January 7, 2025 — Fishers & Geist by Current Publishing

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE

LEAVING A LEGACY

Century old Fishers Switch diploma found / P3

Indy Ignite season set to start / P5

Fishers High School senior receives Impact Award / P9

Fishers Fire Department chief retiring after 40-plus-year career / P13

THE LEO SOFA

BARTOLA END TABLE 18”x24”x20”

ALLIE SWIVEL CHAIR

BERNIE SWIVEL CHAIR

Current in Fishers & Geist currentinfishers.com

Century-old Fishers Switch diploma discovered

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

About 127 years ago, a Hamilton County farmer named Charles Irwin graduated from Fishers Switch High School. His diploma was beautifully framed and likely hung with pride in the family home for many years, but it eventually ended up in an unheated storage shed, where it was discovered in late 2024 by his great-great granddaughter, Jessica Irwin.

HISTORY

Irwin, a Fishers resident, said the Noblesville farm was bought by her greatgreat grandfather in 1917. Her aunt still lives there and Irwin went to help sort through some items, looking for her grandmother’s wedding dress.

“So, we went out to this shop building and kind of went through the storage area,” she said. “We couldn’t find the dress, but my aunt pulled out from this dusty shelf this big, framed diploma. She’s like, ‘Have you ever seen this?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what is this?’”

Irwin had done some genealogy research and recognized the name on the diploma — and then she looked more closely at the date.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is 1897,’” she said. “This is crazy. How do we have something this old that has just been in the back of this, basically, like, barn, shop, shed, thing that has no … temperature control, has cracks in it. The snow gets in, the mice get in.”

Irwin said the old wooden frame, while ornate, was in poor shape.

“The frame was, I don’t know, probably 2 inches of a carved wood — I’m sure it was gorgeous back in the day, but unfortunately, my family did not take very good care of it so by the time I pull it out, it has mouse poop on it and the glass is cracked and water has gotten in,” she said.

There was some water damage to the diploma itself, she said, but it was still legible. Irwin dusted off the mouse droppings and other accumulated dirt and took it home, but said she didn’t know what to do with it. That’s when she emailed the Hamilton County Historical Society, which directed her to Robert Bowling of the Fishers Historical Society.

“Robert emailed back. He was really excited about it,” she said. “And I was excited that he was excited, because I’m usually the only one who’s excited about these things.”

Bowling confirmed he was happy to hear from Irwin about the old diploma.

“I was like, ‘Man, this is an amazing find,’ because I haven’t come across any diplomas from that far back,” he said in a separate interview. “When she first showed it to me, I was kind of blown away, because on the front of the diploma — obviously the writing has faded, but you can still read it — the top portion of that diploma, it said ‘Fishers Switch Public Schools.’”

The City of Fishers used to be called Fishers Switch.

Bowling said he did some research and he couldn’t find any records showing where exactly Fishers Switch Public Schools was located, noting that sometimes back then, school would take place in people’s homes.

“But I’m assuming by that time they would probably have had a building somewhere,” he said. “Obviously, you didn’t have a lot of students. When I did a little research into 1897, that graduation year

Jessica Irwin holds her greatgreat grandfather’s Fishers Switch high school diploma before it was placed in a display case at Fishers High School. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Historical Society)

there were only 12 people in the graduating class. And I imagine that all the grades K through 12, it was all in the same building. I think there (were) only three teachers.”

He added that Charles Irwin’s brother also was named in that same year’s graduating class, although they were not the same age.

Bowling reached out to Fishers High School, which has a display case of historic documents and items, and said school officials were eager to add the diploma to their collection, along with a couple of graduation examinations from 1893 that also had been found. Fishers Historical Society paid to have the diploma cleaned up and reframed before it was placed in the case.

Bowling encouraged area residents to reach out to the Fishers Historical Society if they find interesting objects connected to Fishers’ history. For more, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ fishershistoricalsociety.

About us

Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 51

525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact Managing Editor Leila Kheiry at leila@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You also may submit information at currentinfishers.com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Share your thoughts

Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Fishers market (31,463 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Fishers advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions

circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community facebook.com/currentinfishers x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

The Irwin family, circa 1895. Jessica Irwin’s great-great grandfather Charles Irwin is on the far right. (Photos courtesy of Jessica Irwin)

The historic diploma in its original frame.

Mohler ready to ‘Ignite’ season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indy Ignite middle blocker Blake Mohler figures familiarity will breed success.

VOLLEYBALL

“A lot of us have played against each other so much in the past you feel like you already know everyone,” Mohler said. “Seeing familiar faces merge into one has been an awesome thing to be a part of.”

The Indy Ignite open the Pro Volleyball Federation season against the Orlando Valkyries at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Fishers Event Center.

Mohler, 29, is one of three former Purdue University players on the roster. The 6-foot2 Mohler played with former Boilermakers Grace Cleveland and Maddie Schermerhorn.

“I played two seasons with Grace and one with Maddie,” Mohler said.

Familiarity has helped “a thousand percent,” Mohler said.

“We had a couple fans joke (after scrimmage) about Grace and I having so much from the right side and the middle,” Mohler said. “It’s cool to see people notice we were still familiar with each other.”

Mohler played with Ignite teammates Carly Skjodt and Azhani Tealer with Orlando last season. Mohler played against Skjodt, a former University of Michigan player from Carmel, in college.

“I hated playing her in college,” Mohler said. “I didn’t want to be Carly’s friend. Now, here we are living together and making memories that last a lifetime.”

When Mohler learned Indianapolis was getting a franchise, it was on her list of top teams to join because of playing college volleyball in Indiana.

“Most of my crew that follows my volleyball career is in Indiana and thought it would be really cool to play in Indiana again,” Mohler said. “They followed me into the pros, and it’s been cool to have that fan base behind me.”

Mohler only dressed for one match in Orlando because she suffered a hip injury that ended her season early. She had surgery after the injury.

Mohler also had hip surgery after completing her college eligibility in 2019.

“I was rehabbing at Purdue throughout that spring (of 2020) and deciding if I wanted to continue playing and after spending some time talking with friends and family, and especially Dave Shondell, my coach at Purdue,” she said. “I had a lot of pushes to

go overseas and play professional volleyball. That’s what I did and here I am still going five years later.”

Mohler has played in Germany, Switzerland and France. She said her main goals are to have fun and be healthy this season.

“After major surgeries, I think it’s hard to find love in the sport and coming into this gym and being a part of this organization has really shown me how much I truly love this sport and love competing,” Mohler said. “One, I’m excited to be happy, healthy and putting the jersey back on, and two, doing it for an organization that cares so much about its players in a state that loves volleyball. I have two new hips, so I’m good to go for another 30 years.”

Mohler said this is the best she has felt in her pro career.

“I did a lot of work this offseason and I was fortunate to have a good career around me,” she said. “I feel like I’m back in peak condition.”

Mohler, who grew up in Mississippi, said she played soccer until eighth grade, when a coach told her she was horrible and suggested she find another sport.

She played basketball until a basketball teammate convinced her to try volleyball.

“I fell in love instantly,” she said.

For more, visit provolleyball.com/teams/ indy-ignite.

Blake Mohler, a former Purdue University player, tosses Indy Ignite T-shirts to fans. (Photos courtesy of Indy Ignite)

Indy Ignite middle blocker Blake Mohler is a former Purdue University player.

Westfield teenager draws attention on national cycling circuit

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary first rode in a gravel cyclinng race in the fall of 2019 in Zionsville.

“I fell in love with it from there,” Clary said.

Prior to that race, Clary had gone on cycling rides with his father, James Clary, earlier in 2019.

“My dad had raced years prior with a cycling club, so I’ve always been around bicycles and people who liked to ride bicycles,” Clary said. “That fueled my passion to ride.”

Clary, 16, said his favorite accomplishment was winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 15-16 division in August 2024 in Redmond, Wash.

“It’s how well you do over four races and I was fortunate enough to win three of them,” said Clary, who won the scratch race, elimination and long scratch race.

Clary and a partner, Stephanie Lawrence, won the USA Cycling Elite Co-ed Madison National Championship in November 2024

JACKSON CLARY

Favorite athlete: Mark Cavendish

Favorite movie: “Ford v Ferrari”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite musician: Luke Combs

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

in Detroit.

“It’s basically a relay race,” Clary said. “You grab your partner’s arm and sling them into the race on the exchange.”

Lawrence, a Marian University cyclist, helps coach Clary. Jackson trains under the guidance of Marian assistant coach Matt Gittings from EuroPro Coaching.

Clary also captured the USA Cycling Junior American Criterium Cup series title in

the 15-16 age division.

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary with his medals after winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 1516 division in August 2024.

(Photo courtesy of James Clary)

“That was how well you placed over a series of races, and I went to four of the eight races,” he said. “I got three first places and one second place.”

Clary said he has three main goals for 2025.

“In late July, I want to bring home another title from Junior Track Nationals,” he said. “I want to win the 17-18 Omnium, and later on, I’ll be going to Elite Track National

IN FISHERS

Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. I have no goal as far as a result, but my goal is to meet new people, find some new friends and make some connections. I just want to do as well as I can. Depending how I do in Junior Track Nationals and Elite Track Nationals, I can qualify for the Junior World Championships in the Netherlands.”

His ultimate goal is to qualify for the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.

“I like to stay with the group a long time because I have a lot of explosive power,” Clary said. “I’ll wait as long as I can and sprint toward the finish line. I have a big kick.”

Clary said Westfield High School strength and conditioning coach Tavio Henderson has helped him improve his strength.

Representing the Cleveland Cycling Academy U23 Cycling Team and the Midwest Development U19 Cycling Team, Clary has raced in 15 states and on five velodromes. He logged more than 6,000 miles in 2024 and competed in 84 races at 47 venues.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

Artwork sought for Disability Awareness Month exhibit

news@currentinfishers.com

In celebration of Disability Awareness Month in March, the Fishers Arts Council, Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and Ignite Studio at Hamilton East Public Library seek artwork by artists with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

EXHIBIT

The artwork will be featured at the Art Gallery at City Hall in Fishers Municipal Center and Ignite Studio. According to an announcement from the FAC, the exhibit will highlight the importance of art as the community celebrates this year’s theme of Disability Awareness Month, “Connected Through Language.”

Eligible artists must have a developmental or intellectual disability, be a 2D or 3D visual artist and be able to provide two to six pieces of family-friendly art for exhibit. Artists interested in participating must submit a request by 3 p.m. Jan. 24 to info@ fishersartscouncil.org indicating their desire to participate or fill out the online form

The Fishers Arts Council hosts monthly exhibits at its Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. (Photo courtesy of the Fishers Arts Council)

at fishersartscouncil.org/submit.

Email submissions should include the artist’s name, mailing address, phone number, email address and samples of the artist’s work.

Representatives from Fishers Arts Council will review submissions and select artists for the exhibit. Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the exhibit by Feb. 3.

For more, contact info@fishersartscouncil.org

HSE foundation receives Century Club donation

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation was picked as the fourth-quarter recipient of a donation from the Fishers Century Club during the club’s Dec. 10 meeting.

PHILANTHROPY

HSEF supports the Hamilton Southeastern School District through teacher grants and student support. It funds creative classroom initiatives and student-led projects. It also addresses community needs, such as paying off student lunch debt for families on free and reduced lunch.

Justin Hirnisey, executive director of HSEF, thanked the Century Club.

“I was proud to be selected as one of the three guys to pitch their organization of choice at Tuesday’s Fishers Century Club gathering,” he stated. “It was a great group of community members who take time to support and amplify local charities. This support will help HSEF continue to invest in our schools, students and community in

Fishers Century Club members meet quarterly, with each member contributing $100 for a local charity. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Century Club)

meaningful ways.”

For more about HSEF, visit hsefoundation.org.

Club members meet quarterly, with each member contributing $100 for a local charity. Members nominate nonprofits and three are randomly picked for consideration during a meeting. After hearing about the organizations, club members then vote on which they’d like to fund that quarter.

The club will continue to collect fourth-quarter donations. Each quarter’s total has been around $3,000.

For more, visit fisherscenturyclub.com.

Fishers to host Pro Volleyball inaugural All-Star Match

news@currentinfishers.com

Pro Volleyball Federation has announced that the Fishers Event Center will host the organization’s first All-Star Match Feb. 22, 2025, with the match to be broadcast live on CBS Television Network.

SPORTS

“The All-Star Match will be a defining moment for our league and the sport of volleyball, showcasing the extraordinary talent of the PVF athletes and representing an incredible step forward in increasing visibility for the sport,” stated Jen Spicher, CEO of PVF. “Partnering with CBS to bring the All-Star Match to a national audience underscores our commitment to growing visibility for our athletes and providing unparalleled access to volleyball fans everywhere.”

The All-Star match will take place at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Fishers Event Center, home of the league’s newest franchise, the Indy Ignite. The Ignite’s inaugural season kicks off at Fishers Event Center Jan. 11. Tickets are available at indyignitevb.com.

“The excitement continues to build in Indianapolis for professional women’s volleyball,” stated Mary Kay Huse, president and general manager of Indy Ignite. “Hosting the first Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star weekend, just as we’re celebrating Indy Ignite’s inaugural season, is

nothing short of epic.”

Indy Ignite pro volleyball team mascot Pepper interacts with audience members during a demonstration scrimmage. (Photo courtesy of Indy Ignite)

In partnership with the City of Fishers and Indy Ignite, Hamilton County Sports Authority is leading the charge with its All-Star Host Committee, according to the announcement.

“The All-Star Host Committee is committed to hosting an unprecedented inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation AllStar Game that will showcase the extraordinary talent of the PVF and the sport of volleyball,” stated Carl Daniels, director of Hamilton County Sports Authority.

The match will include players from all PVF league teams. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

TOP 100 CELEBRATION

Indianapolis Colts center Wesley French and Colts mascot Blue recently visited Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, 13861 Olio Rd., to celebrate the hospital’s recognition as a Top 100 hospital by Pinc AI. For more and a full list of winners, visit pinc-ai. com/100-top-hospitals. (Photo courtesy of Ascension St. Vincent)

FHS senior receives HSE’s new Impact Award

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton Southeastern Schools recently announced the creation of the Superintendent’s Impact Award.

RECOGNITION

HSE Superintendent Pat Mapes presented the inaugural award to Fishers High School senior Sam Quagliaroli, whose accomplishments both on and off the field exemplify the essence of this new honor.

“Sam Quagliaroli is a shining example of what it means to lead with honor, achieve with scholarship and inspire through excellence,” Mapes stated. “He represents the best of Hamilton Southeastern Schools and we are thrilled to celebrate his achievements with this award.”

The new award honors students and staff who embody the district’s core values of honor, scholarship and excellence through exceptional leadership, dedication and contributions to their schools and community, according to the announcement.

Quagliaroli’s athletic achievements include being an IHSAA boys cross country state champion, setting a course record of 14:46.81; being the HCC Conference Athlete

of the Year for boys cross country; winning the Charles F. Maas Mental Attitude Award for scholarship, leadership and sportsmanship; and being selected First-Team All-American in boys cross country, placing fourth at the Footlocker National Cross Country meet.

Quagliaroli also excelled academically.

Fishers High School senior Sam Quagliaroli received the first HSE Superintendent’s Impact Award.

According to HSE, he maintains a 4.613 GPA and will graduate summa cum laude; he’s been recognized as an AP Scholar of Distinction; he achieved PSAT/SAT scores in the 90th percentile; and he plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington, where he will study finance and continue his cross country and track career.

(Photo courtesy of FHS)

FULL SERVICE CLEANERS

• Can be used with Sensitive Fabrics

• Removes Oil & Grease

• Aids in removing Water Soluble Soil

• Virtually Odorless

• Compatible with Fabric-Finish Additives

in common use by drycleaners. Since that time, DF-2000 Fluid has gained widespread acceptance and today is used in thousands of drycleaning plants in the United States alone.

The growth of DF-2000 Fluid has outpaced all of the alternative technologies offered for drycleaning. This is a result of many factors including health, safety and environmental benefits, excellent cleaning performance, proven equipment technology, commercial practicality, and a reduced regulatory burden.

DF-2000 Fluid provides you with the peace of mind that comes from a well-developed, broadly supported technology with a track record of proven performance.

• Proven Cleaning Performance

When used with properly designed processes, additives and equipment, DF-2000 Fluid provides cleaning performance comparable to perchloroethylene.

• Consistent, Premium Quality

DF-2000 Fluid is manufactured and packaged to high standards of consistency and purity to deliver the same high-quality performance time after time. DF-2000 Fluid remains stable through multiple distillation and reclamation cycles.

• Virtually Odorless

Solvents with a higher level of aromatics contain more solvent odor. DF-2000 Fluid has the lowest aromatic content of any HFHC drycleaning solvent.

• Gentle on Dyes, Safer on Trims

The gentle cleaning action of DF-2000 Fluid is safer for most dyes and trims, so you can rely on it to safely clean a wider range of fancy and fragile articles with less risk of dye bleeding.

• Cost Effective

There are no usage, franchise or royalty fees required. In states where a solvent usage tax has been imposed, DF-2000 Fluid is either exempt or the usage tax per gallon is minimal. When coupled with effective processes and additives, labor and production costs are reasonable.

• Proven Equipment Technology

Equipment makers have more experience with DF-2000 Fluid than any other alternative solvent. Modern filtration, distillation, solvent recovery, water separation and safety technologies are refined and well developed to give you reliable, trouble-free operation.

• Proven Additive Technologies Detergent and fabric finish additives are essential to provide important enhancements to cleaning performance

DISPATCHES

Christmas tree recycling — Fishers residents can drop off bare, live Christmas trees for free recycling through Feb. 1. All lights, decorations and tinsel must be removed, and trees must not be inside a plastic bag. Drop off trees at: Brooks School Park (parking lot, gated area); Cumberland Park (first parking lot); Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (parking lot, gated area).

Art exhibit reception — A reception for Fishers Arts Council’s January exhibit, “Free Associations — The Art of Jerry Mannell,” is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. The free reception is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

Geist Half logo design contest — The City of Fishers and Fishers Arts Council are looking for an artist to design the logo for the 2025 Geist Half Marathon race participant T-shirt, which will be given to race participants and may be available for sale after the race. There will be a $500 prize for the winning design. Details on the design call out can be found at fishersartscouncil.org/post/geisthalf-tshirtdesign. The deadline to submit designs is Jan. 17.

Citywide trash service — All households in Fishers city limits will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling collection beginning Jan. 13. Monthly services fees will be reflected in residents’ January Fishers Utilities billing statements. No action is required for Republic or Waste Management customers for this change. For updates and details, visit FishersIN.gov/Trash.

Missing Children’s Day poster contest — The Indiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Justice will sponsor the 2025 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and parents to discuss and promote child safety. Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, the day is dedicated to encouraging the community to make child safety a priority. The contest is open to Hoosier students in fifth grade, with a limit of one submission per child. Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” Contest rules can be found at tinyurl.com/bdfwdbsthere. The submission deadline is Feb. 21.

‘Secret’ Santas make holidays bright in Hamilton County

More than 500 volunteers gathered at the Meijer store in Westfield Dec. 14 to shop for holiday gifts for 81 local families in need, part of the 2024 Secret Families Day, organized by the nonprofit Secret Families of Hamilton County.

The annual one-day event supports families with children referred by local schools by providing presents for every member of the family, fully decorated live trees, food certificates and essential items.

Organizers said the “secret” name originated from donors wishing to keep their sponsorship of a family private. It also protects the identities of those who are served. Secret Families of Hamilton County volunteers said because struggles can happen to anyone at any time, the event assists those neighbors with discretion and dignity.

“These are our neighbors — children whose parents are battling illness; families who have lost a breadwinner; or households facing the aftermath of a natural disaster,” Secret Families of Hamilton County Executive Director Jay Kern stated. “We exist to help these families experience the joy and hope of Christmas during their toughest days and at the same time show them that their neighbors care about them.”

Volunteers shopped for items at Meijer in Westfield. Teams of volunteers were assigned a family to shop for, working off

a list of needs and wants for each family member within an allocated budget.

After checking out, the volunteers moved to CrossRoads Church in Westfield, where presents were wrapped and additional items collected at toy drives throughout the year were added to each family’s donation. The gift package also included children’s Bibles, a bag of toiletries and household items, a gift card for groceries and a tree.

Secret Families of Hamilton County serves families across all six public school districts in the county. The organization is supported by several local organizations including The Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, Wasson Nursery in Fishers, Sheridan Fire Department and Kiwanis of Westfield.

Secret Families relies solely on donations for the annual event and accepts monetary donations year-round. Learn more at secretfamilieshc.org.

Volunteers shop for presents Dec. 14 at Meijer in Westfield.

Volunteers wrap presents during Secret Families Day Dec. 14 in Westfield. (Photos courtesy of Secret Families of Hamilton County)

Hamilton County initiative aims to prevent veteran suicide

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com

In 2022, the Hamilton County Health Department reported that the number of veteran suicides had increased 28 percent from the previous year.

MILITARY

After learning about the increase, A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care, a network of those who live in and serve the community, decided to act and created Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities, a coalition that works to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families and caregivers in Hamilton County.

“It was decided that we wanted to put a coalition together in the county to help prevent not only veteran suicide, but also service members and the families,” said Kristen Ludeker-Seibert, director of coordination for A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care.

Anyone is welcome to join the coalition and its mission to prevent suicide. Its members are from a variety of backgrounds, including other veteran-serving organizations, non-profits, local government and other entities throughout the county, including volunteers, veterans and service members.

A major way the coalition reaches veterans to reduce suicide is through the Governor’s Challenge via a partnership with A Healthier Hamilton County and with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Governor’s Challenge has three pillars.

“The first is identification,” Ludeker-Siebert said. “We want to identify the service

members, veterans and then families within our county, and that will then naturally move over into connection, which is pillar two. The second thing we want to do is connect those folks to resources, benefits, programs, those types of things, so that they feel connected to one another, their families, themselves, wherever they need to find connection.”

The third pillar is promoting safety for those considering suicide.

“That pillar is working on how we can give to the community when it comes to keeping people safe who are in a suicidal crisis,” Ludeker-Seibert said. “How can we help out there?”

As Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities reaches out to neighborhoods, it uses a QR code that asks residents if they or a family member have served, which will then direct them to resources based on other questions. The coalition also presents booths at various events around the county to raise awareness for its cause and connect veterans and their families with resources to help prevent suicide.

“We want to continue to build upon the availability of resources for service members, veterans and their families,” Ludeker-Seibert said. “We know that in Hamilton County, we are a very resource-rich county. We just struggle in getting that information out to everyone. We want to be able to reach those service members, veterans, etc. who may not be actively involved in the VFW or the American Legion, but we want to let them know that these other things are out there.”

Learn more at hamiltoncountyphhc.org/ stronger-veterans-stronger-communities.

Kristen Ludeker-Seibert presents information about Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities in an effort to raise awareness for the coalition and its cause. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Ludeker-Seibert)

LEAVING A LEGACY

Fishers Fire Department chief retiring after 40-plus-year career

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Longtime Fishers Fire Department Chief Steve Orusa didn’t start out as a firefighter. His first career was in law enforcement.

“I originally wanted to be a police officer, so I went to college, got a law enforcement degree — and there weren’t any law enforcement jobs,” he said, so he went into the Marine Corps for a while. “Then I got lucky and I got appointed to the Chicago Police Academy, was a cop for two years, went to the fire station on football Sunday, was overcome by the smell of eggs and bacon and joined the fire department.”

That culinary inspiration was the beginning of Orusa’s 42 year career in fire and emergency services. That career will conclude in January when Orusa — originally from Chicago — retires from the Fishers Fire Department, handing the reins to Battalion Chief Ky Ragsdale.

Orusa said firefighting appealed to him for reasons beyond the eggs and bacon.

“The career initially attracted me because I was young, I was athletic and you become an industrial athlete, and you are able to do very exciting things,” he said.

Later in his career, he appreciated the options available to specialize, such as community risk reduction and fire prevention — along with the opportunity to become a leader, which he said was a mixed blessing.

“When I was 39, I became a chief officer,” he said. “When you sign up to ride around in a firetruck and rescue people and then you become a chief officer at 39, you give up a lot. But the good thing was, I could be an advocate for all the guys that were riding firetrucks and rescuing people, so that was really important to me.”

Orusa said firefighting is a unique career, in large part because of the strong relationships between co-workers.

“We actually live together and we prepare to put ourselves in harm’s way together and we commit ourselves to harm’s way together,” he said. “That creates a bond that can’t be broken when you have experiences like that. In addition to that, it’s just the downtime, you know — getting to know each other, laughing, spending

holidays together, crying together, experiencing life’s trials and tribulations together. It’s a social environment unlike any other.”

Orusa said fire and emergency services has changed over the years. For example, he said fires are less common but calls for service have increased.

“Besides emergency medical service (there is now) behavioral health, immigration, homelessness, COVID — so the job has

now become (that) you’re an all-hazards emergency services organization and help looks different than you ever thought it would be,” he said. “I’ll quote the mayor, you always have to help until you can’t help no more, no matter what helps looks like, because you always have to say yes to the community wherever they need you.”

Mayor Scott Fadness said Orusa started with the City of Fishers as the depart-

WHAT’S NEXT?

Soon after his retirement, Orusa said he and his wife plan to fly first class to the Caribbean for a well-deserved vacation. After that, he plans to remain in Fishers because, he said in his strong Chicago accent, he might not sound like a Hoosier, but he is one now. And while he’ll be retired, Orusa will remain active.

“I’m still involved with the Fire Chiefs Association and they want me to do a couple things,” he said. “So I’ll probably do something three or four days a week just to keep my wife sane … and we’ll probably take one or two days off a week together and spoil the grandkids and just enjoy Fishers.”

ment’s operations chief about 15 years ago and “really ushered in an era of professionalism.” Fadness said Orusa’s primary mission when he became chief was to make sure the city’s fire and emergency responders had the training needed to provide excellent service.

He noted that Orusa’s local career coincided with a lot of change in Fishers.

“That has a direct impact on what it’s like to be a firefighter in Fishers, too,” Fadness said. “Fifteen years ago, I don’t know that there was more than one building over two stories tall. Today, there’s all kinds of different types of development, different growth and different risks that come with it, and so the department had to grow and evolve, to adapt to what the community needs all throughout that time.”

Fadness said Orusa provided the leadership the department needed throughout that transition.

“We built multiple fire stations under him, we grew the staff significantly, we implemented community paramedicine, we took leaps forward in our EMS capabilities, we ventured into public health,” he said. “Any mountain we put in front of Steve from the city’s perspective, either intentionally or by circumstance, he was always willing to try to tackle that.”

Orusa’s final task has been helping Ragsdale transition into the position. He and Fadness both stressed that they wanted the new chief to come from inside the department, and they look forward to Ragsdale taking the top spot.

As his final day approached, Orusa added a special retirement request to members of the community.

“Since 1985, every time I’ve heard a siren, my people go on a run, wherever I’m at, I always say a prayer for the first responders and the victims,” he said. “That’s my ask to the public — when you see an emergency vehicle responding somewhere, or if you hear a siren, just say a quiet prayer for those that are responding and the victims, because it means a lot.”

(Above) Fishers Fire Department Chief Steve Orusa, left, seen near the beginning of his 42-year career as a firefighter. (Photos courtesy of FFD)

ON THE COVER: Longtime Fishers Fire Department Chief Steve Orusa is retiring in January. (Photo courtesy of FFD)

(Below) Fishers Fire Department Chief Steve Orusa plans to remain in Fishers after his retirement.

Vindys’ lead singer benefits from national tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Vindys had planned to work on a new album in the summer of 2024.

Instead, the band got an offer it couldn’t refuse — joining Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on a national tour over the summer, including a gig at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis.

“Of all the cities we went to on that tour, Indianapolis was the most receptive to us,” said Jackie Popovec, the band’s lead singer and main songwriter. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the HI-FI to play a show.”

The Vindys will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis. Jessie Phelps will be the opener.

“I gained quite a bit of confidence in what I’m doing,” Popovec said. “There’s not a ton of money in this game. For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to come out of nowhere and have their people call us, ‘Do you want to go on tour?’ It just gave me this boost that I needed in motivation in what I’m doing and confidence in what I’m doing in my writing.”

Popovec said she has long admired Benatar.

“I’m sure I have a tape somewhere of me singing karaoke to Pat Benatar as a toddler,” she said. “So, for one of the biggest voices to say you got something, it’s just completely wild to me. I don’t know if I can thank her enough for that.”

Popovec said the band has been working on new music since the summer tour, mostly playing in shows in the Ohio cities of Cleveland, Akron and Columbus along with Pittsburgh.

“As an independent band doing it all ourselves, I don’t have a booking agent or a label or anything. We’ve been trying to radius out more, and Indianapolis seems like a new place to start growing,” Popovec said.

The Vindys’ first album, “Bugs,” came out in 2021. They are releasing a second album this year.

“I’ve been sitting on a lot of new mate-

rial for three years now, so I’m excited to get it out there,” Popovec said.

The Vindys were founded in 2014 in Youngstown, Ohio. The band’s name is derived from the city’s newspaper, The Vindicator.

“Everyone says print is dying and everyone says rock ‘n’ roll is dying, but here we are still standing, The Vindys,” Popovic said. “It’s all about the grit and grind for us. As a band that makes its money off of shows and gigs, we love being from Youngstown. We can get to several major cities within a half-day drive. You can’t do that if you are from Los Angeles.”

Popovec said she is known throughout Youngstown. Her father is a food sales representative and she started playing at restaurants as a teenager.

“It’s definitely a ‘Cheers’-type of town that I live in. I always feel welcome everywhere I go,” said Popovec, referring to the 1980s TV sitcom set in a neighborhood bar.

Popovec said she is proud of what The

Vindys have accomplished.

“To make it nowadays, you have to work at it and put yourself out there in front of people,” she said. “That’s the most important thing to garner those relationships with your fan base. in person. That’s how we are able to create a small business for ourselves and something that is sustainable.”

Popovec, who has a powerful voice, said she grew up appreciating all kinds of music.

“When you are exposed to so many things, it’s going to seep in,” she said. “It makes you a well-rounded listener. My parents were listening to VH1, Top 40 and radio, which is how I cut my teeth on melodies and pop music. Then I discovered Etta James, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday online. I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, what is all this?’ So I deep dived into the jazz world through iTunes, which is crazy and cool that it was available to me.”

For more, visit thevindys.com. For tickets, visit hifiindy.com.

MAC MCANALLY

Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, a member of the late Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Actor Don Farrell’s “Sweet Caroline — The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, feinsteinshc. com.

LET’S SING TAYLOR

Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift will perform at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘Change of Heart’ set for debut

editorial@youarecurrent.com

“Change of Heart” is set to debut Jan. 1019 at the Switch Theatre in the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. The play was written by Dr. Louis Janeira, a cardiologist who lives in Zionsville whose pen name is Dr. L. Jan Eira. “Change of Heart,” directed by Tejas Hairns, follows the journey of elderly couple Vijay and Anita, retired medical professionals turned vigilantes, who embark on a morally questionable mission to rid the world of wrongdoers while saving innocent lives. The play delves into the depths of human nature, questioning the boundaries of justice and the price of redemption.

For more, visit themdwriter.com.

The Vindys will perform at the HI-FI Indy on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy of The Vindys)

Actresses embrace ‘murder’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Devan Mathias views a murder mystery play as a juicy piece to put together because the actors and production team already know the ending.

MYSTERY

“We get to build those clues into the show throughout the rehearsal process, planting seeds for the sleuths in the audience along the way, but we have to do that without tipping our hats too much,” Mathias said. “So much of what’s happening in a murder mystery is about what’s ‘not’ being said, but rather what’s happening without words, all right in front of the audience. The challenge for us as actors — and part of what makes it such fun — is to develop these really rich backstories and strong opinions of each other to breathe life into that aspect of the story.”

& Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.

“The playwright, Ken Ludwig, has done such a marvelous job honoring the original Agatha Christie tale while also bringing the comedy of this story to the forefront,” Mathias said. “What’s lovely about this script, and our production, is that it unites the mystery and the comedy genres in such a delicious way.”

The Fishers resident portrays Greta Ohlsson in “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” set for Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef

Noblesville resident Suzanne Stark portrays Princess Dragomiroff.

Stark said there are challenges with any role, particularly ones that are new to her resume.

“I am so looking forward to finding out ‘who’ I will end up being as we work through the rehearsal process,” Stark said. “The age of the Princess is the same range as my age, but I imagine I will approach her with more gravity than my normal personality or the roles I usually play.”

Stark said finding comedic moments in a play that has a dark theme is an interesting challenge. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Mathias Stark

Blueprint for Improvement: Chic Fishers primary bath renovation

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1995 in Fishers’ Lakeside Green neighborhood, this home’s primary bathroom was ready for a transformation. The new owners wanted to upgrade their builder-basic space into something bright and beautiful. By keeping the same layout but reimagining the design, our team created a room that feels entirely new.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower elevated the functionality of the room, bringing a spa-like serenity to the homeowners’ daily routine.

• The addition of a floating vanity keeps the compact space open and airy while offering ample storage.

• A tongue-and-groove ceiling treatment, stained to match the vanity, makes a statement by adding warm, organic charm and unique style.

• Marble tile combined with gold accents in the finishes introduces refined elegance and a touch of livable luxury.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

After

Before

SIGN UP FOR YOUR

Some funny things happened last year

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

This is the time of year when I thank the people, places and situations that make this column possible. The key to writing a humor column is to take an actual event and blow it a little out of proportion. So, let’s look back at some of my favorite pieces in the past year.

HUMOR

Because I kept falling out of bed, I bought a Hiccapop, a 6-foot-long pillow shaped like a giant sausage that you stick under the bottom sheet on the side of the bed. When Nettie, our housekeeper, failed to vacuum our bedroom, I asked her why.

“Dick, someone was sleeping in your bed.”

“That’s my Hiccapop.”

“I don’t care who it is. I didn’t want to wake him.”

My proofreader quit last year — just as well. I was going to dump her, anyway. She kept correcting me. Who needs that?

My wife Mary Ellen took over the job. That was an easy transition for her; she has been correcting me for 45 years. She is now my wife and my corrections officer.

My watch’s alert system detected a possible injury when I fell out of bed (this was before I got Hiccapop). It alerted several people on my medical emergency list, including my brother, who drives a cab in New York. I got this text minutes later. “Dick, if it’s a real emergency, I can be there in 14 hours, but that’s going to run you about 1,500 bucks, and I refuse to come back light (this is cab talk for a driver having no passenger on the return trip).

In an article in a survival magazine, the writer advocates a particular brand of survival food, saying it is “as good as or better than any survival food I’ve eaten.” This is the kind of testimony that is hard to

Measuring life’s falls

Commentary by Terry Anker

“Thanks to Kevin the peacock, who sauntered from yard to yard in Fishers, displaying his plumage by admiring himself in everyone’s patio doors.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

discount, not unlike the words of Charles Manson who once grudgingly admitted that San Quentin had the best Salisbury steak of any prison he’d ever been to. You can’t buy PR like that.

Thanks to Kevin the peacock, who sauntered from yard to yard in Fishers, displaying his plumage by admiring himself in everyone’s patio doors. Apparently, Kevin had already visited many neighborhoods in our area, but his origin is still unknown. He even has a Facebook page. It has 10 times more followers than I do. I wish I had something like that to be proud of.

Thanks to Amy, who accidentally took home my cellphone at the end of a church charity auction one night when we sat at the same table. I called her later that night on Mary Ellen’s phone and told her if she got any calls for me to answer them and explain what happened. “Don’t worry, Dick,” she said. “I’ll just say that I have your cell because we had spent the night together.” I asked her to rephrase that.

Well, that’s a wrap. Have a great 2025.

Contact

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

ESSAY

“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,” It is unclear how the anthropomorphic egg found his way up there, but as any parent would immediately suspect, it was only a matter of time before he “had a great fall.” Why we climb fences and put ourselves into positions of unnecessary risk remains a mystery. Regardless of his motivation, we soon discover that “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” His tumble would prove to be fatal. There was little to be done to make things right again.

Yet, if Humpty had managed to mature from egg to chicken, would he simply have jumped from the perch with little recompence? As we come to experience our own advancing age, one is confronted by the challenges of maturity. Each season of life carries its own experiences and encumbrances. But if we choose to cling to hope of some forever youth, are we condemning ourselves to lives of fra-

gility? Is it in the very act of embracing the passage of time that life’s little dings and bruises do not become terminal? Are we thickening our skin rather than wearing it down?

The best of us manage to live our lives between the guardrails of sarcasm and naiveite. Too much of either will deliver a double heap of unhappiness. So, we learn as we journey along life’s winding road. Hardship teaches tough lessons and the good times nourish our spirit to keep moving forward. Even so, why is it that some people shatter when they fall and others only seem to dent? Is it an indicator of the density of our shells, a measure of the height of the wall or something more profound? If we are once broken then never repaired, can we inoculate ourselves for the fall?

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

1. Con game

5. Penrod Arts Fair mo.

9. Brickyard Billiards equipment

14. Sped around I-465

15. Notion

16. White house?

17. Stunned

19. Indy 500 sound

20. Intelligent group

21. Coastal bird

23. Conner ___

26. Possessive pronoun

27. Reeked

29. Fury

33. Abodes for the rich and famous

38. Rocky Hollow ___

39. Poker declaration

40. Had a ribeye at Cobblestone

42. Cattle breed

43. McCormick’s ___

44. Plan B 46. Grasp

47. Angela Buchman weather event

49. Bit of Morse code

50. French Lick ___

56. “Inside Indy” show boss

61. Bad bacteria

62. Like the old bucket in the IU-PU rivalry

63. Sink

66. No longer fresh

67. Employ

68. Prepared

69. 19th US president

70. Fragrance

71. Checks out Down

1. Carmel Post Office purchase

2. Shrink in fear

3. Worthen or Mackey

4. Soccer superstar Lionel

5. Knight’s title

6. UIndy URL ending

7. Chest muscles, for short

8. Adopt

9. Wabash ___

10. Taj Mahal site

11. Plumbing problem

12. Singer with The Gang

13. A few

18. State Road 32 goo

22. Arctic flier

24. Monument Circle music

grp.

25. Sicilian erupter

28. Houston team

29. McNally partner

30. Pond growth

31. Overfill

32. Latin 101 verb 33. Ind. neighbor

Hair style

Christmas carol

36. Winter vehicle

37. Texter’s “Beats me”

38. Colts enthusiast

41. Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market corn units

45. Little devil

47. Kings on a Pacers scoreboard

48. “Tommy” band

49. Indiana ___

51. Yank’s foe

52. Start of Caesar’s boast

53. Zero input

54. Dance move

55. Trig ratios

56. Stylish

57. “Pro” follower

58. Thumbs-up

59. Proof word

60. Surprise attack

64. Sellout inits.

65. That lady Answers on Page 20

DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

Locally

owned dog waste scooping service with 16 years of experience. Prices start at $16/week for one visit for up to two dogs. More frequency also available. Email: UnleashedScooping@gmail.com. Phone 317.764.4777.