Fishers Town Talk - August 2014 by City of Fishers

TownTalk Fishers

Official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana

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August 2014

YMI PARTNERS WITH HSE DOG DAY AFTERNOON FEATURING WOOFSTOCK FISHERS FUN GUIDE THE LIST BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS ENGAGE FISHERS WITH DAN DOMSIC LAUNCH FISHERS BLUES FEST FISHERS HAPPENINGS TOWN HALL BRIEF

Welcome to the

August issue of Town Talk! Dear Resident, Summer is quickly coming to a close, and this month more than 20,000 Hamilton Southeastern students will begin the fall semester. The List on page 5 will help you tie up all those loose ends before the first day– from the outfit to the fresh haircut to make a great first impression — you can take care of it all right here in Fishers. As with the start of each new school year, traffic patterns will change as school buses take the roads again and children walk about town to and from their bus stops and schools. Our police department has compiled a few safety tips for both motorists and children to remember on page 6. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, learn more about Youth Mentoring Initiative’s goals for connecting mentors with HSE students throughout the school year and how you can help on page 3. Launch Fishers and Launch Indiana are busier than ever. We sat down with John Wechsler, the co-founder of both operations to catch up on all the happenings. To learn more about how Launch Fishers has created the beginnings of an entrepreneurial city, check out the feature article on pages 8 and 9. Dan Domsic’s column this month highlights Fishers Town Government Academy, a 10-week course beginning this fall that gives citizens a glimpse of each department in the Town and its operations. Taught by town staff and officials, there’s no better way to learn more about the many facets of our Town government. Read the rest of Dan’s column to learn more on page 7. While summer will soon be over, we’ve still got several weeks of beautiful weather ahead of us and you won’t want to miss two special events at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater this month, Woofstock (learn more on page 4) and Blues Fest (learn more on page 10). We thank you for your readership of Town Talk and look forward to seeing you around town!

Respectfully, Fishers Town Council John W. Weingardt, President C. Pete Peterson, Vice President Scott A. Faultless Stuart F. Easley David C. George Michael L. Colby Renee L. Cox

Town Talk August 2014

Produced by the Town of Fishers, Indiana, Public Relations Department, Town Talk is an official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana. Additional copies are available at the Fishers Town Hall. For more information about the Town of Fishers, visit us at www.fishers.in.us.

Fishers Town Council

John W. Weingardt, President C. Pete Peterson, Vice President Scott A. Faultless, Stuart F. Easley, David C. George, Michael L. Colby, Renee L. Cox

Town Judge

Daniel E. Henke

Clerk/Treasurer

Gaye Cordell, IAMC, CMC

Town Manager Scott A. Fadness

Deputy Town Manager Nathan George, ICMA-CM

Public Works Director Eric Pethtel

Engineering Director Jeff Hill

Community Development Director Tom Dickey

Parks & Recreation Director Tony Elliot

Police Chief George Kehl

Fire & Emergency Services Chief Steve Orusa

Information Technology Director Tracy Gaynor

Fleet Management Director Elliot Hultgren

Human Resources Director Cici Hendrix, PHR, IPMA-CP

Public Relations Director Autumn Gasior

Town Talk Editor

Communications Manager Tiffany Holbert

Design and Layout

Propeller Marketing 7050 E. 116th St., Suite 200 Fishers, IN 46038

Town of Fishers, Indiana

Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 • www.fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us

YMI Establishes HSE Partnership and a Goal to Mentor 600 Students by 2020 Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI), a school-based mentoring program focused on personal development, was established in 2011 connecting mentors with students at Fishers High School, Fishers Junior High, Hamilton Southeastern Freshman Center, Noblesville High School and Carmel and Noblesville Options Charter Schools. In the three years since its inception, YMI has paired hundreds of students with local mentors. This year, YMI has established an exclusive partnership with HSE schools and set a goal of mentoring the five percent of HSE enrollees who have been identified as needing one-on-one support, a total of 600 students, by 2020. Darren Heil, Fishers native and YMI's founder and Executive Director, left his job as a full-time youth pastor to launch YMI when he saw a need for local students to have a connection with adults who are willing to simply be present in their lives.

Mentor Training Hamilton Southeastern High School Aug. 30, 8 a.m.-noon Individuals interested in volunteering for the 2014 school year should contact YMI for more information.

“The schools, they’re there to provide an education,” said Heil. “But the reality is sometimes there are a lot of life roadblocks that prevent kids from getting an education. I wanted to see how I could help with that.” While the students enrolled in YMI’s mentoring program aren’t typically labeled “at-risk”, they need a little extra help, support or someone to talk to, explained Heil. After mentors and students are thoughtfully matched, they meet once a week during the school day on campus. YMI ended the spring semester with 50 student/mentor pairs and hopes to begin the fall semester with at least 25 additional mentors. Heil hopes that YMI is seen not just as a mentoring program, but a community effort to support local students as they navigate life and the classroom. “This is about the community taking care of its youth,” said Heil. In a 2013 survey of HSE students, 30-37 percent of students responded with concerns that could negatively affect success and personal growth. “That’s 2,000-3,000 kids saying they’re not in a good place,” said Heil. “And that’s not okay. Through YMI, we’ve created a way to give people a chance to respond.”

To meet the goal of mentoring 600 students by 2020, YMI intends to recruit and place at least 40-45 volunteer mentors each semester. For more information, visit www.ymionline.org.

Fundraising Breakfast Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 a.m.-8 a.m. Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E. 131st St. YMI will provide information about the mentoring program within the HSE Schools. Students will share how mentoring has impacted their lives and Senator Jim Merritt will speak about the value mentoring has on the community. All are welcome. Sponsored by WDD Software

Please RSVP to karincook@nbofi.com. August 2014 Town Talk

Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock is a festival in celebration of dogs and their owners. Hosted by Hamilton County Humane Society, the festival offers dog owners the opportunity to pamper and play with their dogs while also learning about responsible pet ownership, pet adoption and the programs and resources offered by Hamilton County Humane Society. With over 4,000 attendees last year, Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock features over 100 pet-friendly exhibitors, activities for both canines and kids, live music from local bands on the Woofstock Stage and local food vendors. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. with the annual Parade of Paws Dog Walk, followed immediately by the festival that concludes at 7 p.m. Hamilton County Humane Society is the county’s animal control facility and services Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. With an estimated $1.6 million in annual operating expenses, the Hamilton County Humane Society receives only 27 percent of its annual funding from its service agreement with the county and its municipalities. To maintain its operations, Hamilton County Humane Society relies heavily on the proceeds of special events like Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock in addition to private donations, adoption and service fees, corporate sponsorships, membership and grants. One of only two no-kill shelters in the state — and only a handful in the nation — Hamilton County Humane Society doesn’t euthanize for space or after a predetermined time. The shelter takes in 60 animals a week and has a 90 percent placement rate, compared to the nation’s 35 percent average placement rate. The Parade of Paws Dog Walk benefits the shelter’s Survivor Program, which offers emergency medical care to animals in need. Those interested in participating in the Parade of Paws Dog Walk can begin fundraising prior to the event by establishing individual or corporate teams and setting up a page at www.crowdrise.com/paradeofpaws2014. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day with your family and furry friends, while supporting the Hamilton County Humane Society.

For information regarding sponsorship or vendor/exhibitor opportunities contact Jennifer Judd by email at marketing@hamiltonhumane.com or by phone at 317-219-3324.

Who: Dogs and their people What: Family-friendly festival and Parade of Paws Dog Walk When: Aug. 23 Parade of Paws Dog Walk - 1:30 p.m. Festival - 2-7 p.m. Where: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Cost: Admission is $5 per person, kids 10 and under and military men and service women are free For additional event information, visit www.DDAWoofstock.com.

Town Talk August 2014

the

LIST

Last Minute Back To School Stops Lily & Sparrow Boutique

11720 Maple St.

Lily & Sparrow offers women’s clothing perfect for high school girls that want to be uniquely outfitted in the latest trends. Follow @lilyandsparrow on Instagram for pictures of new items and styling ideas. Students who present a valid student ID will receive 20% OFF their entire purchase, including sale items Aug. 5-9.

Just Teasin’ Hair Salon 9624 Allisonville Rd.

Need a last minute style update? Stop into Just Teasin’ Hair Salon for a new style that will boost your confidence and shatter first day nerves. Kids will receive $10 OFF a haircut through Sept. 30.

Vardagen

8684 E. 116th St. Stay comfortable all day while sporting one of a kind locally designed and printed t-shirts, tanks and sweatshirts. Follow Vardagen on social media for promotional codes. www.facebook.com/vardagen twitter.com/vardagen instagram.com/vdgn

Fishers Parks & Recreation Need to burn off some energy before the first day, or have some family time before the busyness of the school year edges in? Enjoy some playtime or a picnic in one of our local parks. From the Splash Pad at Billericay to the multi-use trails at Cyntheanne, there’s fun for everyone. www.fishers.in.us/Parks

August 2014 Town Talk

Back to School Safety Tips

Wednesday, Aug. 13 will be the first day of school for students in the Hamilton Southeastern School District. To help ensure students a safe return to the classroom, the Fishers Police Department would like to remind drivers of the following information: • Be prepared for a longer commute. School buses and teenage drivers will add to the traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.

• Expect the unexpected. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic and the possibility of children darting out into the street.

• Be patient and observe the law when approaching or following a school bus. • Be very aware of intersections where children are waiting for the bus. • Be mindful of reduced speed limits in designated school zones. • Police officers will provide increased patrols in neighborhoods and school zones. Officers in marked and unmarked police cars will be enforcing school bus stop arm violations and speeding in school zones. Chief of Police George Kehl stated, “The safety of our children is one of our highest priorities and the police department will utilize all of its resources to ensure a safe commute for all students and staff.”

Town Talk August 2014

“The safety of our children is one of our highest priorities and the police department will utilize all of its resources to ensure a safe commute for all students and staff.” – Chief of Police, George Kehl

Residents should report suspicious activity and dangerous drivers by calling the Hamilton County Dispatch Center at 317-773-1282.

.#.@.

#EngageFishers with @FishersDan By Dan Domsic

There’s only one program that gives you an inside look at how almost every facet of your local government works, and it’s coming up on the calendar fast. The Fishers Town Government Academy takes citizens from department to department to get an up-close look at how each sector of the Town operates. There’s something magnetic about the 10-week program. One week students are learning about the intricacies of the Fishers Police Department, and another they’re learning about big plans from the Parks and Recreation Department and making s’mores around the campfire at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. It’s a “How It’s Made” special for many of the things you see looking out your car window everyday as you drive through Fishers and many of the things you probably don’t even think about. While the many departments are varied and differentiated by what they specialize in, there is a common aspect that binds them all together. All nine of the sessions are taught by Town staff members and officials that are incredibly passionate about what they do.

Check it out:

And it doesn’t end there. The Fishers Government Academy Association, an alumni group for Town Government Academy graduates, continues learning about different aspects of the community and ways to get involved. To sign up, please visit www.fishers.in.us, click on the Forms & Permits tab under popular pages, and click Town Government Academy Application. This program is for residents ages 18 and over, and registration is required. The first session is on Monday, Sept. 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium, 1 Municipal Drive. The sessions after that will mostly be held on Tuesdays at various locations around Fishers.

Woofstock – On the afternoon of Aug. 23, Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock will come to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive. It’s the Humane Society for Hamilton County’s big fundraiser featuring bands and much more, and it only costs $5 for adults to get in (kids 10 and under, military personnel in uniform, and dogs get in free). It also features another fundraising element, the Parade of Paws; learn more at www.DDAWoofstock.com. And don’t forget to bring your pooch!

Dan Domsic is the Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Fishers Parks & Recreation. August 2014 Town Talk

Launch Fishers Launches an Entrepreneurial City Launch Fishers opened its doors a little over 18 months ago and the collaborative co-working space on the ground level of the Hamilton East Public Library has been bustling ever since. On any given day, you’ll see dozens of local entrepreneurs busy at work — talking with partners, meeting with clients and building strategies to start, grow and develop their business enterprises. Birthed out of a desire to give local entrepreneurs a working space with opportunities to network and collaborate on projects, John Wechsler founded Launch Fishers with Fishers Town Manager, Scott Fadness. Wechsler, an entrepreneur and Fishers native, found himself working in Carmel, Noblesville, Broad Ripple and Castleton—everywhere but Fishers — as he pioneered several businesses.

“One of the big challenges when I would start these companies up is that there was never a place in Fishers for me to go do this,” said Wechsler. “I really wanted to be here and be an entrepreneur in my hometown.”

Town Talk August 2014

Wechsler began talking with the Town of Fishers about growing the space of entrepreneurial activity in town and through a public-private partnership, Launch Fishers and the Town of Fishers made a deal with the Hamilton East Public Library, and Launch Fishers opened its doors on the library’s ground level on Nov. 1, 2012.

Today, Launch Fishers has 346 members and is growing rapidly; naturally attracting high-growth, high-impact and high-potential startups. Launch Fishers’ first member, Santiago Jaramillo, founder and CEO of BlueBridge Digital started his company at Launch Fishers

and grew to approximately 15 staff members within nine months in the space. Now, the mobile app company operates out of FORUM Credit Union Headquarters and has grown to 25 employees. Earlier this year, BlueBridge Digital announced plans to invest approximately $311,000 to lease 4,500 square feet of office space in Fishers and add up to 199 additional jobs by 2022.

“That’s the best example of why we’re doing this,” said Wechsler.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to help entrepreneurs take their ideas and businesses to the next level, he didn’t stop with the success of Launch Fishers. Wechsler teamed up with the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) to create Launch Indiana SBDC in January. While Launch Fishers is about the place, Launch Indiana SBDC is about the people, explained Wechsler. Launch Indiana SBDC focuses on bringing entrepreneurial mentorship to a statewide audience, connecting seasoned entrepreneur mentors with entrepreneurs who need coaching, support and education. Launch Indiana SBDC offers a variety of resources including digital content, peer and small group mentoring and one-on-one coaching and mentoring. Collaborative co-working spaces like Launch Fishers are sprouting up throughout the state and across the nation to serve the mobile workforce, but Wechsler believes that Launch Fishers — and the Town of Fishers — are different.

“We invested in a community in opening Launch Fishers,” Wechsler said. “This is a community coming together with an entrepreneur to create this, and that’s really unique.” Wechsler hopes that Fishers becomes known nationwide as a community that embraces entrepreneurship and innovation as a core value and he is confident that Launch Fishers and Launch Indiana are the beginning of just that.

“I believe that small business is the backbone of any strong community and by creating an environment and investing in an environment that’s favorable for economic activity, we give everyone their shot at the American dream,” Wechsler said. “And to me, that’s the most important thing, not to pick winners and losers, but to create an environment that works for everyone and give them all a shot at starting a business and being successful.”

The Town’s economic development strategy focuses heavily on creating an environment where new jobs and wealth are created right here in Fishers. Becoming known as an entrepreneurial city across the nation is a vision shared by Town officials.

For entrepreneurs and business owners interested in Launch Fishers, one-time day passes are offered and walk-in visits are welcomed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.launchfishers.com for more information.

August 2014 Town Talk

Blues Fest Brings Locally

Renowned Blues Artists, Food and Fun to the AMP

Close out your summer with the 2nd Annual Chateau Thomas Blues Festival, which returns to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 4-10 p.m. A variety of food trucks will be on site throughout the evening to provide delicious fare to satisfy all tastes. The first ever Nickel Plate Hoosier Blues Legends Award will be presented to local blues singer and guitarist, Harvey Cook. Cook has held up the mantle as one of the vanguards of the blues music scene here in Indiana for more than four decades.

The Line Up: Cynthia Lane & Reggie Bishop Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel The Max Allen Band Bulletproof Soul Band Gene Deer Naptown Rhythm & Blues Groove Factor Slide Cat Royale Dickie James & The Blue Flames Rev. Charlie Edmonds The California Kid Harvey Cook and The Bluetones

Town Talk August 2014

Harvey Cook, Local Blues Legend Harvey Cook grew up in

Mississippi and was brought up on the blues. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been entertaining audiences for over 45 years, singing and playing guitar with his band, The Bluetones. Established in 1963, the Bluetones play a variety of songs that will make you laugh, cry and dance.

Fishers Happenings Saturdays, August–Sept. 27 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fishers Farmers Market Nickel Plate District, in front of Amphitheater More than 38 high quality vendors. Presented by the Fishers Chamber of Commerce. www.fisherschamber.com Saturdays, August–Sept. 13 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saxony Market 131st and Olio Road The Market offers the best fresh produce from local vendors and farmers in the area. Sponsored by IU Health Saxony Hospital. www.saxony-indiana.com August–Sept. 1 Billericay Park Splash Pad Open daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 126th St. and Promise Rd. Free. www.fishers.in.us/billericay August–Sept. 1 (closed on: Aug. 13-15, Aug. 18-22, Aug. 25-29) Open daily 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saxony Lake and Beach 13288 Pennington Rd. Free. www.fishers.in.us Fridays in August 9 p.m. AMP After Dark concerts Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Free. www.fishers.in.us August-Sept. 5 Monday-Friday and select Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art in Town Hall One Municipal Dr. in Nickel Plate District The newest art exhibit, “FLAVA FRESH 11” features 30 urban, contemporary artists. Free and family-friendly. Presented by Fishers Parks & Recreation and Fishers Arts Council. www.facebook.com/FishersArt Saturday, Aug. 2 7 p.m. Fishers Wind Symphony Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Americana-themed concert includes The Star Spangled Banner, John Philip Sousa, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and more favorites. Free. www.fishersmusicworks.org

Meetings Open to the Public

Saturday, Aug. 23 Dog Day Afternoon featuring Woofstock See article on page 4. www.DDAWoofstock.com

Monday, Aug. 4 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium

Thursday, Aug. 28 7 p.m. Garden Lecture Series, “Turf Talk” Historic Ambassador House Fishers Heritage Park 10595 Eller Rd. Sean O’Grady, Assistant Director of Public Works for the Town of Fishers, will share his knowledge to achieve a perfect lawn. Learn about seeding, fertilizing, mowing, decreasing the need for watering and controlling insects, fungus and weeds. Free to garden club members. Open to the public, $5 donation appreciated. www.ambassadorhouse.org

Tuesday, Aug. 12 5:30 p.m. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee Town Hall Auditorium

Saturday, Aug. 30 Blues Fest See article on page 10. www.fishers.in.us Saturday, Aug. 30 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saxony Salute to Summer: The Bishops Witten Park, 13258 Saxony Blvd. Say goodbye to summer with a concert featuring one of central Indiana’s hottest acts. This upbeat pop, rock, and dance band defines the word variety with its ability to switch genres in a heartbeat. Free. www.saxony-indiana.com Saturday, Sept. 6 7-10 p.m. 6th Annual Harvest Wine Tasting at the Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens Fishers Heritage Park at White River 10595 Eller Rd. Live music, silent auction, food and wine. Paint a masterpiece with Wine & Canvas. Proceeds benefit the preservation and embellishment of this historic house and the beautiful gardens. Tickets $40 at the door; $35 purchased in advance. www.ambassadorhouse.org

Tuesday, Aug. 12 6:30 p.m. Plan Commission Town Hall Auditorium Monday, Aug. 18 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, Aug. 27 6:30 p.m. Town of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium Wednesday, Aug. 27 5:30 p.m. Nickel Plate Review Committee 1 Municipal Drive Thursday, Aug. 28 6:30 p.m. Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Town Hall Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 28 9 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Town Hall Auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 2 7 p.m. Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium Monday, Sept. 8 6 p.m. Parks Advisory Committee Town Hall Auditorium

August 2014 Town Talk

PRESORT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PA I D FISHERS, IN PERMIT NO. 12

Town of Fishers, Indiana Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038

Town Hall Brief Trails Throughout the summer and fall seasons, Fishers’ Department of Engineering will complete nine trail improvement projects throughout town. Upon completion, 2.8 miles of trails will be added to more than 11 existing miles of trails in Fishers. To learn more about our town’s trail system, visit www.fishers.in.us/Trails.

Flat Fork Creek Park Our newest destination park, located at 101st Street and Cyntheanne Road, has officially been named Flat Fork Creek Park. The park features a two-mile progressive mountain bike course, a 50-foot sledding hill, trails for walking and hiking, a fishing pond, tree houses for nature play and 59 acres of green space. The park will open to the public this fall.

Fishers Fire Department receives American Heart Association Silver Award The American Heart Association has honored the Department of Fire and Emergency Services with the Silver Award for the STEMI, the most severe type of heart attack, save rate. Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services transports heart attack victims to the catheterization lab 35 minutes faster than the national average.

Drive Fishers Want to stay up-to-date on all the road improvements happening throughout town? Subscribe to the “Road Notices” list in Fishers Alert to receive weekly construction updates straight to your inbox.