Relay for Change – The third annual Relay for Change 6K partner relay race is set for 9:15 a.m. July 20 at Carmel High School, 520 E. Main St. Teams of two will compete, with each participant running 3K. The event is organized by Be the Change Indy, a group run by local youth that advocates for social equity. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Julian Center, which supports victims of abuse and other survivors Cost to participate is $25. Register at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Carmel/RelayforChange.
TechHOUNDS summer camp – The TechHOUNDS summer camp is set for July 22 to 26 at Carmel High School. From 12:30 to 4 p.m. daily and 12:30 to 7 p.m. the final day of camp, attendees entering fifth through eighth grades will learn about robotics, programming and STEM-based activities. Registration is open through July 18. Fee is $300 and covers materials and access to equipment. Register at forms.gle/ykYiBZ9TPJsttNrY6.
Housing task force to gather public feedback – The Carmel Mayor’s Housing Task Force will hold a public meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. July 25 to exclusively gather resident input. The meeting will be held in the council chambers on the second floor of Carmel City Hall at 1 Civic Square. The task force is nearing the end of its fact-finding phase, which has occurred over the past five months during public meetings. So far, the task force has received and reviewed relevant reports, studies and data presented by subject matter experts who have shared their expertise and insights. Although previous meetings have included time for public input, the July meeting will be dedicated to hearing residents’ feedback on the housing issues facing the Carmel community. Learn more at carmel.in.gov/government/departments-services/community-services/housing-task-force.
History museum open house – The Carmel Clay History Museum will hold an information open house for potential volunteers and those wanting to learn more about the museum from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 18 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St., in Meeting Room B. The museum is under construction on the southwest corner of 1st Street SW and Monon Boulevard. Learn more at CarmelClayHistory.org.
Veterans resource fair – The Hamilton County Veterans Corp. is hosting a countywide Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at 1775 Field Dr. in Noblesville for military members, veterans and their families, and all Hamilton County residents. Some of the resources available at the event include providers and outreach specialists from Federal VA Benefits, Roudebush VA Hospital, County Veteran Service Officers, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Readiness and Employment, Military OneSource, Indiana WorkOne, the Hamilton County Health Department and more.
Golden Hoosier nominations – Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Golden Hoosier Award, which honors senior Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. Since the start of the program, more than 200 Hoosiers have been honored. To be eligible, the nominee must be an Indiana resident age 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years. The deadline for submitting applications is July 14. Nomination forms can be accessed at in.gov/lg/lt-governor-initiatives/golden-hoosier-award. A ceremony honoring those selected will be held later this year.
Class of ‘74 reunion – The Carmel High School Class of 1974 will have its 50th class reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 24 at the VFW Post 10003, 12863 Old Meridian St., Carmel. For more or to RSVP, email Jocko Conley at [email protected] or call Jenny Johnson Rundle at 317-501-3034.
Adaptive Sensory-Friendly Swim events – Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will host several Adaptive Sensory-Friendly Swim events at The Waterpark in Carmel, 1195 Central Park Dr. W, this summer. The events, designed for individuals with disabilities and their families, are set for 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 16 and 30. During Adaptive Sensory-Friendly Swim events, the concession stand is closed, music is turned off and capacity is limited. Outside food and drink are welcome. Each event costs $20 per family to attend. Register at bit.ly/3yEo5q5.
Summer Reflections at OPPC – Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 E. 106th St. in Carmel, will host a free series, Summer Reflections: Insights on Faith and Community. The presentations will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the church lounge. Topics and speakers are:
- July 10: Jeff Worrell – The Civility Project
- July 17: Rich Phipps – Severe Mercy
- July 24: Bill Enright – An Octogenarian Ponders the Post-Covid Church
- July 31: Phillip Anderson – The Future of Community and Connection
The series is open to the public. Learn more at OrchardPark.org or by emailing [email protected].
Flag disposal – American flags that are tattered and worn should be disposed of following federal guidelines, which include burning and proper handling of the ashes. Collection bins for flags in need of retirement can be found throughout Hamilton County, including VFW Stanley E. Banks, Sr. Post 10003, 12863 Old Meridian St. in Carmel; American Legion Post 173, 852 W Main St. in Carmel; VFW Ralph Lehr Post 6246, 654 S 9th St. in Noblesville; and American Legion Post 102, 9091 E 126th St. in Fishers.
Hamilton County court text program – Hamilton County courts have joined a pilot program spearheaded by the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Court Technology to enhance communication and reduce failures to appear in court. The program sends text message reminders to petitioners and respondents in divorce, paternity, and other family cases. Participants receive text reminders about upcoming court hearings if they provide a cell phone number in their party record with the court. Hamilton County began the pilot program in May and is assessing its effectiveness. Interested residents can update their cell phone numbers with the clerk’s office, 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 106 in Noblesville.
HCE fleet to grow – Hamilton County Express will add six new minivans to its fleet this fall thanks to IndyGo, the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana, which awarded Hamilton County a grant worth $453,000. The grant award will facilitate the acquisition of six low-floor minivans that will be accessible for individuals with disabilities (including wheelchair users). The smaller vehicles will also provide easier navigation through city streets and parking lots than the larger buses operated by HCE. Delivery of the new vehicles is expected in early fall.
Art scholarship – At the Carmel High School Awards Ceremony, Liz Bowman and Theresa Green from the Eta Delta (Carmel) Chapter of Psi Iota Xi presented their annual art scholarship to graduating senior Lily Perkins. Perkins is planning on pursuing a degree in user experience design at Purdue University. This combines her passion for digital art and design as well as her desire to solve technological problems. Her parents are Eric and Emilie Perkins of Carmel. Psi Iota Xi is a Philanthropic Sorority, with chapters throughout the Midwest.
Monon Mixers at The Waterpark – Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is hosting several adults-only, after-hours Monon Mixers at The Waterpark in Carmel, 1195 Central Park Dr. W., this summer. The mixers are set from 8 to 10 p.m. July 5 (Christmas in July), July 19 and Aug. 2 (Swiftie Night). Each event costs $25 per person. New this year, participants can reserve cabanas for the event for an additional $45. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of local vendors, in addition to concessions. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Learn more at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/carmelclayparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=monon%20mixer&viewMode=list.
Support for seniors and caregivers – Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Hamilton County residents 55 and older, hosts a caregiver support group and an aging well discussion group at the Westfield Washington Township office, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The free programming offers support for seniors and their caregivers within the community. The caregiver support group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 18, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. The aging well discussion group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 11, July 25, Aug. 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Register for programs by contacting Angie Anderson, Program Manager at Shepherd’s Center, at 463-238-1703.
Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers – Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is looking for volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for its westside, eastside and northside program nights. Volunteers provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, ages 3-29, and their caregivers, to grieve. Facilitators engage groups through conversation as well as age-appropriate therapeutic activities such as crafts and games. Facilitators serve families twice a month on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. To learn more about becoming a facilitator or to apply, contact [email protected] or visit brookesplace.org/grief-support-volunteer.
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.
Kinetic Advantage leadership changes – Carmel-based Kinetic Advantage, a national provider of floorplan financing services for independent auto dealers, has hired Brian Geitner as president and chief operating officer. Geitner served as president of NextGear Capital until 2016, when he joined Cox Automotive Media Solutions as its president, guiding the business units of Autotrader, Kelly Blue Book and Dealer.com. Geitner retired from Cox in 2018. Marty McFarland, Kinetic’s founder and president and chief executive officer, will remain as CEO. Randy Dohse, co-founder of Kinetic and former COO, will become chief revenue officer.
MJ Companies hire – The MJ Companies has appointed Bethany Peterson as senior vice president of employee benefits. In this role, Peterson will support the Carmel-based company’s continued growth and will lead the development of infrastructure for future market expansion. While Peterson will reside in the Denver market, she will lead the operations function for employee benefits nationally. Her focus will be building an aligned operational delivery model across The MJ Companies’ three markets (Indianapolis, Phoenix and Denver) to enhance the associate and client experience.
Top financial advisor – John Cate of Carmel was recently named to the 2024 Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list that ranked him as the No. 1 financial advisor in Indiana. He was also recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Cate is a financial advisor with the Cate, Brunton & Luc Group, a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management company in Indianapolis. He graduated from the Miller College of Business at Ball State University.
‘Hamilton County Conversations’ – Invest Hamilton County has launched a podcast titled “Hamilton County Conversations,” which features leaders across various sectors in Hamilton County in discussions with Invest Hamilton County President and CEO Mike Thibideau. The podcast arose out of a desire to facilitate conversations around workforce development, quality of life and other issues of key concern to Hamilton County leaders, businesses and residents. Podcasts are released twice monthly and are available for listening through both Apple Music and Spotify. Learn more at investhamiltoncounty.com/engage/hamilton-county-conversations-podcast.
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.
Peachey Fund raises $131K – The Catherine Peachey Fund raised $131,356 at the ninth annual “Wine Tasting with Peachey” event, held June 24 at the Indiana Design Center in Carmel. The record-breaking amount will directly support breast cancer research in Indiana, furthering the Peachey Fund’s mission to advance innovative and impactful research projects. The fundraiser brought together community members, researchers and supporters who enjoyed an evening of wine, small bites, researcher updates and inspiring stories. Learn more at peacheyfund.com.
Free sports physicals – Monarch Medicine, 90 Executive Dr. in Carmel, will offer free sports physicals from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in July. Appointments can be made at monarchmedicine.org and walk-ins are welcome.
Vital records available online – Hamilton County has become the fourth county in Indiana to offer an online ordering system for birth and death certificates. Previously, birth and death records were only available in person or via mail-in application. Orders are processed within two business days, excluding weekends and holidays, and customers can choose mail delivery or pick-up. Newborn records may take 10 to 14 days to become available through the Indiana Department of Health’s vital records system. Certified birth and death certificates are $15 per copy, and online orders will incur a nonrefundable $5 service fee. To order, visit the Hamilton County Health Department’s online portal, hamiltoncounty.in.gov/255/Vital-Records.
Lung Support Group – Franciscan Health Indianapolis will host a monthly Lung Support Group hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. in Indianapolis. The meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month (beginning March 21) from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Cardiac Testing Conference Room. Meetings include a guest speaker and focus on lung education and treatment information. A light meal will be provided and a shuttle bus service is available. RSVP for meeting and transportation a week prior to the event. For more, call 317-528-8901 or email [email protected].
Free weather radios for hard of hearing – Hamilton County Emergency Management is giving away free weather radios to Hamilton County residents who are deaf and hard of hearing. Grant dollars allowed EMA to purchase hundreds of the radios that come equipped with a pillow shaker and strobe lights. Anyone who qualifies should contact Monica Peterson at [email protected] to receive a radio.
Divas bicycle program returns – The second year for IU Health Momentum Indy Divas presented by VQ Labs, a women’s bicycle riding and empowerment program developed to foster a welcoming environment for women of all ages, experience and abilities, kicked off April 11. The program offers weekly rides (road and off-road) through September for women who are seeking a healthy, active lifestyle and an opportunity to connect socially with other women of all cycling levels and abilities. The group meets at 6:15 p.m. on Thursdays at Indiana Members Credit Union, 3975 W. 106th St. in Carmel. Membership is $150, and no woman will be turned away because of inability to pay. Learn more at momentumindy.org/divas.
