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By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Officials gathered May 21 for a groundbreaking ceremony for Ardalan Plaza, a $19 million mixeduse project planned in the 300 block of W. Main Street.
The development will serve as a gateway to the Arts & Design District, according to City of Carmel officials.
“(The) groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone for our city,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Ardalan Plaza represents Carmel’s continued commitment to thoughtful growth, artistic vibrancy and a strong economy. It will create a welcoming and architecturally significant entry point to our Arts & Design District.”
The three-story building will house 8,000 square feet of retail space and a gallery on the first floor, five luxury condos on the second floor and the Ardalan family’s private residence on the third floor. A new alley will run behind the building.
“We are thrilled to help shape the future of Carmel with Ardalan Plaza. This project reflects our passion for blending art, community and timeless design into the fabric of the city we love,” said Dr. Soori Ardalan, whose Soori Gallery will relocate to the building.
The building is inspired by the style of
an Italian villa and will include decorative columns, cornices and balustrades. Construction is set to be complete in 2026. Ardalan Plaza replaces several single-family residences previously on the site.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A Westfield man was arrested May 23 after allegedly stabbing a New York Knicks fan at Danny Boy Beer Works in Carmel’s Village of WestClay.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Jarrett Funke, 24, is accused of using a pocketknife to stab the victim in the back during a physical altercation. Besides the stab wound, the victim suffered a broken rib and a minor tear in his lung and was interviewed by police in a local hospital.
The disturbance began indoors at approximately 10:45 p.m., as an NBA Eastern Conference Finals game wrapped up between the Knicks and Indiana Pacers, after Funke allegedly flipped a hat off the head of one of the Knicks fans, according to the affidavit.
display a pocketknife but that the victim put it away before the victim began punching Funke in the face.
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Another Knicks fan suffered a laceration to his leg during the altercation caused by impacting the back patio stoop. Both men were “bleeding profusely,” according to the affidavit.
Employees asked Funke to leave, but after exiting the building, he went to the back patio, where the two Knicks fans had stepped outside to smoke cigarettes. One of the victims told police Funke “stormed through the fence” and began attacking the other fan. He said he saw Funke place his hand in his sweatshirt pocket “while doing a stabbing motion” toward the victim.
Funke told investigators that the victim assaulted him first and that “he did not believe he was in the wrong,” according to the affidavit. He said he saw the victim
“When asked, (Funke) stated the holes in his hoodie pocket came from his own pocketknife but does not recall how exactly they got there,” the affidavit states. “(Funke) stated from what he can remember, while he was on his back being punched, he retrieved his pocketknife from his hoodie and swung it around towards (the victim’s) back with his right hand.”
According to the affidavit, multiple witnesses told police that Funke was the primary aggressor in the incident.
Funke has been charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, and battery and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. His trial is set for Sept. 8.
An attorney for Funke declined to comment.
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Carmel High School biomedical teacher
Craig Harper is the 2025 Carmel Clay Schools Stephen A. Backer Teacher of the Year. Harper is known for his calm presence and bringing a conversational style to his classroom, according to coworkers and students who shared their thoughts in a video presented at the May 19 CCS school board meeting. See the video at y2u.be/X6dC_0bgr-o.
As a district winner, Harper is a nominee for the Indiana Teacher of the Year honor, which will be announced later this year. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Clay Schools)
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Inlow Park was closed for several days in late May for repairs, including to the playground’s safety surfacing — again.
This is the third time the park on E. Main Street required repairs to the safety surfacing since it reopened after major renovations in June 2022. Other repairs took place in June 2023 and the spring of 2024. During the closure, adjustments also were made to the parking lot to prevent water from pooling.
“The (recent) temporary full closure was driven by the asphalt work for the parking lot, which presented a safety risk for visitors,” Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Director Michael Klitzing said.
The recurring issue with the safety surfacing involves an adhesive used that forms gaps and bubbles up in the winter months, creating a trip hazard, according to Klitzing.
“The disruptions caused by the binder
failures have been frustrating to both CCPR and our park visitors,” he said. “This issue is much larger than Inlow Park, with parks around the country in which this product was used experiencing the same challenge. Fortunately, all expenses for making the necessary repairs at Inlow Park have been fully covered under warranty.”
Klitzing told the Carmel City Council May 19 that a class action lawsuit has been filed against the manufacturer (Stockmeier Urethanes). CCPR is not involved in the lawsuit.
CCPR is having similar issues with the playground surface at Meadowlark Park, which was renovated around the same time as Inlow Park with the same type of adhesive.
“(Those renovations) were actually done by different vendors, so that demonstrates that wasn’t the installers,” Klitzing told the city council.
Repairs at Meadowlark Park are expected to take place this month. Repairs to the adhesive can only be made during warmer months.
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
During a one-hour town hall meeting, Indiana State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-District 32) gave a presentation and answered questions from constituents, addressing topics that ranged from public health programs, education funding, taxes and how a minority caucus can make a difference despite a supermajority Legislature.
“And in my opinion, that’s a loss. We are one of only six states, I believe, to have partisan school board races.”
She later said there would not be primary races for school board, and those seats will not be included in the straight-party voting option on Election Day. Candidates for school board also can choose to run without declaring a party affiliation.
Wilburn’s presentation at the Fishers Library May 22 focused on a constituent survey her office sent to all residents of District 32, which includes part of Carmel, Fishers and north Indianapolis. She said 56 percent of those responding did not want partisan school board races, and she opposed a bill that will change local school board races from nonpartisan to races in which candidates may declare a party.
“So, our next school board (race in 2026), we will have candidates for school board disclosing, if they so choose, if they are Democrat or Republican,” Wilburn said.
Another survey question asked whether corporations should pay a larger share of taxes to support local and state services. Wilburn said 72 percent of those responding said yes, but the legislature chose to go in the opposite direction. She said nonprofit hospitals now pay more in taxes than big companies like Amazon. She added that property tax changes in the bill will help corporations more than families, in part because local governments will make up for the loss through a new income tax. The reduced revenue also led to cuts in state services.
“Public safety, libraries and schools — their buckets of money have gone down exponentially,” she said. “You should know that I’ve heard from (Hamilton South-
eastern Schools) Superintendent (Patrick) Mapes, and I’ve heard from (Carmel Clay Schools) Superintendent Michael Beresford that this means a cut in services, largely to their instructional aides and other resources that help keep our schools the best in the state and help keep these cities the best in the country.”
Wilburn said between state cuts and potential cuts to federal funding for various programs, there is a lot of uncertainty. She stressed the need for continued conversations, cooperation and civility.
An audience member asked Wilburn how she and other Democrats at the Statehouse can accomplish their goals considering the Republican supermajority. She said that can be a challenge.
“We’ve been in a supermajority situation for the last 20 years, so the problems that we’re facing today are largely because of one-party rule,” she said. “And so, it would behoove us to collaborate more.”
Wilburn said she was able to make a difference in ways that are not always visible. She gave an example of a bill that would have made it easier for patients to have access to opioid pumps for pain
management.
“I know that a piece of legislation written so broadly might have unintended consequences,” she said. “When I think about the overdose rates that we used to have in Indiana not so long ago — I’m talking about three years ago — we were one of the worst states in the nation.”
Wilburn said Indiana has made great strides in reducing those rates and she was concerned the bill would undo that work. She said through her efforts, the bill’s language was made more specific to ensure it applies only to patients who really need that medication.
Regarding the state budget, Wilburn said she tried to maintain state support of public health programs that focus on preventative care, but that was one area that was cut, along with funding for mental health programs for first responders.
Wilburn also expressed concern about the expanded school voucher program that could lead to fewer students attending public schools. She said she supports parents who want to send their children to private schools, but they need to pay for it themselves.
By Ken Severson news@currentincarmel.com
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was virtually home for Indianapolis 500 race team owner and Carmel resident Dennis Reinbold. Reinbold, who owns several Dreyer & Reinbold car dealerships (Volkswagen, BMW, Infiniti and Subaru) in the Indianapolis area, had hopes his race team, Carmel-based Dreyer-Reinbold Racing, could also own a piece of history with a win at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 May 25.
A stall on the final pit stop kept that from happening for DRR driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, a former winner who led with 29 laps to go. His teammate, Jack Harvey, led three laps but was unable to remain at the front of the pack, finishing in 22nd. The race marked the first time two DRR drivers have had leads in the same Indy 500.
Although it wasn’t the result he’d wanted, the Indy 500 has always been special to Reinbold. He grew up less than 2 miles from the IMS oval, and some of his earliest memories invole the race.
“We would ride our bicycles to 16th and Georgetown and listen to those awesome sounds of the engines going around the Speedway,” Reinbold said. “Then we would ride around a makeshift oval at the church parking lot near our house as if we were the drivers in the race. I was always Lloyd Ruby since my uncle was on his pit crew.”
Reinbold and Eric DeBord formed the DRR team and entered IndyCar racing in 1999. The team has won one IndyCar race and has competed in the Indy 500 every year since, with a best finish of fourth in 2012 with Spanish driver Oriol Servia.
Dreyer also teamed with Cusick Motorsports for the race, and it was special because it was the 100th anniversary since a member of Reinbold’s family had participated in the Indy 500.
Reinbold’s grandfather, Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, worked as a mechanic during the 1925 race and worked subsequent races as an engineer and race car builder.
“It has been a tremendous experience working with Dennis’ team the past two years and now into year three,” Hunter-Reay said. “No team in the garage area prepares their 500 cars like Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. This is the team’s only IndyCar race, and they work on the equipment for a year in preparing every detail.”
Harvey agreed and was looking forward to trading in his pit reporter’s microphone for a chance to drive in the race again.
“Looking at the team and how they prepare their cars was a key for me to join (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing) this year,” Harvey said. “I’m very excited to be part of their Indy 500 effort.”
Racing at the Brickyard never gets old, as Reinbold said he still gets thrills every time he enters the 16th Street tunnel into the track between turns one and two.
It also never gets old working with his team, which is considered a lower budget team compared to the racing giants Penske Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing.
“We have had the same people for a long, long time,” Reinbold said. “So, we have faith in each other, and we can produce a good competitive product on race day. We have shown that our race car setups are excellent. We want to put our car in Victory Lane.”
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
A sellout crowd of 350,000 flocked to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the annual Indy 500 May 25, but one Hoosier native truly had a birds-eye view as one of the pilots in the symbolic flyover.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Addison Harding, a 2005 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, completed pilot training in 2011 after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2009. Before joining the 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls, S.D., Harding served in South Korea and Germany.
“It gave me some unique opportunities to see different parts of the world,” Harding said. “After Germany, my next assignment was to go instruct (on how to fly the F16) in New Mexico. While I was there, I was looking forward to an opportunity to join the National Guard and settle down with my young family.”
Missing an opportunity to perform a flyover for the 2023 Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with his squadron, Harding knew he could not pass up the chance to return to his home state for the Indy 500 flyover.
“The squadron did well, so the race organizers invited us back to do the 500 this year,” Harding said. “I knew it was always a possibility, so once it was confirmed, I told them if they could get me on the trip, I’d like to do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I didn’t want it to pass me by.”
With such a rare opportunity on race day, Harding’s mother, Susan, and other family members made sure they were there to watch Harding fly.
“Just excitement,” Susan Harding said. “The only other time we got to see him fly was in Germany when we were there visiting him. My husband, I and his wife parked the car outside the base and he flew over us (as we were) screaming and yelling.”
It had been more than a decade since Harding last saw the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. With the unique angle he had this year, the size of the event was put into a different perspective than he
remembered from when he watched the race growing up.
“There are lots of squadrons out there that would love to do what we did, so I feel lucky to be able to do it,” Harding said. “It’s obviously a really big event, (so) we want ed to give everyone a good show. There is a little bit of nervousness that goes into preparation beforehand. I think the results showed themselves — it was pretty cool seeing everyone down below enjoying the race.”
Back on the ground following the flight, Harding relished the moment.
“We got a chance to walk around the track before and afterward,” Harding said. “People wanted to congratulate us and tell us thanks for a job well done. It’s always good to hear people have our support and have our back — especially on Memorial Day — that’s why it is so inspiring to me.”
Although a flyover lasts about 10 sec onds, Susan Harding said it feels like an eternity when it is such a significant event for those involved.
“Whenever you see flyovers, it always gives you a chill,” she said. “But to think it is him is really amazing.”
Military Library and Museum events — Veterans, families, students and researchers, are invited to the Clay Township Military Library and Museum on Flag Day/US Army birthday (June 14). The museum, 10801 N. College Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Volun teers and veterans will be on-hand to guide tours, answer questions and provide insights about efforts to revitalize and grow the museum. To learn more, contact Jon Baldwin at 317-435-7194 or jonebaldwin@gmail.com.
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By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Aaronson Mansberger received a wealth of accolades in his first season on the University of Michigan’s men’s gymnastics team.
The 2024 Carmel High School graduate was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times. He also was named Michigan’s 2024-25 Rookie of the Year for men’s gymnastics and was named a College Gymnastics Association Regular Season All-American.
But those are not the accomplishments that meant the most to him.
“Helping the team win its fifth straight Big Ten Conference title and first NCAA title in over 10 years (April 19) brought me more joy than any individual title ever could,” Mansberger said. “It was a really special moment to look up at the home crowd at (Michigan’s) Crisler Arena and see all of our friends and supporters cheering us on after bringing home the championships.”
Next up for Mansberger is competing June 28 in the men’s national qualifier.
“My goal is to qualify from that meet to the U.S. Championships in August, which serves as the selection competition for the U.S. Senior National Team and the 2025 World Championships Team,” he said. “Looking ahead to next college season, my goal is to improve my dismount skill. I fell at the (Big Ten) pommel horse final and NCAA Championships and I want to increase the difficulty score in my routine.”
Mansberger’s season-high score of 14.7 in the Big Ten team competition qualified for second place for the pommel horse
final. The next evening, he fell on his dismount and scored 13.575, which placed him sixth. In the NCAA Championships, he had the third-highest score with 14.466 after qualifications. In the finals the next night, he again fell on his dismount and scored 13.4, which placed 17th.
Mansberger said his uncharacteristic falls on his dismount in the Big Ten and NCAA finals are why he knows there’s still work to do to improve his consistency.
“I showed very high potential by being in the top three of both the Big Ten and NCAA after qualifications, but I wasn’t able to finish strong in finals,” said Mansberger, who trained at Interactive Academy in Zionsville from the time he was 5 years old through high school.
Mansberger said the falls taught him that he still needs work on his mental and physical preparation.
“I didn’t have a perfect record, but I was able to prove myself as someone the team can rely on to anchor the pommel horse lineup,” he said.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School state champion lacrosse players from the 10U, 12U and 14U teams. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Hipskind)
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School has built a powerful lacrosse program.
For the first time in school history, its girls lacrosse teams won the 10U, 12U and 14U Indiana Youth Lacrosse Association state titles in the same year. The school’s 10U boys also captured a state title. The championships were held May 17 in Fishers. This is only the second year for the 10U girls lacrosse state final. In 2021, Mount Carmel won the 12U and 14U titles.
Commissioner Gary Galvin, who also is a Guerin Catholic High School assistant lacrosse coach, started the program in 2017.
“We’ve won several times with boys and girls through the years,” Galvin said. “We have close to 220 kids in our program all coming from the same parish and school. We have very passionate coaches and parents who understand our mission is more (than) just the sport itself. They use sports as a platform to develop all the athletes. The culture is truly about developing the
kids to truly learn and love the game of lacrosse in a faith-filled environment.”
The Hipskind and Moore families had one daughter on every state championship team. The Hipskind sisters were Michaelle (Mica), 14U; Cecilia (Cici), 12U; and Agnes, 10U.
The Moore sisters were Lillian, 14U; Isabella (Bella), 12U; and Elaina (Laney), 10U.
Several families have at least two members on the team.
Kelly Hipskind was an assistant coach under Galvin for the 12U team. The 12U team has won five consecutive state titles.
“Kelly is a perfect example of a coach who understands the sport and understands the value in the development side,” said Galvin, whose daughter plays on the 12U team.
Hipskind said players compete hard but always respect opponents.
“Everyone likes to win, but we want to do things the right way,” he said. “That is a cultural focus at Our Lady. I give a lot of credit to Gary and the coaches that have come before me.”
Galvin said several players head off to Guerin, Carmel and Westfield high schools. Occasionally, Galvin said a player heads to Cathedral or Brebeuf Jesuit.
Democratic Party hires director — The Hamilton County Democratic Party has hired Raleigh Brown as executive director. In the role, Brown will oversee fundraising, communications and other initiatives and recruit and support candidates in future elections. Brown has experience running campaigns and has worked for the Indiana Democratic House Caucus.
Carmel No. 2 best place to live — Carmel has once again been recognized as a top city in the nation — this time by U.S. News & World Report. The “250 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-26” ranks Carmel as No. 2 in the nation. The report cited Carmel’s high desirability,
value and job market scores as factors in its high ranking. Other Indiana cities in the ranking include Fishers (fourth), Noblesville (50th), Greenwood (91st) and Columbus (92nd). Learn more at realestate.usnews.com/ places/rankings/best-places-to-live.
The Waterpark now open — The Waterpark at 1195 Central Park Dr. W is open for the summer season. The park will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 to Aug. 3 and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 to Sept. 1. Day passes are $17 for adults and $14 for youth and seniors. Learn more at carmelclayparks.com/the-waterpark.
Troop to present badge camp — Girl Scout Troop 1887 from Carmel High School will host a Summer Badge
Camp for girls ages 5 to 10. The weeklong, half-day camp will take place July 14 to 18 at the Carmel Lion’s Club, from 8 a.m. to noon each day. The camp is open to all girls, regardless of whether they’re enrolled in Girl Scouts. Learn more at bit.ly/43iGvbA.
Meditation for Peace — Meditation for Peace will take place from 7:45 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays through September at the gazebo at Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square. The event, which is open to the public, is presented by Prana Bar and will take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. The event aims to help individuals create more inner peace, expand the civility conversation in Carmel and promote global peace.
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By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
Carmel Food Truck Nights feature flavors from eight to 10 rotating mobile vendors from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 17 at Ginther Green, 930 N. Range Line Rd.
The event debuted May 9 and was created by married couple Steven and Olivia Guistolise. They own Stadium on Wheels, a food truck that specializes in ballpark food and offers selections that include foot-long hot dogs, nachos and lemonades.
“We’re born-and-raised Chicagoans, and we moved to Indianapolis to be in between family,” Steven Guistolise said. “Part of my family lives in Kentucky, and the other part still lives in Illinois. We found Carmel and thought it was a nice middle ground.”
Ginther Green is owned by Jeff and Libby Ginther, who allow the Guistolise’s to use the lot for Carmel Food Truck Nights, which feature live musical performances and games in addition to fresh fare.
“The owners really wanted that space to be very community oriented,” Steven Guistolise said. “They used to own an ice cream
shop there and closed it down after a few years. The lot stayed vacant for close to 10 years. They didn’t really know what to do with it, and that’s where we came in.”
More than 45 food trucks are set to participate, including Bay Area Bistro, Da Blue Lagoon Jamaican Kitchen, Get Some Churros and more.
The Guistolises intend to make Carmel Food Truck Nights an annual series. They are open to growing the business to two or three days of food trucks if there is enough demand.
Learn more about the event on Facebook and Instagram by searching @CarmelFoodTruckNight.
Girls entering kindergarten or rst grade can join Girl Scouts through this limited-time offer! You’ll get:
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• Free activity books and Girl Scout Daisy patch Register by 6/30!
Financial assistance is available.
— a newly renovated county facility at the southwest corner
37 in
and
The building housed the Humane Society for Hamilton County from 2006 to 2021 before the organization relocated to Fishers. It has been repurposed to house three county departments: Household Hazardous Waste, the Soil & Water Conservation District and Weights & Measures. Dillinger said the buildings on the site were all built in the 1940s, and repurposing the space to have the three departments under one roof will allow them to function more efficiently. (Photo
By Lauren Weidinger news@currentincarmel.com
Stephanie Landon has always had a love for art. So, when she discovered the Free Little Art Gallery community on Instagram while vacationing in Cape May, N.J., she was inspired to establish her own in her then-home of Connecticut.
Earlier this year, Landon and her family moved to Carmel, where she quickly began working to create another one.
“Everyone really liked it, so I knew when I moved here in January, I wanted to start it again,” Landon said.
Much like a Little Free Library, the Free Little Art Gallery allows community members to share and explore different forms of art. The Free Little Art Gallery debuted in Carmel in April and has featured many different forms and mediums, including ceramics, keychains, paintings and jewelry.
She said anyone can add or adopt the art in the display. The only caveat to contributing is that the art must fit inside the Free Little Art Gallery box.
“I want to bring everyone together with-
The Little Free Art Gallery features a variety of artwork. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Landon)
in an artists’ community,” Landon said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, how old, how young, how talented, how untalented you are.”
One of the biggest supporters and contributors to the Free Little Art Gallery is Landon’s six-year-old son.
“He was very excited about it,” she said. “His art got adopted; he was so excited, so he made more art.”
The Free Little Art Gallery is at the intersection of Castle Row Overlook and Castle Court. Learn more on Facebook by searching Free Little Art Gallery Carmel or on Instagram by searching @freelittleartgallery.carmel.
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news@currentincarmel.com
The Nest Schools, a national company that offers programs for infants through preschool, has bought four former Guidepost Montessori schools in Carmel, Geist and Westfield.
According to an announcement from the organization, the Nest Schools is a network of more than 55 early childhood education schools from Colorado to Connecticut. The four new locations mark the organization’s first schools in Indiana.
Two of the locations, 10216 N. Michigan Rd. in Carmel and 18110 Grassy Branch Rd. in Westfield, remained open during the transition. The Geist location, 9910 Geist Crossing Dr., and a second Westfield location, 17313 Spring Mill Rd., which closed prior to The Nest Schools’ involvement, will reopen following renovations.
“Our mission at The Nest Schools is to provide the highest quality programs for children, families and teachers,” stated Jane Porterfield, founder and president of The Nest Schools. “We’re thrilled to invest in these school communities and help shape a strong, supportive future for the children of Indianapolis.”
For more about The Nest Schools and updates on reopening timelines, visit TheNestSchool.com.
Culinary Creations grant — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation received a $1,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to enhance recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The grant will be used to acquire new equipment for CCPR’s Adaptive Culinary Creations program. Culinary Creations is a month-long program designed for young adults and adults with disabilities. It teaches participants how to prepare healthy recipes they can make independently, helping build essential life skills and confidence in the kitchen. Learn more and register for the program at bit. ly/4dA6TT2.
After a five-year hiatus, Worthington Design & Remodeling has announced the return of its Remodeling Seminar in Carmel.
The free seminar will explore the latest trends in kitchen and bath design. Attendees will be given practical insights on budgeting, timelines, space planning and tips on how to avoid common remodeling pitfalls.
“Our goal is to empower homeowners with the knowledge they need to make smart remodeling decisions,” stated Larry Greene, president of Worthington Design & Remodeling. “This seminar has always been a trusted resource in the community, and we’re excited to bring it back after COVID.”
The first seminar will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at the Worthington Carmel Showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr. The evening will include a Q&A session with design experts, raffles and giveaways. The second seminar is June 12.
Admission is free but space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 317-846-2600.
(Photo courtesy of The Heroes Club)
Heroes Club donation — The Heroes Club Inc. donated $5,000 to the Carmel Fire Department’s Stay Alive Family Education (S.A.F.E.) House Foundation. The S.A.F.E. House Foundation supports the operations and improvements of the new educational facility at 210 Veterans Way in Carmel, located on the first floor of the Carmel Clay Community Building. The S.A.F.E. House has a mission to teach fire and life safety skills in a highly interactive and immersive learning environment.
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
By any measure, Doug and Debby Pileri’s ascent to the heights of senior amateur ballroom dancing has been nothing short of astounding.
Even to them.
In late March, the Carmel couple, both 66, competed at the USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships in Pittsburgh, the most elite contest in the sport. It was just two years after they entered their first dance competition of any kind.
Doug Pileri said going into the Pittsburgh event, the couple’s “secret goal” was to feel like they belonged there.
Goal achieved. They placed second in the nation in the Rhythm category (ChaCha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo); sixth in the Smooth category (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz); and second in the American 9 Dance category (a combination of Rhythm and Smooth).
“We were in shock that we’d even be there,” Doug Pileri said. “In fact, last year at these competitions, Debby and I dressed up to watch these people. And now we’re in the ballroom with these people. It’s crazy.”
The Pileris have been married for 40 years and have three daughters — Claire, 35; Kristen, 33; and Nicole, 28. Their dance journey began innocently enough when Claire got married in 2018. The Pileris took dance lessons in preparation for the big day and decided to continue after the nuptials. It came at the right moment.
“When the kids were younger there was never enough time or money to do this,” Doug Pileri said. “We decided, ‘Let’s invest in us.’”
Now, it’s practice, practice and more practice for the Pileris, who work five to six days a week with their coaches, Scott and Yulia Shook. The Shooks are very encouraging of their pupils, Doug Pileri said, and on the drive back from the national championships, the Shooks spent more than two hours on the phone with them dissecting the event.
Yulia Shook knows why the Pileri’s are so successful.
“They’ve become athletes,” Shook said.
“Not everybody wants to work so hard. Dancing is hard. The effort they put in is amazing, and that’s why they’ve won the championship in just 2 ½ years.”
The veteran coach marvels that the Pileris often come in to practice an hour before their lesson starts and said that dedication fuels their coaching as well.
“It makes us want to help them even more,” Yulia Shook said. “They are eager to learn more. They soak it up like a sponge. That’s our favorite kind of student.”
Rog Greenawalt and his wife, Amy, are royalty on the Indianapolis and national ballroom dancing scene. Rog Greenawalt is the Indianapolis chapter president of USA Dance and the national secretary for the
same organization.
“I think a ‘perfect storm’ of factors contributed to Doug and Debby’s quick success: raw talent, hard work and great coaching,” he said. “Take their natural ability and work ethic and add skillful, encouraging coaches in Scott and Yulia Shook, and you have a winning combination. I know they’ve spent many hours in lessons and practice and, with their innate knack for dancing, it all paid off.”
ON THE COVER: Debby and Doug Pileri display medals they received Feb. 15 in the rhythm portion of the Atlanta Southeastern
Ballroom danicng coaches Yulia and Scott Shook offer the following tips for beginning ballroom dancers:
• You can start at any age.
• You don’t need a partner.
• Anyone can learn to dance, but it will take practice.
• There are many benefits to ballroom dancing, including physical, mental and social.
• No tennis shoes, try hard or suede soles.
• Don’t worry about mistakes, you’ll learn from each one.
• Give every dance a try, you never know which you will prefer.
• There are lots of dance opportunities around the Indianapolis area.
• Dancing is exercise, so be prepared to sweat.
• Learn at your own pace.
• Don’t forget to have fun.
BuffaLouie’s celebrated the opening of its patio May 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Bloomington-based restaurant, which is famous for its chicken wings, opened in late 2024 in Carmel at 43 W. Main St. Learn more at carmel.buffalouies.com. (Above) Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam cuts the ceremonial ribbon. (Left) Nick Williams, owner/operator of BuffaLouie’s in Carmel, right, presents a gift basket to Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc., a family-owned business that has served the north side of Indianapolis with home improvement and remodeling services since 1993, recently relocated from Carmel to 17265 Harger Ct. in Noblesville.
In its new location, the business has a showroom where visitors can choose from siding, fixtures and tile, among other home improvement options.
Owner Brent Ash said although he planned to remain in Carmel, the extra space in Noblesville and the addition of the showroom will help the company continue to expand.
“We’ve moved on to bigger, better things,” Ash said. “We’ve got a showroom that we never had before, so our clients can come here and pick out their cabinetry, tile and flooring. The new space makes it easy for our clients to have a one-stop shop to pick out their cabinets and plumbing fixtures, a shower door and other stuff for outdoor projects. They can do it all right
The Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc. showroom at 17265 Harger Ct. in Noblesville. (Photo by Jessica Todd) here.”
Ash said the showroom is a benefit for clients.
“They can see colors in person and match whatever they need to,” Ash said.
Ash said Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services can now reach clients as far as Pendleton.
“We just want to remind people we haven’t left,” Ash said. “We just moved to a new location and are trying to assist ourselves and our clients. The growth is going toward Pendleton and going up. We are excited because now we’re more centrally located.”
For more, visit centennialconstructionremodeling.com.
“Keith has represented me in the sale and purchase of three very different homes. Each time Keith’s knowledge and professionalism was extraordinary. This included fluid communication between Keith and his staff and I at every step of each transaction. His personable approach is reassuring, and he understands the very personal (and sometimes emotional) side of buying, selling and moving. Even after each transaction, Keith and his team followed up with phone calls, texts and emails to inquire about any concerns. I cannot recommend Keith highly enough.”
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Join us to celebrate summer, connect with friends, and make new memories in the heart of the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Featuring live singers, dancing, an open bar, and a delicious lobster and/or beef tenderloin dinner, this fun-filled summer event will be an evening to remember!
To purchase tickets visit IndyOpera.org call 317-283-3531 or scan the code
By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com
When Carmel resident Becky Ives’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003, Ives was living on the other side of the globe in Singapore. The distance left her reeling.
“How do I get home? How do I help? What do I do?” she said.
natural positive energy,” she said. “I had just moved back to Chicago after living in Singapore for almost a decade, and I was a bit lost and lonely. I was working from home and craving more connection.”
After her mother died, Ives returned to Singapore and tried to navigate her grief. She found support through counseling but longed for a connection with someone who had lived a similar experience.
“Imerman Angels is the organization I wish I had when I was that 33-year-old taking care of my mom riddled with lung cancer,” Ives said. “I wish I had been able to speak with another daughter who had walked this same path with her mother. While that wasn’t possible for me, I wanted to make sure others had someone who understood exactly what they were going through.”
Founded in 2006, Imerman Angels is a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides free, personalized, 1-on-1 support for cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers and previvors through peer mentorship. The organization was created by Jonny Imerman after his own experience with cancer as a young adult. Although he had a strong support system, he realized there was no structured way to connect with someone who had lived through the same diagnosis and treatment. That realization became the foundation for the organization’s mission: that no one should face cancer alone.
Ives became involved with Imerman Angels after moving back to the U.S. and meeting Imerman.
“He radiates and infects you with his
She began volunteering and eventually joined Team Imerman Angels. In the past 15 years, Ives has mentored caregivers navigating a parent’s late-stage or terminal cancer diagnosis.
“One of my first mentees was so much fun to talk to because we did a lot of the same things in her life with her mom as I did with mine,” she said. “During her mom’s cancer journey, she spoke often about situations she was going through — little things like taking her shopping or watching television, and then the hard stuff, like how hard it was to deal with her mom’s anger or how scary it was to think about life without her.”
Those conversations, Ives said, were meaningful for them both.
“It’s messy stuff that you don’t want to talk about with your friends,” she said. “She told me how helpful the conversations were — and it was for me, too. Speaking with her and others made it possible for me to continue to heal even though it was nearly a decade later since I had lost my mom.”
Ives said Imerman Angels has continued to evolve with medical advances, offering even more personalized matches based on genetic mutations, biomarkers, treatment side effects and rare cancer types.
“They’re really paying attention at this level of detail, and it impacts how we can help personalize the matches,” she said. She remains active with the organization through fundraising events like the annual Brunch Run in Chicago and encourages others to get involved.
For more information, visit imermanangels.org.
Pacemaker donation program — The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is participating in the My Heart Your Heart pacemaker donation program, an initiative dedicated to providing life-saving cardiac devices to underserved populations worldwide. The My Heart Your Heart program, spearheaded by the University of Michigan in collaboration with medical institutions and humanitarian organizations, collects, sterilizes and reuses pacemakers to help patients in need around the globe. Through this partnership, the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office will facilitate the recovery and donation of pacemakers from deceased individuals, with the consent of their families, to give others a second chance at life.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nick Feldman is eager to share Wang Chung hits with other 1980s bands.
Wang Chung is part of the “I Want My ’80’s Tour” with Rick Springfield, John Waite and Paul Young, which will perform a 7:30 p.m. June 17 concert at Fishers Event Center.
“We know Paul from way back and have toured with him a few times,” said Feldman, who plays bass guitar and keyboards for Wang Chung. “His music fits in nicely with ours. We’ve never worked with John Waite and Rick Springfield before, but we’re excited to play with them and for their audiences. Hopefully, we’ll pick up some new fans that maybe haven’t seen us before. But we feel the musical spectrum of these bands fit really well together. I think it’s going to be a nice musical experience for the audience.”
Feldman said there should be time to play their biggest hits and a couple of other songs.
“We’re quite adaptable,” said Feldman, whose band typically plays a 90-minute set when it headlines a show.
Feldman and Jack Hues, the lead singer and guitarist, formed Wang Chung in 1980 along with Darren Costin, who left in 1984 to pursue a solo career.
Feldman said the band was fortunate to be signed by Geffen Records.
“They were clearly motivated to help us be successful in America because we’re a U.K. band,” he said. “That tied in with the British Invasion, so a lot of English bands started to get traction in America and around the world, largely because of MTV. The advent of MTV was a huge help to bands like us. When we started touring in America, we would be recognized in some of the most out-of-the-way places. It kind of blew our minds.”
Feldman said the U.K. bands at the time were making slightly more quirky videos,
so that helped. He also said the band was open-minded about mixing and using the musical technology that was developing.
“It’s a combination of our traditional musicianship and the fact we like to write good songs,” he said. “The melodies are memorable. I think that’s helpful in songs enduring beyond the ‘80s to now.”
After some breaks through the years, Feldman said Wang Chung has been touring regularly since 2009.
“I worked for record companies and worked for the TV show, ‘The Voice,’ Feldman said. “Jack did some solo stuff. We’ve been on the road, playing for bigger and bigger audiences, not just in the States but all over the place. This year, for example, we’re touring America and Mexico. Apart from when the (COVID-19) pandemic was raging when we couldn’t tour for a couple of years, we’ve been touring a lot.”
A retrospective compilation, ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’ via SING, was released May 9. It includes Wang Chung’s biggest
hits, “Dance Hall Days,” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Let’s Go,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Hypnotize Me” and “Fire In The Twilight.”
“It’s a walkthrough of what we’ve done over the years,” Feldman said. “It’s all the hits and some deeper cuts as well that people may be less familiar with. It’s got some rarities and unreleased stuff. For instance, the original demo for ‘Dance Hall Days’ is on there. You can see the origins of that particular song. It’s all been remastered and sounds great. It’s a really fresh take on our history. It sort of ties in with what we’re doing, touring in support of it. We’ve also repurposed and remixed ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight,’ so that’s on it as well. There are songs we only recorded live, which (listeners) wouldn’t have heard unless they were at the concert.”
“Clear Light/Dark Matter” is available on CD, digital and a double set on black or white vinyl.
For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
‘THE
“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Kevin Cole’s “Have Fingers Will Travel” is set for June 5, followed by Human Jukebox June 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SUMMER
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Summer Solstice” at 7 p.m. June 6 and 5 p.m. June 7 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘WIT’
Main Street Productions presents “Wit” through June 8 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse. org.
‘TOBY’
“TOBY: A Tribute to Toby Keith” is set for 7 p.m. June 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will perform at 7 p.m. June 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Late Night on Main returns — Late Night on Main, hosted by Carmel PorchFest Inc., returns to Carmel’s Main Street on the third Saturday of each summer month. The street party begins at 6 p.m. Straight Up Chumps, an original four-piece rock band from Greenwood, set for June 21. Jai Baker Trio, a country music band from Fishers, returns to Late Night on Main July 19. The Big 80’s Tribute Band will perform Aug. 16. Carmel PorchFest is noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 21. The final Late Night on Main features The Brothers Footman Oct. 11.
TICKETS: $18 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Thursdays $13
Tickets for ages 14 and under are $10
Tickets are $5 on Thursday
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays - 7:30 pm
- 2:30 pm
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Doug Wilson has a lifelong love affair with The Beatles.
“I saw The Beatles live when I was 9 years old (in 1964) at the Coliseum (at the Indiana State Fairgrounds),” he said. “I’ve been to Liverpool twice in the last two years.”
Wilson is the drummer for the band 45RPM, which will perform at 7 p.m. June 21 in the Summer Music Festival at Clay Terrace in Carmel. Barometer Soup, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform between 5 and 6:45 p.m. on the main stage. The oneday celebration will take place at the Village Green near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Clay Terrace, which has a 14-year concert series tradition, shifts to a concentrated one-day music festival format as it makes room for redevelopment plans.
Although heavy on Beatles songs, Wilson said the entire band has a love for the British Invasion era of rock ‘n’ roll.
“We’re all of the age that it played a very important part in our youth,” Wilson said. “We still think it was the greatest music ever put out. Our goal is to recreate the records as closely as possible. We don’t do (new) arrangements on anything. We try
to duplicate the record. Our harmonies are really our strong part. We play an average of about 30 shows a year. We don’t play any bars. We play outdoor concert series, county fairs, wineries and private parties.”
Wilson, a southside Indianapolis resident, said the band also specializes in onehit wonders.
“Not everything we do is by British bands. We do stuff by The Beach Boys, The Turtles, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Monkees and The Mamas & the Papas,” he said. “We know well over a hundred songs at this point.”
The band has been performing together since 2014. Keyboardist/guitarist Mik Hideg is from Fishers and lead guitarist Richard Breedon is from the north side of Indianapolis.
For more, visit 45rpm60s.com
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The mission of Red Barn Summer Theatre’s season is simple.
“It’s a chance for people to get away from the drama of the world and just have a good time,” Red Barn Artistic Director Michael Taylor said.
The season at the Frankfort venue opens with “Leading Ladies” June 11-15 and 18-22, followed by “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6, and “Xanadu” July 10-13 and 16-20.
direct “Leading Ladies” and “Xanadu,” a musical comedy, and will act in “The Cottage” while associate artistic director Luke McLaughlin directs.
“Leading Ladies” was written by Ken Ludwig, who also wrote “Lend Me a Tenor,” which Taylor previously directed at Red Barn.
Taylor
“It’s going to be very light and a lot of fun,” Taylor said. “They’re all comedies but they all have a different feel to them. So, if someone comes to each show, they’re going to get a different experience.”
All three shows are making their debut at Red Barn.
Taylor helped present “Xanadu” several years ago at Frankfort High School. He will
“It’s a very challenging show, which is why people steer away from it sometimes,” Taylor said. “They play Shakespearean performers but it’s not a Shakespeare show in any way whatsoever. It’s set in the 1950s.”
The plot centers on two struggling English actors, Leo and Jack, who disguise themselves as Maxine and Stephanie to claim an old American lady’s fortune. McLaughlin plays Jack and Xander Haan portrays Leo.
“Ludwig is a great writer,” Taylor said. “He has great dialogue. He has great timing.”
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
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
FOUR80EAST FRI, SEP 12 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
STORIES AND SONGS WITH ROGER MCGUINN SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE CENTER CELEBRATION 2025 PRESENTED BY ICE MILLER SAT, SEP 20 AT 5PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAY LENO SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! WE WILL CHOIR YOU! AN EPIC QUEEN SING-ALONG THU, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM | 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
AIDA CUEVAS:
50 YEARS SINGING TO MEXICO FRI, OCT 10 AT 8PM | 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
U.S. NAVY BAND COMMODORES THU, OCT 23 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS: JAZZ FROM THE BACK O’ TOWN FRI, OCT 24 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JESSE COOK: LIVE IN CONCERT SUN, OCT 26 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM & SUN, NOV 2 AT 2PM PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HEATHER LAND: LIVE SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
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
THE VOICE OF WHITNEY: A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRANDON WOODY’S UPENDO SUN, NOV 9 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
SAMARA JOY FRI, NOV 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEABO BRYSON FRI, NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
WISH YOU WERE HERE: THE SIGHT AND SOUND OF PINK FLOYD SAT, NOV 22 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LES ARTS FLORISSANTS: VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS AT 300 SUN, NOV 23 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE TUE, DEC 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
WHITE CHRISTMAS FILM SCREENING THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | 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
CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL SAT, JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
WAYNE NEWTON: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL SAT, FEB 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHRIS BOTTI FRI, MAR 6 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWIND A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM |
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Amber Roth was convinced this was the perfect play for young audiences.
Roth saw her Ball State University mentor Michael Dane direct “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” in his final play at BSU.
“I thought this was a great time for students in the (age) range of 12 to 18 to learn how to explore and expand their creativity,” Roth said. “They get to play various characters, whether that is playing a Viking, getting to be an animal using puppets.”
Roth, an Indianapolis resident, is the director for the Carmel Community Players Rising Star production for younger performers June 13-22 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.
Sydney Weitz, who will be a sophomore at Carmel High School in August, plays Albienne in the play.
“The show is about three sisters who, after the death of their mother, go on different paths in life and end up dealing with their trauma in their own unique ways,” Weitz said. “Each sister has a different approach to life — one cries, one laughs and one chooses to do nothing. It’s a beautiful exploration of how people handle life’s challenges and view the connections that keep them together.”
Roth said the play begins when the triplets are 10 years old and ends when they are 31.
“Their names are Albienne, Beatrix and Carmen, so A, B, C to indicate birth order,” Roth said.
Weitz is performing with CCP for the first time.
“As someone who’s new to Carmel, I wanted to stay informed about all the performances happening, and this particular show really stood out to me,” Weitz said. “I love how it explores the complexities of family dynamics and individual identity. Each sister in the play has such a unique story and way of dealing with life’s challenges, and I really wanted to be a part of this beautiful story.”
Carmel resident Vivienne Thibodeau, a homeschooled student who will be an eighth-grader, plays Carmen.
“I feel like I relate because I’m not the youngest in the family but I’m the youngest sister,” Thibodeau said. “I feel like I also relate because I love to be in the woods
and love animals and that kind of thing, and I’m more quiet.”
One challenge is playing the character at different ages.
Thibodeau said she enjoys dark fairy tales with magical aspects.
“When I learned this play existed, I was, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is perfect for me,’” she said.
Maile Alpizar, who will be a sophomore at Westfield High School, plays Beatrix.
“I didn’t think I fit this role because I’m not really an outdoorsy person,” Alpizar said. “When Amber gave me this role, I did find I relate to her because while I don’t like to explore the outdoors, I do like exploring new things and trying new things.
One thing I love about Beatrix is how much energy she has.”
Alpizar said there is a challenge because at the beginning of the play she is supposed to be 10 years old.
“So, my voice has to be different, so I have to change my register,” Alpizar said.
“Then as the play goes along and I get older, people’s voices tend to get deeper and more mature, so I have to learn to change my voice throughout.”
Besides the triplets, Roth said there are seven narrators who play different roles. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 4-9PM
Join us at Summer Music Festival – a premier oneday celebration to kick-off your summer! Gather for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring Barometer Soup and 45 RPM, enjoy selections from our craft beer and wine bar, savor delicious offerings from local food trucks, and create memories with free family activities and more.
SPONSORED BY
Commentary by Danny Lopez
April’s state revenue forecast resulted in a number of difficult budgetary decisions this legislative session, and while compromises were made and some priorities were left out, the budget for the next biennium continues to make investments in many critical areas to our continued prosperity.
One smaller-but-impactful item we preserved was the state’s Sports and Tourism Bid Fund, a recognition of our need to continue investing in our strengths and a testament to the incredible work done by organizations like the Indiana Sports Corp., Hamilton County Tourism and others to drive economic impact through live sports.
For decades, Indiana has built a reputation as one of the very best places to host large-scale sports and live entertainment events, and in 2023, the General Assembly established the Bid Fund to help supercharge the efforts. Our sports strategy, as it is often called, has been intentional, and it has made our state a magnet for talent, accounted for long-term jobs and wage growth in this industry, bolstered Indiana’s hospitality sector, enticed the relocation of a number of large sports organizations to Indiana and made us the home of several truly worldclass venues.
derstood that maintaining our advantage would require continued support. It was important to all that Bid Fund resources be leveraged to attract events beyond central Indiana, and a 30 percent minimum was worked into the legislation to ensure communities all across the state would benefit.
In two short years, the impact of that investment has been tangible and extraordinary attracting events that include a multi-year partnership with WWE and a LIV golf league tournament. The Bid Fund has given us the juice to negotiate for events, larger and smaller ones, that align to the overall economic development strategies of their host communities and inject outside investment at a critical time.
But as our competitor states began to invest big in an effort to catch up to us, state and industry leaders un-
I am proud of the commitment my colleagues and I in the General Assembly made toward this effort, and ISC President Patrick Talty and his team deserve immense kudos for leveraging these funds, in collaboration with local communities, into big investments and economic impact for our state.
Read the full column at youarecurrent.com.
is critical to our
In response to the (letter to the editor) submitted by Ms. Davenport, I want to give a point of view from a working mom who also grew up under a working mom.
I find great value in both my role as a parent and in my role at work. Watching my mom have a career taught me everything I know about dedication and hard work. Even though I have a full-time career, I serve in various volunteer roles in the Carmel community, including my child’s school PTO. I am extraordinarily grateful to volunteer alongside many stay-at-home parents who also give of their time faithfully.
With the rise of the “trad wife” movement, perhaps I am reading too much into the response from Ms. Davenport. A healthy economy is a critical component for our community and our children’s futures.
Ultimately, I believe it can be both: a working parent and a stay-at-home parent can raise incredible children with an equal amount of joy and pride. It does not have to be either/or. What we build together and for our kids’ future matters more than if a parent also had a career or not.
Bre Sweeney, Carmel
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen has a huge walk-in closet off her bathroom. She has a shower, spa/bath and several drawers and shelves for her toiletries and makeup. At least, that is what she tells me. I’m not allowed in there, so I have no way of confirming this. We do
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2025-00105 V Notice is hearby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 23rd of June, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 1 Civic Sq., Carmel, IN 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 2.04: Maximum 35% lot cover allowed; 43% requested.
On the property being known as 2721 Towne Meadow Drive, Carmel, IN 46032.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00105 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Legal distription: Acreage 0.32 Section 5, Township 17, Range 3 ESTATES AT TOWNE MEADOW Lot 11 Tax ID Parcel Number:17-13-05-00-17-011.00
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Nishant and Lisa Trivedi
Petitioners
not share a bathroom. Let’s put it this way: We have been happily married 43 years, and then there was the year we shared a bathroom.
The other day, I stood on the commode in my john to extract a nail from the wall. I fell, broke the toilet seat and chipped the bowl when my hammer hit it. That meant I had to use Mary Ellen’s lavatory temporarily until I replaced the broken fixture.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. PZ-2025-00092-UV
Notice is hearby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 23rd of June, 2025 at 6p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 1 Civic Sq., Carmel, IN 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Use Variance application to: seek approval for an Accessory Dwelling Use Variance to add a second permanent living dwelling behind current house on property. A gravel driveway will be made to go to this house which will be the approved 18 feet tall and stay within all required setbacks.
On the property being known as 10680 Highland Drive Carmel, IN 46280.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00092-UV.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 3.00 Section 1, Township 17, Range 3.
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Molly Smith (Petitioner)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA ORDINANCE No. Z-697-25
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, meeting on the 16th day of June, 2025 at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at their regular meeting place in the Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for approval of the “US 421-WCD Planned Unit Development District Ordinance”, Ordinance Number Z-697-25.
The subject site includes three (3) parcels of real estate that consist of approximately 22 acres that are located west of and adjacent to Michigan Road, south of and adjacent to Outback Lane and north of and adjacent to 99th Street, and are identified per the records of the Hamilton County, Indiana Auditor’s Office as Tax Parcel Identification Numbers 17-13-07-00-10-007.000; 17-13-07-00-08-002.001; and, 1713-07-00-10-003.000 and commonly known as 9998 N. Michigan Road, Carmel, IN (collectively, the “Real Estate”).
The Real Estate is currently zoned I-1 Industrial and is within the US 421 Corridor Overlay, and the request seeks to rezone the Real Estate to the “US 421-WCD Planned Unit Development Ordinance” to permit the development of a mixed-use, high-end development that will consist of a Multi-family residential component and a Commercial/Retail component.
The proposal details are on file at the Department of Community Services, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2417, under Docket Number PZ-2024-00222 PUD and may be viewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copies of the proposed request are also on file for examination at the Clerk of the City’s Office, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, telephone 317/571-2414.
Interested persons appearing at the hearing for this matter shall have the right to be heard or may file written comments prior to the hearing. In addition, the hearing may be continued by the City Council as it may find necessary.
Clerk of the City of Carmel
Jacob Quinn
This notice prepared by: James E. Shinaver, Attorney and Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner
Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC, 550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 844-0106.
Because she doesn’t trust me in her powder room, she accompanied me whenever I entered her restroom. This got very creepy, as you can imagine (author’s note: I am quickly running out of synonyms for bathroom).
I had never shopped for a toilet before, so I wasn’t exactly sure how to begin. As you know, it is often tough finding help in these huge hardware stores. Spending more than 30 minutes walking up and down the aisle, I had already invested more time in the search than I had in picking out our new washer and dryer, or my wife’s engagement ring, or my wife, for that matter (love at first sight). The toilets were way up high on the shelves. When’s the last time you looked up at a toilet? I did find a few employees:
“I don’t know anything about plumbing. I’m in power tools.”
“I’m sorry, I only work in Aisle 23.”
“I’m sorry. I know nothing. I am 23.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t walk over there with you. I’m 93.”
“Oh, so you are looking for a toilet? Way in the back. Careful, there’s no lock on the door.”
One of the toilets had a sign that read: “Will flush a dozen golf balls.”
“That’s a stupid thing to promote,” I said. “Who would flush golf balls down the toilet?”
We have been happily married 43 years, and then there was the year we shared a bathroom.
–
DICK WOLFSIE
“You did last summer when you shot 34 over par?”
The sales guy asked if I wanted a round or an oblong seat. I tried to catch a peek over my shoulder to see what would fit best, but this also will be the guest bathroom, and our friends come in all shapes and sizes.
Some toilets were labeled “smart.” They had several buttons and a remote control, but what they remotely control is still a mystery. I don’t want a smart toilet. I don’t want one that answers the phone or is connected to Bluetooth or gives me a weather report. I don’t want my bottom warmed or scented. I simply want my toilet to sit there.
And I promise to do the same.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Notice to Bidders
Project: Commercial Indoor Pool Resurfacing 1195 Central Park Drive West, Carmel, IN 46032
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Indiana Code 5-22-6 and Indiana Code 5-22-9, the Carmel/ Clay Board of Parks and Recreation (the “Board”) will receive sealed proposals from qualified vendors interested in providing commercial indoor pool resurfacing services to take place at the Monon Center at Central Park, 1195 Central Park Drive West, Carmel, Indiana 46032. Interested parties should submit proposals via the City of Carmel’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, no later than 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
All proposals received will be opened and the names of offerors read aloud as soon as possible after 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at a meeting open to the public in the Conference Room at the: Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Administrative Offices 1411 E. 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032. No late proposals shall be accepted.
All proposals shall be accompanied by a Non-Collusion Affidavit and two (2) references for customers purchasing similar services and supplies from the offeror. All proposals must be valid for sixty (60) days from the submittal date. It is anticipated that the Board will issue notice of award of a contract to the selected offeror at its regularly scheduled meeting on June 10, 2025, with the requirement of having the designated services and supplies delivered, installed and fully operational no later than August 29, 2025.
The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. All questions and responses will be publicly posted to the portal.
The Board reserves the right to waive any requirements or formalities in the RFP process, to select the proposal the Board determines, in its sole discretion, to be the most appropriate response to the Request for Proposals and/or to reject all proposals submitted. The Board, or its designated agent(s), reserves the right to investigate the qualifications and experience of each offeror and to negotiate additional or revised terms to those contained in any proposal in keeping with the requirement that all eligible offerors are accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of proposals. The Board may require an interview process for responsive, qualified and eligible offerors. Proposals not sufficiently detailed or submitted in an unacceptable form may be rejected by the Board. Except as otherwise required by Indiana law or under order from a court of jurisdiction, the Board may not disclose the content of proposals during: (a) discussions or (b) negotiations with an eligible offeror to other eligible offerors.
1. Barbecue rod
5. Zionsville-to-Louisville dir.
8. Starbucks size
14. Biblical pronoun
15. Old witch
16. Mumbai money
17. Elton John’s first hit (and a senator’s favorite tune?)
19. Sudden and unexpected
20. Online journal
21. “Little Women” woman
22. ___ v. Wade
23. Pear type
26. Ben’s BBQ Shack fare
28. Additional 29. Bill word
30. Holliday Park art installation
32. Tenant’s payment
33. Black cat, to some 35. ___ Vegas
36. Egyptian boy king
37. St. Vincent Hospital
specialists (and a governor’s doctors, maybe?)
42. Lingerie item
43. Floral necklace
44. Texter’s “However...”
46. Wedding vows
48. Two shakes of a lamb’s tail
50. “Murder, ___ Wrote”
51. Prime 47 seafood option
52. Short skirt
53. ISO cellist’s stroke
55. Hoosier National Forest tree
56. Pester
57. Infamous fiddler
59. Joshua Bell’s instrument
61. 1950s-’60s coffeehouse poets (and a senator’s nonconformist friends?)
65. Carmel mansion and grounds
66. IU Health trauma centers
67. Plumbing problem
68. Harvested
69. Sailor’s assent
70. “___ and I Know It” (LMFAO hit)
Down
1. Pig’s place
2. Asian Express soup
3. Debtor’s letters
4. Powerful engine
5. “Scram!”
6. Fruity wine drinks
7. The Roost breakfast food
8. Metric measures
9. July birthstone
10. Pinewood Derby mo.
11. Nerve part
12. Kick out of the country
13. Lauder of cosmetics
18. Speak unclearly
21. Crunch targets
23. Hubbub
24. Insensitive
25. Razz the Knicks
LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S TARIFF NO. 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about July 18, 2025, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Tariff No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Tariff No. 67”), to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Tariff No. 67 provides the rate adjustment to 1.) adjust for the 2024 reconciliation, 2.) refund the IGCC Property Tax Incentives, 3.) amortize Excess Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes resulting from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, 4.) refund the Step 1 rate adjustment from Duke Energy Indiana’s retail rate case (Cause No. 46038.), 5.) refund a wholesale adjustment, and 6.) refund expense associated with the Grantors Trust. Tariff No. 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Carol Sparks Drake of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703
of
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President
27. Diabetic’s dose
28. “Same here”
31. Arm bone
32. Regret
34. Wealthy, powerful person
36. End-of-workweek cry
38. 1040 org.
39. Petroleum plant
40. Airplane accident investigator, initially
41. Manhattan area
45. Cut down
46. Poker declaration
47. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
48. Lively dance
49. Mongolian tent
51. Hide from view
52. Like lions and horses
54. Small lakes
56. Late hours, in ads
58. Comfort
60. Once around the IMS track
61. Actress Arthur
Anger
“Kid Tested, Mother Approved” cereal
Watch covertly Answers on Page
Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
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