October 7, 2025 — Current in Carmel

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

SWIM CITY

Swimming World Cup will feature international, national standouts at CHS / P16

Carmel mayor, city council relationship frayed / P3

Project Civility Summit promotes respectful discourse / P4-5

GOP legislator opposes mid-term redistricting / P6

CFD spokesman shares personal fire safety story / P13

“WE

Carmel mayor alleges councilors harassed city employees; councilors question her motivations

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and members of the Carmel City Council are accusing each other of crossing the line as their working relationship has become increasingly tense in recent months.

CITY NEWS

On Sept. 24, Finkam emailed the city council to allege two of its members recently harassed city employees and “strongly” suggested the entire group take harassment prevention training. At least one councilor described the matter as a “manufactured drama,” and others are questioning the mayor’s intentions in sending the email.

In a statement addressing the situation, Finkam said she and the council have “vastly different” roles and urged councilors not to overstep theirs.

“While I welcome feedback and partnership, I do request that council focus on its duties prescribed by state code rather than interfering with executive responsibilities,” Finkam stated. “While I will not shy away from calling out this inappropriate behavior, I will not let it define my administration or the work we perform for the City.”

Council President Adam Aasen described the relationship between the council and the mayor as “very bad right now,” in part because of how the mayor has addressed comments she found offensive, he said.

“We can’t avoid difficult conversations, but we don’t need to resort to trying to accuse people of misogyny and leaking emails to the media,” Aasen said. “There’s a better way to deal with these things.”

Finkam’s email to the council calls out comments made by Councilor Matt Snyder about a female city employee being “all dolled up” and an email from Councilor Ryan Locke allegedly denigrating a department leader as examples of actions that “must immediately stop.” Neither councilor is mentioned by name in the email, but both confirmed their involvement.

“Frank and direct statements between elected officials can often serve the public interest if they are made in good faith and meant to be constructive,” Finkam stated

in the email. “But as the City’s chief executive officer, I respectfully ask that all interactions with City staff be civil, respectful and free of language or behavior that could reasonably be perceived as harassing, demeaning or intimidating.”

COUNCILOR SNYDER DESCRIBES EMPLOYEE AS ‘ALL DOLLED UP’

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Snyder’s comment occurred during a Sept. 15 budget workshop, when he described Kelly Douglas, director of the city’s Marketing and Communications Department, as being “all dolled up” for a television interview when he ran into her at Carmel City Hall.

“I was walking in the building with another councilor, and the news reporter stopped us and asked if we were here for that. We had no idea what it was,” Snyder said to Douglas at the Sept. 15 meeting. “We ran into you shortly after. You were all dolled up getting ready to do an interview. When we left, the same reporter said, ‘It seems as if they didn’t want the council involved in this at all.’”

Finkam’s email described Snyder’s comment as “demeaning and inappropriate in a workplace setting” and stated that it “contributes to a hostile work environment.”

Snyder sees it differently. He issued a statement Sept. 29 about the phrase “all dolled up,” which he described as “a compliment that can be used for any gender.”

“If the mayor has taken offense to me complimenting another female, that’s an issue of hers,” Snyder stated. “Apparently it is a term of endearment I use quite often according to my wife, who incidentally, looks beautiful whether she’s all dolled up or not. In fact, I said it to the mayor on her election night. She had no problem with it back then.”

He also stated that he was not alerted that his comment may have been considered offensive until the mayor’s Sept. 24 email to the full council and that the “real story here is the manufactured drama from an innocuous statement in an effort to deflect from a systemic pattern of failed initiatives.”

“The real victim here is the director of marketing, whom (the mayor) is dragging through the mud in an attempt at a hit piece,” Snyder stated. “It does not take a

forensic analysis to determine the email being referenced was written by an attorney. Yet another reason why the council needs access to the city’s law firms un-redacted invoices. As the protectors of the people’s purse, the council should know when a mayor is using their tax dollars to manufacture hit pieces. And to the people of Carmel, I’m here to represent you on the things that actually matter whether you’re dressed up, gussied up, dolled up or none of the above.”

Current requested comment from Douglas but did not receive a response.

COUNCILOR LOCKE EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION AT CORPORATION COUNSEL

Finkam’s email also identified remarks made by Locke in emails to Corporation Counsel Samantha Karn as “workplace bullying that is beneath the standards for public officials of the City.”

In a Sept. 20 email, which Current obtained through a public records request, Locke, who is leading a council investigation into controversies surrounding the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, expressed his frustration at Karn for her refusal to provide unredacted legal invoices to the council.

“While I would love to be able (to) take your word as validation of those facts as our City’s corporation counsel, past behavior, questionable retainment decisions and practices still wanting for asked and unanswered answers, and a continued lack of transparency, attention, and even just presence from you specifically — to make it clear, that that’s an individual you separate and distinct from the department you have the privilege to oversee — have not earned my confidence yet,” Locke wrote in the email. “You have given me little to no evidence that you understand enough about government law to identify and/or care about what’s at stake here.”

In a Sept. 22 response to Locke, Karn stated that “your attacks on my professional credentials are unsubstantiated, unprofessional, and beneath your office” and that she has answered all of his questions.

Later that day, Locke responded to Karn.

“I appreciate your response and your

Continued on Page 5

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Finkam

Snyder

Locke

Daniels, Hudson headline Project Civility chat

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and author Alexandra Hudson participated in a “fireside chat” Sept. 26 at the Carmel Fire Bluffs Museum during the first day of the two-day Project Civility National Summit in Carmel.

EVENT

Both shared their views on approaches to civil discourse.

“Thinking ahead of this event, I came to a new conclusion, somewhat reluctantly, but I’ll express it this way — I think that friends of civility, advocates for civility, may need to get a little less civil,” Daniels said. “Not in an impolite way, not in a harsh way, not in the ways that grate on us and make us feel so demoralized as we watch our fellow citizens call each other playground names and deal with each other in an almost inhuman way.”

Hudson wrote the book “The Soul of Civility” that inspired founder Jeff Worrell to start Project Civility. She talked about why civility is worth advocating for.

“We have a crisis of dehumanization on our hands,” said Hudson, who was also presented with the first Project Civility National Award by Worrell. “We insufficiently appreciate the dignity and the personhood of people we don’t like,”

The fireside chat had a standing-room only audience that included U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville), who represents Indiana’s 5th District. Spartz spoke briefly during the event.

“It’s very difficult in this political environment, but I think as

Carmel named No. 1 small city by WalletHub

Personal finance company WalletHub named Carmel as the No. 1 small city in America based on a study of demographic ratings.

WalletHub ranked 1,300 cities with populations ranging from 25,000 to 100,000, though a few cities with populations over 100,000 were also included. Carmel’s current population is 103,606 in 2024, according to a U.S. Census estimate.

Americans, it’s important for us on the ground to create conversations and dialogue,” Spartz said.

The summit continued Sept. 27 at Carmel Clay Public Library with seminars and discussions designed for politicians to take civility principles back to their communities.

“Everything went better than planned,” Worrell said. “We had great reviews from the attendees. The speakers were really able to connect with our attendees. We had the (chance) to train communities to become civility cities, which I was most excited about.” For more about the summit, see Page 5.

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 1 - 5 p.m. Midtown Plaza Sponsored by:

Carmel was ranked ahead of Brookfield, Wis., Apex, N.C., Lexington, Mass., and neighbors Westfield and Fishers.

WalletHub based its rankings on affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life and safety. Carmel rated 32nd in affordability and education and health and 37th in safety.

For the full survey, visit wallethub.com/ edu/best-worst-small-cities-to-live-in/16581

Celebrate the season of fall at The Arts in Autumn, sponsored by Allied Solutions! This free, family-friendly festival features crafts, face painting, balloon artists, an outdoor movie and more! New this year: World Aquatics Swimming World Cup fun with watercolor activities and water-themed photo ops for all ages.

Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, author Alexandra Hudson and master of ceremonies Jeff Worrell take part in the Project Civility Summit fire side chat Sept. 26 at Carmel Fire Bluffs Museum. (Photo by Todd Golden)

Continued from Page 3

zeal when defending yourself,” he stated. “Defend this City above all, executive branch and me included, with anything near that passion, and you will have assuaged all of my consternation. Very glad you are willing to take a stand, even if it’s on an issue as integral as subverting how taxpayer dollars are being spent. Please feel empowered to do it on every issue where your opinion could help better shape this City, not just the ones that cover new or old bones.”

Locke, who said he was not contacted privately about his remarks before the mayor emailed the full council, defended his comments in a statement sent Sept. 30 to Current. In it, he reiterated his concern that the city is refusing to share — even confidentially — documents about how taxpayer dollars are being spent with city councilors.

“I want to be clear: throughout my career, across issues large and small, I have seldom experienced such opposition to procedural financial requests. I remain committed to transparency, accountability, and to ensuring this City is well served and stand by everything I have said and every action I have taken,” Locke stated. “My question continues to go unanswered. What are they hiding?”

Karn did not respond to a request for comment.

Finkam stated to Current that the coun-

cil’s demand for access to “privileged legal communications is simply inappropriate.”

“The City of Carmel legal team is doing its job. And doing it lawfully,” Finkam stated. “Any insinuation to the contrary is misleading and irresponsible.”

Finkam said that she addressed her Sept. 24 email to the entire council about Locke’s and Snyder’s actions because their comments were made in front of the council or in emails on which they were copied.

CAN RELATIONSHIP BE REPAIRED?

In addition to the Sept. 24 email sent by Finkam to the council, Aasen accused Finkam’s team of pushing boundaries in other ways. He said councilors have felt “pressure, lobbying or even indirect (political) threats from allies of the mayor” while considering how to vote on certain issues or after speaking out on various topics.

Despite the recent turbulence, Aasen said he is hopeful the mayor and council will work toward improving their working relationship for the benefit of the city and its residents.

“We’ve worked together on several issues. I think we can get back to that again,” he said. “I want (the mayor) to succeed, because I want the city to succeed, so I hope we can have a little wake-up call and realize that we can’t continue down this path.”

Worrel working on Project Civility’s next steps

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Having declared the Project Civility National Summit in Carmel a success by Project Civility founder Jeff Worrell, he is now exploring the next steps to foster civility in the national discourse.

EVENT

He said a critical test for the civility movement will be the 2026 political season. Because many of the summit’s attendees were politicians, how to remain civil in a political campaign was an inevitable topic of discussion during the Sept. 26-27 event at the Carmel Fire Buffs Museum and Carmel Clay Public Library.

“We’re going to encourage speaking the truth, it is OK to share records and to point

out where records are different, but we’re going to try to encourage candidates to not embellish or falsify records or get into personal issues,” Worrell said. “Keep it to the facts, keep it to the issues and speak the truth only.”

Worrell also said he wants to encourage the electorate to enforce accountability in political campaigns.

“From the bottom up, we want to try to get people to support us by saying, ‘This is not what we expect out of our candidates. We want better behavior,’” Worrell said. “And sending out a postcard with a lie or some fabrication or something that’s not true, we’re going to speak out against that.”

Worrell also said work on the second Project Civility Summit is underway.

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Aasen

Lopez opposses redistricting effort

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

With the 2026 mid-term election cycle just around the corner, President Donald Trump has led an effort to grow the five-seat Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

POLITICS

Texas and Missouri have redrawn congressional maps that could give an advantage to Republican candidates at the expense of what are now Democratic Party districts. To counter that effort, Democratic-dominated California has threatened to redraw its congressional maps to favor Democrats.

takingly drew, that have never been challenged in court, the work’s been done and that’s not easy work. There’s a lot of really good bipartisan work that goes into drawing those maps. And so, when you come out with maps on the other side that are good, you should stand by that work.”

The movement to redraw congressional maps has spread to Indiana. On Sept. 16, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun suggested that a special session could be conducted in November to redraw Indiana’s maps.

Doing so could result in Indiana gaining a Republican seat, mostly likely in a northwest Indiana district that would be redrawn to dilute its current Democratic-leaning voter base.

Indiana Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel), who represents District 39, told Current he does not support redrawing state congressional maps.

“I’m a no on it. I’m going to remain a no on it. I’m not moving off of it,” Lopez said. “No. 1, we have maps. In fact, we have good maps. To have maps that you pains-

Lopez also cited a lack of clarity in what redrawing maps does for constituents in District 39 that Lopez represents.

“Somebody has to give me the policy rationale,” Lopez said. “I have yet to have anybody explain to me, as a matter of policy, how doing this makes anything better for the people who live in my district,” Lopez said.

Lopez said constituent feedback on redistricting is roughly 3-to-1 against the effort.

“My responsibility as a legislator isn’t downfield blocking,” Lopez said. “My responsibility is to think about and work on sound policy that creates more opportunity for the people I represent and that makes their life better.”

Although Lopez doesn’t support redrawing the state’s congressional map, he understands why some of his GOP colleagues do support it.

“I don’t know what people’s motivations are,” Lopez said. “Maybe they have good motivations and are thinking about this the right way and have come to the conclusion this is the right decision and it’s totally separate from any pressure they might be feeling from the White House.”

INDOT overnight lane closures on I-465 — The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced overnight lane closures on I-465 for ongoing work on the Township Line Road bridge.

• Oct. 7: From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-465 westbound will be reduced to one right lane from Michigan Road to Ditch Road to move a crane into the median.

• Oct. 8: From 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., I-465 eastbound will be reduced to one right lane from Michigan Road to Ditch Road for a beam setting. Twenty-minute stoppages are possible.

• Oct. 9: From 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., I-465 westbound will be reduced to one right lane from Michigan Road to Ditch Road for a beam setting. Twenty-minute stoppages are possible. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.

Family Promise of Hamilton County fundraiser — Family Promise of Hamilton County, a nonprofit charitable organization that benefits county homeless, will hold a fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Chicken Salad Chick restaurant at 12751 N. Pennsylvania St. in Carmel. Those interested can dine to donate and a portion of the proceeds from 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will go to Family Promise. There will also be a raffle. Family Promise is also seeking monetary and material donations to aid area homeless families. For more information, visit familypromisehamiltoncountyin.org.

No Gimmicks, Just Growth

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Lopez

Carmel seniors encouraged to participate in survey

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living will present its Community Engagement Day for Seniors Oct. 10 at Carmel Clay Library.

CITY NEWS

The commission also is conducting a senior survey to help the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living to better understand the issues of the city’s seniors.

The 55-question, 16-page survey, intended for Carmel residents 65 and older, is being conducted via mail and a QR code sent by the Commission for Senior Living to those who register for Community Engagement Day for Seniors.

The Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living Co-Chair Carol Applegate

helping our cities become an age-friendly community,” Applegate said. “The first thing that they want you to do is to do a survey of the city.”

Malaz Boustani, a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living, is one of the project managers of the survey. Bastani is also funding the cost to conduct the survey, according to Applegate.

The commission has partnered with the Indiana University School of Medicine to conduct the survey.

“We’re lucky to partner with the IU School of Medicine to help us conduct this in a statistically valid way so the data that we use is accurate and useful,” said Rich Taylor, the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living co-chair.

Applegate said when the survey is complete, the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on

Saturday, October 18

5 – 9 p.m. at Carter Green (New Location) Join us for an unforgettable Diwali celebration as

CARMEL, INDIANA

CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL DRAWS CROWDS

The Carmel International Arts Festival took place in the Carmel Arts & Design District Sept. 27-28. The event was complemented by pleasant weather on both days.

A Chinese lion and the Cloud Glamour dancers lead a parade down Main Street. Members of the Indiana Chinese Community Center led the parade. (Photo by Todd Golden)

Festivalgoers paint on an open canvas inside the Young@Art paint by numbers tent on Main Street. (Photo by Niall Golden)

Sculptor Scott Osborne throws a pot inside the Young@Art pottery wheel tent on Main Street. (Photo by Niall Golden)

The Touch of Grass bluegrass band performs on the Carmel International Arts Festival main stage on Range Line Road. (Photo by Todd Golden)

A Chinese lion and drummer from the Indiana Chinese Community Center perform on the international stage on Main Street. (Photo by Niall Golden)

Crowds gather at the corner of Main Street and Range Line Road during the Carmel International Arts Festival. (Photo by Niall Golden)

• Pendants

• Chandeliers

ZCHS girls soccer player embraces goalkeeping pressure

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior soccer player Izzy Gibson embraces the pressure of being a goalkeeper.

“I enjoy being the person my team relies on,” she said. “I like to have the weight of the game on my shoulders because I like the excitement and rush I get when I make every save.”

Rob Klatte has watched her development in his two years as Eagles coach.

“Izzy has grown in her self-confidence,” Klatte said. “She trusts herself and her decision-making, having been through so many of the situations during her high school and club experiences. She has grown in her resilience (and is) able to overcome mistakes and (is) able to refocus and play in the moment. Her range, ability to distribute, shot stopping and voice provide a great defensive foundation for our team.”

MEET IZZY GIBSON

Favorite athlete: Hope Solo

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite musician: Rihanna

Favorite sports teams: U.S. Women’s National Team, specifically the 2015 World Cup champions

In the first 15 games, Gibson has allowed less than half a goal a game.

“I think I’ve made the most improvement in my confidence, which has flowed into my ability to consistently make big saves and smart choices,” Gibson said.

The 5-foot-9 Gibson said she has worked on decision-making for the past few years.

“Honestly, it’s something that you devel-

Zionsville Community High School goalkeeper Izzy Gibson has committed to Belmont University. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Pollie)

op as you play more and as you get more confident,” she said. “It’s probably the most important part of the game because when you make good decisions, your team trusts you behind them and they trust what you tell them to do.”

As of Oct. 1, the Eagles were 10-0-6.

“This is definitely the strongest and best-coached Zionsville team I’ve been on, and I think we will go very far in the postseason.” she said.

Gibson began playing soccer when she

was 7 years old. She did track and field in middle school, but that was the only other sport she played. She began playing goalie when she was approximately 9 years old.

Gibson has made a verbal commitment to play for Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

“I chose Belmont mainly because their core belief system is very similar to that of mine in the fact that they are very much faith-based,” she said. “I also love the coaching staff and players so much and it’s honestly just an overall great environment and my goal was always (NCAA Division I) and to have found a tremendous school and team that wanted me at that level was amazing.”

Gibson plans to study pre-med with a goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

“I’ve broken several bones, and I’ve just found it so fascinating how they regrow,” she said. “I also want to work with athletes in orthopedics because I know how they’re feeling because it’s happened to me plenty of times.”

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

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Gibson

Level Up 31 construction set

ROADWORK news@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Sept. 25 that construction for Level Up 31 — a plan to address regional growth and traffic congestion that affects efficiency at the Meridian Street-U.S. 31 interchange — was scheduled to begin Oct. 6.

Phase 1 includes multiple ramp closures, local access restrictions and detours in the two-mile improvement area. Closures include the southbound U.S. 31 ramp to 106th Street through late-December; eastbound 106th Street at U.S. 31 through late-December; and the eastbound I-465 ramp to southbound Meridian Street through mid-December.

Through traffic on U.S. 31 northbound and southbound, and traffic from I-465 eastbound and westbound to U.S. 31 north will be unrestricted.

The speed limit on I-465 and U.S. 31 will be reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone while activity is occurring, and delays are expected.

During two community meetings in

INDOT is planning an overhaul of the interchange at I-465 and U.S. 31/Meridian. (Photo courtesy of INDOT)

fall 2024 and spring 2025, INDOT noted adjustments to the interchange are a direct result of growth in Hamilton County. That growth has rendered previous future traffic estimations moot. In 2015, INDOT estimated that by 2035, traffic counts though the interchange would total 92,930 vehicles per day. However, as of 2023, that daily count had already exceeded 83,000.

The project will be completed in four phases, anticipated for completion in late 2027.

Detour routes will be posted. Learn more at LevelUp31.com.

cruise travel planning

• Cruises are a fantastic multigenerational vacation options with dining, Broadway shows, entertainment, and Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island!

There’s a ship and itinerary for everyone, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both.

Cabin options suit families of any size, from solo staterooms to multi-bedroom suites. Connecting cabins are great for those not ready for separate rooms.

• Enjoy family time, but also take advantage of nurseries, kids’ clubs and teen clubs for a spa day or date night.

CHS seniors expand math group

By Lauren Weidinger news@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School seniors Jennifer Hu and Allison Shen, co-founders of the nonprofit Infinity Squared Mathematics continue to expand the organization and host local and international events that try to enhance knowledge of mathematics.

NONPROFIT

According to its website, Infinity Squared Mathematics is “a program led by high schoolers for students. Our goal is to empower young minds to problem solve and discover the beauty of mathematics with real-world applications today to become the mathematical leaders of tomorrow.”

Created in 2023, Infinity Squared Mathematics has reached over 500 student participants in over 10 countries through its website and via math competitions.

Infinity Squared Mathematics now includes chapters in Indiana and Massachusetts domestically with plans to open a chapter in New Jersey. Internationally, Infinity Square Mathematics has a chapter in

Rwanda and plans to open up an additional chapter in Uzbekistan.

As seniors, Hu and Shen will soon pass along leadership of the organization to their executive officers and other team members upon graduation.

“We’re hoping by expanding our reach, we can get a larger crowd of students from different areas that can keep our organization growing past what we’ve done,” Shen said.

For more or to register for Infinity Squared’s events, visit infinitysquaredmathematics.org.

Allison Shen, left, and Jennifer Hu host Meet the Math competition. (Photo courtesy of Allison Shen)

CFD spokesperson shares personal story about fire safety

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Fire Department frequently promotes fire safety but seldom has a chance to have one of its employees convey the message through personal experience.

AWARENESS

CFD’s Public Information Officer Tim Griffin recently had a fire emergency at his home. With Fire Prevention Week ongoing (the National Fire Protection Association-sponsored program began Oct. 5 and concludes Oct. 11), Griffin thought his story could help others.

“It probably had a foot-and-a-half flame coming off of it,” Griffin said. “It was sitting on some more clothes and a big economy-size bean bag full of flammable materials.”

Griffin said the incident presented two teachable moments. The first is for people to be mindful of the danger of candles.

“I know people are going to use them,” he said. “I would always recommend a big kitchen counter that has nothing on it. That would be a better place for it, and if you leave the room, you blow it out.”

Griffin was home with his family when a smoke alarm sounded. He located smoke in one of his daughter’s rooms upstairs.

“When I got in there, she had been folding some clothes and putting clothes on hangers. She went to go get another hanger and she threw her sweatshirt down on her nightstand,” Griffin said. “She had a small candle, and the sweatshirt landed on it and caught on fire.”

Griffin extinguished the fire before it damaged anything other than the sweatshirt, but he said it could have been a matter of moments before it spiraled into something worse.

The second lesson is to have smoke alarms in as many rooms as possible and to have fire safety equipment on each floor of a home. The smoke alarm that sounded in Griffin’s home was in his daughter’s bedroom.

Griffin said he does not have a fire extinguisher on each floor of his home but intends to soon. He extinguished the fire by pouring water on it.

“I would have had to run downstairs (to get a fire extinguisher) and that could have been a big difference maker,” Griffin said.

Griffin also encourages families to put fire-suppressing blankets in bedrooms to extinguish fires such as the one he had in his own home.

DISPATCHES

Literary festival planned — Indiana Humanities will celebrate the power of writing with its second “Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest,” set for Oct. 10 and 11, offering workshops, panel discussions, a book fair and activities for writers, readers and lovers of all things literary. Hosted in partnership with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey, the festival will take place at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., in Indianapolis. Registration for the free event is encouraged at events.humanitix.com/proof2025.

Current employee chosen for Kokomo Art Association – Jennifer Nichols, advertising traffic manager for Current Publishing, has been selected as a Kokomo Art Association gallery artist. Her artwork will be displayed and sold at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., Kokomo. For more on Nichols’

affiliation, visit kaaonline.org, and to view a collection of her works, visit illustr82dv8. etsy.com. She draws her inspiration from the beauty of nature, music and architecture and spends a lot of her free time painting unless she is working on a commissioned pencil piece. She also does custom paintings. You may contact her at seejennirun@comcast.net.

Altrusa club membership drive — The Altrusa club of Hamilton County is combining a membership drive, fundraiser, and donation drive Oct. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Carmel Christian Church parking lot at 463 E. Main St. in Carmel. Money raised by the event will be used by Altrusa of Hamilton County to help serve local agencies such as Tools for Schools, Prevail, Head Start and Hamilton County Libraries and Veterans.

Orthopedic Urgent Care directly from the specialistsit doesn’t get better than that. And because life happens after hours, we accept walk-ins with no appointment necessary and provide extended hours for evenings and weekends.

Griffin

Free sunscreen dispenser installed in Carmel’s Midtown

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Anyone visiting splash pads in Carmel will have access to free sunscreen, thanks to a partnership between local dermatologists and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. A sunscreen dispenser was recently installed north of the splash pad along the Monon Greenway in Midtown. It’s just south of Elm Street, between Penn & Beech Candle Co. to the east and Merchants Bank to the west.

Forefront Dermatology sponsored installation and upkeep of the dispenser in Midtown and another in West Park. Dispensers had previously been installed at Carmel’s two other splash pads in Central Park and Inlow Park.

“Our splash pad locations (were) our priority because of the aquatic element,” said Eric Mehl, CCPR administration and planning director. “Especially this location, because parents don’t always intend on their kids coming to play on the splash pad when they come to restaurants and enjoying downtown. They don’t always think to bring sunscreen. So, this is a perfect location.”

Marian University medical student Mark Saad, a Carmel resident who often visited West Park as a child, worked with Dr. Robert Dazé, a dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, to initiate the project with CCPR. Saad became interested in the idea after learning about similar projects through Impact Melanoma, a nonprofit that aims to reduce skin cancer in the U.S.

Dr. Anita Joshi, a Carmel city councilor

and pediatrician, has been involved in efforts to add sunscreen dispensers in parks since the first installation in 2024 and said she is excited to see the initiative expand, thanks to Dazé and Saad.

“Early sun protection is key to preventing skin cancer and making sunscreen accessible helps families build healthy habits that last a lifetime,” Joshi said.

Dazé said sunscreen is key in preventing skin cancer.

“Having free access to this here on the Monon and other places in Carmel, we reduce that risk of skin cancer and photoaging, as well,” he said.

CCPR aims to add dispensers in other Carmel parks in the future.

DISPATCHES

Former EPA Deputy Administrator to speak at Sustainable Living Seminar — Indiana University environmental policy expert and former EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe will speak at the Carmel Green Initiative’s Sustainable Living Seminar at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. McCabe will share insights on recent environmental policy changes and their implications. She will also talk about stories of Hoosiers working at the state and local levels and in the business community to build sustainability and resilience. Sustainable Living Seminars are presented by Carmel Green Initiative in

collaboration with the Carmel Clay Public Library. They take place at the Carmel Clay Public Library main branch and are free to attend and open to the public. Visit carmelgreen.org for more information.

Diwali fireworks schedule — The City of Carmel has set the permitted times celebrants can discharge fireworks for the Diwali holiday. Consumer fireworks may be discharged between 5 and 11 p.m. the day before and the day of the official Diwali holiday – Oct. 19 and 20. Carmel’s official Diwali event is Oct. 18, but fireworks discharges are not permitted on that day.

Mark Saad, a Carmel resident and Marian University medical student, demonstrates the sunscreen dispenser. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

the Bands Of America Kentucky Regional at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky. (Photo provided by Carmel Clay Schools)

Carmel band wins BOA regional competition

news@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel High School band — the Marching Greyhounds — took first place in the overall competition at the Bands of America Kentucky Regional at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville Sept. 27.

BAND

Carmel won the overall crown with 83.350 points. Carmel bested Castle High School to win the overall regional championship. The Kentucky Regional is a mix of Indiana and Kentucky high schools. Indiana schools Carmel, Castle and Brownsburg were the best three finishers.

Carmel also swept the caption awards — special honors given at competitions — at the regional. Carmel won for Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect.

Carmel’s show is called “La Arena” and includes music from Ennio Morricone, Joaquin Rodrigo and Ernesto Lecuona.

Carmel’s drum majors are Mia Cline, Jayce Davis, Bella Gulden, Annabelle Inskeep, and Ansley Thornton. The band is directed by Chris Kreke.

Carmel’s next BOA competition is the Indianapolis Super Regional. Preliminaries are Oct. 24 and finals are Oct. 25. Carmel last won this event in 2023. BOA Grand Nationals are Nov. 13-15 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Carmel finished runner-up in 2024.

Carmel’s next major competition is the Indiana State School Music Association Regionals. It takes place Oct. 18 at Lafayette Jefferson High School. The ISSMA semistate is at Ben Davis Nov. 1 and the ISSMA finals are Nov. 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

OBITUARY

Nancy Ann (Root) Leonard passed away peacefully in Carmel, Indiana on September 23, 2025 at the age of ninety-three. She lived an extraordinary life which began in Indianapolis, Indiana on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932. Her parents, Roy and Roberta Root, were living in Indianapolis temporarily because her father was scheduled to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a ticket for the train to St. Louis when Nancy made her appearance. He missed tryouts. Instead, Roy and Roberta moved back to South Bend, Indiana. In South Bend, Nancy attended Lincoln School through eighth grade and graduated from Riley High School in 1950 where she was first chair trumpet for the Marching Wildcats. She was also a Rainbow Girl affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star, played piano and ukulele, and rode the city bus downtown to work in a dress shop part time during high school.

Wabash, from Governor Eric J. Holcomb on March 28, 2022. Some women cracked the glass ceiling. Nancy busted it into pieces.

Nancy was the mother of five, grandmother of twelve, and great grandmother of nine. She was a true relocation specialist and never seemed to be bothered by another moving van in the driveway. She successfully served as family CEO and kept all of the plates spinning in the air, all of the time. Nancy made a mean oyster casserole and peach cobbler, and was a whiz at organizing and hosting very large family gatherings and holidays. Her Christmas tree touched the living room ceiling and took weeks to disassemble. Gifts from the grandchildren adorned her tables and walls year round.

Nancy Root went on her first date with Bobby Leonard on January 15, 1951 when they were freshmen at Indiana University. He told her to meet him at the gym to see a basketball game. Imagine her surprise when she heard his name and jersey number on the public address system as she entered the facility! And so it began. Her date hit the winning free throw to win the 1953 NCAA championship for IU, while Nancy and her Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters sat in their pajamas listening to the game in Kansas on radio. It was all basketball from then on. They were married on June 15, 1954 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in South Bend, the Tuesday after IU graduation. Yes, Tuesday. It had to be the 15th!

Professional basketball took Bob and Nancy to Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Baltimore and finally back to Indiana. In Kokomo, Nancy taught third grade and then high school business classes at Taylor High School. She was the first sponsor of the Taylor yearbook, Helio, and was beloved by her students. When Bob became the coach of the Indiana Pacers, they moved to Carmel and Nancy became the first cheerleading sponsor of the Pacemates, and the first woman in the National Basketball Association to hold the front office position of assistant general manager. As a charter member of the infamous Murderers Row, she and her closest Pacers pals, seated courtside, instilled fear in the hearts of visiting referees. She attended Pacers games well into her ninety-third year and was the loudest voice behind the team bench. Nancy also was an award winning realtor with F. C. Tucker Company, held a Series 7 license making her a financial professional, and served as the coordinator of the F. C. Tucker St. Mary’s Auction for twenty-five years. For a number of years, she found time to assist Bob with his Herff Jones class rings and announcements business, and run Bobby Leonard’s Scoreboard Restaurant in Carmel and Bobby Leonard’s Sports Camp in Bainbridge. She received the highest Governor’s award given in Indiana, Sagamore of the

Nancy became a member of Carmel United Methodist Church in 1970 and served on the church council. In her house, if one did not have time to go to church on Sunday, one could spend the day in one’s room.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Robert (Bobby) Leonard and her parents Kathleen Roberta (Payne) Root and Royal Bennet Root. Her only sibling, sister Joyce Root Katona, passed away in 2019. Nancy’s daughter-inlaw, Tami Suttles Leonard, passed away in May 2025. Also preceding her were her mother and father-in-law, Hattie and Raymond Leonard, sisters-in-law Madonna Leonard Jackson and Darlene Leonard Crynes, and brothers-in-law Joseph Katona, Jr., Max Jackson, and Donald Crynes.

Nancy is survived by her five children: Terry (Larry) Grembowicz, Bobby Leonard, Billy (Suzi) Leonard, Tommy (Kristin) Leonard, and Timmy (Kristy) Leonard. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Katie (Casey), Elly (Tim), Robert/ Bo, Nick, Tyler, Allison (Luke), Hannah, Wyatt, Stella, Briana, Maizie (Carlos), Timmy and nine great grandchildren: Wyatt, Aubrey, Alivia, Elliana, Lauren, Rayna, Brooke, Savannah, and Santiago. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

The Leonard Family is extremely grateful for Nancy’s care at The Barrington of Carmel, Paradigm Health, IU North Hospital, and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital. She had wonderful doctors, caregivers, and healthcare personnel.

Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to: Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032. Riley Children’s Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Indiana University Foundation, PO Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

The Leonard Family is planning a private Celebration of Life for Nancy. Flanner Buchanan - Carmel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Members of the Carmel High School band – the Marching Greyhounds – perform their show “La Arena” Sept. 27 during

SWIM CITY

Swimming World Cup will feature international, national standouts at CHS

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hosting the World Aquatics World Swimming Cup has been the ultimate team effort.

“We have outstanding partners in Carmel Clay Schools, Hamilton County Sports Authority and City of Carmel or perhaps I should say Swim City since (the city) relaunched that brand to welcome swimmers from around the world here to our community,” said Maggie Mestrich, Carmel Swim Club’s director of business development. “So, with those partners, we’ve been finalizing plans to make sure all of the athletes, coaches, meet personal and spectators have not just a safe environment but a really enjoyable one, both inside of the venue while the competition is happening but then out in our larger community as well.”

The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup is set for Oct. 10-12 at Carmel High School’s Natatorium, which was completed in December 2024. This will be the first of the Swimming World Cup’s three meets in North America. Approximately 400 swimmers from 50 nations are expected to compete. That group includes what World Aquatics calls its “Notable Nine” committed to compete in all three World Cup stops. The group includes five women: Katie Douglass, U.S; Mollie O’Callaghan, Australia; Summer McIntosh, Canada; Regan Smith, U.S.; and Kaylee McKeown, Australia. The four male swimmers are Hubert Kos, Hungary; Thomas Ceccon, Italy; Josh Liendo, Canada; and Noe Ponti, Switzerland.

There are approximately 1,000 seats available for each session.

“There is no bad view of the Carmel High School Natatorium,” Mestrich said. “It was constructed so thoughtfully with outstanding lines of sight to the competition pool — even if you are sitting at the farther end, which will not be where swimmers are starting or finishing.”

Mestrich has been involved with much of the planning on the club’s side. She has worked with Chris Plumb, Carmel Swim Club’s CEO and the club’s head coach and coach of the CHS boys and girls teams.

Mestrich said the opportunity to see

top swimming should be inspiring to the younger Carmel Swim Club members.

Carmel High School Athletic Director Jim Inskeep said the school has not held a sporting event of this magnitude.

“The great thing is we have a facility that can fit all of these things and it’s happening over fall break,” he said. ‘If this was not over our fall break, this would be a no-go for us.”

Inskeep said parking around the school won’t be an issue because of the break.

“A thousand people for the event is a lot fewer than we have here at school every day,” he said.

World Aquatics Treasurer Dale Neuburger, a former Indiana Sports Corp executive and former Carmel resident, approached City of Carmel officials about hosting. Inskeep then gave Neuburger a tour of the $55 million facility.

“It was a little bit of a no-brainer from that point on,” Inskeep said. “Dale was the driving force in having this occur. He has Carmel roots and a love for the Indiana sports scene. I think it’s going to be great. My anxiety level is way down on this from the initial conversations of how we are going to get things done. I’m really excited to showcase the school and central Indiana swimming to the rest of the world.”

Emily Bauer, communications director for Carmel Clay Schools, said there is no cost to taxpayers from CHS, and after expenses, the district will receive approxi-

mately $13,000 from World Aquatics.

Gabe Amick, Hamilton County Sports Authority senior sports development manager, said his organization and Carmel Swim Club put together the bid.

“We were also able to get additional help from an Indiana Sport and Tourism grant from downtown Indianapolis and the state to help with some of the funding for the event,” he said. “Obviously, with Carmel’s new natatorium, we wanted to make a splash, no pun intended, with one of the first really big events in the facility.”

Amick said his organization is helping with operations, transportation, hotels and marketing.

The event will be streamed on Peacock and anywhere between 12 to 20 international markets. Part of the finals Oct. 12 will be on NBC.

“We can see media exposure anywhere from $10 (million) to $15 million in media value, according to numbers World Aquatics provided to us,” Amick said. “Having that exposure nationally and internationally is huge for the area.”

Amick said working with World Aquatics, the estimate is more than $4 million will come to the area through visitation, hotels, reservations and rental cars.

“We are honored to welcome the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup as its first stop,” said Kelly Douglas, City of Carmel’s marketing and community relations director. “The City of Carmel is excited to part-

ner with Carmel Clay Schools, the Hamilton County Sports Authority and Carmel Swim Club to host an anticipated 4,000 visitors — including elite athletes, their families and passionate fans. The necessary investment by the city for this world-class event is greatly outweighed by the expected financial impact and opportunity to showcase all that Carmel has to offer. We won’t have full data to share until after the event.”

HOME-POOL EDGE

Olympian Alex Shackell is eager to participate in the World Cup at her home school.

“Having the World Cup come to Carmel is super exciting,” said Shackell, a 2025 Carmel High School graduate who is a freshman at Indiana University. “This town loves swimming and knows how to show it. With the new pool being ready, I’m excited to see the setup for a big meet like this. It’s going to be surreal to see so many elite athletes from all over the world compete in the pool I train in every day.”

Shackell won a gold medal in the 400-medley relay and a silver medal in the 800-meter freestyle relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I’m not 100 percent sure what I’m racing but I can guarantee the 200 (butterfly) and 100 fly,” said Shackell, who became the first girl to win four consecutive IHSAA 100yard butterfly state titles earlier this year.

Shackell’s older brother, Aaron, also will compete. A 2023 CHS graduate, Aaron recently transferred from the University of Texas to IU. The siblings will be two of the 23 Carmel Swim Club members expected to compete.

There are two sessions each day. There is an awards session Oct. 12.

“There is some serious prize money at stake at the event,” said Maggie Mestrich, Carmel Swim Club’s director of business development. “We have several professional swimmers participating and I think we’ll see some pretty amazing times.”

For tickets, visit bit.ly/46OAUeK.

ON THE COVER: Alex Shackell, a 2024 Olympian, won 15 IHSAA state titles while at Carmel High School. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Swim Club)

From left, Carmel Swim Club members Sabrina Ledwith, Lexie Ward, Trent Allen, Aaron Shackell, Anderson Kopp and associate head coach Chris Pfaff. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Swim Club)

Carmel resident launches IU Indy degree redesign

By David Jacobs news@youarecurrent.com

Entering his 34th year in the kinesiology department at IU Indianapolis, Carmel resident and Department of Kinesiology Chair Mark Urtel helped launch a redesign of the applied fitness and sports performance degree at the school.

“We built this program around the idea that fitness is not just for elite athletes, but individuals of all ages and abilities seeking to enhance their performance, improve their health and support overall well-being,” Urtel stated in a press release. “Our metropolitan location provides students with a wide range of opportunities for hands-on experience in gyms, schools, wellness centers, and other community settings. Whether they plan to enter the workforce immediately or pursue graduate studies, the applied fitness and sports performance degree equips students with the career readiness skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

Urtel, 58, received a master’s degree from Ball State University before starting with IU-Indianapolis. He earned his doctorate from Indiana University.

Originally called the fitness management and personal training program, Urtel has seen multiple changes in the fitness industry to elicit a change in the program.

“We just didn’t think (that name) spoke to what we were doing,” he said. “There are a lot of ways you can work in fitness and sport performance, so we wanted to recast this degree to match not only the trends we saw in society, but also what we were doing at our core.”

Urtel believes students will be well-positioned to pursue different career paths.

“We’re going to position them so they can enter these sports performance (careers), but they’re still going to be able to go into and work in the sport performance industry,” he said. “They’re going to be well-prepared and trained to work. What we’re expecting is that our students can now go into these emerging industries, and they’re going to be equally as trained to keep somebody motivated to start a fitness regimen, but with an outcome in mind that’s not automatically sports-based.”

For more, visit shhs.indianapolis.iu.edu.

MurrayMentor reimagines AI use

news@youarecurrent.com

Murray Mentor, a Carmel-based technology company run remotely from the Village of West Clay, announced its launch Aug. 25

The company has developed an AI-powered mentor – a chatbot used by workers that provides real-time, voice- and text-activated on-the-job guidance. It is intended to serve the

a Quick Recharge?

to join the family manufacturing business to run it with my brother,” Carlock said.

“Over those 14 years, I’ve watched (upwards of) 40 years of tribal knowledge and true skill just walk out the door as they retire. Without replacing them with any sort of formal training like they’ve had in the past, it was a true threat, not only to manufacturing, but to industries throughout.”

Co-founded by Carmel native Susan Carlock, Carmel resident Mark Gordon and Pennsylvania resident Paul Boris, the start-up came about from a need to try and shrink the learning gap with valuable hands-on expertise, leaving companies as field-experts aged into retirement.

Carlock saw this throughout her time working in her family’s manufacturing business, Mursix Corp., a Yorktown-based component manufacturer. She joined Mursix after leaving her nursing career.

“I took my nursing cap off 14 years ago

Noticing a lack of skilled trades programs in manufacturing, Carlock teamed up with Gordon and Boris to create Murray Mentor. The business’ name is a tribute to Carlock’s father and her maiden name of Murray.

The application provides AI with instructions on how to do specific tasks. Those instructions are then relayed to workers via the mentoring device.

“We (can) load manuals, documentation that our customers have on their stamping presses or other pieces of machinery (into Murray Mentor),” Gordon said.

As AI technology grows, Carlock expects manufacturing to improve.

For more, visit www.murraymentor.ai/.

E. Abshire NMLS: 591179

Carlock

Salt restaurant brings ‘coastal’ feel to City Center

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

One of the most visible restaurant locations in Carmel is open for diners again.

DINING

Salt at Carmel City Center opened Sept. 24 at 11 City Center Dr. in the space that had been previously occupied by Matt the Miller’s Tavern, which closed Dec. 30, 2024.

Salt has two other locations in the Indianapolis area. The original, which opened in 2016, is at 505 Mass Ave, and the second is at 10158 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers near Geist Reservoir.

“This is more of a coastal feel,” said Salt owner John Bales, a Carmel High School graduate. “I think that’s what was missing in Carmel. We want you to feel like you’re on vacation when you walk in the door.”

Bales wanted the restaurant to feel airy and bring in more light.

“When Matt the Miller’s was here, the entire (front) window was blacked out. It was very, very dark in here,” Bales said. “I’m a sun guy. I want it to be light. I want it to be bright. I like happy atmospheres. There’s enough darker steakhouses for people to

choose from. This is an alternative.”

Bales said a pergola will be added to enhance the outdoor feel.

Salt’s menu is based on fresh seafood, steak and pasta dishes.

“We believe in fresh. Believe it or not, it’s actually cheaper for us to bring in our seafood fresh a couple days a week than it is to buy frozen,” Bales said.

Bales lives in Indianapolis but is delighted to open a restaurant where he has roots.

“I love what the city’s done. It’s vibrant, it’s safe. So, we’re super excited,” Bales said.

For more or to make a reservation, visit saltdining.com/salt-at-city-center.

Salt at Carmel City Center restaurant recently opened at Carmel City Center. (Photos by Todd Golden)

The interior of the new Salt at Carmel City

New business blooms on Carmel’s Main Street

By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com

What started as a pop-up booth at farmers markets has grown into a permanent storefront on Main Street.

RETAIL

Ginger Root Plant Co. — at 211 W. Main St. in Carmel — was founded by Carmel resident Liz Ford in 2021, opened a store Sept. 20 with a celebration that included giveaways and a curated selection of plants and local goods.

Ford said her passion for plants grew out of a search for something more fulfilling than her career in commercial interior design.

“I was really into indoor houseplants. I had a little over 100 at the time, and it became my therapy. I just really love it,”

Ford said.

For the past four years, Ford has sold plants at the Fishers and Carmel farmers markets and appeared at events such as Carmel Pride and the Indiana Peony Festival. Opening a storefront, she said, has been met with overwhelming encouragement.

SELLERS MARKET

for Ginger Root. As an advanced Hamilton County Master Gardener, she offers classes, workshops and one-on-one coaching.

“I’m big into no gatekeeping on education,” Ford said. “If you’re successful with your plant care, I see myself as successful too.”

“Everyone has really showed up and been so genuinely happy for me when they come in,” Ford said. “Even people I don’t know have been so nice and supportive. It’s been such a pleasant surprise. It just reminds you how much good there is in the world.”

The shop is between Anthony’s Chophouse and Savor. Ford designed the shop with pink accents and retro touches and said the atmosphere matters most.

“I want everyone to feel welcome, with a sense of approachability and authenticity. Sometimes plants can feel a little cliquey, like if you’ve killed a lot of plants, you feel judged,” Ford said. “I just want people to come in, even if you know nothing about plants, we’re here to help. I’ve killed a lot of plants along my journey, too. It’s just a learning process.”

Education is central to Ford’s vision

She also provides in-home visits to troubleshoot struggling plants, discuss pest management or recommend varieties suited to a customer’s space. Others stop by the shop with photos of their plants and questions.

Besides plants, Ginger Root sells handmade pottery, plant accessories and lifestyle items sourced from local and women-owned businesses. Ford said curating the products is part of her commitment to building community.

“Supporting local makers has always been important to me,” she said.

Ginger Root specializes in easy-care indoor houseplants, including succulents, philodendrons and pet-safe varieties.

The store is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more, visit gingerrootplantco.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @gingerrootplantco.

Rachel Litland, left, is the customer and plant care associate at Ginger Root Plant Company. Founder Liz Ford, right, opened the business Sept. 20 on Main Street in Carmel. (Photos courtesy of Liz Ford)

currentnightandday.com

Heartland film focuses on Ignite’s 1st season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brian Hansen got his first exposure to professional volleyball while running the video replay system for the Indy Ignite.

“I hadn’t had a lot of exposure to volleyball before and as I’m sitting there on the sideline, I’m just floored with how physical and athletic the game is,” he said. “As a documentarian, I’m always looking at angles. I’m looking at the coaches and how excited they are (and how) engaged everybody is on the sidelines. I’m thinking, ‘We need to get some cameras and audio in there and we need to capture this because this is too good to pass up.’”

That’s when Hansen approached Indy Ignite officials about producing a documentary on the expansion team’s first year at Fishers Event Center. Hansen has directed nearly 30 documentaries — a mix of full features and shorts.

“Ignite the Fire,” a 79-minute documentary, was selected as part of the 34th Heartland International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 9-19 in Indianapolis. The world premiere of “Ignite the Fire” will be at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Living Room Theaters in Indianapolis. Tickets for those screenings are sold out. An additional screening of the film will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct.16 at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets for that screening and athome streaming are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.

In their first season, the fourth-seeded Ignite lost to Orlando 3 games to 1 in the Pro Volleyball Federation championship in May. The league’s name was changed to Major League Volleyball following the season. Hansen said the team was thrilling to watch on and off the court.

Hansen, a longtime Fishers resident, and Juan Guillen, were the film’s co-directors

“In terms of a documentary standpoint, they were creating storylines just by playing every game, players getting injured, players having awesome games,” Hansen said. “Stories were everywhere.”

The coaches wore microphones during the matches. Players wore microphones during practice.

“Then we went into the locker room after some of the matches and captured all the fun that was in there,” he said. “We also interviewed players and captured the press conference feeds.”

Hansen said his two daughters, now in their 20s, were involved in music and marching band,

“So, I had never had a front row seat to this kind of female athleticism, this type of action and grit that these women are putting out there every night,” he said.

Hansen said he ended up with around 40 hours of footage which took about 300 hours to edit.

Ignite middle blocker Blake Mohler, who wore a microphone during practice, said she is eager to see the film in its entirety.

“I’m so used to cameras being around, and if I’m being honest, I love cameras being around,” Mohler said. “I think it’s so cool to capture the inside of what we’re doing, and you wouldn’t guess it, but I love being the center of attention sometimes. After about five seconds, you forget they’re even there. Obviously, our main focus is volleyball. I’m just focusing on what we’re doing and knowing that they are capturing every moment of it.”

Mohler said she is glad the season was captured in a film.

“This documentary is going to show every up and down that we faced throughout the season because a lot of the times we would forget they were even in there and just carry on with our normalcy,” she said.  “From an outside eye, people wouldn’t have expected such a successful season, but I can tell you from being in the gym for the first week in December, we knew what we had was special. We had a special group that was very passionate, very mature, very driven.

“I think showing our authentic self is what fans really love.”

Carly Klanac, vice president of marketing and game day experience for Indy Ignite, was the film’s producer

“The story of the inaugural season of the Indy Ignite is one that needs to be told,” Klanac stated. “It shows the grit of a team, full of rookies and undersized ballers, that came together and came up with an unexpected second-place finish in their first-ever season in Major League Volleyball.’

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR

Heartland Festival will present the world premiere of “Sweet Lorraine in Auschwitz” at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Tobias Theater at Newfields. The feature-length documentary tells the story of Holocaust survivor Frank Grunwald, who lived in Fishers for more than 25 years and was deeply active in the Indianapolis arts and civic community until he died in 2023 at the age of 90. The film’s writer and director is Fishers resident Philip Paluso. Westfield resident Amber Maze is the writer-producer.

For more showings, visit heartlandflim.org.

‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’

“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘WORSHIP NOW’

Air1’s “Worship Now’ tour will stop at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Fishers Event Center. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.

II DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT

II Divo, a quartet, is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Fire & Rain: A James Taylor Experience” is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten” runs through Oct. 18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

’50

YEARS SINGING TO MEXICO’

“Aida Cuevas: 50 Years Singing to Mexico” is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MOONLIGHT BALLET’

A fundraiser for Indiana Ballet Conservatory featuring live dancing and musical entertainment is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at 6663 Silver Creek Dr., Indianapolis. For more, vist indianaballetconservatory.org.

‘DRAMA! BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents“Drama! Beethoven & Brahms” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

’SERENADE’

Indiana Wind Symphony will perform “Serenade” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Juan Guillen, left, and Brian Hansen co-directed the documentary “Ignite the Fire.” (Photo courtesy of Indy Ignite)

Mohler

Play centers on life of Riley

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Keith Miller got the idea for his play while visiting Paris.

READING

A friend recited a line from a James Whitcomb Riley poem, and he finished the line. The friend, from Boston, wondered how Miller knew that, and he explained that Riley was from Greenfield

teur. He started out on a traveling medical circuit, so he was quite the character.”

Miller’s play features a fictional backstage conversation with Riley and assistant stage manager Caleb Johnson. The play, directed by Richard J. Roberts, features Paul Hansen as Riley and Nolan Daugherty as Johnson.

“We all used to learn Riley, but I don’t think he’s taught as much in schools,” said Miller, a Carmel resident who grew up in Indianapolis “So, I’m reintroducing him to this generation.”

Miller’s two-person play will be part of Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series reading of “An Evening with James Whitcomb Riley.” The 75-minute free reading is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at Carmel Clay Public Library.

The play is based on Riley and Mark Twain’s joint appearance in 1894 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“Mark Twain hated performing with Riley because he upstaged Twain,” Miller said. “(Riley) was a bon vivant. He was a racon-

Miller said Roberts has been a huge help

“I’ve done eight revisions of the play and it’s a much better work now because of his involvement,”

Miller said.

Miller, 68, has always wanted to be a writer. He has had more time to write since retiring three years ago from his job in cardiac surveillance sales.

Following the Lab Series reading, the play will be presented by ATI in a fully staged production as a benefit for the Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation and the James Whitcomb Riley House. The benefit performance will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 2026, at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Anyone interested in attending the reading should register at bit.ly/42QiJnU.

CSO features classic composers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kelly Corcoran is excited about the repertoire of her Carmel Symphony Orchestra guest conducting stint.

CONCERT

Corcoran will conduct “Drama!  Beethoven & Brahms” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 2025-26 season-opening concert features Ludwig von Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” Edvard Grieg’s “Holbert Suite, op. 40” and Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1, op 68.”

kind of fun to be presenting programs that are really, truly rooted in what makes classical music great.”

This is the first of Corcoran’s three guest-conducting appearances for CSO this season. She also will conduct concerts in February and April in 2026.

“Each of them on their own are wonderful pieces,” she said, “All are representative of these composers and their musical language.

In Brahms’ ‘Symphony No. 1,’ you hear the lyricism, you hear drama, you hear maturity. I just love Brahms, in general. It’s one of my favorite pieces.”

Corcoran was a CSO guest conductor in 2017.

“These are like the greatest hits in terms of classic composers, right?” Corcoran said. “So, I think just leaning into the beauty of great orchestral music and presenting that with commitment and passion and artistry and great music-making like that is what people will hopefully experience if they come in October just to hear great orchestral music that you don’t get to hear live every day. I just think it’s

“I’m looking forward to working with everybody again and being in that beautiful venue,” she said.

Corcoran, director of a contemporary music ensemble in Nashville, Tenn., typically guest conducts on the road once a month. She occasionally conducts with the Nashville Symphony, including a Nov. 15 concert with country artist Randy Travis. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Miller

Corcoran

‘A Beautiful Mind’ concert set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk has been eager for Discovering Broadway’s next incubation project for some time.

MUSICAL

The musical is being created by composer-lyricist Zoe Sarnak and book writer Sarah Treem.

“When she (Sarnak) told me she was adapting ‘A Beautiful Mind’ into a musical several years ago, I immediately was excited and told her Discovering Broadway would love to be the first stop on the show’s journey,” said Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate.

math professor at Princeton University, was in the book about Nash by Sylvia Nasar. Sarnak is writing the musical to honor Nash and her father.

Discovering Broadway will present a concert featuring songs from “A Beautiful Mind’ at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis.

The film is based on the story of John Forbes Nash, a gifted mathematician who battled mental illness. Sarnak met Nash as a child and her father, Peter Sarnak, a

Kirk said this is the seventh Broadway-bound musical incubation process for Discovering Broadway. The musical’s creative team will meet at a retreat to workshop the music and script before the concert. Bryan Perri, who will join the Indianapolis-area retreat, is the musical supervisor.

“We want Zoe and Sarah to use this retreat to motivate and give them a good circumstance in which they can really give birth to the first draft of the show,” Kirk said.

Kirk said the creative team wants to cast four Indiana actors for the concert.

“The role of Nash and his wife will be cast from actors based in New York,” Kirk said. “We’ll have four local musicians from Indiana playing music.”

For tickets and information on VIP packages, visit discoveringbroadway.com.

Sarnak

Treem

Country show set at Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Maggie Baugh made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 playing violin with an orchestra. However, she saw her future as a country performer.

CONCERT

“That (classical training) was so helpful,” she said.

Playing violin helped her learn other musical instruments.

“Once you know one, you know them all,” she said.

The 25-year-old rising country star and her band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

2 PM – 6 PM

“Everyone has loved the title track of the record,” Baugh said. “It’s been so fun being able to go on tour because there are so many people singing my song back to me.”

Baugh has performed with Keith Urban

This spooky celebration features mallwide trick-or-treating, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, balloon artists, a family-friendly beer garden and so much more!

Costumes are encouraged, and wellbehaved pets are welcome. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Maggie Baugh will perform Oct. 17 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Baugh) LEARN

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READER’S VIEW Divisiveness is disheartening

Editor,

In recent weeks, I’ve seen and heard the tension, divisiveness and hostility taking root in our city of Carmel. It is disheartening, and frankly, it is not who we are.

Carmel is a community that thrives because of its people, the small business owners who pour their hearts into serving customers, the educators shaping our children, the families who give their time to coach, volunteer and support, and the leaders who dedicate themselves to building a stronger city.

We cannot allow anger and division to overshadow what makes Carmel exceptional. Disagreement is healthy in any thriving community, but disrespect and hostility chip away at the very foundation that makes us strong.

Now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to listening with open minds, working together and remembering that our shared love for this city outweighs what separates us.

At OneZone Chamber, our mission always has been to create spaces for connection, collaboration and progress. We believe in the power of dialogue, not as a weapon to win an argument, but as a bridge to better understanding. As Carmel continues to grow and evolve, we must lean into that spirit.

The challenges we face cannot be solved by one organization, one leader, or one perspective alone, but together as business leaders, residents, elected officials and neighbors we can ensure Carmel continues to be a city that shines not only for its innovation and success, but also for its unity.

Let us be known for building up, not tearing down. Let’s remember that civility is not weakness; it’s strength. I am proud to serve this community through OneZone Chamber of Commerce, and I believe wholeheartedly in Carmel’s future, one built not on division, but on togetherness.

Jack Russell, president and CEO, OneZone Chamber of Commerce

VIEWS

READERS’ VIEWS

Maintain commitment to the arts

Editor,

I write as a proud 30-year Carmel resident who values the arts as a centerpiece of our community’s identity. That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn of Mayor (Sue) Finkam’s recent decision to remove $100,000 in funding for the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts as well as monies from other local arts programs.

I fully understand that the disastrous SEA1 bill passed by the legislature has created a significant budgetary shortfall and that Mayor Finkam and other city leaders are faced with the difficult task of making painful cuts. These are not easy decisions, and I appreciate the gravity of the choices before them.

However, I believe reducing funding for the arts is the wrong choice. The arts are not merely cultural amenities — they are proven economic drivers. In 2022, Carmel’s nonprofit arts sector generated $42.7 million in economic activity, supported 981 local jobs, and produced $10 million in gov-

ernment revenue. Reducing programs that deliver both cultural value and measurable economic return risks harming not only our community’s spirit but also its financial health.

Equally important, the arts have a unique power to unite us during a particularly painful and divided time in our country. They provide a common space where people of all backgrounds can gather, connect, and share experiences that transcend politics.

I urge Mayor Finkam and the city council to restore funding and explore alternatives that allow Carmel to maintain its reputation as a vibrant arts destination even in challenging times. Protecting programs that generate revenue, strengthen our local economy, and bring us together as a community is an investment, not an expense. Carmel’s commitment to the arts has made our city a special place to live, work and visit.

Allie Missler, Carmel

All city employees should feel valued

Editor,

We are incredibly lucky to live in Carmel. We have a safe community full of wonderful amenities, top-notch infrastructure and beautiful architecture. This is, in large part, due to the city’s civilian workforce.

The city council is considering Carmel’s 2026 budget. Members have raised legitimate concerns regarding the mayor’s budget requests, one of which is a change to civilian employees’ compensation.

Civilian employees spoke at a recent finance committee meeting, citing disappointment, confusion, chaos, poor communication and favoritism. Committee members expressed similar misgivings. Mayor Finkam was not even present to hear her employees’ concerns. This should tell us something is not right in a city ranked at the top of so many “best place” lists.

When Mayor Finkam took office, she added a new elitist level of employees. This handful of C-suiters provides a superfluous cushion between the mayor and employees while adding north of $1 million dollars to the budget. Councilor Ryan Locke expressed his regret over approving these hires at the beginning of his term, no doubt because of the optics for many long-

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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket No. PZ-2025-00205 OA

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing upon a proposal by the Carmel Department of Community Services to amend the Carmel Unified Development Ordinance (“UDO”) pursuant to documents filed with the Department of Community Services as follows: Amend Article 1, Section 1.29 ‘Filing Fees’ and Article 11, Section 11.02 ‘Definitions’ of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Designated as Docket No. PZ-2025-00205 OA, the hearing will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Second Floor, Carmel, Indiana 46032.

The file for this proposal (PZ-2025-00205 OA), may be examined on the City’s website through Public Documents – Laser Fiche, or at the Carmel Department of Community Services, Division of Planning and Zoning, Carmel City Hall, Third Floor, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN,46032.

Any written comments or objections to the proposal should be filed with the Secretary of the Plan Commission on or before the date of the Public Hearing. All written comments and objections will be presented to the Commission. Any oral comments concerning the proposal will be heard by the Commission at the hearing according to its Rules of Procedure. In addition, the hearing may be continued from time to time by the Commission as it may find necessary.

Bric Butler, Administrator Carmel Plan Commission (317) 571-2417

September 24, 2025

term, dedicated civilian employees.

In addition, the prior administration paid all employees using the same formulas, but Mayor Finkam changed that. Under her lead, only firefighters and police officers now benefit from a new, higher pay matrix — among the highest in Indiana.

Civilian employees, by contrast, are slated to receive pay comparable to other cities, not more. This tends to create resentment among long-serving civilian staff, even though both public safety and civilian personnel contribute significantly and deserve equal compensation.

It is encouraging that the finance committee is closely examining the proposed salary ordinance. In fact, members voted to return the matter to the full council with a negative recommendation.

Councilor Matt Snyder stated he wants the employees taken care of first. I agree. Police and fire personnel received pay increases earlier this year, and civilian employees deserve the same. The city should ensure all workers feel valued. This firstclass city can (and should) do better.

Sue Wolfgang, Carmel, former Carmel employee and city clerk

“Death of a Salesman”

equipment

35. Buffalo hockey team

37. Carmel nature center

40. Stephen King classic

41. Sales pitch

42. “Woe is me!”

43. Clarifying words

45. Hamilton County N-S road

49. Colts’ org.

50. MassageLuXe, e.g.

51. Misery

52. Fishers nature preserve

56. Silently understood

59. Bible book

60. Young fox 61. Debacle

62. Equal (with)

63. Old info?

64. Current space seller

65. Bronte’s Jane

66. Raptors, on a Pacers scoreboard Down

1. Top monks

2. Trail

3. Spanish lady

4. Santa’s helpers

5. Grim film genre

6. Kids recreation organizer: Carmel ___ Club

7. Hearty dish

8. African grassland

9. Son of Seth

10. Moyer Fine Jewelers jewel

11. Doc bloc

12. Thesaurus entry (Abbr.)

15. Hubbub

21. Zionsville Farmers’ Market merchants

22. Waterproof fabric

25. Result of some heavy petting?

26. About 3,300 ft.

27. Leak sound

29. Payment proof

30. Flub

31. Hoosier honkers

32. Patch on a Pacers jersey

34. Col. Lilly

36. Indy Zoo beast

37. Leg part

38. Kind of hygiene

39. AQI monitor

40. Crown Liquors beer container

44. Village People song: “___ Man”

46. Observe

47. Rainbow color

48. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch mollusk

50. Abs exercise

51. Informed

52. Abundant

53. Sharpen

54. “Best Record-Breaking Performance” is one of nine won by Peyton Manning

55. Calendar span

56. IND search party?

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Current Publishing is seeking talented freelance reporters and photographers to join our team. We’re looking for passionate storytellers who can write compelling articles and capture highquality images that bring our local news to life.

FREELANCE REPORTERS

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Requirements: Proven experience, a strong portfolio, proficiency with camera equipment and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

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The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.

back height, silhouette, back pillow and

Custom order yours today!

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.

Custom order yours today!

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RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

KAREN KING, OWNER

KAREN KING, OWNER