Happy Friday, Hamilton County. In today’s edition: New parks funding lever, Riverview and Parkview care expansion, Christmas for Kids, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New lever for local parks: Clay Township holds authority to levy a park district special benefit tax, offering a potential answer to Carmel Clay parks’ looming funding gap as bond-related revenues phase out by 2027 — get all the details.

Care network strengthens ties: Riverview Health and Parkview Health finalized a managed services agreement last month, building on an Epic partnership to expand care in Hamilton County, including a Noblesville endocrinology clinic — learn more about the partnership.

District underscores teacher support: Westfield Washington Schools approved the 2025-26 teacher contract, advancing teachers a step with a 2.7 percent increment and replacing sick and personal leave with PTO that rolls into sick time — get details on contract changes.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside, Jon Spencer blaze
• Run for donuts and animal rescues
• Donate and swap your art supplies
• Kick off winter with cocoa and crafts
• Celebrate Holiday Pops with Carmel Symphony
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

New compliance window announced: Landlords, mark your calendars: Carmel extended the rental-dwelling registration deadline to Feb. 1, 2026. Legacy units must file by Jan. 31, 2026 to lock in a permit, even in neighborhoods over the new 10% rental cap. It’s $5 to register now. Late fees start at $100 for registrations 30 days late. Get all the registration details.

Festival fuels local futures: Save the date: Noblesville Rotary’s 10th annual BrewBQ is set for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, 4 to 9 pm at Federal Hill Commons. The 21+ bash brings all-you-can-eat BBQ and local pours, plus live music and yard games. Sponsorships ($500 to $5,000) are open, benefiting Ivy Tech Hamilton County scholarships and the Noblesville High School Robotics Club. See how to sponsor.

Old-world beer, hometown vibe: Skip the downtown trek and settle in at Primeval Brewing for crisp lagers, malty classics, and European-inspired pours. Long communal tables, a rotating guest cider, and easygoing chatter make it ideal for low-key catchups that… somehow become “one more.”

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🐶 Sit. Stay. Chill. – Hang Out with a PAWS Therapy Dog @ Main Library Teens Program Room | Friday (12/05) at 3:30pm – Swap stress for snuggles with a friendly therapy pup ready to soak up all the pets and love. It’s a low-pressure, high-comfort break from homework, screens, or general Friday chaos. Come for the wagging tail, stay for the instant mood boost.

🎤 Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & XNC @ Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael | Friday (12/5) at 8:30pm – Whether you remember him from Indy Now or Straight No Chaser, Ryan Ahlwardt and XNC serve harmonies, IU favorites, and road stories with their signature wit. Think cozy cabaret, a $25 food and beverage minimum, seats sold individually, and holiday cheer you will actually enjoy.

This weekend

🎄 Christmas for Kids @ Bethlehem Lutheran Church | Saturday (12/06) at 9:00am – Give your littles a merry morning packed with crafts, treats, and cheerful Christmas activities perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kiddos. It’s totally free, delightfully festive, and the kind of event that guarantees happy, exhausted children afterward. Bring friends—the more tiny holiday spirit, the better.

🐾 Paws for Katie @ Crate Escapes | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Crate Escapes turns belly rubs into a fundraiser for Katie, with live music, a silent auction, and Santa dropping by. Bring your pup, your big heart, your bidding game, and help hit the 133-dog goal. Proceeds and a cut of day passes support her family.

🎙️ A Sinatra Christmas @ Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael | Saturday (12/6) at 6:30pm – Swap carols for class and slide into Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for Sinatra-style Christmas with Don Farrell and Terry Woods Orchestra. Arrive early for dinner, since showtime means drinks and dessert, and there’s a $25 food and beverage minimum. Cabaret seating, so bring small talk.

👑 Princess Tea @ Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael | Sunday (12/7) at 12:00pm – If your tiny royal needs a big moment, Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael is throwing a proper princess tea with scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal sweets, and actual character cameos. It’s elegant enough for you, sparkly enough for them, and perfectly suited for grandparent brag photos.

🐱 Pawz for Art – at Pawz Cat Cafe @ Pawz Pet Cafe/Cat Cafe and boba tea | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Pawz Cat Cafe is mixing painting, purring, and boba into one tidy little evening. You’ll brush, sip, and be judged by feline critics, then leave with art sprinkled in cat hair, a sugar buzz, and possibly a new four-legged roommate.

❄️ “Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes” Concert by the Indiana Wind Symphony @ The Center for the Performing Arts | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Holiday season with the Indiana Wind Symphony means Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes, an all-ages program that honors sacred and secular Christmas, and tips the hat to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Expect soloist Charessa Lawson, a guilt-free sing-along, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Next week

💌 Riso Holiday Cards @ Ignite Studio Classroom | Monday (12/8) at 4:30pm – Holiday card season is here, so let a Riso printer save you from another family photo in matching pajamas. Roll up your sleeves, pick some punchy inks, and print a stack of quirky, handmade cards, then bask in the smug glow of being prepared.

🍽️ Sessions: A Culinary Playlist @ Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael | Monday (12/8) at 5:00pm – Trade your earbuds for a napkin at this culinary playlist, a multi-course dinner where flavor and creativity actually get along. Think thoughtful courses, smart pairings, and conversation you can hear. Finally, a playlist you can eat, savor, and brag about later.

✒️ Calligraphy Class @ Fishers – Ignite Studio Classroom | Tuesday (12/9) at 5:00pm – This hands-on calligraphy class turns your chicken scratch into wedding-invitation worthy script. Perfect excuse to unplug, steady your hand, and make those holiday cards look intentional, not last-minute. Come for the ink, stay for the satisfying swirls, and bragging rights.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Dirt Monkey & Smoakland @ The Vogue Theatre – 8 pm
• 12/6 Circle City Ringers @ Meeting Rooms – 12 pm
• 12/6 Windbag Brothers @ Sun King Fishers – 5:30 pm
• 12/10 German Sing-Along + Ornament Exchange @ Carmel Christkindlmarkt – 6:30 pm
• 12/10 Samantha Fish and more @ The Center for the Performing Arts – 6:30 pm
• 12/11 Now That’s Funny @ Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael – 6:30 pm
• 12/12 Live music @ Cobblestone Grill – 6 pm
• 12/13 The Dinner Detective @ Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing – 5:30 pm
• 12/13 Naptown Needle Drop @ Take Care Records – 6 pm
• 12/14 Holiday Pops: Spirit of the Season @ Carmel Symphony Orchestra – 1 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Hamilton County edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Bif Ward (F.C. Tucker Company)

In gated Windemere, a soaring two-story entry and grand staircase open to a coffered great room with fireplace and tall windows. The cook’s kitchen brings a big island, double ovens, and a bar with beverage cooler, plus a bonus sitting nook and a tray-ceiling office with built-ins. A main-level guest suite adds a marble fireplace.

Upstairs, the primary pampers with dual-head shower, soaking tub, and a generous closet. The walkout basement brings a brick hearth, wet bar, gym, and another ensuite bedroom. Outside, pool and hot tub set the party tone, and the roof gets a seller credit.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →