Family friendly city – Carmel has been named America’s number one small city in which to raise a family. SmartAsset analyzed data on income, childcare costs, high school graduation rates, violent and property crime rates, housing costs, family poverty rates and more. One of the main factors in Carmel’s high ranking was its low crime rate. See the study at https://smartasset.com/
Source: SmartAsset
Carmel Dads’ Club hire – Carmel Dads’ Club has hired Juergen Sommer as director of soccer operations for Carmel FC Soccer. He will be responsible for programming and play a major role in consulting in CDC recreation soccer programs. Sommer is a native of Naples, Fla., and played in the European professional league, MLS and on the U.S. men’s national team with appearances in the 1994 and 1998 World Cup. He also served as an assistant coach for the men’s national team and was named director of soccer and head coach of Indy Eleven.
Investor charged – Carmel financial advisor Thomas J. Buck has been charged with securities fraud. The criminal charges allege that Buck defrauded clients by charging excessive commissions, intentionally failing to advise them of cheaper pricing options and allegedly placing trades without authorization. Clients are estimated to have lost a total of $2 million through the fraud. Buck has agreed to plead guilty and could face 25 years in prison if convicted. Investors who believe they are victims in this case may visit justice.gov/usao-sdin for more information.
Fundraising call scam – Carmel residents are being warned about phone calls from people identifying themselves as members of Carmel Firefighters Local 4444. Do not give them any information or money. The organization has not hired anyone to collect money or fundraise on their behalf and it is a scam. This issue is under investigation.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Carmel’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony is set for noon Nov. 9 at the Tarkington Theater, 3 Center Green. Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Ronald Eaton will serve as the keynote speaker. Winners or the citywide “Heroes Among Us” poster contest will be recognized. The event is free and open to the public.
New judge appointed – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb has appointed David K. Najjar to the Hamilton County Superior Court No. 5. Najjar succeeds Judge Wayne A. Sturtevant, who retired in August 2017. Najjar was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Hamilton County between 1997 and 2005. In 2005, Najjar was appointed a magistrate judge in Hamilton County.
Civil War Roundtable – The Hamilton County Civil War Roundtable will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Monon Community Center, Room B. Pam Newhouse will present We Will Stand Our Chance – the story of two brothers told through their letters home during the war. The public is invited and admission is free.
Birding workshop – Indiana Audubon Society will hold a beginning birding workshop Cool Creek Park and Nature Center from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 18. The workshop will include a look at birding opportunities around the state, purchasing and using binoculars, and an introduction to the common birds of Indiana. Cost is $15, with discounts for Indiana Audubon Society members. We will be outside for part of this event so dress accordingly. Registration is in the events page at indianaaudubon.org/events.
Emergency management awards – The Hamilton County Local Emergency Planning Committee, under the auspices of Hamilton County Emergency Management, recently attended the Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana/Indiana Emergency Response Commission Joint Conference where the group received five awards. The group was awarded in the categories of Planning a Hazardous Materials Exercise, Facility Outreach projects, Community Outreach projects, Contribution to the Indiana Emergency Response Commission, and the Shelter in Place video.
Winter Wonderland Bash – The Democratic Party of Hamilton County will host Winter Wonderland Bash at 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets start at $50 and include hors d’ouevres, silent auction and more. Dress is cocktail attire. Register at secure.actblue.com/donate/wwbash.
Stewards of Children – Parents and adults who work with children can learn how to prevent child sexual abuse by registering for Stewards of Children. This program teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react to child sexual abuse. Chaucie’s Place is offering this program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at their main office, 4607 E. 106th St. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information, visit chauciesplace.org. The first 10 people that e-mail [email protected] will receive a promotional code to attend the training for free.
Winter Market opens – The Carmel Winter Market has begun the season in a new location. It has moved to The Wire Factory, 510 3rd Ave. SW. The new location has more space and vendors. Among the newest vendors are Dandy Breeze Creamery (milk and chocolate milk), Eagle Creek Apiary (honey), and Risin’ Creek Creamery (goat cheese). The market is open on from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through February.
Public comments needed – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public comments on Central Indiana’s 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan. The public is invited to review and comment on the plan, which can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/Draft-2045-LRTP, at several area public libraries, local government offices or the MPO offices at 200 E. Washington St., Suite 2322, Indianapolis. Comments may be made online in the document, or by phone to Stephanie Belch at 317-327-7599 or email at [email protected]. The deadline for comments is midnight Nov. 9.
Komen director named – Jill Madinger of Carmel has been named the executive director of Susan G. Komen Central Indiana. She started in her new role Oct. 30, replacing Natalie Sutton. Madinger was most recently the executive director of Million Meal Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry in Indiana and offering meaningful volunteer experiences.
Shoulder pain seminar – The Carmel Clay Public Library continues its Stethoscope Series with An Owner’s Guide to Shoulder Surgery. Join Dr. Vivek Agrawal at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Program Room of the library. Learn about treatment options for shoulder injuries and get exercises to maintain healthy shoulders. This event is free but registration is preferred by calling 877-888-1777.
Suicide prevention training – Chaucie’s Place will offer a suicide prevention training session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at 4607 E. 106th St., Carmel. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer and was developed specifically to detect and respond to anyone emitting suicide warning signs. Cost is $15. Visit EventBrite.com to register.
Free meditation class – Sahaja Meditation Indiana presents a free mediation class at 7 p.m. on Fridays. Learn to reduce stress and experience inner peace through meditation. The class will be held at Old National Bank, 1430 S. Range Line Rd. For more, visit IndianaMeditation.org.
Home values increasing – Sellers in Carmel are seeing their home values increase, but sit on the market longer. According to F.C. Tucker, the average sale price for homes sold in Carmel in September 2017 was $396,712, the highest in the area. This sale price represented a 9.5 percent increase from September 2016. However, homes in the city sold in 67 days, 13 days longer than this time last year.
Fundraising drive results – Pet Valu, with its sister brand Pet Supermarket, offered its customer base an opportunity to help hurricane victims by hosting a month-long donation drive at all 550 of its stores with the proceeds benefitting local animal shelters in the areas damaged by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The contributions resulted in more than a half million dollars in donations for the hurricane relief effort.
Speed networking luncheon – OneZone presents Young Professionals Speed Networking from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Eddie Merlot’s, 3645 E. 96th St. Get ready for a power-packed hour, rotating from table to table to present a two-minute talk about your business and what you do. Come prepared with your elevator speech and bring plenty of business cards and brochures to distribute. Cost is $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Visit OneZoneCommerce.com by Nov. 14 to register.
New hotel opens – Hilton has just opened its newest hotel in the Indianapolis area. The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Indianapolis-Keystone is located in the heart of Keystone at the Crossing district, adjacent to the River North, and within walking distance of the Fashion Mall. The hotel features 129 guestrooms with 28 studio suites, a two-story atrium, free guest laundry, a large fitness center and an oversized saltwater pool.
Financial firm moves – Foresight Financial Management, an independent financial advisory firm that serves more than 500 families and businesses across 7 states, has moved their office space from Woodfield Crossing to the second floor of the Keystone Office Centre, 8365 Keystone Crossing, Suite 200.
New Advisory Council forming – The Indiana Department of Revenue invites tax professionals, attorneys, business stakeholders, advocates and scholars statewide to be considered for appointment to the first-ever Commissioner’s Advisory Council to provide valuable input on tax administration for the state. Twelve members will be selected for two-year appointments. The council will meet quarterly beginning in late January. Applications are available at in.gov/dor/5739.htm and are due by Dec. 1.
