Bicentennial exhibit – The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission traveling exhibit will be in Carmel Sept. 9 to 15 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. The exhibit celebrates the five themes of the bicentennial and showcases events, places and people. Learn more at hamcoturns200.com/events.
Learn about environmental resilience – Carmel Green Initiative is partnering with the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute to present information on a new book series focused on environmental change. Gabe Filippelli, executive director of the institute, will speak about how communities and individuals can help build a more sustainable and resilient planet during the free event, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. Learn more by visiting carmelgreen.org or contacting Madelyn Zalon at mzalon@indy.rr.com.
Create What You Crave – A new series of pop-up social events will launch Sept. 7 to build a community of creatives. The inaugural Create What You Crave is set for 5:30 p.m. at Kuaba Gallery, 404 W. Main St. in Carmel. Guests can mingle with like-minded individuals looking to explore the topic of creativity and community. The event will include a panel discussion with Alyssa Baker, owner of Riot Media and Aura Self & Soul Care; Iman Tucker, a DJ and creator of Believe Brand Co.; Jayne During, owner of Kuaba Gallery; and Anne O’Brien, panel moderator and founder of Create What You Crave. Tickets cost $22 and are available at eventbrite.com/e/create-what-you-crave-launch-event-tickets-697798593377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Golf scramble fundraiser – The third annual golf scramble to benefit the Scotty Michael Foundation is set for 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at Plum Creek Golf Club, 12401 Lynnwood Blvd. in Carmel. The foundation is dedicated to assisting families after the sudden loss of an infant. Learn more and register at ScottyMichael.org.
Auxiliary sets world record – The Carmel Fire Auxiliary set a world record for the most people wearing red plastic fire helmets at the CarmelFest parade this year. On July 4, 14,834 parade attendees donned their red plastic fire helmets and looked to the sky as a drone flew over taking a tally of participants. This total was certified by Record Setters.
CHS Dance Marathon honored – The Carmel High School Dance Marathon won the Children’s Miracle Network national award for Best High School Dance Marathon. Throughout the year Carmel Dance Marathon hosts a variety of events such as a Runway for Riley, a golf outing, Race for Riley and more that brings the community together to support Riley Hospital for Children. The efforts resulted in fundraising of more than $614,000, an increase of $104,000 in just one year.
Ben’s Ranch receives Mega Grant – Carmel-based Ben’s Ranch Foundation has been awarded a $100,000 grant and a vehicle package worth $60,000 as part of Round Room Gives’ Mega Grant Presentation. Ben’s Ranch was selected as one of seven finalists for the Mega Grant. Other finalists were 100 Black Men, 91 Place, Coburn Place, Cocktails and Caregivers, Dream Alive and Trinity Haven. Each finalist received a $100,000 grant and vehicle package. Dream Alive took home an additional $580,000 as the Mega Grant winner.
Newcomers Club meeting – The Newcomers Club of Carmel will hold its first meeting of the fall at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 with a luncheon at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St. in Westfield. The nonprofit social club connects its members with friends, engages in fun activities and explores the community. Membership represents Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville and Indianapolis. For more, visit carmelnewcomers.com.
Share what you love about Carmel – The Carmel Clay Historical Society and the Carmel Clay Public Library are partnering to celebrate Hamilton County’s bicentennial with a video compilation. Community members are needed to share on film what they love about Carmel. The video stories will be shared at the Carmel History Fair to be held at the library in November. Filming will take place in the library’s Digital Media Lab from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Learn more and register at CarmelClayLibrary.org.
Summer interns recognized – U.S. Senator Todd Young recently recognized Hoosier students who participated in the summer internship program in his Indiana offices, including Adam Spensley, a senior from Carmel attending Purdue University. The students assisted with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services. Students interested in applying for the internship program can learn more by calling 202-224-5623.
MASH Ministries golf outing – The annual MASH Golf Outing is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at Plum Creek Golf Club, 12401 Lynnwood Blvd. in Carmel. The fundraiser will benefit local veterans and first responders through the MASH Ministries nonprofit. Learn more and register at MASHMinistries.org.
Altrusa style show, fundraiser – The Altrusa International of Indianapolis annual Style Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. Proceeds from the event will benefit the many local organizations that Altrusa supports. The Secret Ingredient will provide the latest fall fashions. Doors will open at 11 a.m. so attendees can browse the many items in the club’s silent auction and raffle as well as check out clothing items and accessories from The Secret Ingredient’s onsite boutique. Tickets cost $55 per person or $395 for a table of eight. Call 317-374-8777 or email altrusaindy@gmail.com to reserve a spot by Sept. 1.
CHS names softball coach — Stephanie Kleiner has been named as the Carmel High School softball coach, replacing Ginger Britton, who retired after the spring season. Kleiner has been involved with softball for more than 30 years. She earned all-conference and all-state honors as a pitcher and outfielder at Deerfield High School in Illinois. As a coach, Kleiner has worked with the Indiana Magic Gold and Indiana Dreams as well as serving as the University High School coach. Kleiner teaches third grade at Forest Dale Elementary in Carmel.
Learn about solar power – The Carmel Green Initiative will present information on solar energy, its benefits and how the Hamilton County Solar Co-op can help residents install solar technology on their property. The co-op closes to new members Sept. 30. Upcoming information sessions are at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 (Noblesville Public Library), 6 p.m. Aug. 29 (Carmel Clay Public Library), 6:30 p.m. (Hamilton East Public Library) and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 (webinar). Learn more at CarmelGreen.org.
Remove invasives, receive free plants – The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership and Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District will provide up to three, 3-gallon native trees or shrubs for free to Hamilton County residents who show proof of removal of an invasive species from their property. Learn more at hcinvasives.org.
Christkindlmarkt mug unveiled – The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has unveiled the 2023 design of the market’s boot mug. This year’s mug will be rose colored, with a dark red interior. Along with the updated color, this year’s mug features views of the Palladium, ice skaters on the Ice at Carter Green and the Glühwein Pyramid – one of the signature sights at the market. The mugs will be available for sale on-site at the market for $6 each, while supplies last. The market will be open Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. Learn more at carmelchristkindlmarkt.com.
Monthly beekeepers meeting – The North Central Beekeepers Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000 E. 151st St. in Westfield. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of beekeepers located centrally north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. For more information, visit facebook.com/ncbclub.
Pickle on Penn hires – Pickle On Penn, a new pickleball-focused country club set to open later this year, announced the addition of Ryan Atkinson as general manager and director of pickleball and Ryan Sunderland as head chef, effective fall of 2023. Atkinson comes to POP from Broadmoor Country Club, where he serves as director of pickleball and the Indianapolis Racquet Club, where he is a primary coaching professional. Sunderland will lead the launch of The Kitchen at Pickle on Penn. After honing his skills in catering, food & beverage, and hospitality management at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Sunderland helped transform several restaurants before most recently launching Social Cantina at Midtown in Carmel.
Merchants Bank adds brand ambassadors – Carmel-based Merchants Bank of Indiana has signed Indiana University basketball players Trey Galloway and Malik Reneau as its newest brand ambassadors. As brand ambassadors, Galloway and Reneau will make personal appearances and participate in other advertising opportunities to promote Merchants Bank’s various lines of business.
Franchise Rock Star – Joe Sunderman, a Penn Station East Coast Subs multi-unit franchise owner, was recently named a 2023 Franchise Rock Star. Penn Station honored Sunderman, who owns the restaurant in Carmel, in the Millennial category in Franchise Business Review’s annual Rock Star awards. The award highlights Sunderman’s leadership, business sense and commitment to community engagement.
Business Hall of Fame inductees – Junior Achievement of Central Indiana has announced the four Laureates who will be inducted into the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame this year. They are Aasif M. Bade, founder and CEO of Ambrose Property Group; Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck’s Hybrids; Carolene Mays, founder and CEO, Black Leadership + Legacies, Inc. and Carolene Mays Inspiring Leadership, LLC; and Brian Payne, former president and CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation, former president of The Indianapolis Foundation and former managing director of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. The honorees will be inducted at the 35th annual Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 3 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
Real estate recognition – Nicki Simon Felix with Keller Williams in Carmel has earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar GUILD recognition for experience, knowledge and expertise in million-dollar and above residential properties. Felix is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, a group of real estate professionals who have completed the institute’s training and have a proven performance in the upper-tier market. Felix has been in real estate since 2017 and specializes in Hamilton County and the surrounding Indianapolis Metropolitan Area.
Carmel resident elected chair – Carmel resident Steven Caltrider, vice president and chief intellectual property counsel at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been elected chair of the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law. Caltrider will serve a one-year term ending in August 2024. The ABA-IPL advances the development and improvement of intellectual property laws and their fair and just administration. Prior to joining Dana-Farber, Caltrider retired as vice president and general patent counsel for Eli Lilly and Company.
Gourmet Tastings at Regalique – Regalique, 110 W. Main St. Suite 120 in Carmel, is hosting Gourmet Tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. At the free event, guests can sample gourmet products, including chocolates, honey, cheese and more. Learn more at Regalique.com.
Ice Miller hire – Maddie Augustus of Carmel has joined Ice Miller’s public affairs group as senior director of public affairs. As a registered lobbyist, she focuses on state legislative and executive branch lobbying on behalf of clients. She works with the firm’s public affairs clients to develop and implement public policy strategies and works on state and federal government procurement and public and government relations issue management. Prior to joining Ice Miller, Augustus served as director of government relations for the Insurance Institute of Indiana.
Caregiver Sip and Meet – Little Star ABA Therapy will present a Sip and Meet for mothers and female caregivers of people with developmental disabilities from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Rejoicing Vine, 8440 W. 82nd St. in Indianapolis. The event will include tastings, a tour of the winery and guided discussions. Cost is $25. Register at littlestaraba.org/for-families/mom-and-female-caregiver-events.
Doctor joins Riverview – Dr. Bryce Buente has joined Riverview Health at Westfield Medical. As a family medicine physician, Buente provides care to patients of all ages. He enjoys helping patients with the management of chronic medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. He is trained in different procedures including joint injections, skin biopsies and more. Buente graduated from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys powerlifting, playing chess and spending time with his family. For more information, visit riverview.org.
Forté receives more walk-in visits – More patients are turning to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a Carmel-based, physician-owned practice, for specialized walk-in orthopedic urgent care. In the first half of 2023, Forté Fast Orthopedic Care clinics saw 52 percent more walk-in patients compared to the first six months of 2022.Forté Fast provides walk-in access for acute issues, such as broken bones, sprains, fractures and dislocations. Patients receive same-day services based on their individual needs, including a musculoskeletal evaluation from a fellowship-trained physician, rehab, imaging, bracing, medical supplies and more.
Hospice volunteers needed – Brighton Hospice in Carmel is looking for volunteers to help office staff perform a variety of office duties such as organizing admission paperwork, filing, preparing and sending mail, answering phones, stocking supplies and helping with special projects and events. Hours and days for this volunteer opportunity are flexible and training will be provided. To learn more, contact Katresha Taylor, volunteer coordinator, by calling 317-798-2160 or by email at ktaylor@brightonhospice.com.