Correction – In the Jan. 23 edition of Current in Carmel, the title of a working group that discusses bicycling and pedestrian matters was misstated. It is called the Carmel Clay Active Transportation group and is not a formal City of Carmel organization.
County veteran service officer – The Hamilton County Commissioners have appointed Tom Logan as the county veteran service officer. Logan, a military veteran, brings 32 years of experience from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, where he most recently served as a captain of the patrol division. Logan has a bachelor’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. His staff will include two full-time members.
Earth Day Art Contest – Carmel Green Initiative is inviting youth in kindergarten through 12th grade to enter the 2024 Earth Day Art Contest. Entries will be displayed at several community exhibits to inspire the community to live more sustainably. Entries are due Feb. 16. Learn more about the contest at CarmelGreen.org.
Silver Pen Writing Competition – The Stratford is presenting the 11th Annual Senior Living Communities Silver Pen Writing Competition. The senior living community will award cash prizes up to $3,750 to assist three local high school seniors with post-graduate plans. A panel will judge 1,000-word essays exploring the topic of what new subject the author proposes be taught for the rest of the school year. Essays must be submitted by Feb. 15. For the full rules and to submit an essay, visit Silverpen-SLC.com.
Nonprofit pitch contest – Applications are being accepted from nonprofits interested in winning funding by showcasing their innovative ideas at a pitch contest in April. At Propel, human services organizations will pitch their ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds. The event is open to nonprofits serving residents in Hamilton, Boone, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan or Putnam counties. More than $100,000 in grants will be given out when finalists make their pitches live April 25 at High Alpha in Indianapolis. Interested nonprofits can apply through Feb. 12. For more information or to apply, go to uwci.org/propel.
Environmental bills update – The Carmel Green Initiative will present a mid-session legislative report from Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council. The event, which will include information on Statehouse bills with environmental or energy impacts, is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. Learn more and RSVP at CarmelGreen.org.
National History Day judges sought – The Indiana Historical Society is looking for 300 volunteers around the state to serve as judges for the 2024 National History Day in Indiana contests. NHDI is a yearlong program dedicated to enhancing history education in Indiana’s schools. Students in grades four through 12 explore a historical subject that fits under the annual theme. The Central Region contest will take place March 16 at Carmel High School. To learn more, visit indianahistory.org/historyday or call 317-232-1882.
Eclipse poetry – Indiana Humanities is looking to select an official poet for the April 8 eclipse, an event that will not happen locally again until 2044. Indiana is one of only a handful of states that are in the path of totality for the eclipse, and Hoosier poets everywhere are invited to submit an original poem inspired by this event. The poet who submits a poem that best reflects the significance of the eclipse will receive a cash prize of $500, the opportunity to read the poem during an eclipse watch party in Indianapolis and have their work featured on Indiana Humanities’ website and social media. Submissions should be emailed as a PDF attachment to Megan Telligman, director of programs, at [email protected] by Feb. 9. Learn more at indianahumanities.org/2024/01/04/eclipse24.
Apply for Governor’s Fellowship – Gov. Eric Holcomb is accepting applications through Jan. 31 for the 2024–2025 Governor’s Fellowship. The fellowship is highly selective and provides a unique experience in Indiana state government by placing fellows in various state agencies on a rotating basis throughout the year. The program is open to college graduates who receive their bachelor’s degrees beginning in either summer or fall of 2023 or spring of 2024. Fellows are paid, full-time employees who participate in the day-to-day activities of state government. Learn more at in.gov/gov/fellowship.htm.
Apply for city boards – Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam launched a new website for Elevate Carmel, Inc. featuring a portal for residents to apply for seats on boards and commissions active in City Hall. Carmel residents seeking involvement are encouraged to apply at elevatecarmel.com.
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.
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.
County employees graduate – The Hamilton County Human Resource Department announced that 20 of its employees have graduated from the Ivy Tech Leadership Series. The semester-long program was designed to equip county employees with essential leadership skills and knowledge in topics ranging from behavior and communication styles to poor performance and conflict resolution. Held during work hours, the training series provided employees with free on-campus coursework and three hours of college credit.
MJ Insurance rebrands – Carmel-based MJ Insurance is changing its name to The MJ Companies. The decision to rebrand signifies MJ’s dedication to expanding its capabilities and services to meet the evolving needs of its clients. With a broader portfolio that now includes retirement planning, leave and absence management, compensation and total rewards consulting, The MJ Companies is poised to become a one-stop destination for clients seeking comprehensive solutions to safeguard their financial wellbeing and achieve their business objectives.
Employer-sponsored child-care grants available — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has expressed its support for the governor and Family and Social Services Administration’s recently announced grants for employer-sponsored childcare. Awardees can use the funds to support employees’ childcare needs in a variety of ways, including sponsoring dependent-care assistance plans, providing on-site or near-site child care or offering child care tuition benefits. For more, visit in.gov/fssa/carefinder/employer-sponsored-child-care-fund.
IMCU donates to CHS athletics – Indiana Members Credit Union recently presented a check for $1,500 to Carmel High School athletics as part of an ongoing school spirit debit card program. The partnership allows Carmel fans the opportunity to show their school spirit and support the athletic program by signing up for a Carmel Greyhounds-themed debit card. Every time the card is used as a signature-based transaction, Carmel athletics benefits. Since beginning the program in 2013, CHS athletics has earned $17,331 through this program.
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.
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.
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].
