Bear Creek Park tours — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is hosting free guided tours of Bear Creek Park, 14330 Shelborne Rd., at 2 p.m. Oct. 24, 10 a.m. Oct. 30, and 10 a.m. Nov. 6. Each tour will be about one hour and led by a member of the CCPR team. During the tour, participants will learn about the natural features and wildlife of Bear Creek Park. Trails are primitive, so closed-toe shoes are recommended. Parking is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. After the event, attendees are asked to share feedback about the experience and park. Survey responses will be considered during the master plan process to help shape and guide the ultimate design of the park’s development over the next several years.
Gold Star Families memorial dedication — The Broad Ripple Garden CLub is partnering with the City of Carmel to dedicate a Gold Star Families memorial marker at 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the gazebo at Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square. The memorial is dedicated to those who have lost a family member in the defense of the U.S. Seating will be provided and refreshments will follow the ceremony.
Investigator honored — Indiana State Police First Sgt. Chris Cecil, a Carmel resident, was among investigators recently honored by Acting U.S. Attorney John Childress for their role in investigating and prosecuting Buster Hernandez, who was recently sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for cyberterrorism and other crimes. In addition to ISP, the case was investigated by the FBI, Plainfield Police Dept. Brownsburg Police Dept. and the Washington County Maryland Sheriff’s Office.
Precinct changes submitted — The Hamilton County Election Office has filed its suggested precinct changes with the State of Indiana for approval. The Hamilton County Commissioners signed off on the changes at their meeting on Oct. 25. Indiana is required by state and federal law to redraw Indiana’s statehouse and congressional maps following the nationwide census every 10 years. By law, each precinct must have at least 600 eligible voters and no more than 2,000. A precinct may not cross a congressional or state legislative district line.
CCPR news — Lana Ramer, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation volunteer coordinator, has been appointed by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Education Network as the practitioner-researcher to the National Research Sessions. CCPR Director Michael Klitzing has been elected by his peers to the Board of Directors of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.
Local DAR chapter sponsors essay contests – The Horseshoe Prairie Chapter of the National Association of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring two American History Essay Contests. The deadline to submit essays is Nov. 5. Students in grades 5 through 12 in Hamilton County are eligible. For essay contest rules and submission details, contact the DAR American History Chairperson at [email protected].
Sewa Diwali food drive — The Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Bouddh traditions are honoring the spirit of Diwali through a food drive for those in need that runs through Nov. 21. Learn more about acceptable items to donate and dropoff locations at sewadiwali.org.
Holiday Ideas program set – The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers’ Holiday Ideas program is set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds OV Winks Building, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The program consists of demonstrations, light refreshments, entertainment and a craft. The price is $10, and tropical wear is encouraged. Pre-registration is required by Nov. 12 by contacting the Purdue Extension Service at 317-776-0854. Face coverings are recommended but not required and social distancing encouraged.
Best and Brightest nominations open — Junior Achievement of Central Indiana is accepting nominations for Indy’s Best and Brightest, which honors 100 Central Indiana professionals age 40 and younger. Nomination deadline is Nov. 19. Finalists will be announced in January 2022. Make a nomination at jaindy.formstack.com/forms/2022bestandbrightestnomform.
Glühwein Gallop to debut — The Carmel Christkindlmarkt will host its inaugural Glühwein Gallop 5K from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 4. The course will start and finish at the Christkindlmarkt festival at Carter Green, travel on the Monon Trail and pass shops along Main Street and Range Line Road. The event will include a costume contest. Upon completing the race, those 21 and older will receive a ticket for a free serving of Glühwein or beer. Register at bit.ly/GluhweinGallop.
Invasive species trade-in program — The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership and Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District are offering an invasive species trade-in program. For a limited time and as supplies last, property owners can show proof of removal of an invasive species on their Hamilton County property and receive one five-gallon native species specimen valued at more than $50 for free. The three native species available for trade include American hornbeam, hop hornbeam and tulip poplar. Invasive species include callery pear, burning bush, Japanese barberry and Norway maple. Learn more at hcinvasives.org.
Free Thanksgiving meal — St. Louis de Montfort Church, 11441 Hague Rd. in Fishers, will host a free Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 25 for anyone who is in need of a warm meal or good company. The meal will include turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, rolls and dessert. Pickup and carryout is available. Learn more by calling 317-517-4256.
Community Assistance Program returns — The Carmel Fire Dept.’s Community Assistance Program will deliver food and gifts to 45 families in need in the community this holiday season. Sponsors, donations and delivery drivers are needed. Learn more at carmelfd.com.
Young Afghan professionals to speak — The Indiana Council on World Affairs will feature a panel of young Afghan professionals discussing their past lives; current situation in the U.S., Canada and Europe; family members still in Afghanistan; and their view of the future of their nation. The program will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Indiana Humanities, 1500 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis. A virtual option will also be available. Register at indianacouncilonworldaffairs.wildapricot.org/event-4529200. Learn more at IndianaWorld.org.
Republican interns — The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative and policy offices during the 2022 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Qualified candidates may be of any major and must be at least a college sophomore. Recent college graduates, as well as graduate and law school students, are also encouraged to apply. Interns earn a $750 biweekly stipend and benefit from scholarship and academic credit opportunities, professional development, community involvement and networking. Apply by Oct. 31 at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/intern.
Teen muralist sought — The Carmel Clay Public Library is soliciting designs from teen artists for a mural for the new teens space at the renovated Main Library. Young people in grades 9 through 12 who live or attend school in Carmel are invited to submit their concepts to the library through Dec. 15. The winning artist will receive a $2,000 stipend and have their work transformed into a wallcovering that will become the bold focal point for the new space. Complete contest details are available at carmelclaylibrary.org/teens.
Pedal Perks — Hamilton County Tourism’s Pedal Perks promotion returned this month for its fourth year. The goal is to incentivize locals and visitors to explore Hamilton County by bicycle. From May 1 through Oct. 31, more than 30 participating Hamilton County businesses are offering deals and discounts redeemable on a smartphone. Visit PedalPerks.org to learn more and register.
Coming to City Center — 317 Charcuterie will open in Carmel City Center in November at 61 W. City Center Dr., adjacent to divvy. 317 Charcuterie offers guests a gourmet charcuterie experience including wine and beer pairings along with grab and go charcuterie box options and private event space. Drawing from her time studying abroad in Italy, owner Emily Houser brings a piece of the Italian culture to Carmel through her charcuterie boards. The business will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
KAR hires chief digital officer — Carmel-based KAR Auction Services, an operator of digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles, has hired James Coyle as chief digital officer. Coyle will focus on expanding the company’s digital footprint and delivering a differentiated suite of products and services to KAR’s commercial, dealer, financial institution, rental and fleet customers.
MJ Foundation fundraiser – Carmel-based MJ Insurance will conduct its inaugural fundraiser for the MJ Foundation from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at TopGolf in Fishers. The event will raise funds to provide grants to help support organizations in the community that align with the MJ Foundation’s four areas of focus: overcoming poverty, advancing education, fostering diversity and embracing humanity. For more, visit mjfoundation.com.
Allied Solutions acquisition — Allied Solutions, a provider of insurance, lending, risk management, and data enabled products to financial institutions, has acquired a majority interest in TrxNow, a technology solutions provider for roadside assistance and service logistics. This acquisition will expand Allied’s distribution opportunities in Canada and supports broader key initiatives across the enterprise.
Vaccination clinics at businesses — The Hamilton County Health Dept. is offering on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics to Hamilton County businesses. Businesses should consider hosting a workplace vaccination program only if they have enough space to stand up a clinic while maintaining social distancing through the entire process, from screening to post-vaccination observation. Businesses interested in setting up an on-site clinic can contact Chris Walker at [email protected] or by calling 317-776-8500.
Mass vaccine clinic — The Hamilton County Health Dept. has reopened its mass vaccination clinic at the 4H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Only those who are 65 years of age or older as well as those who are 18 years and older with underlying medical conditions or who live or work in high-risk settings are eligible for a Pfizer booster. Walk-ups are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To register, visit ourshot.in.gov.
