JUNE 2019
A SMART, GROWING COMMUNITY Planning & Zoning reviews 2018 page 6
KEEPING WATCH Residents help protect Fishers' Parks page 8
SPARK!FISHERS RETURNS JUNE 28 & 29 page 16
FIRST INTERNET BANK Get to know the Spark!Fishers Sponsor page 14
Think Fishers is the official magazine for the City of Fishers, Indiana and is produced in-house by the City’s Public Relations team. Additional copies are available at City Hall (1 Municipal Drive). For more information, visit fishers.in.us. ON THE COVER: Check out this years' Spark!Fishers schedule on page 16.
SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up to date by following Fishers on Facebook and Twitter: Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
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RESOURCES FISHERS CITY HALL 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers | 46038 (317) 595.3111 fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us
MAYOR FADNESS JUNE LETTER TO RESIDENTS
June marks the official start of summer and what could be better than a weekend-long celebration of all things Fishers: the residents, community groups, veterans, and the best in music and food. Spark!Fishers celebrates its second year during the last weekend of the month, and we can’t wait to see you there! Our Fishers Parks & Rec team is in full swing bringing you fun, family friendly events, the Summer Concert Series, and parks to get out and enjoy this long-awaited warm weather. I hope to see you out enjoying this wonderful community. I’m continually grateful to serve Fishers.
Yours in service,
Scott A. Fadness
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FISHERS CITY SERVICES 3 Municipal Drive, Fishers | 46038 (317) 595.3111 fishers.in.us/CityServices administration@fishers.in.us FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION 11565 Brooks School Road | 46037 (317) 595.3150 playflshers.com parks@fishers.in.us FISHERS CITY CLERK (317) 595.3145 ZONING CODE ENFORCEMENT (317) 595.3120 PERMITTING & INSPECTIONS (317) 595.3120 FISHERS CITY COURT (317) 595.3130 FISHERS POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF ED GEBHART 4 Municipal Drive | 46038 Non-Emergency: (317) 595.3300 Dispatch: (317) 773.1282 Anonymous Tip Line: (317) 595.3305
FISHERS FIRE & EMERGENCY CHIEF STEVE ORUSA Non-Emergency: (317) 595.3200 and (317) 846.2525 FIRE STATION 91 12901 Fuel Way | 46038 FIRE STATION 92 11595 Brooks School Road | 46038 FIRE STATION 93 10501 Allisonville Road | 46038 FIRE STATION 94 10701 Cumberland Road | 46038 FIRE STATION 95 10870 East 131st Street | 46037 FIRE STATION 96 15300 East 104th Street | 46037 FIRE STATION 97 13000 East 136th Street | 46037 HSE SCHOOLS MAIN OFFICE 13485 Cumberland Road | 46038 (317) 594.4100 HAMILTON COUNTY CLERK (317) 776.9629 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CENTER (317) 776.4005
JUNE 2019
CITY STAFF MAYOR Scott Fadness
DEPUTY MAYOR Leah McGrath
DEPUTY MAYOR OF ADMINISTRATION Elliott Hultgren
CITY JUDGE Daniel E. Henke
CITY CLERK Jennifer Kehl
CITY CONTROLLER Lisa Bradford
CITY ATTORNEY Chris Greisl
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Eric Pethtel
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Ethan Lee
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Megan Baumgartner
DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION Sarah Sandquist
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ZONING Tony Bagato
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING Jason Taylor
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Tracy Gaynor Ashley Elrod
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PR Stephanie Perry
MARKETING & PR MANAGER Kara Hall
BRAND COORDINATOR, DESIGN & LAYOUT Elizabeth Creakbaum
CITY COUNCIL RICHARD BLOCK, President, District at Large blockr@fishers.in.us Facebook: RichBlock
TODD ZIMMERMAN, District at Large zimmermant@fishers.in.us Twitter: @toddpzimmerman
PETE PETERSON, Southeast District petersonp@fishers.in.us Facebook: PetePeterson
ERIC MOELLER, Vice-President, North Central District DAVID GEORGE, Southwest District moellere@fishers.in.us george@fishers.in.us Twitter: @eecmoeller Twitter: @david_c_george
SELINA STOLLER, Northwest District stollers@fishers.in.us Facebook: StollerForCouncil
CECILIA COBLE, District at Large coblec@fishers.in.us Twitter: @CeciliaCoble
JOHN WEINGARDT, South Central District weingardt@fishers.in.us Facebook: JohnWeingardt
Cumberland Rd.
146th St.
NORTHEAST
NORTH CENTRAL
SOUTHEAST
le Rd
SOUTHWEST
onvil
SOUTH CENTRAL
116th St.
Allis
NORTHWEST
126th St. Florida Rd.
131st St.
Brooks School Rd.
141st St.
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City Council meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. inside the City Hall Auditorium, located at 1 Municipal Drive. Residents unable to attend are encouraged to view meeting minutes and watch the archived view at fishers.in.us/CityCouncil.
BRAD DEREAMER, Northeast District dereamerb@fishers.in.us
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
Olio Rd.
106th St.
96th St.
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We want a glimpse into city life from your perspective, so each month we’ll feature your photos from around our community! To submit your photos, simply use the hashtag #AroundFishers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram when you share photos of your favorite local spots and activities.
@tracylingle
@indysuz
@31svnsda
@pinkpineappletravel
@caseyncawthon
@kinga_nagy
14% Each month, we host an online poll on our Fishers Indiana Government social pages. With the Fishers Farmers' Market returning this month, Think Fishers wanted to know what our residents' favorite part of summer in Fishers is: Follow @FishersIN on Twitter to participate in next month’s survey and share your answer with Fishers!
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38%
28%
23%
@tiffany.takes.pictures
25% SPECIAL EVENTS 23% ENJOYING FISHERS' PARKS 38% DINING OUTDOORS 14% WALKING THE TRAILS
JUNE 2019
HANDEL'S ICE CREAM
A PERFECT SPOT TO COOL DOWN WHEN THE WEATHER STARTS TO HEAT UP If you’re driving on 116th Street through the Nickel Plate District on a summer evening, you can’t miss the crowd at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt. With dozens of customers lined up across the parking lot and enjoying their treats along the sidewalk, the Handel’s spectacle has become somewhat of a summer tradition in Fishers.
DON'T MISS OUT! Mark your calendar for Dollar Cone Day on Saturday, June 29, where you can get any flavor of ice cream in a cone for $1.
Owner Greg Glaros opened the Fishers location in June 2002. Glaros grew up enjoying Handel’s ice cream in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio—the birthplace of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt. In 1945, Alice Handel began serving ice cream from her husband’s gas station. Her old-fashioned recipes were made fresh with fruit from her garden and the ice cream became a hit in Youngstown. Alice stored most of her recipes in her head, so when the business sold in 1986, the new owner had to put measuring cups under the ingredients as Alice demonstrated the recipes so that proportions could be documented. Now with locations across nine states, Alice’s legacy lives on. The menu has expanded to include more than 100 flavors of ice cream and yogurt inspired by Alice’s original recipes. In 2006, National Geographic named Handel’s as Best Ice Cream in the book, The 10 Best of Everything. Handel’s makes their ice cream fresh daily at each location, one batch at a time. “We make all of our ice cream here on site,” says Glaros. “We use the best ingredients you can buy, and we don’t skimp.” Glaros also owns the Carmel store, which he opened in 2004. The Fishers and Carmel locations are the only locations in Indiana. Both locations' menus features 48 flavors at a time, with six to eight flavors rotating out each month. The most popular flavors include Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocoholic Chunk, and of course, their signature Vanilla. Also topping the bestseller list include unique concoctions like Graham Central Station (graham flavored ice cream with a graham cracker ripple and chocolate covered crunchies), Spouse Like a House (malted vanilla ice cream with Reese’s Peanut Butter ripple and chocolate covered pretzels), and Salty Carmel Truffle (salty caramel ice cream with chocolate truffles filled with salted caramel). Glaros’ personal favorite menu item is the Turtle Sundae, consisting of vanilla ice cream with caramel, hot fudge, pecans, and whipped cream.
VISIT HANDEL'S
Handel’s offers pints and quarts for carry out, and you can even call ahead to have your order ready when you arrive.
8760 East 116th Street | 46038
The quaint shop has outdoor seating and features several windows to order from. Despite the lack of indoor seating, the store is open year-round, and even in the winter, you’ll find customers ordering ice cream to enjoy from the toasty warmth of their cars.
handelsicecream.com/Indy
“The product is king,” describes Glaros. “People come back because of the ice cream.”
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
FIND THEM ONLINE FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL Facebook: Handels Instagram:handelsicecreamcarmelfishers
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KEEPING TABS ON A GROWING COMMUNITY
First Internet Bank Headquarters
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS 2018 ACTIVITIES, GROWTH FOR FISHERS When the Department of Planning and Zoning began the process for establishing the City’s comprehensive plan, Fishers2040, it set forth a series of goals and tasks to achieve the vision of creating a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city. Just four years into the implementation of the plan, the City of Fishers has made marked progress. In just 2018 alone, the department has accomplished key milestones both outlined in the Fishers 2040 plan and projects that support the plan. In 2018, the Planning & Zoning department accomplished: • Completely updated the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) so that it will help further sustainable, smart development in the city for the years to come. • Received the Hoosier Planning Award as Honorable Mention for Outstanding Comprehensive Plan (Fishers 2040). • Developed better online tools for the public, including the ViewPoint Cloud permitting and application portal and a new UDO browser. • Creating a new public notice web map and easier-to-read signs.
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Browning Investments 116th Street Project
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Department of Planning and Zoning has also been involved in several major projects throughout 2018, such as the Nickel Plate Trail’s Track to Trail program, in which they helped not only with community planning efforts, but also with developing outreach to gather resident feedback on the components of the trail. The City of Fishers formed an Arts & Culture Commission to set forth a strategy for making Fishers a vibrant community through the arts. Shortly thereafter, Fishers’ Nickel Plate District was designated a statewide cultural district, putting Fishers on the map for arts and culture. The responsibilities for executing the deliverables from the Arts & Culture Commission and Cultural District Designation were transitioned to Planning & Zoning to facilitate the integration of arts and culture into new and existing developments and neighborhoods.
JUNE 2019
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Planning & Zoning works closely with Economic Development including major projects in 2018: • The First Internet Bank New Headquarters and 116th Street Project with Browning Investments • Hub & Spoke • Flexware Innovation New Headquarters • BW Development New Building Because of these Fishers companies, 2018 saw 470 new jobs in Fishers with an average salary of $93,000. For more information about the Planning and Zoning Department in the City of Fishers, visit fishers.in.us/96/Planning-Zoning. Residents can access the Fishers 2040 plan at Fishers2040.com. An annual report-out of the progress of the Fishers 2040 plan is presented at the June City Council meeting.
GROWTH IN FISHERS In 2018, Fishers Planning & Zoning Department assessed the city's population. Due to decades of year-over-year growth, the City regularly re-evaluates Fishers’ demographics. Some notable updates were included in their report: • The department estimates that the population in Fishers in 2018 was 95,500 people • Fishers is the sixth largest city in Indiana • From 2016 to 2017, Fishers was the second fastest growing city in Indiana and ranked as the 84th fastest growing city in the country • The number of incorporated acres in Fishers has rose to 21,699 acres
Flexware Innovation Headquarters
A Parcel Analysis is included in the document, which displays the land uses in the Fishers Planning & Zoning Jurisdiction, as well as how many parcels and acres are in each land category and the assessed value of the land. The Permit Activity in the document displays how many residential and commercial permits there are. ILPs issued per year for new commercial developments, permits per year for new residential units, and total residential units are also listed. A list of currently under construction and recently completed for-sale and for-rent housing developments in Fishers are provided. A list of nursing homes in Fishers is also included.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
Hub & Spoke
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KEEPING WATCH
COMMUNITY MOBILIZES TO HELP MONITOR FISHERS PARKS This spring the City of Fishers Parks and Recreation partnered with in the parks after dark. The Fishers Police Department considers any the Fishers Police Department in the launch of a new public safety unusual activity to be suspicious activity. In order to afford police program designed to enhance the overall safety in our city parks. officers the best chance to located and identify the suspicious persons, all suspicious activity must be reported immediately by calling 911. ParkWatch gives individuals as well as groups the opportunity to assist the City of Fishers by having a purpose driven presence in “ParkWatch isn’t intended to replace police presence, but instead our parks. While in the parks, volunteers will use their eyes and have additional eyes and ears to the ground to allow us to be a little ears to detect concerns and then report those concerns to the more proactive and present when needed,” said Fishers Police appropriate department. Department Chief Ed Gebhart. “Residents who volunteer for ParkWatch won't be asked to interact or confront suspicious activity, but instead During the kickoff meeting in April, residents volunteered for shifts at will operate under an 'observe and report' protocol as a conduit to Brooks School Park, Holland Park, and Flat Fork Creek Park. information for our officers.” “The ParkWatch program is intended to provide an opportunity for residents to play a role in making sure our parks continue to be safe, vibrant places to recreate,” said Fishers Parks & Recreation Director Sarah Sandquist. “By training community members to see something, say something, we’re hoping we can prevent some of the petty crime and mischief in some of our more popular parks.”
Examples of concerns that are less time sensitive would be vandalism (that is not currently in progress), damage to property, trash issues, and general maintenance of the facilities. Volunteers will be encouraged to log the activity in the Fishers CrimeWatch app, call the Hamilton County Dispatch Center at 317-773-1282, or Fishers Parks and Recreation during normal business hours to report issues that can be addressed later.
ParkWatch volunteers will be watchful for suspicious activity. For example, people or groups of people behaving inappropriately, vehicles For more information about the ParkWatch program or to volunteer, occupied for extended periods of time, reckless driving, and people visit playfishers.com/ParkWatch.
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JUNE 2019
HONORING & REMEMBERING
MILITARY SERVICE RECOGNIZED THROUGH FISHERS HONORS' EVENTS & PROGRAMS Fishers is proud to honor and remember the brave men and women who have courageously served in the armed forces throughout the year. Every day, these heroes are honored at Liberty Plaza, located in the heart of our community at the entrance of the Municipal Complex at 116th Street and Municipal Drive.
NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY Join the City of Fishers - a Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration - in celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day each year in March. Help us to recognize the veterans and their families who served during the Vietnam War period with a free ceremony featuring community members and veterans.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY Join the City of Fishers as we honor the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our freedom. Residents are invited to a ceremony on Memorial Day each year at Liberty Plaza on the Central Green in front of City Hall as we honor fallen service members in our community and nationwide. This ceremony is free and open to the public.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY Join the City of Fishers at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony each year on Veteran’s Day honoring local veterans who have courageously served in the armed forces. The free ceremony is open to the public.
ENGRAVED BRICK PAVERS Honor a hero! Purchase an engraved brick paver, which will become a permanent addition to the Liberty Plaza walkway located in the heart of Fishers in the Municipal Complex.
HOMETOWN HELP FOR HEROES The Hometown Help for Heroes initiative marshals the community's public and private resources to alleviate some of the practical burdens that families of a deployed head of household will face. Fishers Department of Public Works (DPW) manages the program, which offers families with deployed head of households services including driveway and sidewalk snow removal and lawn mowing and trimming services during the summer months. All families that meet the program requirements are encouraged to submit an application. For more information about these events and programs, visit fishers.in.us/FishersHonors. The City is building its contact list of local veterans to ensure communication about these events. Veterans are encouraged to complete the form on the website to be added to the contact list.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
DON'T MISS OUT!
JAZZ AMBASSADORS, THE U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND Thursday, June 27 | 7 PM Nickel Plate District AMP
Enjoy a free concert from the United States Army Field Band as we head into the patriotic Spark!Fishers weekend! And be sure to check out Veterans’ Hall during Spark!Fishers, June 29, located in the Fishers City Hall Auditorium. While you're visiting, you can: • Write a thank you note to a veteran • Watch a short film of Fishers’ military service veterans • And more! Find additional information the about Spark!Fishers festival on page 16.
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HSE SCHOOLS BID FAREWELL TO LONGESTTENURED ADMINISTRATOR FALL CREEK INTERMEDIATE PRINCIPAL RETIRES AFTER 44 YEAR-LONG CAREER by Emily Pace Abbotts, Director of School and Community Relations, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
It was 1984 and Fishers was not yet a city, but a town with a population around 2,000 people. Hamilton Southeastern Schools only consisted of six buildings – and working among the staff was Randy Schoeff.
When asked what he is most proud of as an administrator at FCI, he doesn’t hesitate for a second to respond that it is the people – the staff and students have kept him motivated and happy to come to work each day. “The kids just keep you young. They have so much enthusiasm for learning,” he adds. Schoeff knew before entering college he wanted to be an educator. He accomplished that goal and more. He also has a love for coaching and throughout his career has assisted players on the court and track. He learned by watching his own dad who was a high school P.E. teacher and varsity basketball coach. “But the one thing I knew I didn’t want to do was be a varsity coach in anything. I love being an assistant coach,” Schoeff said. Schoeff didn’t much care for the pressure that sometimes comes with competitive sports and has made it his mission to help get students in his own building involved in as many extracurricular activities they are willing to try. When you talk to Schoeff you can tell he loves his job, and that is why it is difficult for us to say goodbye. Schoeff says his plans for this summer and beyond are to travel.
Schoeff, after teaching and coaching in Edinburgh, Noth Manchester and Hagerstown, started his career with HSE Schools as principal of Fishers Elementary School. He’s seen a lot, heard a lot and learned a lot about educating future generations in his 35 years with us. For the last 21 years, he has been at the helm of Fall Creek Intermediate, a building he calls “home.” “I love it here. We’re a family,” says Schoeff.
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“I really want to see the world.” He also looks forward to spending more time with his children and seven grandchildren that range in ages five to 17. Before locking the door to FCI one last time, Schoeff did leave one bit of advice for staff and students: “don’t forget to take time for yourself.” Finally, he will be putting that lesson to use.
HSE Schools Main Office: 13485 Cumberland Road | (317)594.4100
ROBOTICS TEAM MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY
When students from across the state gather at Lucas Oil Stadium to compete in the Indiana VEX Robotics State Championship, it is clear they need the technical engineering skills to advance through the rounds of competition. This year, for the first time in HSE Schools history, a very talented robotics team from Sand Creek Intermediate had the opportunity to compete.
SAND CREEK INTERMEDIATE'S STUDENTS ADVANCE TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER ONLY A FEW MONTHS OF PRACTICE AND PREPERATION by Hamilton Southeastern Schools
When asked about how the students worked together, 12-year-old Delaney Gamble said, “I really like getting to hang out with my friends and tell jokes with them, but I especially like the coding aspect. I am one of those coding people who likes to just work with a computer, I get it from my uncle.” Earlier in the school year, the students didn’t think they qualified to compete but knew they came close. It wasn’t until their coach, Matt Wiseman, a sixth grade Humanities teacher at Sand Creek Intermediate, surprised them with the news during one of the team’s robotics meetings. Wiseman said all the students were thrilled to learn they would compete. Wiseman, who also coaches the robotics team, says the VEX competitions are about more than just having a foundational knowledge of engineering. “The games are designed to specifically encourage students to think critically, be creative and sharpen their teamwork and communication skills.” According to the State Director of Robotics for TechPoint Foundation for Youth George Giltner, “Indiana has the most VEX IQ Elementary and Middle School Robotics teams in the United States,” so advancing to the state championship is a commendable achievement.” The ‘Mythical Sharks’ competed in the Jamie Hyneman Division and the ‘Smooth Sharks’ competed in the Amelia Earhart Division back in early March. Both teams from SCI competed and finished strong in the skills challenge. “They did awesome for their first time at the State Robotics Championship. It was truly amazing that they were able to even qualify for this event in their first year,” Wiseman said.
hse.k12.in.us
@HSESchools
@HSESchools
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CurioCity
HOW CURIOCITY CHANGED MY DIRECTION: MY STORY OF BEING A COMMUNICATIONS INTERN AT THE HSE CENTRAL OFFICE & THE NEW BEGINNINGS THAT STARTED WITH IT by Megan Pinson, Fishers High School
My name is Megan Pinson. This past school year was my last as I graduated from Fishers High School and prepare to head to college. To better set myself up for what is to come, I applied for an internship Some of the cool things I was able to work on during my semesterand was placed at HSE Central Office in January, working alongside the long stint were improving my creative writing skills and how to craft Director of School and Community Relations. a professional news article. Like I mentioned before, I have always enjoyed writing stories, but writing for a publication such as Think This is was my second internship, and to be honest, I didn’t know what Fishers is a new skill I had to obtain. I am also pleased to say that my skills to expect. Fishers High School Internship Coordinator Cameron Scott in photography increased throughout this experience, and I learned helped me find how my strengths could be used in a professional how to interact with people of all ages in a wide-range of settings. setting, although I was unsure how, I knew that I liked photography and writing. My experience with CurioCity has been so valuable. I have not only made friends, but new professional connections. I went from not really I will admit, it can be intimidating entering this realm. I was working know what I want to do with my future after high school, to trying for the people who have ultimately made decisions that shaped my something completely new and ended up loving it. It was a truly a great entire educational experience. I quickly realized, I was no longer just experience that shaped what I hope to do as my career one day. I am a high school student, but was seen as an equal who had tasks and excited about the future and encourage my fellow students to always responsibilities to accomplish like everyone else. remain curious.
Photos taken by Megan Pinson during her internship.
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CITY OF FISHERS’ DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
PARKS & RECREATION
It’s summer, and things are buzzing at Fishers’ Parks & Recreation Department off 116th Street and Brooks School Road.
For Sarah Sandquist, Director of Fishers Parks and Recreation, the fast pace and energy is what drew her to join the team.
Year-round the small team of employees manages the more than 20 “The dust never settles,” says Sandquist. “We’re always busy creating parks around Fishers and plans hundreds of special events, educational fun for our residents,” says Sandquist. programs, and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. But in summer, everything is kicked into high gear. While every team member was drawn to the department for different reasons, each is passionate about what they do. The department hosts two of the most popular community traditions: Fishers’ Summer Concert Series and Fishers Farmers’ Market, both Assistant Director Marissa Deckert is a new Fishers resident who presented by IU Health Saxony. The free concert series offers concerts became interested in working with the department after attending the Tuesday and Friday evenings in the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Glow in the Park event last fall. and lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays on Central Green. The series kicks off June 4. The Farmers’ Market, which opened last month, has “I was blown away by the production of the event and the people working been rated one of the top farmers’ markets in the region and offers local it,” said Deckert. “Being part of this team is the perfect opportunity to produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from over 50 full and part- give back to the community where I live.” time vendors. Special Events Manager Rebekah Thomas realized her talent was in Along with these weekly events, there’s Monsoon Madness, Mud Day, event planning and organization. As a mom, Thomas had worked on Arts Crawl, Movies in the Park, Yappy Hour, Fishers Freebirds meet- events at school and wanted her job to fulfill that passion. ups, summer camps, and more. And don’t forget the largest event of the summer, Spark!Fishers, on June 28 and 29. The festival is packed with “Every day I'm so excited I get to be here and paid to do this,” said Thomas. fun, including a 5K Walk/Run, street fair vendors, live entertainment, a parade, and fireworks show (learn more on page 16). The Parks and Recreation team brings excitement, energy, and a sense of community to our city. July is National Parks and Recreation Along with events and programming, the department manages and Month and the Fishers Parks team will be celebrating with pop-up develops Fishers’ diverse parks system. Currently, they are working events around the city. Follow @FishersParks on Twitter and Facebook with a design team on plans for the new Geist Waterfront Park off Olio to stay up to date on what’s happening around our community. Road, and on programming for the new AgriPark set to open to the public next spring. Learn more about Fishers Parks and Recreation at playfishers.com.
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@FishersIN
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
IGNITES IN THE NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT
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When computer guy David Becker, Founder, President, and CEO of First Internet Bank had the idea for a “branchless bank” that lived entirely online, he knew it would game changer for the banking industry. However, getting others to recognize this was a challenge.
After garnering feedback from focus groups, comprised of friends and neighbors, Becker confirmed that the doubt he had received from the brick and mortar banks was not shared by consumers, and a demand for an exclusively online bank did in fact exist.
When presenting the concept to a prominent bank in Indiana Upon acquiring the necessary funding and pushing in the mid ’90s, Becker was shot down immediately and told through the three and a half years of regulatory hurdles, there was a lack of consumer demand for such a platform. Becker brought his vision to reality, with the opening of First Internet Bank’s virtual doors in 1999. “The CEO told me ‘it would not work’,” noted Becker. “They could not understand why a computer guy wanted to get Since going live in 1999, First Internet Bank has continued into banking.” its original mission to deliver a streamlined and simplistic banking system, with an emphasis on the customer. At the time, Becker owned three financial services software companies, primarily focusing on processing for “We are about the customer, and we believe in doing the small community banks. With his work within the financial right thing by the customer,” said Nicole Lorch, Executive industry, he recognized an opportunity—and need—to VP and COO. improve banking functions. The rise of the internet had resulted in the emergence of online financial services and In operating exclusively online, First Internet Bank has “at home” banking platforms, but no financial institution eliminated the overhead costs commonly associated had ever operated exclusively online. with traditional brick and mortar banks, while serving a customer base, not only in Indiana, but across the U.S. In typical startup fashion, Becker continued to move forward with his vision, only motivated by the skeptical “90 days after going live in 1999, we had a client in each of reactions he received. the 50 states, across the U.S.,” said Becker.
JUNE 2019
WE REALLY WANT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY. WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE OUR EMPLOYEES' INTERESTS AND LET THEM GROW. “The Nickel Plate Trail was really the icing on the cake, when deciding to move to Downtown Fishers,” stated Becker. “The parking garage was attractive, for when it is snowy and nasty, and the ability to walk to lunch is also exciting for our employees.” Breaking ground this summer, a $157 million project, encompassing the north and south sides of 116th Street, in the downtown area, will transform the area bordered by the Nickel Plate to the west, Moore Street to the east, North Street to the north, and South Street to the South. First Internet Bank plans to relocate its headquarters to the new six story and 168,000 square foot office building featuring groundfloor retail space that will serve as the anchor on the south side of 116th Street. A parking garage and a boutique hotel are expected to complete this development.
A COMMUNITY PARTNER First Internet Bank employees at Fishers HQ in February 2019, celebrating 20 years of providing customers great rates and exceptional service.
As First Internet Bank enters the next phase in their growth, Becker and leadership not only aim to build upon their foundation of customer focused banking, but they also intend to continue their commitment to community involvement.
Holding nearly $3.7 billion in assets and growing at a rate of 30 percent Since their inception, First Internet Bank has placed an emphasis on per year (typical rates for traditional banks are in the single digits), First community involvement, encouraging employees to volunteer, while Internet Bank’s internal growth has propelled the company into their also supporting their employees’ personal charitable interests. next chapter, which will take place in Downtown Fishers. “We really want to give back to our community,” said Lorch. “And if we RELOCATING TO DOWNTOWN FISHERS are able to fuel [our employees’] passions, they bring that excitement Initially moving its mortgage operation to Fishers in 2013, First Internet to work. We want to encourage our employees’ interests and let Bank eventually moved all its Indiana-based employees to 11201 them grow.” USA Parkway. However, internal growth prompted Becker to begin considering options for expansion. First Internet Bank recognizes the importance in contributing to the development of strong community and is actively involved in a variety “This is our fifth headquarters location in twenty years,” said Becker. of local initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity and the US2020 “We initially thought we might be able to lease some of the space in STEM program. this building to another company, but we’re already starting to burst at the seams. Every time we have settled in a new place, our growth has Reflecting their commitment to community involvement, here in required us to upsize.” Fishers, First Internet Bank will be serving as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Spark! Fishers festival, taking place on June 28 and 29, in Prior to setting their sights on the downtown Fishers location, First the Nickel Plate District. Internet Bank was considering expanding their existing building on USA Parkway. However, the downtown Fishers climate was more “We are excited to sponsor the Spark!Fishers event in celebration enticing to the company in the long run. of this great community,” said Becker. “Being headquartered in Fishers, we’re incredibly proud to support this favorite summer Citing a multitude of factors contributing to the decision to relocate to tradition in our hometown. It’s especially significant to be a part of the Nickel Plate District, Becker notes the future Nickel Plate Trail, along the event as we connect one milestone—our 20th anniversary this with the vibrancy and the walkability of the downtown, as a few of the year—with our future as we break ground on our new headquarters in most anticipated conveniences for their employees to enjoy. downtown Fishers.”
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ignited by
This year’s Spark!Fishers, ignited by First Internet Bank, is packed full of family-favorites and new traditions that will delight residents and commemorate everything that is uniquely Fishers. Spark!Fishers weekend begins on Friday, June 28 with a special concert at the Nickel Plate District AMP that evening and continues with a free, all-day celebration on Saturday honoring our freedom and vibrant community. Learn more at sparkfishers.com, and connect with Spark!Fishers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for event news and updates.
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NEW THIS YEAR
• The street fair and artisan market will kick off with the Fishers Farmers’ Market and 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m., for even more hours of fun! A second street festival on North Street will opens 3 p.m.
• We’ve added a third stage featuring even more community entertainment and live music throughout the day.
• The City Hall Auditorium will be transformed into Veterans' Hall to share the stories of our local heroes.
JUNE 2019
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JUNE 28 7 PM - Spark!Fishers Concert featuring Vertical Horizon and Tonic
Kick off the weekend with a special Friday night concert at the Nickel Plate District AMP featuring national recording artists Vertical Horizon and Tonic. This is a free, but ticketed, event. Tune in to 107.9 The Mix, visit sparkfishers.com/FridayConcert or follow Spark!Fishers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for information on ticket stops.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29 8 AM – Spark!Fishers 5K Walk/Run
Brought to you by the Fishers YMCA and the Geist Half Marathon, the Spark!Fishers 5K Walk/Run takes place on Saturday at 8 a.m. Every participant will receive a race shirt and medal for this all-ages, certified 5K race. There’s even a Half-K Fun Run for kids ages 11 and under that will take place at 7:30 a.m. Register for the 5K when you visit sparkfishers.com/5k. 8 AM - Noon | Fishers Farmers’ Market presented by IU Health Saxony
Shop local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from over 50 full and part-time vendors at the NPD AMP. Don’t forget to swing by the Spark!Fishers artisan marketplace while you’re visiting! 8 AM - 10 PM | Street Festival
This year’s street fair is filled with local food and drink, artisans, and live entertainment all day long! Stroll the Municipal Complex and enjoy 100+ food and art vendors, live entertainment on three stages, The Art Gallery at City Hall, an artisan marketplace, Veterans' Hall in the City Hall Auditorium, a kid zone, teen hangout, and a sensory-friendly space, as well as events going on throughout the day. For a complete list of Street Fair Vendors, visit sparkfishers.com/Vendors. 3 PM – 10 PM | North Street Festival
The party picks up at 3 p.m. when a festival opens on North Street. Enjoy live entertainment from the stage outside of Four Day Ray, sip on craft beers from local brewers, and usher the celebration into the evening. 7 PM | Spark!Fishers Parade
Experience the spark of our community with a patriotic parade through the Nickel Plate District featuring community leaders, local businesses, nonprofits, cultural groups, and more! The parade begins at the corner of Lantern Road and Commercial Drive and will end at Holland Park. 10 PM | Fireworks Display
Celebrate the Fourth of July early with Spark!Fishers as the night concludes with a stunning fireworks display! Viewing locations include the the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and throughout the Municipal Complex. *In the event of inclement weather, the afternoon Street Festival, Fireworks and Parade will be moved to Sunday, June 30.
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ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP NPD AMP STAGE sponsored by KSM Consulting & Ed Martin Automotive 10 AM - NOON Michael Beck & Tim Brickley Duo 3 - 4:30 PM Andrew Young Band 5 - 7 PM An Innocent Band 8 - 9:30 PM Cook & Belle
AROUND THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX Kid Zone Teen Hangout
The Gallery at City Hall Artisan Market
Sensory-Friendly Area Veterans' Hall
STARS STAGE located on Liberty Plaza on the Central Green sponsored by Stratosphere Quality, Thompson Thrift / The Yard at Fishers District
Enjoy local performers and cultural groups all day long.
STRIPES STAGE located on North Street, west of Lantern Road sponsored by Community Health Network, Teverbaugh Dental / Clean Juice 3 - 4:30 PM Xgeneration 4:30 - 5:30 PM Zach Day 5:30 - 7 PM Jai Baker 7:30 - 9:30 PM Toy Factory
DOWNLOAD THE APP GET CONNECTED
The free Nickel Plate District app is your complete guide to Spark!Fishers! For the latest information about the Spark!Fishers Festival, check out Find everything you need to know about Spark!Fishers at your fingertips sparkfishers.com and follow the event on social media: on the App Store or on Google Play. SparkFishers SparkFishers SparkFishers
WHY SHOULD I DOWNLOAD THE APP?
• This is the official and only app for #SparkFishers • Find interactive, digital maps of the event • See the full schedule of events, including stage performance times and more • Create your own personal itinerary with your must-see acts, areas, and vendors • Check out the list of over 100 Street Fair vendors • Get exclusive alerts and messages about the event • And more!
VOLUNTEER
Spark!Fishers wouldn’t be possible without participation from the Fishers community, businesses, and organizations. Want to get involved? The Volunteer Committee is now recruiting energetic individuals and groups of all ages to help at this dynamic event. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at sparkfishers.com/Volunteer.
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SPECIAL THANKS
Spark!Fishers would not be possible without support from our sponsors:
PRESENTING SPONSOR
INKIND
NPD AMP STAGE
STARS STAGE
STRIPES STAGE
Stratosphere Quality,
Community Health Network,
Thompson Thrift /
Teverbaugh Dental /
The Yard at Fishers District
Clean Juice
JUNE 2019
Calendar of Events
JUNE ALL MONTH LONG
THE ART GALLERY AT CITY HALL 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
TUESDAYS
TUESDAY NIGHT CONCERTS 7 - 9 PM | NPD AMP
WEDNESDAYS
WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERTS Noon - 1 PM | Central Green
FRIDAYS
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS 8 - 10 | NPD AMP
SATURDAYS
FISHERS FARMERS’ MARKET 8 AM - Noon | NPD AMP
6.02 - SUNDAY
FISHING AT FLAT FORK CREEK PARK 1 - 5 PM | Flat Fork Creek Park
6.08 - SATURDAY FISHERS FARMERS' MARKET GREEN FAIR 8 AM - Noon | NPD AMP
6.15 - SATURDAY
MONSOON MADNESS 11 AM - 3 PM | Holland Park
6.17 - MONDAY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 PM | City Hall Auditorium
6.19 - WEDNESDAY YAPPY HOUR 6 - 8 PM | Ambassador House
6.28 - FRIDAY
SPARK!FISHERS CONCERT 7 PM | NPD AMP
6.29 - SATURDAY
SPARK!FISHERS 8 AM - 11 PM | Around the NPD
ARTS COMMISSION OUTREACH DATES This summer, the newly formed Fishers Arts Commission will begin efforts to form a long term strategic plan for arts and culture in our community. The Commission wants your input! Visit fishers.in.us/ArtsandCulture for more information and future opportunities to provide input.
STATE OF THE CITY Did you miss Mayor Scott Fadness' State of the City Address in May? View a recap of the event at fishers.in.us/SOTC.
COUNCIL CONNECT Mark your calendars for the next Council Connect, June 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask City Councilors questions about your neighborhood or your city. Learn more at fishers.in.us/CouncilConnect.
AGE-FRIENDLY FISHERS We want your ideas as we work to make Fishers a place for all ages! Join the City of Fishers for a public meeting on June 19 to learn about our Age-Friendly Fishers initiative and share your input. The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Fishers City Hall Auditorium.
GREEN FAIR Don't miss the Green Fair at the Fishers Farmers' Market on June 8 from 8 a.m. to noon, where you can learn about local organizations and businesses that promote sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection and how you can adopt sustainable practices in your own life. Printed by Fineline Printing Group for the City of Fishers, Indiana
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