Carmel in brief — October 10, 2023

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Hurt joins Fifth District race – Kokomo attorney Mark Hurt, a Republican, announced his candidacy for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District in the 2024 election. The seat is held by Republican Victoria Spartz, who is not seeking reelection. Hurt has law offices in Noblesville and Kokomo and worked for the office of U.S. Sen. Dan Coats before beginning his career in law. Other candidates running in the Republican primary are Carmel businessman Raju Chinthala, State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, nonprofit president Matthew Peiffer and business owner Sid Mahant.

Best Small City in America – Carmel is the best small city in America, according to data released by WalletHub. The Hamilton County city topped the list of 2023 Best Small Cities in America, which considered factors such as quality of life, housing costs, school-system quality and other metrics in determining the rankings. Westfield and Fishers also finished in the top five. See the full report at wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-small-cities-to-live-in/16581.

Fraud investigation –The Carmel Police Department is investigating a fraud/theft that occurred on Aug. 18 at Moyer Fine Jewelers at 14727 Thatcher Lane in Westfield. The subject pictured is a person of interest in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer J. Hitchcock at CPD at 317-571-2500 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. Reference CPD case number 2023-57415.

Superbike Cup championship – Carmel native Nolan Lamkin continued his success in the Superbike Cup class winning the championship title one weekend early and having another first- and-second place result. He finished the season with seven wins in the Superbike Cup class.

County officials honored –The Association of Indiana Counties announced that Hamilton County Highway Engineer Brad Davis received the 2023 Outstanding Highway Engineer Award and Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt received the 2023 Outstanding County Commissioner Award. Davis and Heirbrandt received the honors during  the AIC’s 65th annual conference Sept. 27 in Orange County.

Guinness World Record set – Carmel resident Dave Schweikert set a Guinness World Record for the “largest GPS drawing by bicycle” by completing a seven-day, 1,000-mile trek on dirt roads, farm paths and highways in several states in May. The attempt served as a fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief’s annual Pedal to Empower event and Filter of Hope. Schweikert’s route formed the shape of a cross when viewed on a GPS map. Learn more at whyiride.org/2023/09/10/new-world-record.

State appointments – Gov. Eric Holcomb has appointed or reappointed several Carmel residents to various state boards and commissions. They are:

  • Paul Shoopman, owner and master builder with the Paul Shoopman Home Building Group, Board of Registration for Architects and Landscape Architects
  • David Holt, COO of Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim; Distressed Unit Appeals Board
  • Kate Snedeker, representing consumers, Indiana Board of Pharmacy
  • Andrew Leffler, assistant director of Relay Indiana/InTRAC, Indiana School for the Deaf Board
  • Terri Miller, assistant director of special education for Hamilton-Boone-Madison Special Services Cooperative, Indiana School for the Deaf Board
  • Matt Smorch, president and CEO of CountryMark, Land Use Task Force
  • Cameron Clark, attorney and former director of the Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Foundation Board
  • Melinda Cameron, presidency of AdvocacyWorks, Rare Disease Advisory Council
  • Joel Feldman, chief medical director of MHS Indiana, Rare Disease Advisory Council
  • Doug Cipkala, staff attending physician at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Rare Disease Advisory Council
  • Taylor Shockey, representing consumers, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board
  • Jamie Smith, director of the division of fatality review and prevention with the Indiana Department of Health, Statewide Child Fatality Review Committee

Learn about Toastmasters – The Polished Brash Toastmasters Club will hold an open house from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Delta Faucet, 55 E. 111th St. in Carmel, to provide information about the organization for anyone interested in furthering communication and leadership skills. Attendees (in person and virtual options available) will observe a meeting and have the opportunity to ask questions. RSVP or request more information by emailing [email protected].

State of the City address – Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will present his final State of the City address at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green. Tickets for the event, which is presented by OneZone, are $40 and may be purchased at thecenterpresents.org/tickets-events/events/2324/rental/state-of-the-city.

Operation School Bell – The Assistance League of Indianapolis is seeking donations to support its Operation School Bell program, which provides apparel and shoes for thousands of underserved students in Indianapolis. Each student receives a duffel bag that includes a winter jacket, socks, shirts, pants, toothbrush and more. Learn more and donate at alindy.org/operation-school-bell-mailer.html.

Summer interns recognized – U.S. Sen. 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.

Large Auction of Small Quilts – The Quilters Guild of Indianapolis will present a Large Auction of Small Quilts at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 West Oak St. Visit quiltguildindy.net to view pictures of handmade quilts and bags in the silent and live auction. Proceeds from the auction support the growth and development of quilting in the area through art, education and community. In 2022, QGI donated more than 1,200 quilts to local charities.

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.

Democratic caucus interns – State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn is inviting college students and recent college graduates to apply for internships with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus. The internships will span the upcoming legislative session running from January through March 2024 and take place in Indianapolis at the Indiana Statehouse. Interns will receive a biweekly stipend of $900 and the chance to earn academic credit (dependent on each intern’s college). Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31, with a priority deadline of Oct. 15. Learn more and apply at indianahousedemocrats.org/student-opportunities/internships.

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 for all levels of beekeepers located centrally north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. For more information, visit facebook.com/ncbclub.

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.

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.

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.

Vaccines available – Kroger Health is offering vaccinations for flu, RSV and COVID-19 at Kroger grocery and Little Clinic locations, including in Carmel at 1217 S. Range Line Rd. and 10679 N. Michigan Rd. While customers can choose to walk-in to receive vaccines, they are also welcome to make an appointment. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit kroger.com/vaccinations.

Blue Hope Bash – The Blue Hope Bash is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. The fundraiser for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will include a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and dancing. Learn more and purchase tickets at impact.ccalliance.org/event/2023-indianapolis-blue-hope-bash/e452763.

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.

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 [email protected].

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