Carmel Housing Task Force formed - Sparked by the work of the Carmel Housing Task Force and its initial report, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam has formed the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing. The initial work of the commission will focus on considering and implementing the recommendations of the task force, with members issuing a key recommendations report to the mayor in September. Commission members will meet twice monthly. Learn more at carmel.in.gov/government/boards-commissions-committees/mayor-s-advisory-commission-on-housing.
CHS names girls soccer coach -- John Simmonds has been named Carmel High School girls soccer coach. Simmonds, who has coached soccer at the club and high school level for more than 30 years, had a 108-15-5 record in his six years as Park Tudor coach, winning IHSAA Class A state titles in 2019, 2022 and 2023 and a state runner-up finish in 2020. Simmonds became the second coach in Carmel girls soccer coaching history as he replaces Frank Dixon, who won 10 IHSAA state championships and one state title before it became an IHSAA sanctioned sport in 1994. Simmonds' older two daughters, Claire and Celia, played soccer at CHS. His youngest daughter, Emory, is a sophomore at CHS.
Design contest winner - Clara Rozmaryn, a Carmel resident and junior at the University of Kansas, won third place in the International Housewares Association's Global Innovation Awards Excellence in Student Design competition. Rozmaryn designed Tilt, a sustainable cleaning system that empowers users to make their own non-toxic cleaning solutions at home. It features long-lasting glass bottles, recycled plastic components and eco-friendly formulas, aligning with the growing demand for waste-free, chemical-free home products. The winning industrial design students will showcase their projects at The Inspired Home Show 2025, IHA's global home + housewares marketplace, held March 2-4 in Chicago.
Local 500 Festival Princesses - Five women from Hamilton County have been selected as 2025 500 Festival Princesses. They are: Emily Campagna, a North Central High School graduate and junior at Indiana University; Valliei Chandrakumar, a Carmel High School graduate and senior at IU; Laura Shupe, a Westfield High School graduate and sophomore at Butler University; Holly DeLong, a graduate of Noblesville High School and senior at IU; and Chelsea Murdock, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and sophomore at Ball State University. As 500 Festival Princesses, these women will have the chance to develop their professional skills, create meaningful connections statewide and receive leadership guidance from the 500 Festival board of directors.
Lacrosse athlete of the week - Sophomore All-Ohio Athletic Conference midfielder Clare Alic of Carmel, a graduate of Guerin High School, of the Baldwin Wallace University women's lacrosse team was recently named the OAC Offensive Athlete of the Week for the second time in her career. The defending OAC Rookie of the Year had an outstanding week, scoring a total of six goals and two assists (eight points) across two games.
HCCF appoints president - Hamilton County Community Foundation has appointed Danielle Stiles-Polk as its president. Stiles-Polk, who previously served as HCCF's vice president of external strategy and development, has been serving as interim president and played a critical role in guiding the foundation through its new strategic plan and rebrand launch in January. HCCF's board of directors led the search for a new president after former president Tom Kilian transitioned to a new organization. Learn more at HamiltonCountyCommunityFoundation.org.
2nd SaturDate - Dip into dye and create silk art at 2nd SaturDate, a monthly opportunity to engage with artists and learn more about their process at Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery, 22 N. Range Line Rd. in Carmel. From 1 to 5 p.m. March 8, Westfield silk painter Sylvia Gray will provide everything needed to create a small silk masterpiece using dye. Learn more at IndianaArtisan.org.
Food donations accepted at Menards -- Menards stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the end of March. The company announced that stores also offer nonperishable food items for sale that can be donated. Menards has stores throughout the Midwest, including Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis.
"Dine at the Disco" to benefit CEF - The Carmel Education Foundation's Taste of Carmel fundraiser is set to return March 7 at 502 East Event Centre in Carmel. The theme is "Dine at the Disco." Tickets cost $75 for general admission, $175 for VIP admission and $1,300 for a reserved table for 10. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana.com.
Bicycle donations accepted -- Recycled Cycles is accepting donations of used bicycles at the Good Samaritan Network office, 12933 Parkside Dr., Fishers. Bicycles are used to fulfill holiday orders and other programs throughout the year. Bicycles are donated to TOWER -- Transitioning Opportunities for Work Education, and Reality -- a program of the Hamilton County Jail that assists inmates as they reenter society and the workforce. Bicycles also benefit children in need in Hamilton County via the Good Samaritan Network. Bicycles that cannot be safely restored provide parts to repair other bikes. Learn more at gsnlive.org/recycledcycles.
Safe Family Travel -- The Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership is increasing patrol visibility as part of the annual Safe Family Travel campaign. The campaign, which began Nov. 16, focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving and proper use of seat belts. During the campaign, officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols designed to discourage impaired driving and promote seat belt use. The high-visibility enforcement campaign is funded with grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they encounter an impaired or unsafe driver on the road.
Toys for Tots - AAA Hoosier Motor Club is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots to help children in central Indiana by collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-14 for distribution during the holidays. Donations can be made at participating AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch locations between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 13. Locations include 1438 W. Main St. Suite 104 in Carmel; 8997 E. 116th St. in Fishers; 9200 Keystone Crossing Suite 500 in Indianapolis; and 8751 Wesleyan Rd. in Indianapolis/College Park. In 2023, the Indianapolis chapter of Toys for Tots distributed 78,560 toys and supported 65,000 children.
Hamilton County Parks receives donation -- White River Rescue Inc. has donated $52,000 to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation for the refurbishment of a fishing pier at the White River Campground, 11299 E. 234th St., Cicero. The project will enhance the pier's accessibility to allow fishing and nature viewing to visitors of all ages and abilities.
Energy assistance program - Applications are open for winter utility bill assistance from the Indiana Energy Assistance Program. EAP applicants should gather their last three months of income for the application process. While review can take several weeks, EAP approval leads to financial assistance being applied to natural gas and electric utility bills and temporary protection from utility disconnection for nonpayment. Citizens Energy Group customers who qualify for EAP automatically receive a 10 to 25 percent discount on natural gas bills and a wastewater bill credit. Applications close April 14. Eligibility requirements and the application can be found at in.gov/ihcda under the "homeowners and renters" tab.
Eastbound 96th Street closed - Eastbound W. 96th Street between Spring Mill and Ditch roads was set to close on or after Sept. 9 as crews construct a multi-use path. Westbound traffic will be maintained during the project, which is expected to last through December.
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.
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.
Carmel Realtors honored - F.C. Tucker Company has recognized two Carmel residents and Realtors with its highest awards. Angel Dean has received the Fred C. Tucker Senior Award, recognizing those who exemplify the high standards and time-honored traditions initiated by the F.C. Tucker Company's founder, Fred C. Tucker Sr. Brian Wignall, a U.S. Army Master Sergeant, has been awarded the Bud Tucker Volunteer of the Year - Metro Award - the organization's highest honor for volunteerism.
Make-A-Wish OKI names CEO -- Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana recently announced Juli Miller as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Miller most recently served as Chief Mission Delivery Officer since 2021, where she was instrumental in driving transformational change and helping the chapter grant a record-breaking 1,205 wishes in Fiscal Year 2023. Miller lives in central Indiana with her husband, Dan and their four children. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a Minor in Management from Purdue University. The mission of Make-A-Wish is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.Learn more at wish.org/oki.
PMG hires - Carmel-based Pence Media Group has hired Melissa Sunsdahl as the Director of Client Success. She has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications and client service across a range of agencies and industries. PMG also has hired Lauren Casey Bemis as PR + Marketing Strategist. She spent the last 11 years anchoring WRTV's Good Morning Indiana. She is an Emmy-nominated journalist, videographer, and social media manager. Learn more at pencemediagroup.com.
South College appoints president - South College has appointed Courtney Martin Sechler as the president of the Indianapolis campus at 301 Pennsylvania Pkwy. Sechler previously served as the dean of academic and student services at South College Pittsburgh and as director of admissions. Sechler will replace Turner South, who is transferring to Dallas, to lead South College's new campus there. Learn more at South.edu/Indianapolis.
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.
County partners with CredibleMind -- The Hamilton County Health Department recently launched a digital platform for residents struggling with mental health issues. Tammy Sander, the county's communications director, said CredibleMind is a wellness-oriented platform that provides 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-based mental health resources. Featured topics range from anxiety and stress to workplace wellness and parenting. There is also a tab for community resources where residents can find a list of local agencies that provide mental wellness services. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.crediblemind.com.
AED donated to CFD - Pierre Twer, center, president of Bolt for the Heart, donates an AED from the nonprofit to Carmel Fire Department EMS Chief Andrew Young, left, and Division Chief John Moriarity. CFD has partnered with Bolt for the Heart on placing AEDs at Save Stations in the community and providing education about their use.
Blood donations sought -- Versiti Blood Center of Indiana has issued an emergency plea for blood donations. Winter weather and a rise in illness have significantly disrupted donations, resulting in less than a day's supply of critical blood types for patients at local hospitals. Donors can give blood six times a year. Although all blood types are needed, O negative -- the universal blood donor type -- is in lowest supply. Donors must be 16 or older and in good health, and parental consent is required for donors aged 16 to donate. Versiti Blood Center donation sites include 726 Adams St., Suite 150 in Carmel; 11005 Allisonville Road in Fishers; and 3450 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis. Schedule at appointment at Versiti.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.
Food permit applications available online -- The Hamilton County Health Department has launched an online system for food permit applications. It allows new and established food vendors to apply for and renew permits, provide documents and pay for permits. Starting in 2025, food establishment renewals can be processed through the online system. Vendors will still be allowed to apply for or renew permits in-person or by mail. For more or to apply for a food permit, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/256/Food-Establishment-Program.
Diaper drive -- The Indiana Diaper Bank is collecting diapers, training diapers, wipes and monetary donations through the month of December in the 2024 #ShareTheLove diaper drive. The goal is to collect $30,000 -- approximately 120,000 diapers -- by the end of 2024. The drive assists struggling families through the Indiana Diaper Bank's social service organization partners. Indiana Diaper Bank distributes up to 600,000 diapers every month throughout the state to programs that support Hoosier families who struggle to afford diapers. Organizations that wish to participate can sign up at tinyurl.com/2p8wjts6. Learn more at indianadiaperbank.org.
Grants to address health care gaps - The Hamilton County Health Department is accepting grant applications from organizations with projects that address gaps in health care in the county. The grants will be funded through the state's Health First Indiana program. The General Assembly passed legislation last year that will invest $225 million in public health over the next two years. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects, programs or activities aligned with priority Core Public Health Service areas that include maternal and child health, child and adult immunizations, fatality prevention, tobacco cessation and more. The application deadline is Sept. 30. Apply at hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1858/Health-First-Hamilton-County.
Dental assistance - Accessia Health, a national nonprofit patient assistance organization, has expanded financial assistance offerings to residents of Indiana who have a chronic condition and need help paying for their dental or oral care services. Accessia Health's Oral Health Fund, funded by a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, aims to improve access to care for those who might otherwise go without. Individuals who qualify may receive up to $650 for dental/oral care expenses and up to $100 for travel expenses related to oral care needs and treatment. Learn more at accessiahealth.org/patient-programs.
Food inspection map available - The Hamilton County Health Department recently launched an interactive food inspection map on its website. The map allows residents to access and review food inspection reports for more than 1,200 food service establishments, including restaurants and stores operating within the county. Users can enter their location, view nearby establishments and click on specific restaurants to access detailed inspection reports. County officials said the feature allows consumers to make more informed decisions about where they dine or shop. The map is available under the food Inspections tab at hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1925/Health-Department.
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 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].
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