community Services: Amend the Carmel Comprehensive Plan to incorporate a new US 31 Corridor Sub Area Plan.
Designated as Docket No. PZ-2025-00125 CPA, the hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032.
The file for this proposal (Docket Nos. PZ2025-00125 CPA) may be examined on the City’s website through Public Documents – Laser Fiche.
Any written comments or objections to the proposal should be filed with the Secretary of the Plan Commission on or before the date of the Public Hearing. All written comments and objections will be presented to the Commission. Any oral comments concerning the proposal will be heard by the Commission at the hearing according to its Rules of Procedure. In addition, the hearing may be continued from time to time by the Commission as it may find necessary.
Bric Butler, Administrator Carmel Plan Commission
(317) 571-2417
June 24, 2025
It does invite a question. Does anyone really see themselves in the rant? “To all you Nazi-lovers out there” one began, then the poster went on to describe their own view of the definition and what they hoped might happen to the “lover” and their progeny. Does the aspirated person making the declaration actually believe that any of the 473 people who they know and that have chosen to follow them on social media are actual lovers of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei – i.e., the National Socialist German Workers’ Party?
If so, is it the hope that their “friend” sees the message and regrets their life plan? Is the expectation that their non-Nazi-loving friends see the post and feel camaraderie? Much like a person standing on the street corner cursing into the wind, what is it hoped to accomplish? Is it intended to persuade, to virtue signal, or simply to rant? Maybe each has value in its own way. But, too, it fills the air with vitriol and the smoldering stench of incivility. Where is the balance?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
Docket No. PZ-2025-00126 CPA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing upon a Petition to Amend the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the documents filed with the Department of Community Services: Amend the Carmel Comprehensive Plan to incorporate a new Home Place Sub Area Plan.
Designated as Docket No. PZ-2025-00126 CPA, the hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032.
The file for this proposal (Docket Nos. PZ2025-00126 CPA) may be examined on the City’s website through Public Documents – Laser Fiche.
Any written comments or objections to the proposal should be filed with the Secretary of the Plan Commission on or before the date of the Public Hearing. All written comments and objections will be presented to the Commission. Any oral comments concerning the proposal will be heard by the Commission at the hearing according to its Rules of Procedure. In addition, the hearing may be continued from time to time by the Commission as it may find necessary.
Bric Butler, Administrator Carmel Plan Commission (317) 571-2417 June 24, 2025
Many remote possibilites
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My birthday is coming up — in about 9 months — but don’t give it any thought. I have already bought myself the perfect gift from the Brookstone website: the Brookstone Pillow Universal TV Remote Control.
HUMOR
Yes, someone finally had the brains to sew a TV remote inside a throw pillow. Brilliant! The people who wasted valuable time thinking up Windows 11 or the new iPhone must be kicking themselves. Really, what man hasn’t spent 15 minutes looking for his clicker, then wondered why he couldn’t change channels with something he never misplaces — like his can of beer. Hey, there’s another place to put a remote. Never again will you ask, “Where’s the remote?” Instead, your wife will ask why there is mustard on her pillow. One fan commented, “It looks like the regular pillow I cuddle with.” OK, that is a little creepy, but I was still intrigued.
There are some safety warnings — like a minor possibility of being electrocuted if you drool on the thing. It shuts off after two hours of inactivity. This is not going to happen because most men are persistent channel surfers. However, falling asleep on the pillow is a pressing problem, so to speak. A few customers complained that one minute they were watching a documentary about FDR on the History Channel and minutes later woke up to “The Simpsons.”
As I mentioned, the significant benefit is that you will never lose the remote again. I’m not optimistic that this is a surefire solution for me. Most people when they play golf occasionally lose a golf ball. The
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission meeting on July 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel, Indiana 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Minor Plat application and in order to subdivide a residential parcel into two single family lots and a common area. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-202500102 PP/SP. The real estate affected by said application is located at common address 2911 E Smoky Row, Carmel, IN 46032 with Tax ID Parcel Number 17-10-30-00-00-014.000. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The petition may be examined prior to the hearing at the City of Carmel Department of Community Services office.
Petitioner: CrossRoad Engineers on behalf of Tony and Tammy Vance
last time I played, I lost three clubs. At Kroger, I typically spend 20 minutes shopping and another 20 looking for my car. The designers of this pillow state that the gadget is idiot-proof. But when I paid 40 bucks for this contraption, I think I proved them wrong.
My wife Mary Ellen wondered if she could start the dishwasher with the pillow, but I had to put my foot down. This kind of laziness is ruining our country, although it would be awesome to get Orville Redenbacher popping in the microwave by just leaning back in bed right before the movie starts. But I’d be afraid that in the morning, when I turned over for a final few zzzs, it would turn on the car in the garage. Cause of death: exhaustion.
Mary Ellen and I decided not to wait for Christmas and ordered the pillow remote online. We don’t have the same taste in television shows, so we often have a little spat about what we should watch on our big-screen TV. Now that we have this new cushy gadget, it has added some spice and excitement to our marriage.
Never underestimate the value of a good pillow fight.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
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LIFESTYLE
1. Arctic floating mass
5. Really put one’s foot down
10. Poker declaration
15. Man’s palindromic name
16. Not as bright
17. Gives a hoot
18. Start of a sleepyhead’s pun
21. Tuna type
22. Appliance brand
23. Downtown Carmel map phrase: “You ___ here”
26. Poet Maya
29. Guitar’s kin
33. “Break a leg out there!”
35. Approves, informally
36. Like some adult films
38. Watched
39. Brickyard Billiards stick
40. Indy Zoo beast
41. Chicago’s overhead rails, briefly
42. Pun, part 2
46. Clean air org.
49. $, initially
50. NBA tiebreakers
51. Solemn vow
55. Hoosier Park victory margin
57. ___ Rigo Mexican Bar & Grill (Carmel eatery)
58. Cut drastically
59. Alternative to Rover
60. Mimic
63. Sound of relief
64. Healing plants
66. Knee injury inits.
68. End of pun
76. Killer whales
77. Arm bones
78. Geist inlet
79. Pacers three-pointers
80. Director Welles
81. Comprehended Down
1. Droid cousin
2. Biblical verb ending
3. GPS suggestion
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION
4. Painter of IMA’s “Three Majos and Three Majas Dancing”
5. Homeland of 4-Down
6. Mai ___
7. Elderly
8. Most of the periodic table
9. WRTV teaser
10. Desktop image
11. “Deck the Halls” snippet
12. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
13. New papal name
14. Clay Terrace shoe store letters
19. Bogus
20. Social blunder
23. Amaze
24. Fountain County town: Rob ___
25. Female sheep
27. Zionsville Farmers’ Market squash or pumpkin
28. ___ out a living
30. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
31. ___ Aviv
32. Current staffers, briefly
34. Big name in ice cream
37. Sleep stage
39. Couch component
40. Anthem rival
43. Victory Field ump cry
44. Cheer for the Shamrocks
45. Costa del ___
46. Santa’s helper
47. Architect IM
48. Plus
52. Hoosier Motor Club letters
53. IND safety org.
54. LBJ’s veep
56. “Scram!”
57. Expel from law practice
58. Religious offshoot
61. Mass Ave bar
62. “___ Care of Business” (BTO hit)
65. Minus
67. Sure bet
68. Drunkard
69. Indiana governor (1981-89)
70. Fishers Event Center
rink surface
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION
71. WIBC revenue source
72. AFL partner
73. “___ voyage!”
74. Abel’s mom
75. Morning moisture Answers on Page 27
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, that the proper legal officers of the City of Carmel, at their regular meeting place at Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on the 7th day of July, will consider the following appropriation in excess of the budget for 2025: $2,526,702 from the General Fund (Fund #101)
Property Maintenance (Fund #1206): Line
will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a certified copy of the action taken.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
WILL MOW LARGE residential and commercial lawns WILL DO SPRING CLEAN UP WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
• OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491 TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS? CALL JIM WEGHORST AT 317-450-1333 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON THE #1 RATED GUTTER PROTECTION SYSTEM CALL TODAY 317-450-1333
downtime w/ business units. Will work in various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. Req. MS in Electrical Engr. or related & 1 yr exp. Send resume & refer to job title to steven@r10networks.com.
