Street commissioner retires — City of Carmel Street Commissioner Terry Killen retired Nov. 1 after a 30-year career with the Carmel Street Dept. He served one year as commissioner. Matt Higginbotham, who previously served as operations manager, replaced Killen as commissioner. Higginbotham joined the Carmel Street Dept. in 2004.
Ward elected board president — Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward has been elected president of the Association of Indiana Counties board of directors. He began his term on Nov. 1. Board elections were held during the AIC’s annual conference in September. Ward has served as the Hamilton County Surveyor for the last 45 years. He is the past president of the County Surveyors Association of Indiana and the National Association of County Surveyors. He has served as a longtime member of the AIC legislative committee and on the AIC Board of Directors as both vice president and president of the AIC’s East Central District.
Franciscan Values Award — Carmel resident Vicki Yamasaki was honored with the Franciscan Values Award by Marian University at its Oct. 29 annual RISE Gala. She is president of Yamasaki ERM Solutions and is the retired chief risk officer for OneAmerica Financial Partners. Following her retirement, Yamasaki embarked on several efforts to promote her Catholic faith and provide for those in need, founding charitable organization Corpus Christi for Unity and Peace. She is also active in her church, holding several leadership positions at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
State commission appointment — Gov. Eric Holcomb has reappointed Carmel resident James Isch, former chief operating officer of the NCAA, to the White River State Park Development Commission. Isch’s term will last through Dec. 31, 2024.
City updates mobile app — The City of Carmel’s Dept. of Community Services recently updated Carmel’s myCarmel mobile application to include Accessibility Improvement reports. The addition to the app was developed by the Carmel Advisory Committee on Disabilities to make reporting issues involving accessibility convenient and easy to report directly to Carmel’s ADA coordinator.
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seller’s market continues — The strong seller’s market in Carmel continued into October, with homes selling more quickly than this time last year. According to F.C. Tucker Company, homes in Carmel left the market 40.9 percent, or 9 days, more quickly than October 2020. The average sale price for a Carmel home was $517,878, a 1.5 percent increase compared to this time last year. The average price per square foot also increased by 9.6 percent, to $193.18.
Nonprofit seeking executive director — Carmel-based nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation is searching for its first full-time executive director. Founder Brose McVey has been serving as a part-time executive director and board chairman since the organization was founded in 2017. McVey will remain involved in Ben’s Ranch Foundation and continue to serve as board chairman. The organization has formed a search committee to oversee the hiring process and will accept statements of interest through the end of November. Applicants can read the full job description at bensranch.org/job-description-and-posting-executive-director and apply by emailing [email protected] before Nov. 30.
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.
