Fishers Town Talk - December 2015

Fishers Official magazine for the City of Fishers, Indiana

December 2015

Produced by the City of Fishers, Indiana, Public Relations Department, Town Talk is an official magazine for the City of Fishers, Indiana.

Additional copies are available at the Fishers City Hall. For more information about the City of Fishers, visit us at www.fishers.in.us.

MAYOR’S LETTER Just last month, we released the findings and recommendations of our mental health task force, which we’ve been talking about throughout the year. This task force came together after I learned some startling news about the state of mental health in our community. Fishers Police conduct immediate detentions on persons in the midst of a mental health crisis at least once a shift. That was shocking to me and I know that we can do more to help these individuals and all those who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

I wanted to approach this challenge in a smart, thoughtful manner and I knew that meant a collaborative effort between several community leaders from various industries was necessary. I assembled a mental health task force comprised of community leaders, public safety officials, Hamilton Southeastern Schools staff members, parents, non-profit organizations and Community Health Network leaders to discuss how we can raise awareness of this issue, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in our community and ensure that our residents have access to resources that will help all those affected.

You’ll learn more about the task force’s process in this issue but I hope that you will take the time to read the full report including the findings and recommendations at www.fishers.in.us/mentalhealth.

And further, don’t be afraid to talk about mental health with your family and friends. Let’s create a network of support for those in our community who may be struggling.

Yours in service, Mayor Scott Fadness

Mayor

Scott A. Fadness

Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath

City Council

Northwest District - ​Selina Stoller North Central District - Eric Moeller Northeast District - Stuart Easley Southwest District - David George South Central District - ​John Weingardt Southeast District - Pete Peterson At Large Rich Block, C ​ ecilia Coble, Todd Zimmerman

City Judge

Daniel E. Henke

City Clerk

Jennifer Kehl

City Controller Oscar Gutierrez

City Attorney Chris Greisl

Public Works Director Eric Pethtel

Engineering Director Jeff Hill

Parks & Recreation Director Tony Elliot

Police Chief George Kehl

Fire & Emergency Services Chief Steve Orusa

Information Technology Director Tracy Gaynor

Fleet Management Director Elliott Hultgren

Human Resources Director Cici Hendrix, PHR, IPMA-CP

Public Relations Director Autumn Gasior

Town Talk Editor

Facebook: Fishers Indiana Government Twitter: @FishersIN Instagram: NickelPlateDistrict

Communications Manager Tiffany Holbert

Design and Layout

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

City of Fishers, Indiana

Cover: Mental Health Task Force recently released report to community.

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

Fishers 2040 Continues to Progress

In August 2015, work began on Fishers 2040, the City’s 25-year comprehensive plan. So, where does the planning stand now that we’re rounding out 2015 and heading into the new year?

We’re glad you want to know.

To lead the planning process, the City established a Fishers 2040 steering committee comprised of local leaders, including Mayor Scott Fadness, Pete Peterson, Anderson Schoenrock, Warren Harling, Ellen Rosenthal and Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath.

Additionally, task forces were assigned to focus on the four components of the plan, land use, residential, transportation and parks and open space.

In the last few months, each task force has met four or five times to develop recommendations for their respective plans.

On Monday, Dec. 14, the public is invited to attend the final alltask force and steering committee meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Launch Fishers. At this meeting, each task force co-chair will report the group’s final recommendations for each chapter to the steering committee. If you’re interested, but unable to attend in person, follow @FishersIN on Persicope for a live broadcast of the meeting.

The final recommendations for Fishers 2040 will be brought before Fishers City Council in early 2016.

To learn more about Fishers 2040, visit www.fishers2040.com.

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The Story Behind Fishers’ Hometown Heroes Program When Fishers’ leaders learned of a staff member’s upcoming deployment, they began brainstorming ways to help his family during his time away. They considered several different options, from cleaning services to weekly meal rotations.

Then, someone raised a great point. Why stop with this family? How can we work together to help other local military families?

After more brainstorming, the Hometown Heroes program emerged. Through this program, Fishers DPW will provide snow removal and lawn care services for military families with one or more heads of household deployed in service to our country.

“Our residents that serve the military sacrifice to keep our country safe, often traveling far from home,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “Fishers DPW developed a program that marshals our community’s resources to alleviate some of the burdens that families of a deployed head of household will face.”

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Just one day after the announcement, local military families already expressed interest in the program.

The program also provides local businesses a chance to get involved and offer support to DPW as they take on extra work during the busy winter season.

“We already have two private partners eager to assist Fishers DPW in administering this program,” said DPW Director Eric Pethtel. “We all recognize the tangible hardships to the families who answer the call to serve.

This is the type of program that is as rewarding to those who provide the service as much as those whom receive the services.”

Fishers military families with at least one head of household currently deployed or in a branch of U.S. armed forces are encouraged to apply for the progam online at www.fishers.in.us/hometownheroes.

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LIST Experience the holiday cheer with this month’s highlighted events and programs!

Pictures with Santa 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Dec. 9 | City Hall Any parent knows that pictures don’t always go as planned, so instead of spending money on expensive mall photos, stop

by City Hall for a free picture with Santa. Light refreshments will be served. Did we mention that live reindeer will be onsite? Enjoy your child’s free photo with Santa in a complimentary photo frame. Also, be sure to share your best picture with Santa on our Facebook page or with us on Twitter @FishersParks for a chance to win! Supervision is required during this event.

Gingerbread Village 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Dec. 12 | Conner Prairie The whole family will enjoy the work of both amateur and professional gingerbread architects at Conner Prairie’s Gingerbread Village. From elaborate replicas of famous buildings to traditional houses, you’ll appreciate the imaginations of inspired kids, teens and adults. The Gingerbread Village is included in paid general admission.

High Tea with the Big Guy in Fishers 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Dec. 13 The Wellington Fishers Banquet & Convention Center Dress up to enjoy an afternoon of finger sandwiches, sweet treats and tea cookies. Santa will be on site to host the event, take pictures and offer a special reading of The Night Before Christmas. An extra ticket will be given to win prizes by donating canned goods benefiting St Vincent's DePaul. A photographer will be on site to take photos with Santa and pictures will be available online after the event to download for free. Reservations required. Visit squareup.com/market/bigguy to make reservations.

Hometown Help for Heroes Fishers DPW is looking to help military families with one or more heads of household deployed for active military service.

Do you know such a family that could benefit from snow removal during the winter season? Share the news about this program, and encourage eligible families to apply at www.fishers.in.us/hometownheroes.

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IKEA Announces Fishers Location IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, announced plans for a store location in Fishers last month. The Fishers location would be the retailer’s first location in the state.

Pending approvals, construction of IKEA Fishers could begin as early as summer 2016, with an opening in fall 2017. Located approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, the 296,000-square-foot proposed IKEA store and its approximately 1,000 parking spaces would be built on 35 acres along the eastern side of Interstate 69, just south of the E. 116th Street exit. Store plans reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. IKEA also will evaluate potential on-site power generation to complement its current U.S. renewable energy presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations.

Mayor Fadness called IKEA’s announcement, “a big win for central Indiana and a great big step forward for the City of Fishers.”

IKEA Fishers would feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 350-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes.

Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. In addition to the more than 500 jobs that are expected to be created during the construction phase, approximately 250 coworkers would join the IKEA family when the new store opens. IKEA Fishers also would provide significant annual sales and property tax revenue for state and local governments and schools.

“We are excited at the prospect of growing our Midwest presence with an Indianapolis-area store,” said IKEA U.S. president Lars Petersson. “A location in this retail corridor would provide our already 184,000 Indianapolis-area customers their own store and would introduce the unique IKEA shopping experience to other consumers throughout Indiana.”

Visit www.fishers.in.us/ikeafishers to learn more about the proposed IKEA store and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

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.#.@.

#EngageFishers with @FishersDan

By Dan Domsic

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but when I look back at 2015, I can’t help but say how thankful I am to get to work for and with this community and the team that I’m on.

16 years, and there wasn’t a position with their board that she never held at some time during her tenure.

You don’t have to go too far to see kindness and caring at work in Fishers, and that’s more of a privilege than a perk.

While things like HOA/POA dues or fees are less than glitzy, someone has to take care of them. How kind and caring is it to name an amenity that will be used by a young generation of Fishers residents after someone who showed such care and responsibility for her neighborhood?

The events I witnessed transpire in 2015 show just how much people care about their community and the people around them. I’m not just talking about stories in the news or projects coming to fruition – I’m also talking about the small moments that make a difference in a day or even longer.

That’s dedication.

If these are a few experiences I had in the span of about a month, I imagine the people that live right here have even more to talk about.

A respected teacher and community member, Janet Chandler, talking with me about how we engage students and teachers better.

Be a part of them.

Share them.

Remember them.

A complimentary note about Stormwater/Public Works’ Fall Recycling Day and the Keep Fishers Beautiful flower bulb give-away.

You’ll be thankful that you did. They help make the community go round.

An invitation that tells me something about extraordinary dedication.

Let’s talk more about that last one.

I was invited, along with our public safety personnel, to a community gathering in the Berkley Grove neighborhood earlier in the fall. The Berkley Grove POA was holding an event and dedicating their neighborhood park to Paula Sue Christ, who passed away in April 2014. According to the current POA leaders there, she was a POA leader for more than

Check it out: Santa’s Mailbox Fishers kids in fourth grade and younger should take advantage of Santa’s Mailbox at City Hall (1 Municipal Drive) and Fishers Parks & Recreation (11565 Brooks School Road). Send a letter about all your holiday wishes to Santa with a self-addressed and stamped envelope through Dec. 14, MondayFriday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. I hear the staff at the North Pole does good work. Visit the calendar at www.fishers.in.us for more information.

Dan Domsic is the Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Fishers Parks & Recreation.

For more information on any of these ideas, feel free to reach me at domsicd@fishers.in.us or in the office at 595-3151.

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Community Leaders Gather to Address

Community Mental Health Challenges

What brought busy leaders from the City, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Community Health Network, Fishers City Council and local non-profits together for a standing two-hour meeting each month for the better part of a year?

A growing concern for the mental health of our community.

Throughout the year, they came together bringing varying perspectives, ideas and challenges. Under Mayor Fadness’ charge, they set out to answer one very complex question, “If a community was to marshal its collective resources around the challenges of mental health, what could and should be done?”

During a ride-along with Fishers Police in 2014, Mayor Fadness learned that officers were conducting immediate detentions on residents with mental health crises almost once a shift.

“That startled me,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “And it started this entire journey that myself and the City and others went on to try to discover what’s going on in our community and how we can make it better.”

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Shortly after that ride along, Mayor Fadness began reaching out to community leaders to see how we could offer our support as a community. In the beginning of 2015, he assembled a mental health task force that would be responsible for assessing the mental health challenges of our community and providing a list of actionable recommendations.

The meetings were spearheaded by Suzanne Clifford, senior vice president of integrated primary care at Community Health Network. Clifford has extensive experience in behavioral health and was appointed by two governors as the Indiana Director of Mental Health and Addiction. Her expertise helped guide the task force through uncharted territory.

The group’s monthly meetings were a forum for learning, sharing and brainstorming. In an early meeting, Clifford assembled a panel of local mental health experts to share about the current state of mental health. In another meeting, the group completed a gap analysis, noting all local mental health resources for youth and adults, thereby identifying potential gaps in resources and services.

In another, each member answered the question, “What would help the most?”.

Each month, they were growing together in their understanding of the complexities of mental health challenges and how a coordinated collaborative effort might benefit our community at large.

After much deliberation, they identified two key objectives to focus on moving forward: education and training and resources and access to services. After more discussion, they developed several actionable recommendations for each objective, complete with owners to lead each charge and measurable goals.

The task force is already hard at work on those recommendations. The sense of urgency is unyielding.

“It’s very important that we educate ourselves and help connect the community together to build a better infrastructure to help support people that are in need,” said Suzanne Clifford.

Recommendations for education and training 1. Develop an education program for Fishers Police Department and Fishers Fire Department.

2. Quarterly audit/review of mental health runs to see what can be learned.

3. Enhance the City’s partnerships with behavioral health providers.

4. Develop a systemic comprehensive plan for the schools.

5. Develop a youth training plan for public safety departments.

6. Develop a community-wide communications campaign.

Recommendations for resources and access 1. Remodel community paramedicine program to include protocol for mental health calls.

2. Develop Intensive Care Coordination program for youth.

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Launch Fishers Hosts Fail Fest 2015 After receiving international recognition from the International Economic Development Council for its inaugural Fail Fest, Launch Fishers announced Fail Fest 2015 to be held at Tom Wood Aviation on Dec. 9.

This year’s event includes an all-new list of speakers headlined by Jim Hallet, Scott McCorkle and a host of other top entrepreneurial leaders. Hallett is Chairman and CEO of KAR Auction Services and was named national EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014. McCorkle serves as CEO, Marketing Cloud, Salesforce and previously led technology and strategy for ExactTarget and was VP of IBM’s customer relationship management product group.

“The turnout for our inaugural event in 2014 was so amazing that we decided on the spot it needed to be an annual event,” said John Wechsler, Founder and CEO of Launch Fishers. “Moving the event to Tom Wood Aviation at the Indianapolis Metro Airport in Fishers will add an extra twist of excitement this year.”

Full list of speakers this year includes: Jim Brown formerly of Haven, John McDonald of CloudOne, Scotty Wise of Scotty’s Brewhouse, Financial Commentator Pete “The Planner” Dunn , Chris Byers of Formstack, Santiago Jaramillo of Bluebridge Digital, Brand Coach Thaddeus Rex, Jason Tennenhouse of 10 IN HOUSE Strategy & Design, Katie Culp of KSM Location Advisors, revenue and go-to-market expert Jenny Vance, Dante Ventresca of Theater of Inclusion, Brad Wisler of Sproutbox, Gabe Connell of Hotbox Pizza, Dr. Allen Bourff of HSE Schools, Jay Love of Bloomerang, Jim Hallett of KAR Auction Services, Dave Wortman of Diagnotes, Bobby Logan of K12 Mobility, Danielle McDowell of The Speakeasy, Ellen Rosenthal of Conner Prairie, Anderson Schoenrock of Memory Ventures and Scott McCorkle of Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

“Like every good startup, CloudOne has experienced many failures, including at least two potentially catastrophic ones. I can’t wait to share that story at FailFest and, more importantly, how these failures directly led to our explosive growth and customer success," said John McDonald, CEO of CloudOne. Tickets are now available at FailFest.us. FailFest is produced & presented by Launch Fishers and sponsored by Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Elevate Ventures, Launch Indiana, Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Indiana Small Business Development Corporation, Visit Hamilton County, Invest Hamilton County, The City of Fishers, AT&T and Metonymy Media.

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New Launch Fishers Facility is State’s 1st AT&T Fiber Ready Entrepreneurial Coworking Space On Nov. 19, AT&T Indiana announced that the new Launch Fishers facility is AT&T fiber ready. It is just the second site in Indiana to receive this certification and the first coworking space.

“AT&T is investing in high-speed Internet in urban and rural areas across Indiana using the latest wired and wireless technologies, and we are proud to highlight the new Launch Fishers facility as one of many places in Indiana where AT&T’s fiber infrastructure is in place and ready to help local businesses grow,” said Bill Soards, president of AT&T Indiana.

“With this new designation, Launch Fishers will have a competitive advantage when talking to entrepreneurs and small businesses about their needs," said State Sen. Jim Merritt. “Coupled with Hamilton Co.’s other great assets, this innovative facility will be even more attractive to those looking to launch a new idea.”

“This is all a manifestation of our love for the entrepreneur,” said John Wechsler, Launch Fishers co-founder.

To

learn

more

about

Launch

www.launchfishers.com.

Fishers,

visit,

The fiber ready certification says to entrepreneurs and small business owners that Launch Fishers’ new facility is capable of providing high-speed internet connectivity for all of their business needs.

Mayor Scott Fadness called the AT&T Fiber ready designation part of the 21st century infrastructure that helps build a connected, entrepreneurial city.

“Our resources in Fishers Hamilton Co. are extensive, but if potential investors aren’t aware of the impressive tech infrastructure in place, then we face the potential of missing many opportunities.

This AT&T Fiber Ready designation helps to eliminate those missed opportunities, and furthers Fishers as an entrepreneurial, innovative city,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.

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Fishers Fun

SPECIAL PROGRAMS at FISHERS PARKS

SPECIAL EVENTS Santa’s Mailbox

Pictures with Santa

Bring the magic of the holiday season straight to your mailbox! Children in fourth grade and younger are invited to write a special letter to Santa Claus with their most precious holiday wishes. Include a selfaddressed stamped envelope with your letter so that Santa Claus can write back before he gets too busy with Christmas preparations.

Any parent knows that pictures don’t always go as planned, so instead of spending money on expensive mall photos, stop by City Hall for a free picture with Santa! Parents, your children will love the chance to get a photo with Santa and share their wishes for the coming season. Light refreshments will be served and registration is not required for this event, but parent supervision is! Did we mention that live reindeer will be onsite? Enjoy meaningful memories this holiday season and enjoy your child’s photo with Santa in a free photo frame. Also, be on the lookout for details about your chance to win by submitting your funniest photo with Santa!

Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and letters are due by Monday, Dec.14 at 4:30 p.m. to allow time for Santa to mail a letter back.

Mondays through Dec. 14 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Inside City Hall (1 Municipal Drive) and Fishers Parks & Recreation (11565 Brooks School Road) FREE

Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 10 6-7:30 p.m. | City Hall (1 Municipal Drive) FREE!

Winnie the Pooh Day Cumberland Park is transforming into the Hundred Acre Wood to celebrate National Winnie the Pooh Day! One of our most popular programs, Winnie the Pooh Day invites the community for indoor and outdoor games families of all ages can enjoy.

This program is hosted in an open house format, which means you can drop by any time and stay as long as you’d like. No registration is required and attendance is free. Costumes and stuffed animals are both encouraged, and parents we recommend bringing a camera! Light refreshments will be available and activities will be inside the shelter and outside around the park.

Sunday, Jan. 17 1-4 p.m. | Cumberland Park Building FREE!

For additional details, view the full Fun Guide online at fishers.in.us/FunGuide 12

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Programs for FAMILIES/ALL AGES Breakfast with the Grinch

PlayFULL Hours

Saturday, Dec. 12 9-10 a.m.

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building R$12/NR$18 Register by Dec. 4 using activity title Bfast w the Grinch

PRESCHOOL Programs Two Times the Fun Christmas Cuties

Wednesday, Dec. 16 10-11 a.m. | Billericay Park Building R$6/NR$9 Register by Dec. 9 using activity title TTTF Christmas Cuties

Snow Angels Wednesday, Jan. 20 10-11 a.m. | Billericay Park Building R$6/NR$9 Register by Jan. 13 using activity title TTTF Snow Angels Sealed with a Kiss

Thursday, Feb. 4 10-11 a.m. | Billericay Park Building R$6/NR$9 Register by Jan. 28 using activity title TTTF Kiss

Your child(ren) ages 1-5 are invited to PlayFULL Hours for unstructured play time! Each class focuses on a specific theme, and themes vary year-round. Parents, participation is required so you can socialize alongside your little one.

Payment Options: Option 1 – Pay as You Go Option 2 – Flex Pass Visit www.Fishers.in.us/Parks to learn more about PlayFULL Hours payment options!

Shapes

This program takes place indoors.

Thursday, Dec. 3 10-11 a.m. | Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building

Things that Go!

This program takes place indoors.

Thursday, Jan. 28 10-11 a.m. | Billericay Park Building R$2/NR$3 or Flex Pass Register by Jan. 26 using activity title PFH Go!

Holiday Tea for Dolly and Me

Tuesday, Dec. 8 10:30 a.m. – noon | Billericay Park Building R$12/NR$18 Register by Dec. 1 by using the activity Holiday Tea

For additional details, view the full Fun Guide online at fishers.in.us/FunGuide DECEMBER 2015 Town Talk

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Each program is designed for a certain age group.

You must register in advance by the deadline to participate.

YOUTH & TEEN Programs Pinterest Night: Mobile

Tuesday, Jan. 26 6:30-8 p.m. | Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building R$8/NR$12 Register by Jan. 19 using activity title Pinterest Mobile

You must register in advance by the deadline to participate.

Dragon Pottery

Saturday, Jan. 23 1-2 p.m. | Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building R$20/NR$30 Register by Jan. 20 using activity title Dragon Pottery

HOW TO REGISTER

Visit www.fishers.in.us/parks for Registration Form.

Complete form and submit payment online.

We LOVE Teachers

Tues., Feb. 2 6-7 p.m. | Billericay Park Building R$9/NR$14 Register by Jan. 26 using activity title LOVE Teachers

OR Print the form and mail it with a check.

OR Print out form and drop-off with exact cash, credit card, or check at Fishers Parks office. (Phone registrations will not be accepted.)

Programs for ADULTS Pottery & Pinot

Friday, Jan. 22 6:30-8 p.m.

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building R$15/NR$23 Register by Jan. 15 using activity title Pottery & Pinot

A drop-off program does not require an adult to be present during program time.

Programs for Residents FIFTY OR BETTER

Visit Fishers Parks website for more upcoming programs, special events and program partner classes. www.fishers.in.us/parks

Gentle Yoga

Wednesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 3 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building R$40/NR$60 Register by Dec. 30 using activity title Yoga 1

Why does my back still hurt?

Tuesday, Jan. 12 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building FREE! Register by Jan. 5 using activity title Back Hurts

Fishers Parks & Recreation 11565 Brooks School Road Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 595-3150

Programs for Adults sponsored by

For additional details, view the full Fun Guide online at fishers.in.us/FunGuide 14

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Office Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. except holidays

For additional information about youth, teen and senior programming, visit our Fun Guide at www.Fishers.in.us/Parks.

Special Events Through December 14 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Santa’s Mailbox City Hall and Parks & Recreation Office For more information, see page 12.

Through December 31 Art in City Hall presents the artwork of Donna Carr and Angelina Fielding City Hall, One Municipal Dr. in Nickel Plate District This new exhibit can be viewed at City Hall, Mon.Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.FishersArtsCouncil.com Through January 3 Gingerbread Village Conner Prairie Interactive History Park 13400 Allisonville Rd. Talk a walk through the Gingerbread Village to marvel at the work of the imaginative gingerbread makers. Included in paid general admission. Free for members. For more information, see page 5. www.connerprairie.org Saturday, December 5 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.

Victorian Family Christmas Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens 10595 Eller Rd. Children ages 2-10 will enjoy story time, holiday crafts, cookie decorating and photos with St. Nick! Advance registration required, email bethm@ambassadorhouse.org. $10 per child, adults are free. www.ambassadorhouse.org Saturday, December 5 Noon Adult Student Showcase and Fishers Community Chorus Studio 37 at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy 10029 E 126th St. Adult performers from Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy followed by holiday favorites performed by the new Fishers Community Chorus. Free.

For details, visit Fishers Community Chorus on Facebook.

Wednesday, December 9 Fail Fest Tom Wood Aviation For more information, see page 10.

Wednesday and Thursday, December 9-10 6-7:30 p.m.

Pictures with Santa City Hall For more information, see page 12.

Meetings Friday, December 11 7 p.m.

A Christmas Extravaganza Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, 10500 E 126th St. Fishers Music Works’ annual Christmas show features Lantern Road Elementary children’s choir, G. Scotten Talent Center dancers and the Fishers Chamber Orchestra. $20/person. Children 17 and under are free. Advance tickets available at www.fishersmusicworks.org/tickets.

Open to the Public

Monday, December 7 6 p.m.

Parks Advisory Committee City Hall Auditorium Tuesday, December 15 5:30 p.m.

Planned Unit Development Committee (PUD) City Hall Auditorium Tuesday, December 15 6:30 p.m.

Plan Commission City Hall Auditorium

December 11-13, 18-23 Check website for times Polar Bear Express Departs from Municipal Drive in Nickel Plate District, near Fishers Public Library Snowflake, the polar bear, greets guests boarding the train for a holiday interactive experience- a train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Passengers will receive hot chocolate, a cookie and a candy cane.

Children will receive a small gift from Santa, too!

Train tickets are $30/person. Reservations are highly recommended because rides sell out. www.itm.org/events/pbx Monday, December 14 10:30 a.m.

Mudsock Quilters Guild Fellowship Hall at The Fishers United Methodist Church, 9891 E. 116th Street.

Christmas Pitch-In and Fashion Show. www.mudsockquiltersguild.org

Wednesday, December 16 5:30 p.m.

Nickel Plate Review Committee City Hall Auditorium Wednesday, December 16 6:30 p.m.

City of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) City Hall Auditorium Thursday, December 17 9 a.m.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) City Hall Auditorium Thursday, December 17 6:30 p.m.

Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) City Hall Auditorium Monday, December 21 7 p.m.

City Council Meeting City Hall Auditorium

Saturday, December 19 All day while businesses are open Last Minute in the District Nickel Plate District The clock is ticking-it's time to get all of your holiday shopping done and get to celebrating. Stroll through the Nickel Plate District and visit the area shops for gift purchases and holiday cheer!

Be sure to visit City Hall, too. From 2-5 p.m., enjoy the newest "Art in City Hall" art exhibit while Fishers Arts Council gift wraps your purchases! (Donations welcomed.) www.fishers.in.us

Thursday, December 24 Holiday CITY HALL CLOSED Friday, December 25 Holiday CITY HALL CLOSED Monday, December 28 4 p.m.

Board of Public Works & Safety City Hall Auditorium

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

City Hall Brief Mental Health Task Force Releases Report to Community

Fishers DPW Rolls out Hometown Heroes Program

After several months of exploratory meetings, Fishers’ Mental Health Task Force released their recommendations with measurable goals for the community moving forward. To learn more about the Task Force’s recommendations, visit www.fishers.in.us/mentalhealth.

The City of Fishers Department of Public Works recently announced a new program to help the families of deployed military personnel in Fishers.

The Hometown Help for Heroes initiative will provide snow removal and lawn care service for military families with one or more heads of household deployed in service to our country. To apply for the program, visit www.fishers.in.us/hometownheroes.

City of Fishers Upgraded to AA-Plus Credit Rating

AA+

Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services raised its rating on Fishers’ general obligation debt one notch to AA-plus from AA. "The upgrade reflects our opinion of the city's maintenance of its very strong reserves and liquidity," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Andrew Truckenmiller.

Flat Fork Creek Park Open to Public Just in time for winter sledding, Flat Fork Creek Park officially opened to the public on Dec. 3. The park, located at 16141 East 101st Street features mountain bike trails and a 50-foot sledding hill.