Think Fishers - March, 2019

MARCH 2019

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU The Nickel Plate Trail Master Plan is Here page 6

STICK TO THE CODE Local Academy gets National Recognition page 14

FISHERS CELEBRATES NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

page 8

MUSIC TO OUR EARS View the 2019 Concert Lineup page 16

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: Community collaborates on Disability Awareness campaign, page 8.

SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up to date by following Fishers on Facebook and Twitter: Fishers.Indiana

MAYOR FADNESS

MARCH LETTER TO RESIDENTS The hope of spring always seems to bring with it excitement for what’s to come: more time outdoors, sunnier days, and the first warm-weather order at Handel’s.

FISHERS CITY HALL 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers | 46038 (317) 595.3111 | fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us FISHERS CITY CLERK (317) 595.3145

Inside the pages of this issue, you’ll get the first glimpse of the Nickel Plate Trail master plan, the culmination of hours of outreach events which led to over 1,500 ideas from PERMITTING & INSPECTIONS residents of all ages, backgrounds, and corners of the city. (317) 595.3120 Get a peek at the Trail’s master plan on page 6.

FISHERS CITY COURT In Fishers, we’re fortunate to have an engaged community (317) 595.3130 that comes together to dream of ideas like the Nickel Plate Trail, but we’re also fortunate to have some of the greatest FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION educators. Over the last few months, they’ve been piloting a 11565 Brooks School Road | 46037 new program, CurioCity, originally announced at my State (317) 595.3150 | playflshers.com of the City Address in 2018 as just an idea. Learn more parks@fishers.in.us about this exciting collaboration between Fishers, HSE, and organizations like Conner Prairie to bring a world-class HSE SCHOOLS MAIN OFFICE education to our youngest residents on page 12.

13485 Cumberland Road | 46038 (317) 594.4100 See you #AroundFishers!

HAMILTON COUNTY CLERK Yours in service, (317) 776.9629

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NickelPlateDistrict

CITY RESOURCES ZONING CODE ENFORCEMENT (317) 595.3120

Scott A. Fadness

@FishersIN

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CENTER (317) 776.4005

FISHERS POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF ED GEBHART 4 Municipal Drive | 46038 Administration: (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 2 Municipal Drive | 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

MARCH 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 Jeff Hill

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.

@wshealey1

@merandum

@lisabellphoto

@dustonmyshoes

@Shelly_Bergman

@milesofadventures

@tracylingle

16% Each month, we host an online poll on our Fishers Indiana Government social pages. Last month we decided to ask residents which sections of Think Fishers they enjoy reading the most.

Follow @FishersIN on Twitter to participate in next month’s survey and share your answer with Fishers!

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38% 14%

32%

38% CITY NEWS & INITIATIVES 32% BUSINESS/RESTAURANT NEWS 14% HSE SCHOOLS NEWS 16% UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2019

GEIST COFFEE CO. Fishers Food in Review Visits the Family-Owned Community Gathering Spot in the Geist District Geist Coffee Company owner Jeremy Balch and his family love coffee. They have spent many family vacations visiting coffee shops together, and many more hours connecting with friends over a cup of coffee. So, when they had an opportunity to buy a coffeehouse of their own, it seemed meant to be.

Next to Balch’s dedication to community is his dedication to serving great coffee. The espresso is one of the most popular menu items. Balch also loves the cold brew, which is made in house.

“We focus on handcrafting everything,” said Balch. “We make sure every item is outstanding.”

Balch started Geist Coffee in January 2018 after taking over Mama Bears off Brooks School One of Balch’s favorite breakfast items, the Road and Fall Creek Road in the Geist District. Maple Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, is served on a toasted bagel of your choice with maple It’s a family affair at this craft coffeehouse. syrup poured over cheese, egg, and bacon.

Balch manages the business but can often be (Hint: Order this, it’s delicious!) Geist Coffee found behind the counter taking orders and also serves lunch items, including soups, prepping drinks alongside his team. His wife salads, and wraps. bakes pastries, and his son and daughter work at the shop weekly while attending college locally. The drink menu features seasonal specialties This sense of family extends to customers created by their staff members. This spring, as well. they’re experimenting with orange oil on their seasonal menu.

“We think of ourselves as Geist’s neighborhood coffeehouse, and we want people to feel like “Everyone is involved in designing recipes,” they are part of a community when they said Balch. “We make decisions as a team.” visit,” said Jeremy. “We love having a close relationship with our customers. They’ve Customers can enjoy these handcrafted become our family.” creations in the cozy, lodge-inspired interior of Geist Coffee. Balch describes the atmosphere Community is at the core of Geist Coffee, and as “a cabin by the lake” that honors the history Balch is passionate about supporting other of Mama Bears. local businesses as well. Coffee beans are supplied by Hubbard & Cravens, and donuts While he says he still has a long list of updates, are served daily from Sunrise Bakery in Balch is happy with what his family has Fortville. Broad Ripple Chips were recently created in the past year, and the community added to the menu. friendships they’ve forged.

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VISIT GEIST COFFEE CO. 10110 Brooks School Road

FIND THEM ONLINE geist.coffee

FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL Facebook: Geist Coffee Company

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FOR THE COMMUNITY,

BY THE COMMUNITY

Concept Art - Airport Deck at 96th Street

NICKEL PLATE TRAIL MASTER PLAN 2040 IS UNVEILED Last fall the Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee, comprised of Fishers residents and community leaders, engaged the community to hear what you would like to see on the trail.

The committee’s vision: to create a whole new kind of public space, a destination not just for the community but by the community.

Committee co-chairs John Weingardt, Fishers City Councilor, and Amanda Welu, resident & co-founder of DelvDesign, encouraged people to be bold, be original and be heard. And you answered! The City received over 1,500 individual ideas through in-person meetings, pop-up open houses, think tanks, and online surveys. Ideas poured in from everyone — students, teachers, neighborhood groups, business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and fitness enthusiasts. Thanks to all who shared your bold and original ideas.

In February, the Committee unveiled a Draft Master Plan that brings these ideas together for the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers.

Residents are invited to view the plan online and provide further input at playfishers.com/TrackToTrail. While the trail is planned to be built in the next few years, this long-range master plan provides a framework for design and experience that can be implemented over time.

Mayor Scott Fadness has called transforming the trail a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for the city to create a world-class public amenity. It is about building a vibrant city and a place that will attract a talented workforce and encourage young families and businesses alike to choose Fishers as home. Since announcing the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers, more than $250 million of private investment has been announced adjacent to the trail from Hub & Spoke to First Internet Bank’s new downtown headquarters.

These investments in the heart of the city’s new Art & Cultural District are important to sustaining Fishers in the long-term as a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city.

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Concept Art - Kindness & Education Path

Concept Art - The Beach at Launch Fishers

MASTER PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

Emerging themes from community input guided the Master Plan development and include: • A trail for all • Celebrating what is uniquely Fishers • Health and wellness • Connecting to community • Design with nature • A place for innovation and technology • Safety and privacy • History and heritage of Nickel Plate line The Master Plan illustrates what is possible and desired for art, technology, lighting, safety, and placemaking. The plan identifies future parking and shared parking opportunities and makes recommendations for a grant program for residents who live adjacent to the trail for buffering as desired.

MARCH 2019

STUDENT INPUT

As one high school student put it, “This is a 20-year plan, so really, you are designing this for me.” To which the committee replied, “Absolutely!” More than 200 students of varying ages from New Britton Elementary (NBE), Harrison Parkway Elementary (HPE), and Fishers High School (FHS) worked on projects and shared their ideas for the trail. The student work was outstanding, and almost every idea found its way into the plan in some form.

Two FHS students proposed incorporating a “Path to Change the World,” where visitors could go to learn about causes and be inspired to be world-changers. One group at HPE created an art piece, inviting you to be the “I” in Fishers. Others from NBE asked for pop-up retail spaces, specifically a popsicle stand that could feature its own special flavors. Hear more from these students online at playfishers.com/TrackToTrail.

Overview of the Nickel Plate Trail Master Plan

FISHERS’ HISTORY

In the late 1800’s, the Nickel Plate Railroad was built in Central Indiana, connecting communities, people, and goods in a whole new way. In the 1870’s, railroad owners announced a stop was being added in southern Hamilton County, just east of the White River.

Upon hearing this, an entrepreneur by the name of Salathiel Fisher saw an opportunity and purchased land near the stop. He incorporated the area as a new town, and “Fishers Switch” was born where downtown Fishers is now located. ‘Switch’ was a common

Fishers.Indiana

@FishersIN

railroad term that denoted a location where people could board the train or switch trains. It also referred to the switch in tracks, a switch in direction. Switch was dropped from the town’s name in the early 1900s, and Fishers remained. The history of Fishers began with a train stop 150 years ago. Today we have an opportunity to embrace our past and look to the future as we create a whole new kind of experience on this same corridor with the Nickel Plate Trail project.

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MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH EMPOWERS FISHERS TO

ASK HOW

From left to right: Stacey Oldham, Jordan Dickey, Noah Malone, and Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble

In celebration of National Disability Awareness Month, the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability is spreading awareness of what life is like for those with physical and intellectual disabilities through a series of special events and programs throughout the city.

initiatives. The committee’s Housing Sub-Committee was the first to partner with the Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND) and the Hamilton County Home Repair Partnership to help make critical accessibility modifications for those with special needs in Fishers.

This is the committee’s third year hosting the month-long celebration of Life Without Limits in Fishers. This year’s theme, Empowering Fishers: Ask How, is a call to action for all Fishers residents, business owners, city leaders, educators, and employers to learn about and celebrate those in our community with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Events are intended to empower the community to learn more about the accommodations for those with disabilities, share the value that those with disabilities have in the workplace, and celebrate the talents and contributions of those with disabilities.

The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability Employment SubCommittee established the Disability Inclusion in the Workplace Business Networking Group, which empowers employers to hire those with disabilities. Every March, the committee also hosts My Point of View Day/Breakfast with the Mayor to provide an opportunity for the disability community to share with City leaders and elected officials what life is like for those with disabilities through round table discussions.

Through committee interaction and resident input, an accessible glider The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability was formalized in 2017 was added to Holland Park in 2017. and is co-chaired by Fishers resident Stacey Oldham and Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble.

“We are constantly uncovering the needs of our community, connecting people to resources and forming valuable partnerships to help our “As a committee, we strive to create a community where my daughter residents with disabilities,” said Oldham. and others with disabilities have an opportunity for social acceptance, employment, and a high quality of life,” said Coble. “We want ‘life During National Disability Awareness Month, the committee will host without limits’ for people with disabilities.” a variety of programs related to disabilities, with topics including employment, art, athletics, and more.

The committee serves as the community voice for those advocating for disability awareness in Fishers and Hamilton County. In 2017, At the kickoff event on March 1, two local Paralympians will share the committee was recognized for their work with the Champions their stories of challenges and triumph. Noah Malone is a 17-year-old of Inclusion Award from the Indiana Governor’s Council for People sprinter on the Hamilton Southeastern Track and Field Team with with Disabilities.

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), which affects the optic nerve and takes away the central vision. But Malone hasn’t let his Along with hosting the local National Disability Awareness Month condition slow him down—he’s currently one of the fastest sprinters in celebration, the committee guides the City of Fishers on accessibility Indiana. Recently, he was selected as a 2018 U.S. Paralympics Track &

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MARCH 2019

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN DO ANYTHING THAT ANYONE ELSE CAN DO. THEY JUST MAY TAKE LONGER, OR HAVE TO DO IT IN A DIFFERENT WAY. PEOPLE TEND TO FORGET THAT. ~Noah Malone

Field High School All-American and named Male Track Athlete of the Year. He hopes to win the gold medal in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

to be treated as regular human beings and be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Malone wanted to participate in Fishers’ Disability Awareness Month Dickey wanted to be part of Fishers’ Disability Awareness Month celebration to inspire others not to give up on their dreams. celebration after attending last year’s event.

“I want to spread awareness of different disabilities and share how to overcome your personal challenges,” said Malone. “People with disabilities can do anything that anyone else can do. They just may take longer, or have to do it in a different way. People tend to forget that.”

“I saw how passionate many individuals are in the Fishers’ community about improving conditions for people with disabilities, and I wanted to be a small part of that,” said Dickey. “The individuals on the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability are not only bringing awareness to issues faced by the disabled community, but they are also making Jordan Dickey is a 25-year-old Senior Data Scientist at Statwax living meaningful changes. I have only played a small part by sharing my with distal spinal muscular atrophy. Dickey plays wheelchair soccer story; the individuals on the committee are the real changemakers in for RHI Sudden Impact, a club team based in the Fishers area, and has the community.” competed for both his club teams and the US National team. He has been part of two Team USA World Cup teams, and won a gold medal Visit fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness for more information and a full in 2011 in Paris, France, and a silver medal in 2017 in Orlando, Florida. lineup of this month’s events.

He is still playing for Team USA and will travel to Brazil later this year to compete in the Copa America, a qualifying tournament before the 2021 This celebration would not be possible without the generous World Cup in Sydney, Australia. support from our sponsors. Thank you to our Title Sponsor, “Soccer has allowed me to express my competitive spirit, but it has also allowed me to travel the world, meet lifelong friends, and learn from others with similar experiences,” said Dickey. “I would encourage others to find something you’re passionate about, especially within the disabled community, and try it out. You never know what may change your life.”

Conner Prairie, and our Platinum Sponsors, IndyPremier, Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc., and Superior Van & Mobility for their generous contributions.

Like Malone, Dickey says people with disabilities can do anything they set their mind to.

“We’re not different than anyone else. Yeah, we may have a few added daily challenges, but so does everyone,” said Dickey. “We just want

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BRINGING A NEW ENERGY TO HSE SCHOOLS A FORMER SCIENCE TEACHER TURNED ENERGY MANAGER IS HELPING TO LIGHT THE FUTURE FOR HSE

by Megan Pinson, Fishers High School You could say Bob Rice is electric, bringing a certain kind of energy with him wherever he goes within Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

Last month, the Energy Manager for the district taught a lesson on natural gas and electricity to Christa Stevenson’s fourth grade class at Geist Elementary. The students were thrilled to be learning from the former science teacher who had them construct their own circuit boards to simulate how a house with light switches works when the circuits are all connected to each other.

But teaching students about electricity is only one part of Rice’s job.

Rice stepped into the newly-created role of Energy Manager in June 2017. The goal of his position is to monitor energy use and find ways for the district to reduce its current costs, so that more money can be spent in the classrooms. According to Rice, HSE Schools spends about $4 million a year on electricity and natural gas to power all of its buildings and facilities. “Funding for teacher supplies and salaries comes from the same budget as energy expenses, so any dollars that I can save are able to go back into the classrooms,” Rice said.

When asked why teaching students about electricity and where it comes from is important, Rice says “a lot of jobs of the future are not even created today, so it is crucial that we expose children to STEM lessons, hands-on learning projects and problem-solving work.”

Stevenson agrees with Rice, “one thing that is really key about these kinds of lesson is that students understand that they are related to the outside world.”

While Rice will continue to spread his passion of energy conservation to students, he is hopeful his work will leave a lasting impact on the community as a whole.

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HSE Schools Main Office: 13485 Cumberland Road | (317)594.4100

SHARE THE LOVE

KINDERGARTNERS AT THORPE CREEK ELEMENTARY ENCOURAGE STUDENTS, COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE 2019 GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE

by Emily Pace Abbotts, Director of School & Community Relations, HSE

During what would become one of the coldest weeks on record in Indiana, two classes of kindergartners kicked off the Great Kindness Challenge at Thorpe Creek Elementary.

According to kindergarten teachers Ashley Conlon and Jennifer Gabbard, the classes teamed up back in November and began planning what they hope will become a yearly tradition at their school.

The Great Kindness Challenge was started in 2011 by a group of elementary students in California who wanted to help create a more As part of the student’s at-school kindness checklist, they could do positive, unified, and respectful school environment. As a result, the things, such as: write a letter to the school nurse, hold the door open for Great Kindness Challenge has spread across the world with more than someone, sit with a new friend at lunch, and make someone laugh.

19,000 schools participating each year.

The students also wanted to spread their challenge to those in the “Everything we read about it said that this is the happiest week of the community and invited members of the Fishers Fire Department, year at school,” said Gabbard.

Police, city leaders and school leaders to join them.

Both Gabbard and Conlon’s students divided themselves into While the extreme cold weather may have chilled some of the week’s committees and began coming up with a list of 50 tasks that anyone original activities, Conlon and Gabbard say their classes are picking could do while at school or home to spread kindness. The students also right up where they left off. put together informational kits for each classroom at TCE. “It is exactly what we hoped for,” adds Gabbard, “and the learning that is “Academics are important, but more so, you want to them to learn to happening as a result of it has just been awesome.” be good citizens,” said Conlon. “While I think that comes natural most of the time, we do need to be reminded every now and then, and it is so Expect to see more schools with Hamilton Southeastern take on the good to try and ingrain this while they are young.”

Great Kindness Challenge in 2020.

hse.k12.in.us

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@HSESchools

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PARTNERSHIP BEGINS PILOT PROGRAM FOR

CURIOCITY

A CITYWIDE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PLATFORM AIMED AT CONNECTING STUDENTS TO THEIR PASSION

When Mayor Fadness was joined on stage by Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Dr. Allen Bourff, and Conner Prairie CEO Norman Burns at the 2018 State of the City last March, they announced the formation of a long-term partnership dedicated to bringing a world-class education to Fishers’ youngest residents.

For nearly a year, teams from each organization have worked toward a software solution, developed by KSM Consulting, that will connect students and teachers with real-world educational experiences. CurioCity, the platform that connects the city’s business and non profit organizations and their people to the classroom.

CurioCity is learning by doing by providing an opportunity for an individual or group to learn in or outside the classroom through unique experiences. Experiential learning expands on school curriculum by encouraging problem-solving, reflection, discovery, self-learning, and the use of real, hands-on activities.

To learn more about CurioCity or to sign up as a community partner to bring real-world experiences to the classroom, visit curiocityhub.com or follow #CurioCity.

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CurioCity connects people to students and teachers through several types of opportunities, each ranging in time commitment and intensity, allowing for something for everyone.

AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE

SERVICE-BASED LEARNING

GUEST SPEAKERS

JOB SHADOWING

STUDY TRIPS

INTERNSHIPS

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

EXTERNSHIPS (FOR TEACHERS)

MARCH 2019

ECONOMIC CITY OF FISHERS’ DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT With the rapid growth and development in Fishers over the past redevelopment project coordination, compliance, programming, and several years, the City of Fishers’ Department of Economic Development outreach for the department. has been hard at work building and sustaining our smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city.

“Unlike the stereotypical idea of a slow and inefficient government, Fishers is always on the move and thinking of the future,” said The impact of the department’s work can be found throughout Fishers, Alexander. “Ours is a multi-faceted department that is always changing from the businesses we engage with each day to the neighborhoods with the different tasks.” where we live. It’s this impact that attracted Megan Baumgartner to the department in 2015. Baumgartner joined the team as Assistant Director Current projects the department is working on include Indianapolis and was promoted to Director earlier this year.

Metropolitan Airport, Browning Investments redevelopment project along 116th Street, Hub & Spoke, and The Yard at Fishers District, “It is really rewarding to experience the full cycle of projects and have them expected to open this fall. The Yard at Fishers District will be a unique come to fruition, whether it’s new buildings that have gone up or companies culinary and entertainment destination featuring a multitude of unique relocating their headquarters here,” said Baumgartner. “It is thrilling to see restaurants, centered around a culinary accelerator in partnership ideas on a piece of paper have a tangible impact on the community.” with Sun King Brewery. The accelerator will give new chefs in the area the space to experiment new restaurant concepts and receive coaching Baumgartner leads the City’s business engagement and recruitment from local restauranteurs. efforts while serving as the main point of contact for redevelopment projects. Since her time at the City, Baumgartner has been part of Attracting new companies, development, and talent takes time and the team responsible for attracting 25 new companies to Fishers and work. As Baumgartner explains, her department’s primary role is projects resulting in $500 million in capital investment and 4,900 new selling the Fishers community. high wage jobs. She also led the City’s efforts to become a Duke Energy Site Readiness Program City in 2018.

“At its core, economic development is about sales. If you aren’t genuinely passionate about the product you’re selling, it’s evident,” said Economic Development is one of the smallest departments at the City Baumgartner. “I think a lot of our success stems from our team’s honest with only two employees. Economic Development Specialist Jordin belief in the Fishers’ vision and we share that passion in a humble and Alexander joined the team in September 2018 and is responsible for all approachable way that encourages others to be part of our culture.”

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CONNECTING STUDENTS TO FUTURE-READY JOBS ELEVEN FIFTY ACADEMY NAMED DESIGNATED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR When founder Scott Jones began Eleven Fifty Academy in 2014, it was during the height of new app development and focused on just a handful of course offerings. Fast forward five years, and hundreds of graduates and job placements later, Eleven Fifty Academy is charting a new course for connecting industry’s demand for talent with students on the cutting edge of coding.

Eleven Fifty Academy provides high quality, immersive software development courses designed to accelerate opportunities for people of all ages and skill sets to learn coding languages in a welcoming environment. Instructors lead small cohorts through one of dozens of intensive courses while assisting students in soft skills development to graduate workforce-ready graduates. Eleven Fifty Academy (EFA) has consistently been named by CourseReport as one of the Best Coding Bootcamps in the nation. The Academy has an 81% placement rate, with graduates earning salaries averaging $51,000 and more, many starting above $70,000.

In January, 2019, Eleven Fifty Academy launched their Apprenticeship Program. The U.S. Dept. of Labor has designated Eleven Fifty Academy as Indiana’s first coding bootcamp for Application Developer apprenticeships. A nonprofit, Eleven Fifty is dedicated to finding jobs for their graduates and their Apprenticeship Program greatly benefits their employer partners who hire their graduates.

The Apprenticeship Program was made possible by a grant made from salesforce.org to JFF, an organization driving the American workforce and educational systems. The Eleven Fifty Academy Apprenticeship Program helps employers find the right person and the right onboarding process, facilitating success for everyone.

WHAT DOES “CODING” MEAN? Computer programs, smart devices, and websites are created from code languages. Coding refers to the act of writing instructions for a computer, device, or website to complete the tasks you ask it to do. Every action behind those tasks require code language to operate. HTML, Python, and JavaScript, are just

Students and employers interested in learning more about Eleven Fifty can visit their website at elevenfifty.org.

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a few examples of coding languages.

MARCH 2019

SPARK!FISHERS THE NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT FESTIVAL RETURNS JUNE 28 & 29 Don’t miss the biggest celebration of the summer! Spark!Fishers presented by First Internet Bank kicks off with a concert at the Nickel Plate District AMP on Friday night and continues with an all-day celebration on Saturday honoring our freedom and vibrant community.

This year’s Spark!Fishers weekend is packed full of family-favorites and new traditions that will delight residents and commemorate everything that is uniquely Fishers.

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT A vibrant concert from a national recording artist will take place at the newly renovated Nickel Plate District AMP (NDP AMP) on Friday night. Follow Spark!Fishers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to be the first to know about the concert announcement this spring!

SPARK!FISHERS 5K 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. All ages are welcome and each finisher will receive a race shirt and medal. There’s even a Half-K Fun Run for kids ages 11 and under! Register at sparkfishers.com/5k.

STREET FAIR This year’s street fair is filled with local food and drink, artisans, and live entertainment all day long. Don’t miss the expanded Kids Zone and Sensory Friendly Area for children and families with special needs, and stop by the Farmers’ Market at the NPD AMP on Saturday morning for festive Indiana-grown treats.

PARADE The Spark!Fishers parade will step off at 7 p.m. on Saturday and showcase the vibrancy of the Fishers community with floats, performances, and walking groups as it makes it’s way throughout the Nickel Plate District. Is your community group or business interested in participating in the parade? Apply today at sparkfishers.com.

For more information about the

FIREWORKS

Spark!Fishers community celebration,

A spectacular fireworks show will end the night at 10 p.m. You won’t want to miss the dazzling grand finale to this summer celebration!

visit sparkfishers.com and follow Spark!Fishers on social media for event updates and announcements.

VOLUNTEER AT SPARK!FISHERS 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. Visit sparkfishers.com/Volunteer to learn more about opportunities and sign up.

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SparkFishers @SparkFishers @SparkFishers

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SONGS OF THE SUMMER

THINK FISHERS’ PREVIEW OF THE 2019 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES From family favorites to new and exciting sounds, the Fishers Summer Concert Series brought to you by Fishers Parks & Recreation is back with something for everyone! Happening every Tuesday and Friday at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (NPD AMP), this year’s free concert series presented by IU Health Saxony proves that the NPD AMP is more than just a stage, it’s a community destination.

Last summer, the venue welcomed 150,000 Fishers residents and visitors for local and national performing acts. This year, Fishers Parks & Recreation is ready to AMP up the summer and create even more memories and traditions at the community destination in the heart of the downtown Nickel Plate District.

Fresh off the completion of last year’s exciting new renovations, this year’s concert season will be accessible and inclusive for all event attendees. The gradual hill towards the back of the grassy lawn allows for better visibility for the audience, and wider sidewalks allow for easier accessibility, especially during heavily attended events. Additional accessible restrooms were also added in the Pavilion building located to the south of the NPD AMP lawn, and an accessible fountain situated just in front of the building serves as a community gathering spot that’s inclusive for all.

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CHECK IT OUT!

Get AMP’ed for the summer concert season and other events happening in the Nickel Plate District with the NPD AMP’s new website at npdamp.com. Find a sneak peek of this year’s concerts with artist videos, dining and shopping info, exclusive info on upcoming events, and more.

MARCH 2019

TUESDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

presented by IU Health Saxony

JUNE 4 - JULY 30 | 7 - 9 PM | NPD AMP

6.04 My Yellow Rickshaw with special guest Shiver & the Shakes sponsored by Heritage Christian School 6.11 Endless Summer Band sponsored by Boomerang Development 6.18 The Doo sponsored by Citizens State Bank 6.25 Karma with special guests Fishers Music Works 7.02 The Bishops 7.09 Parrots of the Caribbean with special guests The Islanders sponsored by Bose McKinney & Evans 7.16 Dave & Rae Rain Makeup Dates on July 23 & July 30

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

sponsored by Cathedral High School & The Goddard School

presented by IU Health Saxony

JUNE 7 - AUGUST 23 | 8 PM | NPD AMP

6.07 B105.7 presents 80’s At The AMP with Esc4p3: The Journey Tribute Band 6.14 The PettyBreakers 6.21 Mike & Joe 6.28 Spark!Fishers Concert - more details coming soon!

7.05 Sounds of Summer: The Music of the Beach Boys 7.12 Jenny DeVoe 7.19 Dark Desert Eagles 7.26 Such a Night: Recreating the Music of the Band’s Last Waltz 8.02 Woomblies Rock Orchestra 8.09 A 92.3 WTTS Presents Show - more details coming soon!

8.16 Signs of Life: The American Pink Floyd Interested in becoming a sponsor of our Summer Concert Series?

with special guest Phil Pierle 8.23 Travelin’ McCourys with special guests Fishers Vibe

Contact Sarah Sandquist, Fishers Parks & Recreation Director, at sandquists@fishers.in.us.

8.30 & 31 Fishers Blues Fest

WEDNESDAY LUNCH CONCERTS

presented by Meyer Najem

JUNE 5 - AUGUST 28 | NOON - 1 PM | CENTRAL GREEN

6.05 Kelly Isenhower

7.31 Kelly Isenhower

6.12 Mr. Daniel*

8.07 Stephen’s Puppets

6.19 Phil Pierle 6.26 Mr. Mystic the Magician*

presents Goldilocks & the Three Bears*

7.03 Tim & Jay

8.14 Phil Pierle

7.10 Mark & Max*

8.21 Mr. Daniel*

7.17 Kyle Bledsoe

8.28 Tim & Jay

7.24 Paul’s Father Goose & Music Show* *Indicates a children’s show

Fishers.Indiana

@FishersIN

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LET IT GROW: FISHERS’ COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION EVENTS SPOTLIGHT

If you’ve been to Cyntheanne Park on a Saturday morning, you’re familiar with the hustle and bustle of youth sports on the fields and the cheerful sounds of children on the playground. But there’s more to Cyntheanne Park (12383 Cyntheanne Road) than meets the eye. Nestled on the east side of the park is a place where residents are coming together to raise their own veggies, plant their own produce, and garden with neighbors.

Fishers Parks & Recreation is working to bring the community together through the Community Garden Program, which invites residents of all ages and abilities to rent a plot of land to garden for the season at the park located in northeast Fishers.

“Community gardens not only promote sustainability and healthy lifestyles, they also encourage community building and a connection with nature,” said Sarah Sandquist, Director of Fishers Parks & Recreation.

Now in its fourth year, the program boasts 40 10’x10’ garden plots, as well as a limited number of accessibility-friendly raised 4’x9’ plots. Gardeners can choose from conventional and organic plots are available to rent for the season for $25.

The Community Garden Program is truly a community-wide initiative, and operates with the support of local scouts, businesses, organizations, and volunteers.

While gardeners are responsible for the preparation, maintenance, upkeep, and winterization of their plots, community resources and support are available to keep the gardens running smoothly.

Last year, several volunteers lent their time helping to prepare the gardens by spreading topsoil in time for opening day. The program has also been an inspiration to Logan Paul of Boy Scout Troop #133, who designed and created a compost system that was installed last fall as his Eagle Scout Service Project. Paul, along with help from his fellow scouts, installed the compost system for gardeners to discard their plant scraps so they can be broken down and used to feed future plants in the garden.

While many gardeners return year after year to grow their summer produce, Fishers Parks & Recreation is excited to announce an expansion of 20 additional garden plots at the IU Health Saxony Hospital campus through a partnership with IU Health Saxony.

“IU Health Saxony Hospital is excited to partner with the Fishers Parks & Recreation to expand the community garden program,” said Joy Davis, Manager of Community Engagement at IU Health Saxony & North. “Through this program, we hope to share healthy food with residents and allow community members to grow fresh produce.

IU Health looks for ways to help communities build healthier lifestyles, and providing easy access to garden plots is one way we can do that here at IU Health Saxony. We look forward to opening up our grounds to the community through this program.”

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The gardens will open on Saturday, April 13 in conjunction with the annual Keep Fishers Beautiful community-wide day of service. For more information on the Community Garden Program and to rent a plot, visit playfishers.com/CGP.

CHECK IT OUT!

Keep Fishers Beautiful (KFB) is back, bringing together residents, HOAs, local businesses, and organizations for the city’s largest annual day of service to support the vibrancy of our community through opportunities like Spring Service Day at Ritchey Woods, City Recycling Day, and more.

Visit playfishers.com/KFB to learn more and sign up to volunteer.

MARCH 2019

Calendar of Events

MARCH ALL MONTH LONG

DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH Join the City of Fishers throughout the month of March as we celebrate National Disability Awareness Month. For a complete list of events and details, visit fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness.

ALL MONTH LONG

THE ART GALLERY AT CITY HALL 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)

SATURDAYS*

FISHERS WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET 9 AM - Noon | Holland Park *Final Market this season is 3.16

3.15 - FRIDAY

FREEBIRDS SAINT PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON 11 AM - 1 PM | Saxony Hall

3.17 - SUNDAY

BREAKFAST WITH THE LEPRECHAUN 9:30 - 11 AM | Four Day Ray Brewing

3.18 - MONDAY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 PM | City Hall Auditorium

3.21 - THURSDAY

NATURE WALK: MONTHLY MIGRATION SERIES 9 - 10:30 AM | Heritage Park

3.24 - SUNDAY

ROUND THE CAMPFIRE: PIRATES IN THE WOODS 3 - 6 PM | Ritchey Woods

3.29 - FRIDAY

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY 11 AM | Liberty Plaza Fishers.Indiana

@FishersIN

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY Join the City of Fishers—a Vietnam Commemorative City—in celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Friday, March 29. Help us to recognize the veterans and their families who served during the Vietnam War era with a free ceremony at 11 a.m. at Liberty Plaza in front of City Hall. Visit playfishers.com/FishersHonors for details.

FINAL WEEKS: FISHERS WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET There’s only a few more weeks to enjoy the Winter Farmers’ Market before it closes for the season on March 16! Shop for locally grown and sourced cold weather crops, greenhouse-grown vegetables, baked goods, prepared foods, and more every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon at Holland Park.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN FISHERS Check out playfishers.com/StPatricksDay for info on the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon for Fishers Freebirds and the family-friendly Breakfast with the Leprechaun at Four Day Ray Brewing’s Firkin St. Patrick’s Day. See you there for festive fun!

SPRING BREAK CAMPS Looking for childcare during spring break, or just want to keep the kids busy? Fishers Parks & Recreation offers three mini camps this spring for children to learn about exciting and engaging topics. Visit playfishers.com/Camp to register.

SAVE THE DATE FOR KEEP FISHERS BEAUTIFUL The City’s annual day of service returns on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Keep Fishers Beautiful focuses on bringing together residents, homeowner’s associations, local businesses, and organizations to support the vibrancy of our city and neighborhoods. Sign up to volunteer at playfishers.com/KFB. Printed by Fineline Printing Group for the City of Fishers, Indiana

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