MAY 2019
LEADING THE DISCUSSION Review Fishers Mental Health Initiative page 6
SAMPLER PLATTER A preview of the Fishers Test Kitchen page 8
ON YOUR MARKET, GET SET, GO! page 16
RECOGNIZING PUBLIC SERVANTS Get to know City of Fishers employees 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: The Fishers Farmers' Market returns May 4! Details on page 16.
SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up to date by following Fishers on Facebook and Twitter: Fishers.Indiana
MAYOR FADNESS MAY LETTER TO RESIDENTS
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NickelPlateDistrict
CITY RESOURCES FISHERS CITY HALL 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers | 46038 (317) 595.3111 | fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us FISHERS CITY CLERK (317) 595.3145
ZONING CODE ENFORCEMENT Indiana ranks 48th in the nation when it comes to providing (317) 595.3120 mental health care to its residents. In Fishers, we’ve had four homicides in the past 30 years, but see an average of 12 PERMITTING & INSPECTIONS suicides every year. I believe combatting mental illness will (317) 595.3120 be one of the greatest fights for our generation. And while the numbers are staggering, here in Fishers, we are making FISHERS CITY COURT progress toward changing the conversation around mental (317) 595.3130 health. See page 6 for more on what the community is doing to break down the stigma, boost access to care, and create FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION a healthier city. 11565 Brooks School Road | 46037 (317) 595.3150 | playflshers.com I’d be remiss if I didn’t set aside time to thank each of parks@fishers.in.us our City employees for their dedication to providing the residents of Fishers effective, efficient service from their HSE SCHOOLS MAIN OFFICE city government. The first week of May is Public Service 13485 Cumberland Road | 46038 Recognition Week, so thank a City employee if you see (317) 594.4100 them around Fishers. HAMILTON COUNTY CLERK Yours in service, (317) 776.9629
Scott A. Fadness
@FishersIN
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CENTER (317) 776.4005
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
MAY 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
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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.
@atyderada
@milesofadventures
@parksanddeck
@km_hall26
@tgillian10
@beakingpetersen
3% Each month, we host an online poll on our Fishers Indiana Government social pages. With the Fishers Farmers' Market returning this month, Think Fishers asked residents what their favorite part of the market is: Follow @FishersIN on Twitter to participate in next month’s survey and share your answer with Fishers!
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@graceandtruthfarms
38% SHOPPING 21% LIVE MUSIC & ACTIVITIES 38% GRABBING A QUICK BITE 3% EVENTS & THEMED DAYS
MAY 2019
SAMANO'S TAQUERIA
FISHERS FOOD IN REVIEW INVITES YOU TO ESCAPE TO MEXICO WITH THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT When Samano’s Taqueria opened in downtown Fishers earlier this year, there was instant buzz. The original location in Noblesville was already incredibly popular— Indianapolis Star food writer Liz Biro called it “one of Indy’s best taco spots” and hundreds of Yelp reviewers praised the fresh and delicious dishes at this family owned and operated restaurant. As Yelper SMarie V. puts it, “When the corn tortillas are fresh made, you know you are in the right place.” Samano’s Owner and Head Chef Adrian Samano agrees that it’s the unique flavors and authentic Mexican food that make his restaurant stand out from the crowd. “You may order from a counter, but this isn’t fast food. Everything is cooked to order,” said Adrian. Samano’s uses fresh ingredients that they “pit, peel, mash, and slice daily.” The salsa bar, which invites customers to personalize their dish with an assortment of unique sauces and toppings, features a variety of homemade salsas all made from scratch. The bacon-wrapped Adrian’s Burrito is one of the most unique—and popular—menu items. Served with your choice of steak or chicken, the burrito includes avocado, chipotle dressing, green pepper, rice, beans, and cheese. Adrian says it will “conquer even the biggest of appetites.” Another popular item, and Adrian’s favorite, is the Gringa Especial. The dish includes two flour tortillas filled with marinated pork, grilled and seasoned steak, ham, bacon, cheese, and pineapple. The Fishers restaurant features a bigger storefront than the original location. Adrian, a Fishers resident, says it’s the activity of the Nickel Plate District that attracted him to open a second location off 116th Street.
VISIT SAMANO'S TAQUERIA 8594 East 116th Street, #60 | 46038
“Everything is hopping here,” he explains. And Samano’s is hopping as well. When the Fishers Food in Review team visited for lunch on a Monday, the restaurant was bustling with hungry customers ready to enjoy a mid-day escape to Mexico. Samano’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. Learn more when you visit samanosmexicanfood.com.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
FIND THEM ONLINE SamanosMexicanFood.com
FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL Facebook: Samano's Taqueria Twitter: @samanosmexican1 Instagram: samanostaqueria
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MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE A COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO MAKE CONNECTIONS AND CREATE A STIGMA FREE CITY. Ever since Mayor Scott Fadness launched the Fishers Mental Health Initiative in 2014, the City has made a commitment to connect people to people, connect people to care, and change the culture around mental health in our community. This month, the Mental Health Task Force will share the impact of the initiative and lessons learned in the Report to the Community on May 14. Since its inception, the Mental Health Initiative has focused primarily on connecting residents to care: through HSE Schools’ referendum funding to launch a comprehensive mental health support system in every school, Crisis Intervention Training for public safety, and the recently launched Emergency Duty Officer from the Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department.
As we address culture change around mental illness in Fishers, more residents are standing up for mental health through their own nonprofits. Learn more about each of these nonprofits and groups whose primary mission is mental health: BUILDING A REFUGE | BuildingARefuge.com
Building A Refuge is a group of people who want men to understand that their struggles are real and they are not alone! We want to meet men where they’re at, not preach at them or tell them to “pick yourself up and get back in the game”. SHIFT
What started as a one-day conference, SHIFT has launched SHIFT Sessions, meant to educate and inspire the community to learn more The City of Fishers announced the launch of StigmaFreeFishers.com, a about mental health, building coping skills, and reduce the stigma comprehensive resource for residents to gain access to local resources around mental illness. for mental illness in April. The website features guides for talking about mental illness, tips for coping with mental illness, and advice for PEYTON RIEKHOF FOUNDATION | ThePeytonRiekhofFoundation.com caregivers all customized for youth or adults. The website will feature The Foundation’s mission of increasing the awareness of the risk of stories of Fishers residents living with mental illness, inspired by their suicide in youth with mental illness conditions, with a specific emphasis passion to combat stigma. on depression, has led to high school programs, community events and more. Fishers is regarded as a national leader in mental health, often meeting with communities and school leaders across the state and nation to BRING CHANGES TO MIND CLUB share our journey to tackling mental health. The Mental Health Task Launched originally as Stigma Free HSE and Stigma Free FHS, Force has also developed a toolkit for communities to use to launch the Bring Change to Mind high school clubs provide positive their own mental health efforts as part of StigmaFreeFishers.com. support for classmates while learning more about mental illness and training opportunities.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE INITIATIVE HAS FOCUSED ON CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO CARE. 6
Visit the events page of StigmaFreeFishers.com to check out the latest events from these organizations and more! May is Mental Health Awareness month and Fishers is honoring those who are living with mental illness, or supporting a loved one with mental illness through a series of events. Share your story for how you are connecting with loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues to create a #StigmaFreeFishers.
MAY 2019
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HOPE FOR HAPPINESS FRIDAY, MAY 3 | 6 PM | NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT AMP
FHS & HHS Bring Change to Mind Clubs will host their 3rd annual Hope for Happiness event to kick off the month’s festivities. From music to games to Silent Disco and more, this free community event will share tips for coping with mental illness in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
QUARTERLY STAKEHOLDER MEETING & REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY RELEASE TUESDAY, MAY 14 | 1 PM | FISHERS CITY HALL (1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE) REGISTRATION REQUESTED
Join the Fishers Mental Health Task Force members for its quarterly stakeholder meeting and bi-annual report release. Attendees can expect updates on the initiative’s progress and a community conversation about the state of mental health in Fishers.
LOVE, JORDAN FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION FRIDAY, MAY 17 | 6 PM | LAUNCH FISHERS THEATER (12175 VISIONARY WAY) REGISTRATION REQUESTED
Ms. Mitchell is the communications teacher at Currentside High. She loves her students and would do anything for them. So when she finds a suicide note signed “Love, Jordan” stating that tonight will be the author’s last night on earth she is determined to find out which of the seventeen Jordans that attend Currentside High it is before it’s too late. Attend the first public screening of this short film followed by a Q and A with the stars of the film.
HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO AT THE FISHERS FARMERS' MARKET SATURDAY, MAY 18 | 8 AM - NOON | NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT AMP
Visit the Stigma Free Fishers booth at the Fishers Farmers’ Market to learn more about the city’s outreach efforts, take the Stigma Free Fishers pledge, and connect to resources right here in the community.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 | 3 - 7 PM | CENTRAL GREEN
Stop by the Stigma Free Fishers booth at Touch-a-Truck to learn more about the city’s outreach efforts, take the Stigma Free Fishers pledge, and connect to resources right here in the community.
If you'd like more information about all these events and to register, visit StigmaFreeFishers.com.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
FISHERS IS REGARDED AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN MENTAL HEALTH, OFTEN MEETING WITH COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOL LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE & NATION TO SHARE OUR JOURNEY. 7
NEW RESTAURANT ACCELERATOR WILL OFFER UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN FISHERS Construction has been underway for months now at The Yard at Fishers District, and all that activity is cooking up what promises to be a one-of-kind culinary destination. While The Yard at Fishers District will serve up a variety of dining options for the community, one of its most unique features will be the restaurant accelerator and performance kitchen located within Sun King’s new brewery and taproom.
Fishers Test Kitchen and the Kitchen Table are the products of a collaboration between the founder of Launch Fishers John Wechsler, local food writer and media personality Jolene Ketzenberger, and the City of Fishers.
Wechsler first thought of creating a restaurant accelerator for Fishers when he was serving on the Tourism Commission for Visit Hamilton The restaurant accelerator—Fishers Test Kitchen—will feature local, County and brainstorming reuse options for the historic Flanaganquick-service restaurant concepts within a food hall setting. A rotating Kincaid house (the house is now being relocated to a roundabout on roster of chefs will test out their new concepts at food stands within the USA Parkway near The Yard at Fishers District). 3,000-square-foot space. “I had the idea for ‘Culinary Launch Fishers’ where we would use the Adjacent to the accelerator will be a performance and teaching space home as a ‘platform restaurant’ where restaurant entrepreneurs would called the Fishers Kitchen Table. The Kitchen Table will offer an ongoing compete to take over the restaurant to launch their concepts before schedule of classes, food tastings, and demonstrations from food and making a ‘go /no-go’ decision on whether to scale up and open the real beverage experts, and will also be available for private events. thing,” said Wechsler.
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MAY 2019
I WANTED A SPACE WHERE GUESTS COULD SIT RIGHT IN FRONT OF A CHEF, WATCH THEM COOK, ASK QUESTIONS, AND REALLY INTERACT. ~Jolene Ketzenberger
Soon after, Ketzenberger approached Weschler about her idea for a culinary performance space and teaching kitchen. The two shared their idea with Mayor Scott Fadness, and when The Yard at Fishers District was announced, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to make this idea a reality. “I wanted a space where guests could sit right in front of a chef, watch them cook, ask questions and really interact,” said Ketzenberger. The goal of the accelerator is to develop new culinary concepts that eventually turn into brick and mortar restaurants in Fishers. To encourage this, Wechsler plans to offer business coaching to accelerator chefs. “One thing I have seen first-hand with my friends in the culinary world is that most restaurants don't fail because the food isn't any good,” said Wechsler, “they fail because the restauranteurs make critical business mistakes that are sometimes unrecoverable.” Chefs can apply to launch a new restaurant concept in one of the Test Kitchen food stands. For applications and more information on the Kitchen Table as well, visit FishersTestKitchen.com. Fishers Test Kitchen and Fishers Kitchen Table, along with the new Sun King brewery and taproom, are expected to open in fall 2019.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
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HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED 16 SCHOOLS RECEIVE FOUR STAR DESIGNATION FROM INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION by Emily Pace Abbotts, Director of School and Community Relations, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced the 2017-2018 Four Star Schools. Created by IDOE, the Four Star Schools designation recognizes great schools in Indiana. “Receiving designation as a Four Star School reflects academic excellence among students, educators, and the administration,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I am honored to recognize these Four Star Schools for their hard work and dedication in preparing their students for a bright and prosperous future.” The Four Star School Award has been in existence for over 30 years. To receive Four Star designation, a school must receive an “A” on the state’s A-F accountability system and have excellent ISTEP pass rates. A total of 234 schools received the award. According to Dr. Allen Bourff, Superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, this marks the highest number of schools selected for the Four Star Schools designation. “We are very proud of the work that is happening throughout our buildings, and it would not be possible without the dedication of our staff and students.” The following schools received the designation for the 2017-18 school year: • Brooks School Elementary • Durbin Elementary • Fall Creek Intermediate • Fall Creek Junior High • Fishers High • Fishers Junior High • Geist Elementary • Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High
• Hamilton Southeastern High • Harrison Parkway Elementary • Hoosier Road Elementary • Lantern Road Elementary • New Britton Elementary • Riverside Intermediate • Riverside Junior High • Thorpe Creek Elementary
Visit doe.in.gov/accountability/four-star-schools for more information regarding the Four Star School Award.
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HSE Schools Main Office: 13485 Cumberland Road | (317)594.4100
STUDENTS HELP SUPPORT OCEAN CLEANUP INITIATIVE SECOND GRADE CLASS ABLE TO TAKE AT LEAST 60 POUNDS OF GARBAGE OUT OF THE OCEAN BY SELLING BRACELETS by Megan Pinson, Fishers High School
Imagine if purchasing a single bracelet would remove one pound of trash out of our ocean. Well, it can be done, and this was an intriguing thought for Allison Manion’s second grade class at Sand Creek Elementary. With the help of SCI Art Teacher Amy McDuffee, the students learned why trash in the ocean is a big concern and how it is affecting many different species of aquatic animals that live there. Manion’s class was moved by this issue and wanted to make a difference. According to Manion, her students decided that plastic straws would be a good place to start with their plastic-waste reduction journey. They asked Beth Verhoestra, who is the cafeteria manager at SCI, if the school could stop buying plastic straws and instead replace them with paper straws for those who need to use a straw. In addition to decreasing the usage of plastic straws, the class is also helping to recycle any leftover plastic from students’ lunches. Manion wanted her students to be able to say that they have helped take at least one pound of trash out of the ocean, and so she let her class, along with others, be a part of a global clean-up initiative led by nonprofit group 4ocean. To reach their goal, the class needed to raise enough money for everyone to get their own bracelet. Their initial goal was $450 and after a fundraiser during lunch, they raised about $730. Manion says all the proceeds from the bracelets go back to 4ocean. “This isn’t just changing their habits at school; it has changed the habits of my students and their families.” When asked about the project, second grader Ryan Cripe said, “my family has stopped using plastic straws all together and we just drink from our glasses when we go out to eat.” Manion stresses this was a student-led project, where the class realized there was a problem and came up with a way to help fix it. “It is amazing how it all started with them, and how it is now impacting everyone, even adults outside of school,” Manion said.
hse.k12.in.us
@HSESchools
@HSESchools
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CurioCity
KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE THROUGH LEARNING
When Mr. Baldock’s second grade class at Brooks School Elementary posted on Twitter that they were learning about the Brooks School Road Ghost Bike in September 2018, it marked the beginning of a collaboration with the City of Fishers that started with a visit from Mayor Scott Fadness to learn more about their efforts. From there, the public relations and public works departments collaborated with the students on road sign ideas and a Public Service Announcement (PSA) as part of the City’s bicycle safety awareness campaign. What started as a lesson about symbols such as flags and road signs quickly turned into a journey to make a change in the community when the class focused their inquiry on the ghost bike memorial located outside their school. Led by second grader Luke McGrath, the class wrote to Mayor Fadness to ask if the City could help place a sign at the ghost bike to explain the memorial and to remind drivers to practice safe driving habits. This spring, students will participate in a Public Service Announcement to inform Fishers residents about the do’s and don’ts of bicycle and driver safety through a collaboration with City of Fishers intern Dori Simopoulos. The PSA team will release the short informational video this May. Mr. Baldock views this CurioCity learning experience as a moment in the students’ educational experience that will show them that a single idea can impact the world.
LOOK FOR GHOST BIKES
Ghost bikes are small memorials featuring a whitepainted bicycle chained to a street sign near a location of a fatal bicycle accident on a street. In June 2018, Robert Lackey was hit and killed on his bicycle on Brooks School Road just south of 126th Street. In memoriam, LoKe Bicycles placed the memorial, which is a global symbol of solidarity and bicycle-driver safety.
BIKE SAFETY TIPS
Fishers City Ordinance requires all vehicles to maintain a 3-foot distance from bicyclists while on the roadway. Bicyclists are encouraged to use bike lanes when available along with helmets and bright clothing to increase visibility.
For more info about bicycle and driver safety, visit fishers.in.us/BicycleSafety.
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MAY 2019
BUILDING A LOYAL BASE THINK FISHERS SITS DOWN WITH CAPITOL CONSTRUCTION With a seasoned workforce and an ownership focusing on upfront communication and developing relationships with clients, Fishersbased Capitol Construction is not your typical commercial contractor. Capitol Construction was established in 1998 by now President and Owner, Jon Robinson. Originally based out of Carmel, Jon and his team decided to relocate their main location to Fishers 11 years ago after recognizing the need to expand. “Our team was growing, and we needed more space. Fishers is easily accessible to the interstate and surrounding areas making daily travel to/from work manageable,” said VP of Business Development, Lauren Kriner. “Our team enjoys a lot of the new options regarding restaurants and amenities that have come to Fishers in recent years.” Founding Capitol with just three employees, Jon and now Co-Owner Terry Clark, have increased their workforce to 100 employees and expanded their client base, resulting in the unveiling of offices in Chicago and Nashville.
Commenting on their extensive network of trusted subcontractors, President Jon Robinson noted, “Early on, Terry and I established a practice of treating our subcontractors well. With good communication and quick pay options, we get exceptional service and aggressive pricing from these subcontractors, which is passed along to our clients.” Regarding Capitol’s internal growth, the company’s ability to retain qualified workers is a direct result of their engaging workplace culture. With an evident employment gap throughout the construction industry, company culture and employee engagement are of increasing importance when it comes to retaining employees throughout the industry. “As we have grown, it’s important for us to retain our employees and make sure that people feel valued, listened to and understood,” said Kriner. “Ownership respects the team and lives out the belief that work can be a great part of life, but it is not life.” Since their inception, Capitol has performed over 10,000 commercial projects across 47 states throughout the nation, including ground up development, tenant improvement projects, restaurant buildout, and a variety of other retail projects.
“We continue to grow organically, by client referrals, and by doing good work. We are financially secure, which allows us to hire and retain great people, as well as hire very competent partners to complete successful projects,” said Kriner.
A few of Capitol’s most notable projects in the area include Ed Martin Toyota dealerships, United Way of Indiana, and Little Red Door Cancer Agency. Additionally, the contractor is Starbuck’s preferred contractor in the Midwest.
Perhaps the greatest contributors to the company’s growth and increasing loyal clientbase are Capitol’s relationships with subcontractors, in addition to their ability to retain qualified workers.
“We plan to extend great care to our existing clients, while adding new clients that make sense based on our expertise and manpower availability, and to continue the steady growth we have built in the past 20 years,” said Kriner.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
While Capitol would consider branching into other markets, if the opportunity was right, the ownership is currently focusing on their current target market and clients.
Learn more about Capitol Construction at CapitolConstruct.com.
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CITY OF FISHERS’ DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
PSRW: MEET TEAM FISHERS
THINK FISHERS INVITES RESIDENTS TO GET TO KNOW THE HARD-WORKING CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HELP MAKE FISHERS GREAT DURING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK 14
May 5 through 11 is Public Service Recognition Week, an annual celebration that recognizes public servants and connects citizens with their government. In honor of this celebration, we want to introduce you to the staff, accomplishments, and unique culture of the City of Fishers. From educational programmers and naturalists to city planners, technicians, and customer service specialists, more than 450 employees make up the City team, also referred to as “Team Fishers.” While job functions vary, dedication to serving the community and improving the quality of life in Fishers is a core value among City staff. MAY 2019
“Simply put, we’re here to serve our community,” said Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath. “As a Fishers resident, I love being able to serve where I live, where my kids go to school, and where our life happens.” “When I heard there was an opening here at the City of Fishers, I loved the idea of being one of the people who maintains the parks that I bring my children to,” said Juan Puente, Parks Maintenance Superintendent with the Department of Public Works. The City of Fishers has a one-of-kind culture that is unique among the public sector, according to Mayor Scott Fadness. “Our employees work to reinvent local government and defy the stereotypes of government employees,” described Fadness. “We take our work seriously, but we have fun doing it.” It’s this innovative approach that has attracted many to join the Fishers team. “I've always wanted to be part of a forward thinking, progressive community,” said Tracy Gaynor, Director of Information Technology. “I love that doing something new is looked at as creative and innovative, and not just trying to change things up,” said Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart. And as Fishers Fire Chief Steven Orusa describes, at the City of Fishers “politics take a back seat to service.” “We are all invested in the goal and vision of the City and we work collaboratively to make it happen,” said Sarah Sandquist, Director of Fishers Parks & Recreation. “We don’t let the dust settle on anything.”
It would be an understatement to say that Team Fishers is made up of go-getters. City staff have achieved numerous achievements in the past year, including:
• FISHERS POLICE DEPARTMENT works hard to keep our community safe, and their efforts were recognized when Fishers was ranked #5 in the 20 Safest Cities in Indiana for 2019 by Safewise. • The DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS was awarded the American Public Works Association (APWA) Re-Accreditation designation. The APWA Accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry, as contained in the APWA Public Works Management Practices Manual. Fishers DPW is the only accredited department of public works in Indiana. • FISHERS FIRE DEPARTMENT was named Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year by the Indiana Association of Fire Chiefs. • In partnership with INDOT and Hamilton County, the ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT won Project of the Year for the 1-69 and 106th Street intersection. This honor was awarded by the American Society of Engineers and the American Council of Engineering Companies. • The CONTROLLER'S OFFICE received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 29th consecutive year and their 11th consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. • PARKS & RECREATION premiered the inaugural Spark!Fishers festival and the new Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and accompanying Pavilion, and launched playfishers.com and a new ticketing system to improve customer service. • The FLEET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT designed and built three custom de-icing systems at half the cost of purchasing pre-made units. • The DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT garnered $175 million in new investment and worked to create 250 new jobs in our community. • The PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT received the 2018 Hoosier Planning Award- Honorable Mention for Outstanding Comprehensive Plan. • The BUSINESS SOLUTIONS GROUP launched a new, internal document management system for the City, launched a new citywide financial system, and automated forms to help save paper and increase efficiency. • HUMAN RESOURCES saved paper by eliminating physical copies of new hire documents. HR also improved team benefits and hired 28 full-time employees. • The INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT redesigned and updated the entire GIS infrastructure and implemented security improvements. • The PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT launched the redesigned City website and helped roll out CurioCity in collaboration with HSE Schools. Simply put, Team Fishers loves serving the Fishers community and connecting with our citizens. And you don’t have to travel to City Hall to meet our team. You can find us out in the parks, in the schools, around the neighborhood, and at events throughout the community. Next time you see us, say hello! We’d love to meet you. Want to join Team Fishers? Visit fishers.in.us/Jobs for current job opportunities. As part of Public Service Recognition Week, we’re taking you behind-thescenes of local government and highlighting the people who make up Team Fishers on social media. Follow @FishersIN on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the week.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
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Rise & Shine
The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive) comes to life with the hustle and bustle of the Fishers Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning as food lovers, farmers, and neighbors come together over their love of eggrolls, fresh ground coffee, Indiana-grown produce, and locally sourced meats during this Fishers summer tradition.
Rated one of the top farmers’ markets in the region, the Fishers Farmers’ Market presented by IU Health Saxony takes place May 4 through October 26 from 8 a.m. to noon with a new, extended season featuring local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from over 50 full and part-time vendors. From live entertainment to the Farm Hand’s kids' program, and festive specialty days, there’s always something to keep shoppers coming back for more.
To cut down on plastic waste, vendors will no longer offer single-use plastic bags at the market. Shoppers are encouraged to go green by bringing their reusable shopping bags to carry their purchases each Saturday. Bins will be placed around the market for customers to donate gently used shopping bags for others to borrow, and a limited number of free reusable bags will be available at the Fishers Parks & Recreation tent for customers who need one in a pinch. The Fishers Farmers’ Market will also host the first annual Green Fair on June 8, where shoppers can learn about local organizations and businesses that promote sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection and how they can make sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
FISHERS FARMERS' MARKET EVENTS GO GREEN WITH THE FARMERS' MARKET The Fishers Farmers’ Market is committed to supporting environmental sustainability at the market and in the community. This year, the market is on a mission to go green and will focus on reducing waste from single-use plastic shopping bags.
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There's always something new happening at the Fishers Farmers’ Market! Along with live entertainment each Saturday morning, the Fishers Farmers’ Market is also expanding its Farm Hand kids’ program with weekly children's activities. The market’s littlest shoppers can
MAY 2019
participate in the famously fun Two-Bite Challenge, where kids receive $2 in Market Bucks to spend at participating market vendors when they taste two bites of the week’s featured food. Also new this year, shoppers can take a tour of the market with a certified nutritionist one Saturday a month, and learn about different types of produce, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into tasty recipes the whole family will love. Along with the Green Fair, the market will also host five specialty days this season, including a Health and Wellness Expo on May 18, where shoppers can explore local health and wellness services and products.
MEET OUR VENDORS Juried to the strictest standards, the Fishers Farmers’ Market showcases vendors from Central Indiana and is a destination for fresh, local, flavorful foods direct from farmers and producers. Check out the complete list of 2019 vendors: • 5280 Bistro
• Indie Coffee Roasters
• Artisano's Oils & Spices
• Johnnie Raber Family Farm
• AW Treat Co
• JohnTom's BBQ Sauce
1 and 3 Saturdays st
1st and 3rd Saturdays
rd
• Bearded Baker
• Lazy Labs Bakery
• Becker Farms
• Lick Ice Cream
• Bettini Pasta
• Lisa's Pie Shop
• Blackhawk Winery
• Louise's Sweets
• Bliss Haven Farms
• Maple Run Farm
• Boozie Bundts
• Marta's Goody's
2nd and 4th Saturdays
Perhaps the most popular specialty day, Biz Kidz Day returns on July 20 and gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills by selling and promoting their handmade, hand-grown, hand-crafted, or hand-produced products at the market. Kids can apply to participate by June 10 at playfishers.com/BizKidz. On August 24, The Fishers Freebirds Club will welcome shoppers to Freebirds Day at the Market for special exhibits, giveaways, and activities geared to those ages 50 and better.
1st and 3rd Saturdays
• Bubble Tea Lady
• Masters Home Preserves
• Castaway Compost
• Mathoo's Eggrolls
• Chase Farms
• Meringue Artisan Cake
• Chef Bricker's
• Morehouse Pork
Brick House Vinaigrettes
• My Dad's Sweet Corn
• Christopher Farm
• Native Bread
• Circle City Kombucha
• Nora Lee Company Nut Butters
• Clearsprings Cheese
• Old Major Market
• Compean and Sons Farm
• Our Garden Soap
• Crossroads Nuts and Seeds
• Simply Baked by Kate
• Dragonwood Honey and Maple
A Fall Harvest Fest will take place on September 21 and showcase seasonal favorites like pumpkins, mums, and other delightful fall flavors and activities. The market will also be open during Fishers Parks & Recreation’s Boo Bash Halloween event on October 26.
1st and 3rd Saturdays
• Gallagher Farms
• Skillington Farms
• Generations Pie Company
• Tailored Toddies
• Gluten Free Creations
• Twenty-Two Acai Bowls
• Grace and Truth Farms
• VanAntwerps Farm Market
• Grandpa's Beef Jerky
• Viking Lamb
• Groomsville Popcorn
• Walking Waffle Company
SNAP AT THE MARKET
• Guacamole and More
• Wesson's Canine Bakery
New this year, the Fishers Farmers’ Market is excited to announce that it will accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)! Shoppers can use their Hoosier Works EBT card to buy eligible fresh, healthy, local food with SNAP Market Bucks. The tokens never expire and can be used throughout the market season. Learn more about SNAP and WIC at the market at playfishers.com/SNAP.
• Harvest Coffee & Tea
2nd and 4th Saturdays
• Hidden Acres Farm
• Wild Alaska Salmon & Seafood
• Incredible Products Salsa,
• Wildflower Ridge Honey
Pickles and Relish
PARKING AT THE MARKET Shoppers will find ample free parking throughout the Nickel Plate District. Free garage parking is available in The Depot and Flats at Switch parking garage located to the east and west of Fishers City Hall (1 Municipal Drive), as well as in the Police Station garage (4 Municipal Drive) and Spark Apartments garage (8780 North Street) located at the corner of Maple and North Streets. The grass lots north of the Amphitheater will be unavailable this market season due to construction. For more information about parking and to see a parking map, visit playfishers.com/Parking.
Fishers.Indiana
@FishersIN
STAY CONNECTED For even more information about the Fishers Farmers’ Market, be sure to check out playfishers.com/FarmersMarket, and be sure to follow on social for the latest Farmers' Market news. Fishers Farmers' Market
@fishersparks
@FishersFarmersMarket
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SUMMER FUN IN FISHERS The weather is heating up and school is winding down, and there’s no better place to unplug and celebrate the start of summer than in Fishers! From a staycation beach getaway, to muddy adventures and fishing fun, Think Fishers compiled a list of the top events and activities that will delight all ages and abilities. SPLASH PADS AND SAXONY LAKE & BEACH
Fishers Parks & Recreation’s two free splash pads, located at Holland Park (1 Park Drive) and Billericay Park (12690 Promise Road), open to the public on the Saturday, May 25. Throughout the summer, they are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Want a beach vacation without leaving home? Feel the sand beneath your toes at Saxony Lake & Beach (13288 Pennington Road), also opening Memorial Day weekend. The beach is open seven days a week from May 25 to August 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beginning on August 5, the beach will open on weekends only through Labor Day. Entry is free for residents and $5 for nonresidents. TRAILS
Along with 24 diverse park properties, Fishers Parks & Recreation boasts over 131 miles of scenic multiuse and nature trails perfect for fitness and fun. Visit Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve (10410 Hague Road) to experience a 2.25 mile trail in the heart of Fishers showcasing the beautiful indigenous wildflowers and plant life. Find yourself on the east side of Fishers? Take a trip to Flat Fork Creek Park (16141 E. 101st Street) and hit the mountain bike trails or check out the observation treehouses for Instagram-worthy views of Flat Fork Creek. FISHING PONDS
Drop in a line at one of the city’s many fishing ponds during the DNR Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, no fishing license required! Check out these great fishing spots #AroundFishers: • CHEENEY CREEK NATURAL AREA
11030 Fishers Pointe Boulevard • SAXONY LAKE & BEACH
13288 Pennington Road
• HERITAGE PARK AT WHITE RIVER • 10598 Eller Road • GEIST PARK • 10979 Florida Road
Want more fishing fun? Stop by the free Fishing at Flat Fork Creek Park event on Sunday, June 2 anytime from 1 to 5 p.m. for knot tying lessons, parking lot trout fishing, a fish processing demonstration, and more. Fishers Parks & Recreation will even provide the supplies - fishing poles and bait will be waiting for you! MONSOON MADNESS
Fishers Parks & Recreation is putting a new spin on a family favorite! Monsoon Madness returns on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holland Park and is the perfect way to beat the heat this summer. New this year, kids can enjoy the free luau-themed pop-up waterpark along with tropical fun, games, activities, and more. There’s even a special area for little ones ages 4 and under.
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DON'T MISS OUT!
Find out more about what Fishers Parks & Recreation has in store this summer at playfishers.com. Fishers Parks & Recreation @Fishers Parks
MAY 2019
Calendar of Events
MAY ALL MONTH LONG
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH See page 6 - 7 for details and events
ALL MONTH LONG
THE ART GALLERY AT CITY HALL 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
SATURDAYS
FISHERS FARMERS’ MARKET 8 AM - Noon | NPD AMP
5.03 - FRIDAY
HOPE FOR HAPPINESS & SILENT DISCO 6 PM | NPD AMP
5.07 - TUESDAY
PRIMARY ELECTIONS - City Hall Closed visit fishers.in.us/Elections for details
5.10 - FRIDAY MOVIES IN THE PARK Dusk | NPD AMP
5.20 - MONDAY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 PM | City Hall Auditorium
5.22 - WEDNESDAY STATE OF THE CITY 11:30 AM | Embassy Suites
5.22 - WEDNESDAY TOUCH-A-TRUCK 3 - 7 PM | Central Green
5.24 - FRIDAY MOVIES IN THE PARK Dusk | NPD AMP
5.25 - SATURDAY
OPENING DAY: SPLASH PADS AND SAXONY LAKE & BEACH Details on Page 18
5.27 - MONDAY
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY 10 - 11 AM | Liberty Plaza
DRIVE FISHERS Stay up to date on the road construction projects happening around Fishers! Follow @DriveFishers on Twitter and subscribe to the weekly newsletter at fishers.in.us/DriveFishers.
STATE OF THE CITY Join the City of Fishers and Mayor Scott Fadness for the annual State of the City event on Wednesday, May 22 at 11:30 am at Embassy Suites. Register at OneZoneCommerce.com.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK In honor of National Public Works Week, kids can climb up in a fire truck, honk the horn of a snow plow, and turn on the siren of a police car as they explore Fishers’ fleet of big rigs at the annual Touch-a-Truck event on Wednesday, May 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. on the Central Green.
MEMORIAL DAY Join the City of Fishers on May 27 at 10 a.m. as we take time to honor the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our freedom in the community and nation-wide. This free event will be held at Liberty Plaza on the Central Green, in front of Fishers City Hall.
SPARK!FISHERS The Spark!Fishers festival returns to the Nickel Plate District on June 28 and 29! Get the lineup of everything happening, from volunteer opportunities, to 5K registration, to ticket details for the Vertical Horizon & Tonic concert, at www.sparkfishers.com.
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