Goldwater Scholarship recipient — Carmel resident Jordyn Blakey, a junior studying computer science at DePauw University, has won the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, given to students who plan to pursue a research career in science, math or engineering. Blakey, who is involved in Computing Opportunities for Students of Color, the Association of African-American Students and the Sustainability Leadership Program, said she intends to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and conduct algorithms research.
Honor Society inductee — Kristen Koning and Melissa Ko of Carmel was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Koning was initiated at Pennsylvania State University. Koning is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
Pop-up book sale — The Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation will hold pop-up book sales at the Merchants’ Square Main Library, 2140 E. 116th St. The cost is $10 to fill a bag with books. The sale will feature fiction books on May 1 and nonfiction and audiobooks on May 8.
National Day of Prayer — Those wishing to pray for the nation are invited to Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square, from noon to 1 p.m. May 6 for a National Day of Prayer gathering. This year’s theme is “Lord, pour out Your love, life and liberty.” Learn more about the national event at nationaldayofprayer.org.
City Hall reopening plan — The City of Carmel reopened City Hall to the public and employees on April 12. Based on an increase of COVID-19 vaccinations, low hospitalization numbers and the availability of more effective treatments, the city has developed a plan to gradually increase staffing at City Hall to full force by May 3. The city plans to continue taking temperatures of employees and visitors as they enter City Hall indefinitely. Members of the public who have been vaccinated will no longer need to wear masks to conduct business in City Hall.
HCLA accepting applications — Applications are being accepted for the Hamilton County Leadership Academy Class of 2022. HCLA is a 10-month program designed to connect leaders to their communities by helping them build a better understanding of Hamilton County. Applications are due by May 31. Learn more at hcla.net.
Graduate school scholarships — The Beryl Showers Holland Fellowship will offer a $3,000 first place and $2,000 second place scholarship to graduating seniors at Indiana University who will attend graduate school in the fall. Learn more and apply at trikappa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BSH-Application-2021-Packet-FF-2.pdf.
Free math, science homework help — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s free AskRose homework helpline is available to help middle and high school students get a head start on understanding their math and science homework problems through a simple phone call, email or chat session. Rose-Hulman students are available Sunday through Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. during the school year to help youth in grades 6 through 12 review math and science concepts. Connections can be made at 877-275-7673 or AskRose.org.
Weed Wranglers — The Hamilton County Invasive Species Partnership will debut Weed Wranglers events this year to remove invasive species at various locations. Volunteers will learn how to manage a targeted invasive species and work as part of a collaborative effort to improve a natural area. Learn more at hcinvasives.org/weedwrangle. Registration is required.
Rise Up for Kids Breakfast — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will welcome Erin Merryn as the keynote speaker for the virtual Rise Up For Kids Breakfast set for 8 a.m. April 29. Merryn is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and will share her story of overcoming this abuse and empowerment she gained. Join the event at fb.me/e/55bhNhQDb. Learn more at erinmerryn.net and indianaprevention.org.
Home builder move — Custom home builder Christopher Scott Homes plans to move its offices from Carmel City Center and open a 4,800-square-foot retail design center showroom for its AR Homes division on the main floor of the Indiana Design Center. Also in the new space will be the AR Homes design studio, where clients are able to make their finish selections in a matter of a few days versus following the traditional path of individual selections from separate showrooms over several months.
CCPR hiring for summer — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for multiple summer positions and will hire more than 150 seasonal staff members. Positions include lifeguards, swim instructors, concessions, member services, camp counselors and more. CCPR has positions available for individuals 15 years old and older. The summer season runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. All positions start mid-May. Learn more at carmelclayparks.com/work.
Walmart Open Call — The application process for Walmart’s eighth annual Open Call is now open, and the company invites Indiana entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their products on Walmart shelves and online to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on June 30 via virtual pitch meetings. The deadline to apply is April 30. Learn more and apply at Walmart-jump.com.
State income tax filing date change — The Indiana Department of Revenue is extending individual income tax filing and payment deadlines to align with the Internal Revenue Service deadline of May 17. The original due date was April 15. Individuals who are not able to file by the May 17 deadline can file an extension directly with DOR or with the IRS. Learn more at dor.in.gov.
MJ Insurance hires — Carmel-based MJ Insurance has hired Leea Ashfeld-Schwarz to its benefits consulting team, Michael Parent as surety consultant, Adam Adler as risk management client executive and Michelle North as personal insurance account manager.
Vaccine cancellation hotline — The Hamilton County Health Dept. has noticed a sharp increase in the number of people not showing up for their COVID-19 vaccinations. As more clinics open, people are finding ways to get their vaccine sooner. Unfortunately, the only way to cancel an appointment is by calling 2-1-1, which can lead to long wait times. As a result, volunteers for the health department have taken to calling those on the schedule each day to confirm their appointments, but that has proven time consuming. Clients should expect a call from 317-776-2585 or a text from 78015 the week prior to their appointment. If they need to talk to a person, they can leave a voicemail with their name, date of birth, phone number, and appointment date at 317-776-8566.
Stroke support group — Franciscan Health Stroke Center is hosting virtual group Zoom meetings from 4 to 5 p.m. for people recovering from a stroke or caring for someone who has survived a stroke. Sessions are May 12 (pelvic health after a stroke), June 9 (all-inclusive care), July 14 (cardiac care) and Aug. 11 (anxiety, depression and stress management). To register and receive a Zoom invite, contact Lindsay Buck at 317-528-2066 or [email protected].
