May 6, 2025
‘WITHIN ARM’S REACH’
Carmel veteran recalls years in President Clinton’s closest circle / P11
Christkindlmarkt CEO resigns, ex-board chair sues mayor / P3
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE Tornado delays opening of new play space / P13 City remembers Holocaust victims at ceremony / P6
CSO, executive director to part ways
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Anne Marie Chastain’s term as executive director is nearing its end.
“She has worked hard on our tech stack and fundraising initiatives,” said Caleb Bullock, chairman of the CSO board. “I really enjoyed working with her. Her contract comes up at the end of June and we’re going in separate directions. We accomplished a lot in two years.”
Bullock said as is the case with most nonprofits, CSO is prudent with its money.
“Looking at next season, we felt like between the two of us, it was time to move in different directions,” Bullock said. “I certainly think it was on good terms.”
Bullock said CSO is not searching for a new executive director at this time as the top priority is an artistic director search.
“This season will feature top candidates for the artistic director job, and a formal search committee that will be made up of board members, musicians and members of the community is being deployed now,” Bullock said.
The orchestra used guest conductors during the 2024-25 season. Just before the 2023-24 opening concert, Janna Hymes announced she was resigning after six years as artistic director to concentrate on her new position with Sedona (Ariz.) Symphony. David Commanday was hired in December 2023 as music director. Chastain said after the season they could not agree on contract terms with Commanday to return.
Bullock’s two-year term as president of the board ends June 30. Bullock is not seeking re-election as board chair.
Chastain was hired as marketing consultant in June 2023 and promoted to executive director two months later when Cara Pittenger left for another job.
As of press time, Chastain had not returned messages seeking comment.
G T
MUSIC
Chastain
Carmel High School grads enjoy reign as Princesses
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Valliei Chandrakumar is eager to bond with her fellow 500 Festival Princesses.
5OO FESTIVAL
IU Indianapolis, has accepted a position in Eskenazi Health’s emergency department, one of a handful of level one trauma centers in Indiana.
“I’m excited for all the events where all the girls come together and get to enjoy it collectively,” she said. “I’m grateful my mentor (PNC Bank executive Jason Eckerle) and his wife, and my parents will be able to come to a lot of the events, like Breakfast at the Brickyard. For me, it’s not specific events but the people that I get to share the event with makes it memorable.”
Natarajan, a senior at Purdue University, is majoring in biomedical health sciences. She plans to attend medical school in the fall.
Chandrakumar and Anjali Natarajan, both 2021 Carmel High School graduates, are two of the 33 500 Festival Princesses, whose selection is based on communication skills, leadership and commitment to service. Applicants must attend an accredited Indiana college or university.
Chandrakumar said she became interested in the program when a friend was selected as a 500 Festival Princess last year.
“I did some more research on it and realized it was very much a personal development program,” she said. “It takes women that are already strong in their fields and their self-development and extends them more opportunities to do that within their own communities.”
Chandrakumar, a senior nursing major at
“Throughout the past few years, I’ve known quite a few Princesses, but the scope of what they did I never fully understood,” she said.
She learned more from fellow CHS graduate Lauren Bailey, who was a princess in 2024.
“I saw her post about it and she talked to her friends about it,” Natarajan said. “I knew how impactful an experience it was for her, so I thought maybe I’ll give it a shot and it worked out. It’s been a great experience.”
Natarajan was scheduled to run the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon May 3 for the first time. She will also attend her first 500 Festival Parade and Indy 500.
She plans outreaches at two elementary schools in West Lafayette.
“I’ll read to them, talk to them about my favorite experiences as a Princess and what it means to be a Princess,” Natarajan said.
Natarajan played No. 2 doubles on Carmel’s state championship team as a senior. She also participated in Unified sports and Carmel Dance Marathon. She also served on the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council.
We’ll help your kid make the most of summer. Get ahead now!
Chandrakumar Natarajan
Hamilton Southeastern softball pitcher continues dominance
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Grace Swedarsky is one of the most dominant softball pitchers in the state. But she understands there are more aspects to the game besides wins and losses.
“For the rest of the season, the goals I have for myself are to stay connected with everyone on the team and also just have fun and a good time,” she said. “My goals for the team would be that we play together and for each other and have a good time together because it is just a game and we should be having fun.”
Swedarsky helped lead the Royals to last year’s Class 4A IHSAA state title with an 18-2 record, a 1.05 earned run average and 270 strikeouts in 140 innings. She had 13 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over New Palestine in the 4A title game. She was named MaxPreps Indiana Softball Player of the Year. As a freshman, she was 12-5 with a 1.35 ERA.
the right-hander is 7-2 with a 0.88 ERA and
GRACE SWEDARSKY
Favorite TV shows: “Survivor” and “Big Brother”
Favorite subjects: Math, physics and engineering
Favorite athlete: Steph Curry
Favorite musician: Taylor Swift
115 strikeouts in 56 innings.
The Royals have six varsity players, and technique so that she can step on the mound feeling calm and ready,” Pusti said. “Her leadership is greatly, and positively, improving. She is finding a confident voice when addressing the team and enjoys being able to motivate her teammates.”
Swedarsky said she has made the most strides with her athleticism.
“Being a pitcher, you don’t have that much fielding, but I have been putting in a lot of time working on it to prepare for anything coming my way,” she said.
Swedarsky said the Royals might have more versatility this season.
“This year, I feel like we have a lot more athletes that can play multiple positions, so that allows for us to be more flexible,” she said. “Although not bad, last year (we) had more athletes that specialized in a specific position.”
The highly-recruited Swedarsky, who plays for coach Jeff Bennett’s Indiana Magic Gold team during the travel softball season, committed to Virginia Tech University in the fall of 2024.
“I feel like it had the best balance of softball and academics, because I want to major in aerospace engineering,” she said. “Virginia Tech is also a home run-hitting team, and (having) that extra run support as a pitcher is important.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Grace Swedarsky was named MaxPreps Indiana Softball Player of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Ava Swedarsky)
‘WITHIN ARM’S REACH’
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel veteran recalls years in President Clinton’s closest circle
In his 34 years in the U.S. Army, Dana Pittard oversaw troops in Iraq, led the initial response against ISIS in 2014 and worked as commanding general of the National Training Center in California, among many other accomplishments.
But it was a two-year stint as a military aide to President Bill Clinton that led to some of the most memorable moments during his service.
Beginning in January 1997, Pittard became one of five people responsible for the president’s “football,” a secure black briefcase containing nuclear codes and plans that could be used to alter the fate of the world in a moment’s notice. The case has followed every president since John F. Kennedy, and its handler is required to be within five minutes of the president at all times.
“It was like having a 50-yard line seat watching the most powerful person in the world operate,” said Pittard, who moved to Carmel in 2015. “It was a cool experience.”
Pittard will be one of three featured speakers May 7 at an “Off the Record” discussion presented by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Other speakers are Roger Goodes, former special agent in charge for the U.S. Secret Service’s Presidential Protective Division, and Tom McNulty, former executive chef/senior enlisted aide with the U.S. Navy.
“These are individuals who interacted with the president very much within arm’s reach,” said Charlie Hyde, president and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. “That’s what we wanted to get at through at this Off the Record, delving into those personal accounts of what it means to interact with an American president.”
‘AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE’
Pittard, who grew up in El Paso, Texas, was surprised to learn he would become a
military aide to Clinton in November 1996 after completing an extensive series of interviews.
He spent the next two years following Clinton wherever he went, from the first presidential visit in 1998 to Tiananmen Square in China following the deadly 1989 protest to outings on the golf course with other world leaders and celebrities.
Pittard recalled watching a round of golf in 1997 between Clinton, several governors and Michael Jordan that turned especially competitive — and led to a few laughs.
At one point, Pittard allowed a mother and son to approach the group for an autograph from Jordan, who had led the Chicago Bulls to several NBA championships.
“(They) got a pen from the golf cart driver, and the lady got her autograph. She thanked Michael Jordan and left,” Pittard
said. “We were all shocked, because the driver of the golf cart was the president of the United States. It was the first time we saw President Clinton upstaged.”
During the round, Pittard frequently updated Clinton on the legislature’s ongoing budget discussions.
“After every hole, I would come to the president with a message (about the budget discussions),” Pittard said. “By the end of 18 holes of golfing, we had the last balanced budget America has ever had.”
In his role, Pittard witnessed world-changing decisions and interacted with pop culture’s biggest celebrities, all within hours.
He recalls in November 1998 spending much of a day providing Clinton with information he needed to determine whether to bomb Iraq, but by that evening he was attending a gathering for the cast and crew of the film “Good Will Hunting” hosted by then-first lady Hillary Clinton.
“An amazing experience was the serious side of my job, trying to focus on the president as the commander-in-chief, and then there’s the social side of assisting the Clintons,” he said.
Pittard remained on the job through Clinton’s impeachment trial in early 1999. He said he and other staffers almost resigned over the scandal that led to the Senate trial but decided against it.
“We said, ‘We’re serving the office of the president.’ We felt like he lied to us, too,” Pittard said. “But we stayed, and that caused a little bit of tension with President Clinton and myself for a little bit.”
By the time the trial ended, Pittard had
The “Off the Record” discussion featuring Hoosiers who previously worked within arm’s reach of the U.S. President is set for 9 to 11 a.m. May 7 at Pacers Square at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
The event is organized by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which operates in a home built for Benjamin Harrison in 1874 at 1230 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis. Harrison served as U.S. president from 1889 to 1893.
The house now serves as a museum featuring artifacts from the Harrison family. In addition to offering tours, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site also offers a variety of programs.
The “Off the Record” program, which launched several years
taken 82 trips with Clinton to 30 nations and spent approximately 90 nights at the White House.
LANDING IN CARMEL
After his time as a military aide, Pittard spent 15 more years in the Army, retiring with the rank of major general.
Looking to spend more time with his wife and two sons, he began searching for a job in the private sector. He was seriously considering positions with several nationally known companies when he met an executive from Allison Transmission during an executive leadership course. After speaking with the CEO, he flew to Indianapolis to visit the company’s headquarters.
“There was something about Allison, because they made stuff and you go on the plant floor and it seemed so patriotic with Midwest values, it reminded me of the military,” said Pittard, who is the vice president of defense programs for Allison Transmission.
The family bought a house they liked in Carmel without knowing much about the area. But it’s been a great fit, Pittard said.
“We had no idea of Carmel being Carmel,” he said. “We really, really like Carmel.”
ON THE COVER: A collage featuring military aide Dana Pittard with President Bill Clinton: (clockwise from top left) at Camp David with First Lady Hillary Clinton in 1998; visiting Tiananmen Square, China, in 1997; golfing with Michael Jordan in 1997; and watching President Clinton demonstrate toys for Pittard’s sons. (Photos courtesy of Dana Pittard)
ago, aims to connect the community with Hoosiers who have served at various levels of the federal government.
“We all have a theoretical sense of how the branches of government should operate, and we also probably have a theatrical view of how those branches of government might operate, from plays and movies and books and so on,” said Charlie Hyde, president and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. “But to be able to have those real first-hand accounts from people that are from our own communities is all the more powerful.”
Event tickets cost $50 and may be purchased at bit. ly/4cYbIp2.
Pittard
Hyde
Military aide Dana Pittard, second from left, watches as President Bill Clinton shows Pittard’s two sons wind up frog toys on his desk. (Photo courtesy of Dana Pittard)
Real estate firm marks 5 years of success, expansion
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Although 92c Partners has been around for only five years, co-founders Yumi Goodman and Kara Riggle each brought decades of experience to the new company — and that experience has helped the firm prosper and grow.
ANNIVERSARY
Before the commercial real estate agency became reality, Riggle and Goodman worked together at another firm. Riggle, who lives in Fishers, said they both wanted to branch out on their own. When the time came, the two were able to leverage prior contacts — and were helped through the new company’s status as a nationally certified women’s business enterprise, a rarity in their industry.
Sarah Rodgers, director of business development for 92c, said less than 3 percent of commercial real estate companies are owned by women, and fewer than 9 percent of C-level positions in the industry are held by women — that refers to CEO, CFO, etc.
“We were at the age where we thought,
if we’re going to do this, let’s do it now or we might not ever do it,” Riggle said. “And we’re now five years old. We had four peo ple when we first started and we’re now up to 10. We provide the brokerage service to, really, anybody that has a real estate need.”
That includes those looking to lease space, landlords seeking tenants, people buying and selling and many govern ment-related contracts. Some services 92c recently added include project manage
ment, construction management and space planning.
Goodman, a Carmel resident, agreed that customer service is the foundation of the company and noted that its name is a reference to the 92 counties in Indiana.
“We have gone to all 92 counties on (the state’s) behalf,” Goodman said. “It’s really a nod to our dedication to customer service and going to each location and servicing the client, no matter the size of that location. So, we could be driving down south to Posey County for a 2,000-square-foot office with, you know, six people in it. And then, we could be driving all the way up to Allen County and Fort Wayne to service a lease that has 200 people in it.”
Goodman said another way 92c stands out is through its recently added services, which lets it help clients through the whole process of moving into a new space.
“Once we get a (lease) deal done, instead of saying, ‘See you later, see you in five years, whenever your lease is up,’ we then have our project management team,” she said. “It’s kind of this full-circle approach.”
expand the space-planning service and be more proactive with outreach.
“We need to get out more in the community — we want to grow in that regard and also just in our networking and trying to diversify our portfolio of business,” she said. “We have a lot of public-sector work and we’re looking to grow into the private sector.”
The partners also are working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, such as the Indianapolis Zoo, Women for Riley and animal welfare organizations — causes they support and that also help them network and get the company’s name out into the community.
Goodman noted that when first starting a business, the focus is on all the little details, like getting a website, payroll system, etc., up and running. While they’ve been able to grow in the past five years, they’re looking forward to additional growth now that they’re more established, and want to add more brokers to the office, located at Lakefront at Keystone just south of 96th Street.
As the business looks to the next five years and beyond, Riggle said they want to
For more, visit 92cpartners.com.
Yumi Goodman, left, and Kara Riggle founded 92c Partners five years ago. 92c)
Play space opening delayed
By Lauren Weidinger news@currentincarmel.com
When Kay Anderson was applying the final touches on her new business venture, an unexpected setback dashed her hopes of opening this month.
TORNADO
The south wall of the building at 1019 3rd Ave. SW was ripped off April 2 by a tornado, causing interior and exterior damage to the space being prepared to open as Prana Play.
With the support of donations from the community, Anderson is continuing to prepare the space, although its opening will be later than expected.
Anderson, a Westfield resident, developed the Prana Play concept after becoming frustrated by a lack of facilities designed for neurodiverse families. So, she decided to create a space not only for neurodiverse children but also their neurotypical siblings and parents and guardians.
The space is designed as a “retreat” for neurodiverse families who have children with varying needs and interests, said Anderson.
An April 2 tornado ripped off the side of the building at 1019 3rd Ave. SW. where Prana Play was preparing to open this month.
“I, as a mom, can go sit with a friend and know that my autistic daughter is safe, because the entire space is curated for sound and light and all the sensitivities that trigger her, and my daughter with ADHD is thrilled because there’s a place for her to play as well,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s nonprofit, Waves of Change Foundation for Neurodiversity, will also be based in the building.
Donate to the Prana Play rebuild at bit. ly/42ExhHN.
Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=256698.
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Member Price: $400
Non-Member : $475 Your Next Adventure!
Carmel Farmers Market, comics help juice company grow
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
ENTREPRENEUR
It’s hard to keep up with James Long. It was hard to match him on the basketball court more than 30 years ago when he was on the 1989 Lawrence North High School boys basketball team that won an IHSAA state championship, and it’s challenging now with his plans for his juice company, The Live Project.
There is the drink itself, but there also are the manufacturing process, the distribution channels, the marketing — and the comic characters.
Long’s imagination has created a entire universe of settings and characters. They appear on the juice bottles, as “trailers” on the website and in comic books online.
There is the planet the characters inhabit, Livenous; a mascot called Super Live; and a pack of villains called The Unhealthies led by their leader, Virus Vader.
There are plans for more characters, more episodes, more merchandise and dreams of series on Netflix and Amazon.
“This is all my mind going to work. I’m everywhere, huh?” the 52-year-old McCordsville resident said. “In order for us to stand out, we have to do things to stand out so we can get some attention.”
He now leads a company with five employees and four juice drinks: Fountain of Youth, Purple Reign, Sweet Nectar and Honeymoon. The drinks are made with organic, fresh and raw ingredients. The popular Fountain of Youth, for example, includes kale, cucumber, spinach, apple, pineapple, lemon, ginger, orange and fiber.
The juices are available for purchase at four stores and six farmers markets throughout the area.
Carmel was the first farmers market at which Long’s drinks were available, and it retains a special place in his heart.
“If it wasn’t for the Carmel Farmers Market, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” he said. “They have been incredibly supportive. It’s like a family situation out there. It’s been a beautiful thing.”
He participates in the summer and winter markets.
The Live Project began inconspicuously with a 2016 doctor’s visit. Long’s physician said he was trending toward pre-diabetes. Long remembers the doctor saying, “You should try juicing.’ I got really good at it really quick.”
At the time he was a special ed teacher in Lawrence Township schools, and he used students as focus groups for his product, selling out of his car (but not on school grounds). Pretty soon a business that started out with revenues of a few dollars a week was generating a few hundred dollars a week.
Then in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic began, people stayed home — and ordered The Live Project’s juices.
“When COVID hit, it spiked up even more,” Long said of his business. “I was there at the right place at the right time. It’s all about the moment and knowing your moment. I went hard after that.”
The future looks bright. There has been interest from Kroger and Meijer. A pop-up location at Butler University in February to coincide with Black History Month was so successful the university is making The Live Project’s products available at all their retail locations in the fall.
Learn more at liveproject1.com.
Long
A comic depicting characters associated with The Live Project. (Image courtesy of James Long)
One is good, two may be better
Commentary by Dr. Amy Iddins
In our fast-paced world, visual demands are more varied than ever. From reading tiny text on our phones to focusing on distant presentations, our eyes juggle a multitude of tasks that often require different types of vision.
VISION
For many, a single pair of glasses simply isn’t enough. As we navigate work, leisure and everything in between, having multiple pairs tailored to specific situations can enhance comfort, clarity and productivity.
Today’s eyewear options are extensive. Technology has advanced, offering everything from single vision glasses to progressive lenses and anti-fatigue designs. For those younger than 40, one pair may suffice. However, increased screen time and social media use can lead to eye strain and fatigue. For these patients, anti-fatigue lenses with blue light-blocking coatings can help keep their eyes relaxed. As we age, our focusing ability changes. By our mid-50s, many find they need reading prescriptions to focus on near objects.
Bifocals or progressive lenses can provide clear vision at all distances, but they often fall short at the computer distance. A secondary pair of computer glasses can greatly improve comfort for those spending long hours at a desk.
Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for people of all ages, whether driving or enjoying the outdoors. For those wearing glasses full time, prescription sunglasses are one recommendation I never hesitate to make, and patients find them incredibly beneficial.
Many patients also invest in specialty glasses for hobbies and unique work environments — whether for golfing, biking, shooting or safety. Having lenses tailored to their activities can be a true game changer. Lastly, many people prefer casual glasses for daily wear and dressier options for nights out.
Dr. Amy Iddins is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES and Little Eyes in Fishers. Contact her at driddins@ revolution-eyes.com.
Peterson’s steakhouse focuses on quality Wild Eggs features new adult beverages
By Leila Kheiry
Joe Peterson didn’t have any restaurant experience when he founded Peterson’s steakhouse about 26 years ago. He said his wife questioned his sanity at the time, but the experiment has worked out well, with the Fishers restaurant maintaining its quality and popularity over the decades.
Peterson, who owns Crown Technology just across 96th Street from the restaurant, used to travel regularly for work, so he often ate in restaurants. That gave him the customer’s viewpoint of how the business should operate.
“My contention was to give people what they are looking for — good food, good service, good ambiance,” he said. “And treat them the way you want to be treated. Many times, I’d take customers out to be entertained and it was like (the restaurant was) doing me a big favor. People are spending $70, $80, $90 check average — you’ve got to have something half decent for them and make them feel like they got their money’s worth.”
Peterson said he recruited an experienced chef as a partner, and they hired a good sous chef and manager to help get the new venture off the ground. Peterson’s steakhouse opened in 1999 at 7690 E. 96th St. in Fishers, the site of a former Frisch’s Big Boy.
“We had our ups and downs, but never have we fallen on bad times, except COVID,” he said. “Everybody went through that. We won a lot of awards — the Wine Spectator awards — and people come here for wine dinners and really appreciate it.”
He said the secret to success is caring about customers, and if the restaurant gets something wrong, to make it right immediately.
“But we don’t have that many complaints. We get a lot of compliments and are kind of spoiled a little bit, but we would never take it for granted,” he said. “I always keep trying harder and harder.”
Peterson said he’s more interested in maintaining a good reputation than making money and has never been tempted to expand beyond the single restaurant bearing his name.
Peterson’s daughter, Carrie Benko, who oversees day-to-day operations at the restaurant along with her job as president of Crown Technology, noted that the restaurant’s staff is a big part of its success. They are well trained, and many have been there for a long time, providing quality, consistent service to customers.
Peterson’s is open for dinner six nights a week and, although certain favorites are always on the menu, the offerings change every spring and fall. Executive Chef David Foegley, who previously was an executive and corporate chef with Huse Culinary — owners of St. Elmo, Harry and Izzy’s and 1933 Lounge — has worked at Peterson’s for about nine years.
He makes a lot of steaks, of course, but Foegley said he also enjoys “tinkering” with the menu and focusing on Midwest regional ingredients.
“Duck in Indiana is one of the biggest things that is produced,” he said. “So, I’m doing a duck pot sticker with a ginger broth (and) I’m doing a grilled pork chops with a guava barbecue.”
Those items and more, including chicken and cornmeal waffles with hickory syrup and a “fire and ice” seafood tower, are featured on the new spring menu. For more, visit petersonsrestaurant.com.
By Mark Ambrogi
The Wild Eggs restaurant in Carmel can now serve its specialty alcoholic drinks in addition to beer and wine.
Wild Eggs opened at 1438 Main St. with a two-way license in 2016 serving beer and wine.
Michelle Heffernan, vice president of marketing for Wild Eggs, said a couple of months ago the restaurant had the opportunity to acquire a three-way license for beer, wine and liquor.
“We have been hoping for the three-way liquor license for a long time,” Heffernan said.
Drinks include several different mimosas with sparkling wine and orange juice. Flavors include pomegranate, strawberry lemonade, orange pineapple and peach.
Wild Eggs also offers Wild Screwdrivers, a Bloody Mary called Proud Mary, Tequila Sunrise with orange juice and Bluegrass Sunrise with cranberry juice and Wild Eggs’ homemade lemonade.
There also are four varieties of Spirited Coffee — Iced Vanilla Latte with vanilla coffee liqueur; Chocolate Kiss with coffee liqueur; Nutty Irishman with hazelnut liqueur; and Choc of the Morning with vodka.
Wild Eggs in Carmel is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Wild Eggs has seven restaurants in Indiana, including Carmel, Fishers, downtown Indianapolis, Avon and Greenwood.
Nationally, Wild Eggs has 17 restaurants, including 15 corporate owned. There is one franchisee with two locations in Lexington, Ky., that is working on opening a third location in July.
Peterson’s in Fishers specializes in steaks and Midwest ingredients. (Photo by Leila Kheiry
Wild Eggs in Carmel now offers Bloody Mary drinks. (Photo courtesy of Wild Eggs)
Feinstein’s concert to feature Songbook timeless classics
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Michael Feinstein is eager for his first collaboration with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Feinstein will perform “Celebrate the Songbook” with the ICO at 8 p.m. May 10 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“They are world class in their musical ability, so I’m certainly looking forward to making music with them,” Feinstein said. “I do enjoy collaborating with Indy-area groups because there is so much talent and it’s always educational for me to collaborate because I learn in the process. That’s one of the reasons I love the Songbook Academy because I learn so much from the students and it’s always, for me, about learning.
“The concert is one that I’m particularly excited about doing because this is the first time I will have really been able to mine the wonderful treasure trove of music in the Songbook archives and bring it to life locally. So, it’s going to be quite an exciting evening and there will be a lot of stories and anecdotes that put the songs in context, which I think will make it fun for everyone, even the people that might not know the classic music. And to hear the swing arrangements and the beautiful string writing is life changing. So many people listen to music in a canned form, they mainly listen on devices, and to hear the acoustic sound is pretty extraordinary.”
Feinstein said some of the featured songwriters include Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, Harry Warren, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin.
“(They are) all in beautiful symphonic arrangements, some of which are held in the Songbook archives,” Feinstein said. “Some of these arrangements were originally sung by Andy Williams and other popular singers. They are exquisitely craft-
ed by such legendary arrangers as Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mandel and others, so it’s a great joy to be able to revive them and bring them back to life.”
The ICO, in its 41st year, is led by music director and conductor Matthew Kraemer.
Feinstein has spent the past year paying tribute to Tony Bennett, who died at 96 in 2023.
“The Tony Bennett tribute is quite a rousing success on the road. I’ve performed it in so many cities, and the last Tony Bennett tribute shows will be (this month), and then I’ll move on to another project,” he said. “I think I’ve done this show about 75 times, and the interesting thing for me is that it never gets old. I think the enthusiasm of the audience for him and his songs makes it fresh for me.”
Since Feinstein’s last concert at the Center in April 2024, the venue has added a naming rights agreement for the Center and Palladium.
Michael Feinstein will perform May 10 with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at the Payne and Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’
“Church Basement Ladies” runs through May 18 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Ben Jones’ “Temptation” concert is set for May 8, followed by Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends with a ‘70s theme May 9 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” May 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘9 TO 5’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “9 to 5” runs through May 11 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through May 10 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
ILUMINATE
“As the Center’s artistic director, I am absolutely encouraged by the recent support in the naming rights for both the Center and the Palladium,” Feinstein said. “To have such support is perhaps rarer these days because the amount of philanthropy or philanthropic experience has changed with so many changes in our world. And yet we have such stalwart supporters and visionaries who understand how important the arts are and how they change lives with music, dance and all the other disciplines, and that is something that has always inspired me about being the artistic director at the Center, that there are so many people that are clear about what the arts bring to our lives. So, after all these years, being connected to the Center and the City of Carmel is still a tremendous blessing.”
The Allied Solutions Center will begin its 15th season this fall.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
A concert by iLuminate is set for 4 p.m. May 11 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘WEST SIDE STORY’
Indianapolis Opera’s presentation of “West Side Story” is set for 7 p.m. May 9-11 at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo. For more, visit indyopera.org.
DISPATCH
‘Lord of Chaos’ tour to land at Fishers Event Center — Breakout artist Ken Carson announces “The Lord of Chaos” arena tour in support of his new album “More Chaos” which just earned him his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200. A major milestone for the Atlanta-born artist, the project marks his biggest debut to date. The North American tour, presented by Live Nation, will make a Aug. 15 stop at the new Fishers Event Center Tickets are now on sale via kencarson. xyz/tour.
MUSIC
VIEWS
READERS’ VIEWS
No mayor should have total control
Editor,
Regarding Current’s coverage of Carmel Affiliate Review Committee meetings, a summary: the mayor, who campaigned on “transparency,” has been adamant about the city owning the Christkindlmarkt and believes that 100 percent mayoral control of Promote Carmel was bad because of the potential for impropriety, but yet 100 percent mayoral control of CCI is good.
She fired the old CCI board, installed a new board, and, despite expressing concern about the fiscal management of the market, she then tried to use her influence to prolong a sweet deal for one particular major vendor, which had been previously rebuffed by the old board because it would be unfair to other vendors and reduce market revenue.
That particular vendor (mere coincidence?) is related by marriage to the lawyer (Marilee Springer, a big donor to the mayor) who was hired to “independently” review
CCI but has presented a very one-sided and negative view of old CCI board decisions. And Ms. Springer’s colleague was installed as chair of the new board.
These relationships, to my recollection after attending all meetings virtually or in person, have not been disclosed to the public until now.
In corporate America and public accounting, where I worked, an undisclosed conflict of interest of this magnitude would have been grounds for immediate dismissal. Ms. Springer may have “nearly three decades of experience,” but if she has a family member with a significant financial stake in the market, she has no business advising the city on that topic.
We, as taxpayers, could save some money by not paying her bill. We should also learn from our mistakes and make sure that no mayor, present or future, has 100 percent control of any affiliate.
Jan Hoffman Hurlbut,
Carmel
Help letter carriers Stamp Out Hunger
Editor,
May 10 marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving: the National Association Of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food drive.
Letter carriers walk through the community every day, often coming face to face with a sad reality for too many, hunger.
So, each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. Here in Indiana, these donations go directly to over 50 different food pantries to provide food to people who need our help.
From this one day of collection, Branch No. 888 has averaged over 90,000 pounds of food delivered to these pantries. This year our goal is over 100,000 pounds of
food collected.
Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available.
Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox on May 10, and your letter carrier will do the rest. With your help, letter carriers and the US Postal Service will make the 33rd year in America’s great day of giving its best one yet.
Greg Gormong, Carmel city letter carrier
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
BATHROOMS REMODELERS
LEVEL UP 31, US 31 AND I-465 INTERCHANGE MODIFICATION
LEGAL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – LEAD DES. # 2002530
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION HEARING OFFICER
Docket Number PZ-2025-00087 DP/ADLS: Republic Hotel Addition
LIFESTYLE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. PZ-2025-00077 V; -00080- V; -00081 V
Level Up 31, US 31 and I-465 Interchange Modification / From north of the Meridian Street and 96th Street intersection, extending 2 miles north along Meridian Street/US 31 to the US 31 over 116th Street bridges; and extending approximately 4,200 feet along eastbound and westbound I-465
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will host a public hearing on Tuesday, May 13 at the Drury Plaza Hotel – Indianapolis, 9625 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46290. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with a formal presentation to begin at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the public hearing is for the project sponsor to share updates on the project development and to offer the public an opportunity to submit questions and comments as part of the NEPA process.
Level Up 31 (Lead Des. No. 2002530) was formerly part of the I-465 Northwest (NW) project (Des. No. 1600854), which was discussed at an I-465 NW public information meeting held in October 2022. In March 2024, the projects were separated. An additional public information meeting was held on September 26, 2024, to discuss the separation of the projects. Due to combining and subsequent separation of the projects, a public hearing will be provided.
The need for the proposed project is due to current and future poor traffic operations and congestion, and safety concerns at the US 31 and I-465 interchange. Due to rapid population growth, heavy congestion within the interchange, and traffic queuing along the EB I-465 to NB US 31 flyover system ramp and the WB I-465 to NB US 31 system ramp have resulted in increased crashes within the interchange and along the US 31 mainline. The purpose of the Level Up 31 project is to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the frequency of rear-end crashes.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025. The proposed maintenance of traffic plan includes phased construction and closures. Prior to construction phases, temporary pavement will be constructed where needed to maintain travel lanes throughout construction.
Federal and state funds are proposed to be used for construction of these projects. INDOT and FHWA have agreed that these projects pose minimal impacts to the natural environment. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document has been prepared for the project. The public hearing serves as an opportunity for the public to comment on the environmental document. All comments collected before, during, and after the hearing through May 27, 2025, will be taken into consideration.
The environmental documentation and preliminary design information is available to view at the following locations:
Carmel Clay Public Library, Main Branch: 425 E Main St., Carmel, IN 46032
Indianapolis Public Library, Nora Branch: 8625 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240
INDOT Central Office, Major Projects: 100 N Senate Ave Rm N758, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Project Website: LevelUp31.com
Project documents can be mailed upon request. Contact Leah Boits, Parsons, (317) 616-1032, or INDOT at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848).
Public statements for the record will be taken as part of the public hearing procedure. All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two (2) weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to: Jacob Wenthe, C2 Strategic Communications, 9000 Keystone Crossing Suite 502, or email jwenthe@c2strategic.com INDOT requests comments be postmarked by Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to be included as part of the public hearing record.
With 7 (seven) days advance notice, INDOT will provide accommodations for persons with disabilities with regards to participation and access to project information as part of the hearing’s process including services for the hearing impaired, services for the sight impaired, and other services as needed. In addition, INDOT will provide accommodations for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) including language interpretation services and document conversion. To request accommodation, please contact Jacob Wenthe, C2 Strategic Communications, 9000 Keystone Crossing Suite 502, or email jwenthe@ c2strategic.com
In the event of inclement weather resulting in hazardous driving conditions, please contact Leah Boits, Parsons, at (317) 616-1032, email: leah.boits@parsons.com, to learn of any postponement of the public hearing. If the public hearing is postponed due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled, and the public comment period will be extended.
This notice is published in compliance with: 1) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) stating, “Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program.”; 2) 23 CFR 450.210(a)(1)(ix) stating, “Provide for the periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all interested parties and revise the process, as appropriate.”; and 3) The 2021 INDOT Project Development Public Involvement Procedures Manual approved by the FHWA.
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission Hearing Officer meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 11:00 am in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd floor, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a/an DP/ADLS application in order to: CONSTRUCT A ±60,930 SF HOTEL ADDITION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE AT 20 BRICKYARD LANE, LOCATED NEAR THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF W CARMEL DRIVE AND N PENNSYLANIA STREET.
For property being known as (address): 20 Brickyard Lane
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00087 DP/ADLS
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: (Tax ID parcel numbers) 16-09-26-00-00-016.002, 16-09-35-00-00007.000, 16-09-35-00-00-008.000, 16-09-35-0000-009.000, 16-09-35-00-00-010.000, 16-09-3500-00-010.002, 16-09-35-00-00-010.003
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 up to 8:30am of the day of the meeting, via e-mail to Joe Shestak, administrative assistant: jshestak@carmel.in.gov or verbally in-person, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place.
Petitioner: Republic Airways
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 27th day of May, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Install a second monument sign at the new south parking lot entrance at 14550 River Road. The sign will be identical to the current monument sign at the existing north parking lot entrance on River Road. Also to place three wall signs on buildings not facing River Road.
With the property being known as Harvest Church of Indianapolis, Inc., 14550 River Road, Carmel, IN 46033
The application is identified as Docket No.PZ-2025-00077 V; -00080- V; -00081 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 17-1023-00-00-001.403. The address is 14550 River Road. Acreage 12.00, Section 23, Township 18, Range 4
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.
Harvest Church of Indianapolis, Inc.
PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket Nos. PZ-2025-00073 V; PZ-2025-00074 V and PZ-2025-00075 V
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a meeting on the 27th day of May, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers Room, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Nos. PZ-2025-00073 V; PZ-2025-00074 V and PZ-2025-00075 V (collectively, the “Request”).
The property that is the subject of the Request is approximately .05 acres, is identified by the Hamilton County, Indiana Auditor’s Office as Tax Parcel Identification Number 16-10-30-05-01-006.000 and is commonly known as 670 1st Avenue, NE, Carmel, IN 46032 (collectively, the “Real Estate”).
The Real Estate is zoned R2/Residence and is within the Old Town Overlay District, Character SubArea. The applicants, Jeffrey C. Cooke and Molly Norris Cooke, are seeking the following development standards variance requests in order for Old Town Design Group to build a new custom home on the Real Estate:
1. Docket No. PZ-2025-00073 V- UDO Section 3.64(C)(1)(b): Maximum 55-ft house width allowed; 81-ft requested.
2. Docket No. PZ-2025-00074 V - UDO Section 3.64(C)(9)(a): Minimum 8:12 roof pitch required, 6:12 roof pitch requested.
3. Docket No. PZ-2025-00075 V - UDO Section 3.64(C)(11)(c): Buildings shall not exceed the height of the tallest dimension of the nearest two Character Buildings by more than 7-ft, 25’6” Building Height requested (34’4”-ft to roof peak).
The Petition may be examined at the Carmel City Hall or via the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposal, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Written comments filed with the Department of Community Services prior to or at the Public Hearing will be considered, and oral comments will be heard at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA
Bric Butler, Secretary, City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Carmel City Hall
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 571-2417
Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov
ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANTS JEFFREY C. COOKE AND MOLLY NORRIS COOKE: Jim Shinaver, Attorney
Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner
Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC
550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 844-0106
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
C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal
Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Spring Flea Market Sale at Hoosier Village; Thursday May 15 9am- 5pm, Fri/Sat. May 16 & 17th 9am-1pm
Enter Hoosier Village from Zionsville Rd Gate House (9935 Woodview) and follow the signs. Furniture, tools, craft and office supplies, toys, household, vintage and collectibles.
Payment: cash, check and credit card payment (minimum $25)
Waterstone Neighborhood Garage Sale
Tons of homes participate. Make sure you get to all four neighborhoods!
Designer clothing, furniture, housewares, kids’ stuff, and incredible deals! This sale is too good to miss!
Waterstone is east of Gray Road between 116th and 126th
Entrances to neighborhood are at 116th, 126th, and Gray Road
Includes Bayhill, Brookfield, Stonewick and Windpointe.
Thursday May 8th Friday May 9th Saturday May 10th
From 8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m daily DAN’S AUTOMOTIVE DETAIL IS NOW HIRING: Outbound
IN):
Independently understand client’s quality standards, cGMP’s & regulatory standards to support team in compliance of validation effort. Design validation plans. Conduct independent verification of testing against specifications. $110,760-$136,782/year. Telecommuting permissible from home office anywhere in the U.S. Long term placement at unanticipated client sites in the U.S. possible. Benefits summary: https:// verista.com/careers. Resumes to Verista, Inc. HR at Susan.Proulx@ verista.com, Reference #: 627942.
CAE Analyst for Fishers, IN to support design & dev of automotive prdcts. Req’s Master’s in Mechanical or Automotive Eng or closely rel field & 2 yrs exp in automotive envmnt. Position may telecommute from home office location w/in reasonable commuting distance of Fishers, IN up to 2 days per wk. Mail resume to thyssenkrupp Presta North America, LLC, Attn: J. Linn, 1597 East Industrial Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or email resume to John.Linn@ thyssenkrupp-automotive.com
Ref CAE Analyst
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Measures:
CAR, HIP, SOCK; Primates: BABOON, CHIMPANZEE, GIBBON,
Joneses: DANIEL, JAYLON; City: ANDERSON
Grow your business with Onezone! Not a member yet? Call us now for details on how to connect, collaborate, and thrive with the local business community.
BUSINESS GUIDE
Carmel and Fishers comprise one of the top commerce areas in all of Indiana. With no end in sight for growth and development, the cities represent the present and future of enterprise to our more than 1,300 members and tens of thousands of consumers in our midst. Business Guide will publish June 24. It will be distributed to 63,761 households in our two cities. It, again, will be a magazine-style publication and will include a complete chamber membership directory and stories on key topics that drive commerce in our cities as well as a look at the future. Directory listings are free of charge to members.
For more, contact your Ad Representative by email at ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444.