Official Magazine of the City of Fishers • February 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
1
Think Fishers is the official magazine for the City of Fishers, Indiana, produced by the City of Fishers Public Relations Department. Additional copies are available at Fishers City Hall. For more information, visit us at www.fishers.in.us. On the Cover: Residents enjoy the first real snowfall of the season at Flat Fork Creek Park. Left: Mayor Fadness speaks with students at Cumberland Road Elementary School
MAYOR Scott A. Fadness
A MESSAGE FROM
MAYOR FADNESS
DEPUTY MAYOR Leah McGrath
CITY COUNCIL
Why do you love Fishers?
Selina Stoller, Northwest District Is it our parks programs and special events? Or our great schools and community
Eric Moeller, North Central District
organizations? What about the many opportunities for entrepreneurs and small
Brad DeReamer, Northeast District
business owners in our community?
David George, Southwest District John Weingardt, South Central District
I think we could all agree on several of Fishers’ lovable attributes and amenities.
Pete Peterson, Southeast District Rich Block, At Large
I love the people that make our city great. I continue to be amazed by the caliber of
Cecilia Coble, At Large
people in this community. Fishers is home to extraordinarily accomplished people
Todd Zimmerman, At Large
and that’s worth celebrating. I also love our City’s culture; our community is one that welcomes risk-taking and innovation both inside and outside City Hall. We’re also
CITY JUDGE
a community that’s committed to working together, and that helps us to continue
Daniel E. Henke
to accomplish great things. The collaboration among Hamilton County agencies to initiate the State Road 37 Project is a great example. You’ll learn more about that on
CITY CLERK
page 7.
Jennifer Kehl
We’d like to know why you Love Fishers. Pages 8 - 9 will give instructions on how to share your love for our city throughout the month.
CITY CONTROLLER Oscar Gutierrez
CITY ATTORNEY Yours in Service,
Chris Greisl
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Eric Pethtel Scott Fadness
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FEBRUARY 2017
CITY OF FISHERS, INDIANA Fishers City Hall One Municipal Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038
We answer questions every day about all things Fishers via private messages, posts
317.595.3111 | www.fishers.in.us
and mentions on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We figured, if one resident has a
administration@fishers.in.us
question about the community, it’s likely that another may have the same question and would benefit from the answer. That’s why we want to encourage you to share
Facebook: Fishers Indiana Government
your questions by using the hashtag #AskFishers. We’ll select a few questions to feature here each month.
Twitter: @FishersIN Instagram: NicklePlateDistrict
What are the strange new streetlights that have tall poles on top of them? Christopher, via Facebook
ENGINEERING DIRECTOR Jeff Hill
PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR Tony Elliot These are micro cell towers that will help boost data coverage
POLICE CHIEF
throughout our growing community.
Mitch Thompson
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES CHIEF Steve Orusa
IT DIRECTOR Tracy Gaynor
FLEET MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR Elliot Hultgren
Although we haven’t had much of a winter yet, I’m seeing potholes that need repaired. How do I report them?
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Cici Conover
Ed, via Facebook
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Ashley Elrod
THINK FISHERS EDITOR Tiffany Rogers, Communications Manager
Fishers DPW utilizes an asphalt recycler to fill potholes with hotmix asphalt in cold winter temperatures. Report potholes for
DESIGN & LAYOUT
repair by visiting our website at www.fishers.in.us, click “Report
Elizabeth Creakbaum, Brand Coordinator
It” on the left side and complete a “Report Road Repair Issues/ Potholes” form.
PRINTED BY: Fineline Printing Group www.finelineprintinggroup.com
FEBRUARY 2017
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AROUNDFISHERS We want a glimpse into city life from your perspective. Each month, we’ll feature your photos from #AroundFishers. 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. facebook.com/FishersIN
@FishersIN
NickelPlateDistrict
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2
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Photos Provided By: 1. General Tso, @RSIgoldenflock via Twitter 2. Susan Davis, indysuz via Instagram 3. Casey Cawthon, caseyncawthon via Instagram 4. Todd Gillian, tgillian10 via Instagram 5. Megan Hunt Gamble, milesofadventures via Instagram 6. Visit Hamilton County, Indiana, visithamiltonco via Instagram 4
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FEBRUARY 2017
Congratulations to Coach Mike Fassold and the Fishers Junior High School We the People Team! The team is the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2016 Middle School We the People State Champion. We the People promotes civic education and understanding of constitutional law through instruction and case competition. The team competed on December 13, 2016 for the state title, winning the championship for the first-time.
2016 IBF MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS
Best Wishes for Success at Nationals in Washington D.C. April 28 - May 2
Left: Fishers High School We the People Team 2016 IBF High School Division Top Five, Third Place Right: HSE High School We the People Team 2016 IBF High School Division Top Five, Fourth Place
@HSESchools
www.hse.k12.in.us
FEBRUARY 2017
HSESchools
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EVOLVING TRADITION KEEP FISHERS BEAUTIFUL RETURNS FOR 2017 BY DAN DOMSIC, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Decades of explosive growth can simultaneously create vexing challenges and enormous opportunities for towns and cities.
The goal of the Blitz Box is simple: encourage and support more independent neighborhood clean-ups that ensure the physical
The last 20 years of development in Fishers has yielded a
and communal health of individual community building blocks.
community that is burgeoning with professionals, volunteers,
Neighborhoods can apply for a Blitz Box and read more about the
and renowned educators.
program requirements at www.fishers.in.us/kfb.
One challenge brought with all that growth is many neighborhoods
2. The Neighborhood Blitz on Keep Fishers Beautiful Day will be
are starting to show their age at the same time.
community-wide.
Keep Fishers Beautiful, a volunteer initiative, evolves in 2017 to
On Keep Fishers Beautiful Day in years past, a volunteer event
meet this challenge and opportunity. In the past, KFB included
in one specific neighborhood aimed to help homeowners with
park clean-ups, a neighborhood-specific beautification effort,
small projects in order to increase overall property values and
and occurred in tandem with the Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
curb appeal, holding simultaneous hopes of addressing code
Spring Service Day. While many aspects of the program will
enforcement issues in a neighborly way.
remain the same, two major changes have occurred to better serve the Fishers community.
To ensure that support is going to the best, most-deserving projects and homeowners in Fishers, the benefits of the Neighborhood
1. The Blitz Box is a new feature that encourages independent
Blitz on this year’s KFB Day, April 15, will be available across
neighborhood clean-ups throughout the year.
Fishers, not just a singular neighborhood. Need a helping hand with a façade project or know someone who might need help with
The City of Fishers team expanded the Keep Fishers Beautiful
the basics? You can apply or nominate for participation in the
program, lending support to neighborhoods throughout the year,
Neighborhood Blitz this month at www.fishers.in.us/kfb.
as opposed to just one dedicated clean-up day. Together, the Fishers community can ensure its own vitality and With notice, homeowners’ associations can apply for and receive
vibrancy, and that’s what Keep Fishers Beautiful is all about.
the Keep Fishers Beautiful Blitz Box. The Blitz Box is simply a 30
Standing with your neighbors, big challenges can be made small.
yard dumpster and a small complement of gloves, safety glasses, and garbage bags.
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Visit www.fishers.in.us/volunteer for your volunteer application.
FEBRUARY 2017
HAMILTON COUNTY RECEIVES LOCAL GOVERNMENT COOPERATION AWARD The Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) awarded Hamilton County the 2016 Local Government Cooperation Award for the State Road 37 improvement project. Hamilton County, the City of Fishers, the City of Noblesville and the State of Indiana are each contributing funds to improve traffic congestion through the addition of roundabouts. The State Road 37 project will improve safety and travel times for commuters. Counties that win this prestigious award must demonstrate that the project meets the following criteria: • The improvement required substantial leadership and perseverance on the part of county elected officials • Recommended that it can be utilized by other counties but in some cases the project cannot be duplicated • It resulted in cost savings or increased efficiency and effectiveness of county government • It required cooperation with other county offices, departments or other units of government • It was a creative approach to solving a difficult problem The announcement of the State Road 37 project last December came after years of collaboration between the City of Fishers, City of Noblesville, Hamilton County and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The project is currently entering the environmental and design phase. The City of Fishers will manage the design and construction for the duration of the project. Residents, business owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to sign up for Drive Fishers alerts and/or check the project update page at www.fishers.in.us/Sr37 regularly for progress on the project.
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FOR THE LOVE OF
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we thought we’d take this opportunity to learn why you love your city. While we think there’s much to love about Fishers -- from our annual Summer Concert Series at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater to our great parks and community-wide programs to our burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem -but we want to hear from you! What makes you proud to call Fishers home? What are you excited to share with visitors? Here’s a few ways you can share the love: • Complete and submit the online at www.fishers.in.us/lovefishers. • Share the love on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #LoveFishers
For me, it's the people. Grateful today for those around me who teach, help & inspire. ~ Leah McGrath LOCAL GOODS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET!
NOTHING LIKE A STROLL AROUND THE NPD
A TRIP TO HANDEL’S IS ALWAYS A GOOD PLAN
Getting ready For FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES!
WHO’S UP FOR SOME SOCCER AT THE PARK?
We #LoveFishers for the entrepreneurial spirit, community support and great people that live and work here. ~ Iconic Digital FEBRUARY 2017
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TAKING THE PLEDGE HSE STUDENTS TAKE ON STIGMA FREE FISHERS
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FEBRUARY 2017
I SAW THE NEED FOR THIS CLUB AT OUR SCHOOL NOT ONLY OUR SCHOOL, BUT MANY SCHOOLS NEED IT.”
Ranvir Sandhu, hse junior & founder of stigma free hse
The City of Fishers launched
times that they transport
its
adolescents
that
campaign in April 2016, in
to
students
conjunction with the City’s
mental health evaluations.
mental
We
Stigma
Free
health
Fishers
initiative.
be
our
recognize
happen
more
for and
Stigma Free Fishers is an
more through those events
appeal to Fishers residents
that this is an area where we
to
need to turn our attention.”
reject
attitudes
stigmatizing
toward
mental
health and instead pledge to
Sandhu also sensed a need
be stigma-free.
for the club and mental health
The City has encouraged
awareness
among
his peers.
residents of all ages to take the
Stigma
Free
Fishers
“I saw the need for this club
pledge to learn more about mental
health;
see
at our school – not only our
the
person, not the illness; and
Ravnir Sandhu, founder of Stigma Free HSE (center) with Pricipal Matt
school, but many schools
Kegley (left) and HSE Mental Health Coordinator Brooke Lawson (right)
need it, said Sandhu. “The
take action. Many residents
stats are staggering, 1 in 4 city
Hamilton Southeastern Schools has been
kids will show symptoms of mental health.
events like the Fishers Farmers Market,
an integral part of the City’s Mental
That’s a staggering stat.”
Arts Crawl and online. This November,
Health Task Force and has made huge
a community member led a group of
strides in working to strengthen and
Sandhu said there were about 50 kids at
nearly 100 local men to create a Stigma
expand its resources for students who may
the club’s first meeting. Already, they
Free Fishers Movember network. The
struggle with mental health challenges.
have planned to have Mike Riekfhof, of
men agreed not to shave throughout the
In the past year, all school guidance
the Peyton Reikhof Foundation for Youth
month
Hope, speak at the next meeting.
have
taken
the
pledge
at
local
Free
counselors have been trained in suicide
Fishers message with friends, family and
prevention as well as all teachers in grades
acquaintances – they also raised $3,387
5-12. Also, the district recently hired its
Sandhu
for men’s mental health.
first mental health services coordinator,
HSE club can help to educate and raise
Brooke Lawson.
awareness of mental health challenges
and
share
the
Stigma
Now, the Stigma Free Fishers initiative
hopes
that
the
Stigma
Free
among students.
Hamilton
“We are seeing more examples through
Southeastern High School with a new
our students that taking the opportunity
“I would like to see people not afraid to
student club, Stigma Free HSE. The club is
to
is
talk about it,” said Sandhu. “I also want
led by HSE junior Ranvir Sandhu. Sandhu is
important,
through
to show that if you do have mental health
student member on the Community Health
occurences
Network mental health board.
situations that students are dealing with,”
has
gained
momentum
in
address
mental whether of
health that
issues
be
individual
crises
or
illness, it’s okay. Many people experience things like that.
said Hamilton Southeastern High School “I’ve been involved in mental health for
Principal, Matt Kegley. “We’ve also gained
To learn more about the City’s Stigma
about three years and really felt the need
understanding through our relationship
Free Fishers initiative and get involved
to get involved in something that can
with the Fishers Police Department and
by taking the Stigma Free Fishers pledge,
change the world,” said Sandhu.
learning the amount and number of
visit stigmafreefishers.com.
FEBRUARY 2017
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SPECIAL EVENTS St. Patty's Day Luncheon sponsored by Hamilton Trace
Arbor Day - Let's Flock NPD
Friday, Mar. 17 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | R $8, NR $12
Wednesday, Mar. 1 - Thursday, Apr. 27
Holland Park Building | Activity Title: "St Pattys Lunch"
Around the NPD | $3/Flamingo (while supplies last)
Join us for our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, complete with
Our annual decorating contest kicks off in March, ensuring your
a delicious meal, friends and games. Specifically designed for
family has enough time to let those creative juices flow! Stop by
residents 55 and up, guests will enjoy a catered lunch from Sahm’s
our office to pick up your lawn flamingo and a set of rules so you
including corned beef and cabbage. After lunch is finished, guests
qualify for the contest. All flamingos are due back to the Nickel
can enjoy a few games of bingo! Don’t miss a seat at the table.
Plate District AMP on Friday, April 28th between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
Register for this event by March 10.
Winners will be selected in five categories, and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Wasson Nursery! This year the flamingos will be auctioned off by Burgess Auction and Appraisals
Movies in the Park
from 7 to 8 p.m. All proceeds will be used to plant tree(s) at
Friday Nights, Apr. - May | Sunset
Fishers parks in honor of Arbor Day! Don’t worry, you can choose
Nickel Plate District AMP | Free
to keep your flamingos if you’d like. Stick around after the event
Roll out a blanket, stop by concessions and get ready for a free
for #FishersMovies beginning at sunset! Visit our website to learn
show! Spring Movies in the Park return offering the perfect
more about Let’s Flock the NPD. Registration due by April 27.
opportunity to unwind under the stars on Friday nights. Beginning at sunset, movies are selected to meet the interests of a large number of people. We trust parents to make decisions on
Family Love
which movies are most appropriate for their families! This year,
Monday, Apr. 10 | 6 - 7 p.m. | R $6, NR $9
mobile concessions will be available during each show! Stay tuned
Billericay Park Building | Activity Title: "Family Love"
for additional details, and be sure to share your photos using
Parents, let your children celebrate #NationalSiblingDay while
#FishersMovies for a chance to be featured!
you enjoy a few moments on the sideline watching! Let us referee their friendly competition during this evening program as your
4/14 Star Wars: Episode VII
5/12 Cinderella (2015)
children enjoy light refreshments, physical competitions and
4/21 Pete’s Dragon (2016)
5/19 Storks
brain games. This brand new program encourages your children
4/28 Huntsman: Winter’s War
5/26 Finding Dory
to have some fun, and take a moment to appreciate each other.
5/5
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The Secret Life of Pets
This program is for ages 3 through 12. Register by April 3.
FEBRUARY 2017
PROGRAMS FOR LITTLE ONES
TWO TIMES THE FUN! Join in the interactive play with your two-year-old and with
Polar Bears, Penguins, and Igloos OH MY!
other toddlers. Parents, participation and pre-registration
Friday, Feb. 17
are both required so you can get in on the fun too!
Holland Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m. Resident $8, NonResident $12
Sealed with a Kiss
Register by Feb. 10 with Activity Title "Polar Bear"
Tuesday, Feb. 14 Billericay Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m.
Cowabunga, Dude!
Resident $6, NonResident $9
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Register by Feb. 7 with Activity Title "TTTF Kiss"
Bubba's 33 Restaurant (9770 N by NE Blvd) | 10 - 11 a.m. Resident $10, NonResident $15
Blossoms and Buds
Register by Feb. 14 with Activity Title "Cowabunga Dude"
Monday, Mar. 6 Holland Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m.
Fairy Tale Tea Party
Resident $6, NonResident $9
Saturday, Feb. 25
Register by Feb. 27 with Activity Title "TTTF Blossoms"
Ambassador House at Heritage Park | 10 a.m. - noon Resident $20, NonResident $30 Register by Feb. 17 with Activity Title "Fairy Tale Tea"
PLAYFULL HOURS
End of the Rainbow
Your child(ren) ages 1 to 5 are invited to PlayFULL Hours
Friday, Mar. 3
for unstructured play time! Each class focuses on a specific
Billericay Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m.
theme, and themes vary year-round. Parents, participation
Resident $8, NonResident $12
is required so you can socialize alongside your little one.
Register by Feb. 24 with Activity Title "Rainbow"
Natural Wonderland Monday, Feb. 27 Holland Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m. Resident $2, NonResident $3 Register by Feb. 24 with Activity Title "PFH Natural"
Seasons & Holidays Wednesday, Mar. 22 Holland Park Building | 10 - 11 a.m. Resident $2, NonResident $3 Register by Mar. 21 with Activity Title "PFH Seasons"
FEBRUARY 2017
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PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH & TEENS
FOR ADULTS
Play Date Night
Book Club
Friday, Feb. 10
Tuesdays, Feb. 28, Mar. 28, Apr. 25
Holland Park Building | 5 - 9:30 p.m.
Holland Park Building | 3 - 4 p.m.
Resident $20, NonResident $30
Free
Register by Feb. 3 with Activity Title "Kids Night Out"
Register by Feb. 21 with Activity Title "Book Club"
Little Chefs
Travel Adventures
Tuesday - Friday, Feb. 21 - 24
Saturday, Mar. 11
Holland Park Building | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Holland Park Building | 2 - 3 p.m.
Resident $12, NonResident $18
Resident $17, NonResident $26
Register by Feb. 14 with Activity Title "Little Chefs"
Register by Mar. 3 with Activity Title "Travel Adventures"
Lil' Sharkie Pottery
Adult Softball League
Saturday, Mar. 4
Sundays, Mar. 19 - June 11
Holland Park Building | 1 - 2 p.m.
Holland Park Softball Fields | Noon - 6 p.m.
Resident $15, NonResident $23
Resident $472, NonResident $708
Register by Mar. 2 with Activity Title "Lil Sharkie Pottery"
Register by Feb. 25 with Activity Title "Softball"
Pie Day Tuesday, Mar. 14 Billericay Park Building | 6 - 7 p.m. Resident $5, NonResident $8
BEFORE YOU PARTICIPATE...
Register by Mar. 7 with Activity Title "Pie Day"
You Must Register in Advance
Creative Canvases
Registration can be completed online at the Fishers
Tuesday, Mar. 21
Park website (www.fishers.in.us/parks), by mailing your
Holland Park Building | 5 - 6 p.m.
completed form with payment, or in person at the Fishers
Resident $10, NonResident $15
Parks office. (Phone registration not accepted.)
Register by Mar. 14 with Activity Title "Creative Canvases"
Check It Out!
Safe Sitter
For additional information regarding these programs, as
Friday, Mar. 31
well as other events and partner classes, be sure to visit the
Billericay Park Building | 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Fishers Parks website.
Resident $38, NonResident $57 Register by Mar. 24 with Activity Title "Safe Sitter"
Fishers Parks & Recreation 11565 Brooks School Road
Spectacular String Art
Fishers, Indiana 46037
Thursday, Apr. 13
(317) 595-3150
Billericay Park Building | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Resident $12, NonResident $18
Office Hours:
Register by Apr. 6 with Activity Title "String Art"
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm (Except Holidays)
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FEBRUARY 2017
Mudsock Quilters Guild
Disability Awareness Month Kick-Off
Monday, Feb. 13 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Mar. 2 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fishers United Methodist Church, 9691 E 116th Street
Fishers City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive Help us kick-off Disability Awarness Month in Fishers. This event
MEETINGS
will include special remarks by Mayor Fadness and a disability
To view public meeting dates and submit community events
etiquette presentation by the Joseph Maley Foundation. This
for publication, visit www.fishers.in.us/calendars
event is open to city staff and the public. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Kroger at 116th and Cumberland Road.
Constitution 101 Returns This Month Wednesdays, Feb. 22 - Mar. 29 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saxony Hall (13362 Pennington Road) | Free (Registration Required) An extension of the popular We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program returns to Fishers this February. Constitution 101 provides residents 18 and older an opportunity to become well-versed in the philosophical principles and ideas of government and the U.S. Constitution. Classes will be held over six consecutive Wednesdays from Feb. 22 through March 29 at Saxony Hall. Participation in the course is free, but registration is required as space is limited. To register for Constitution 101, visit www.fishers.in.us/constitution101.
FEBRUARY 2017
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FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION HONORED AT IPRA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Fishers Parks & Recreation received two awards last month from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The department was honored with the Innovative Program award for Nature First and the Exceptional Park Design Award for the Cyntheanne Park Community Garden.
FFD TO PRESENT AT INTERNATION ROUNDTABLE ON COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE Fishers Fire Department’s Lt. Josh Mehling will present at the 13th annual International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine this month in Warwickshire England. Lt. Mehling was invited to discuss the program and business model of Fishers We Care program. The program, in partnership with Community Health Network, works to provide in-home patient assessments, preventative resources and services to Fishers residents following hospital discharge.
CITY OF SERVICE AWARDS EVENING The City of Fishers will celebrate dedicated volunteers at the City of Service Awards Evening on Feb. 23, from 7-9 p.m. at the FORUM Conference Center. The event will feature a Key to the City presentation to a volunteer that personifies community service and leadership; and also recognize the 2016 HSE Schools District Teacher of the Year and an HSE Schools Foundation Volunteer of the Year. The City of Service Awards Evening is free to attend, but an RSVP is required. To RSVP, please visit https://cityofservice.eventbrite.com.
WE’RE HIRING! The City has several employment opportunities available. If you or someone you know is looking for a new challenge with a great team, visit www.fishers.in.us/jobs to learn more about open positions.