SEPTEMBER 2020
MAGAZINE
LET’S TALK
Fishers Racial Equity Community Network Working to Create Change FIRST + GOAL New FHS Football Coach Curt Funk Talks Excitement For First Season SIGNING OFF WISH-TV Personality Dick Wolfsie Retires After Nearly 40 Years on Indianapolis TV
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PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF WEST FISHERS
While much of the world has gone through its ebbs and flows these last six months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Primrose School of West Fishers has stood firm, continuing to provide children with quality care and education. “We were fortunate enough to never have to close,” says assistant director Kelly Brown. “We are lucky enough that we haven’t had any cases. We are considered essential, according to the government, so we never did close.” According to Brown, Primrose School of West Fishers has maintained comprehensive health and safety guidelines, including daily temperature checks.
Like always, the Primrose School of West Fishers is sticking to its comprehensive curriculum.
Pinheads Entertainment Center challenges its customers to rethink the traditional bowling experience.
“Our teachers haven’t wavered in that at all during COVID,” Brown says. “They’re still going to do STEAM every day, which is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. They do something from each one of those every single day.”
“It’s not just bright bulbs, primary colors and tile everywhere,” says Karen Darnaby Smith. “It’s not just fries, chips and pizza. We have a gourmet menu. We have a wonderful executive chef who does a phenomenal job. We have very comfortable seating.”
Since Primrose School of West Fishers cares for children from infancy up through age 12, parents who do not have the option of working from home can also enroll their elementary-aged kids at Primrose, where they will receive help and guidance with their e-learning.
“We were obviously planning for “The first thing we started doing right Hamilton County schools to go back when COVID-19 started is we began August 5, and then that’s when we taking the kids’ temperatures at the door,” Brown says. “We also take all would’ve started busing the kiddos back here,” Brown says. “But now, they’re visitors’ temperatures when they come in. We don’t take the parents’ because we going to be here all day. They’re going ask that they don’t go in the classroom to be with a certified teacher, who’s going to be there to help them with their anyway. They’re dropping off right at the door, and that’s been successful for e-learning.” Informed. Stay Connected. Support Our Local Businesses. usBe so far.” With plenty of enrollment space currently open, Brown encourages all parents Teachersthis are also required to wear masks, Starting month the west approach of 126th St. at SR 37tois closed contact Primrose School of West Fishers with regular sanitization measures also through at 37thrives.com. being enforced.July 4. Detour routesifare their posted child is in need of care.
WORK IS UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE STATE ROAD 37
“Not only do we spray, but least once available Primrose on School of West Fishers ismap locatedapps: Real-time routes areat always your mobile a week, for every room, we’ll have one of our extra teachers dunk the toys in a bleach-water solution,” Brown adds. “But then, it does get sprayed every day.”
PINHEADS ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
at 12609 Parkside Dr. For more information, give them a call at 317-579-9510 or visit them online at primroseschools.com/ schools/west-fishers.
WORK IS UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE STATE ROAD 37 Be Informed. Stay Connected. Support Our Local Businesses.
Starting this month the west approach of 126th St. at SR 37 is closed through July 4. Detour routes are posted at 37thrives.com. Real-time routes are always available on your mobile map apps:
Started back in 2005, Pinheads Entertainment Center has made a habit of improving its facility. “The current owner started in 2009, and they’ve done an amazing job keeping it up and running, doing a lot of renovations and doing a lot to show that we’re not just your typical bowling center,” Darnaby Smith says. “The visibility right here off 37 has been phenomenal.” In recent years, renovations have included the addition of private suites and much more. “We’ve renovated our cafe area, which we’ve expanded,” Darnaby Smith says. “We’ve added nine pizza ovens to expedite your pizza order to get those out in a faster and more efficient manner. We also did move and renovate the bowling counter, so it’s very centralized.” In the age of COVID-19, Pinheads Entertainment Center is making sure it takes all the necessary safety
precautions and then some. “We’re asking all guests to enter through that main, double-door entrance on the eastside, underneath the big Pinheads logo,” Darnaby Smith says. “When they enter they’ll be greeted with a host stand, and the host stand is then going to ask them to sign a quick waiver, just saying they’ve not knowingly been in contact with anyone who’s tested positive and they’re not currently symptomatic for COVID-19. And then, they do a quick thermal temperature check as well.” In addition to having specific employees dedicated to regular sanitization, Pinheads Entertainment Center is also making sure customers have a completely contactless bowling experience via their reservation system. “If you’re making a reservation, which we’re requesting right now, we ask for your shoe sizes ahead of time,” Darnaby Smith says. “So we have your shoes sanitized for you on the lanes prior to arrival as an extra step of service for no-touch. When you leave, we ask that you leave everything on the lanes. We then have people who come sanitize everything before we can bring it back to the main counter.” Pinheads Entertainment Center is located at 13825 Britton Park Rd in Fishers. You can give them a call at 317-773-9988. For those looking for a safe bowling experience, Pinheads reservations can be made at BowlatPinheads.com.
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SEPTEM B ER 2020
We ll-Comp ose d : Fish e r s Stu d e n t H on ored to Win Pre stig iou s Mu sic Comp osition Award
Fall For Fun: 10 Ideas to Spice Up Your Autumn Le t ’s Talk: Fish e r s Racial Eq u ity Communi ty Ne twor k Wor kin g to Cre ate Ch an g e A We alth of K n owle d g e : Jay G ag n e & G agne We alth Man ag e me n t G rou p ’s Clie n t-Fir st Ap p roach E ar n s For b e s Re cog n ition Fu ll B loom: Local Cou p le B u ild s O u t U ni que B u ffalo-Sty le G ard e n S ig n in g O ff: W IS H -T V Pe r son ality Dick Wolfsie Re tire s Afte r Ne ar ly 40 Ye ar s on In d ian ap olis T V Fir st + G oal: New FH S Footb all Coach Curt Fu n k Talks E xcite me n t For Fir st S e ason Conner Prairie’s New Inclusive Park Welcomes All
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WELL-COMPOSED FISHERS STUDENT HONORED TO WIN PRESTIGIOUS MUSIC COMPOSITION AWARD
Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Eli Beaverson
The Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA) named Fishers Junior High School (FJHS) student Noah Strawhacker as a winner in its annual Composition Competition. One of three winners in the middle school division, Strawhacker’s composition, “Astrea,” was composed for string orchestra. The honor both surprised Strawhacker and encouraged him to continue his musical endeavors. “I was not expecting to win the competition at all,” Strawhacker says. “It was actually one of my earlier compositions. It’s tough to describe it. It’s melodic and between two-and-a-half to three minutes long. I focused on the melody and harmonizing the melody. I drew inspiration for it from pieces of music I have played.”
Hopeful students submit pieces to the IMEA Composition Competition in the spring. Winners are announced at the end of the first semester during the following school year. The competition has three divisions - middle school, high school and college. Each participant receives valuable written feedback from the panel of composers and educators who jury the submissions. To enter the contest, a student must be sponsored by a school or teacher that is an IMEA member. Amanda Cornet, FJHS orchestra director, facilitated Strawhacker’s final adjustments to his composition by having the school’s chamber orchestra premier it during their spring concert. He was able to hear how it sounded when being played by a live group. This enabled him to make needed changes before submitting it to the IMEA Composition Competition jury.
Cornet had a feeling Strawhacker had a chance to win the competition. “Noah is a highly motivated musician who continues to strive for excellence in all that he does,” she says. “I am so proud to be able to work with Noah and look forward to playing many more of his compositions.”
at age 11. He began playing the cello and electric bass guitar during his seventhgrade year. In his spare time, he enjoys experimenting with musical arrangements he has written.
“I realized that composing is fun and I want to keep doing it,” Strawhacker says. “I like to doodle around with music, and One of the goals of the IMEA Composition if it sounds half decent I’ll continue to Competition is to encourage fledgling go off with it and keep working on it. I composers to continue cultivating their definitely want to take AP music theory in talents and creativity. high school and I want to be in orchestral all four years. In the future, I’d like to Strawhacker comes from a musical family. teach music theory and orchestra. I would His mother has sung in choirs and also plays like to compose music for films. It’s very the piano, and his father is a guitar player. competitive, but hopefully, if I keep Strawhacker began taking piano lessons learning, I could achieve that.” 8 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / atFishers.com
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FALL FOR FUN
10 IDEAS TO SPICE UP YOUR AUTUMN
Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided
The time has finally come to tackle those favorite fall activities we all love, and it’s the perfect time to come together and enjoy them with family and friends. With fall comes a great mix of warm and cool weather, and getting outside is a must. Enjoy time outside exploring during the day, and then grab a blanket and get cozy around a fire at night. Here are a few ideas - some new, and some tried and true - for that fall to-do list of yours.
APPLE PICKING
One of the best parts of fall is the apples. Head over to your local orchard and have fun picking apples as a family. While you’re there, enjoy some ice-cold apple cider and maybe even some apple cider donuts. Then take your pickings home to make your own apple sauce, apple pie or apple crumble.
in case. However you like your corn mazes, this is a great fall activity to do as a family. Look up a museum or farm nearby to see what they have to offer.
NATURE SCAVENGER HUNTS
The crisp fall weather is great for exploring, and why not add a little CORN MAZES challenge to it? Print off a great fall Corn mazes are all the rage these days. scavenger hunt list, pack some snacks, They keep getting bigger, better and more and pick your favorite trail to search on. creative. Some people prefer scary mazes, One list for the family will do just fine, but but the ones you can get lost in for hours take pictures with your finds to make it a without being scared half to death are just little more fun. You could even make this fine too. If you take kids, keep them close or a yearly tradition and put all the photos maybe grab a megaphone before you go, just together in a memory book.
PUMPKIN POWER
Just like apples, it’s the time of year for pumpkin everything - pies, lattes, rolls, muffins, and don’t forget those pumpkin seeds. When this time of year rolls around, there’s no limit to what you can do with pumpkin, so have fun with it.
DECORATE PUMPKINS
Another fall must-do is pumpkin decorating. Head to your favorite pumpkin patch and pick a few pumpkins of various sizes. Look for pumpkins with unique shapes and interesting markings. Bring them home and have at it. Get creative with carving, painting and adding accessories.
GO GEOCACHING
If you don’t already know what this is, you are in for a real treat. It’s like treasure hunting but close to home, and while the treasure might just be documenting your name on a tiny piece of paper and putting it back, this is fun for everyone. Download a geocaching app and begin your hunt. This is something fun to do that’s a little different, and provides a good time for the whole family. Sometimes there are hidden gems very close to home.
GO HIKING
Spring and summer are not the only times to hike. Fall is actually ideal with its cooler temperatures. Pick a state park to explore together as a family. Take in the gorgeous, changing scenery while enjoying a little outdoor exercise. SEPTEMBER 2020
SIT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
What’s a better way to stay warm on a cool fall evening than sitting around a fire? Add some wood to your campfire, and sit out this fall roasting marshmallows and creating unique versions of s’mores. Add to your evening around the fire by telling ghost stories while wrapped in blankets.
FALL FOLIAGE DRIVES The leaves on the trees in the fall are just the best, and while there are some locations that may have more vibrant colors than others, there’s an amazing amount of beauty to be found in the trees this time of year. Challenge yourself and keep a count of how many different colors you can find.
BE THANKFUL
Lastly, start your very own thankful jar. Decide how often you want to write down what you are thankful for. Try jotting down notes every day for the month of September or October, and then pull your notes out and read them for Thanksgiving. Write down events, memories or even small treats you enjoyed. It’s a sweet and easy way to remind yourself that it’s a wonderful life, and to enjoy the little things. Hopefully this gives you a starting point for fall activities to try with the family. Take in as much as you can and have a great, safe and funfilled fall! SEPTEMBER 2020
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LET’S TALK Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by RECN & Amy Payne
Black lives matter, but the conversation goes far deeper than a hashtag or signage visible in a protest. It’s something Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera knows well, not just because she has a passion for mobilizing the community around racial equity, but also because of the racism she experiences as a woman of color.
Fishers Racial Equity Community Network Working to Create Change
“I talk about racial equity at work all day long, but when I clock out, I’m still dealing with racism as a Black woman in my personal life,” says Buchanan-Rivera, chief equity inclusion officer for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. That’s why last year she helped start the Racial Equity Community Network (RECN), a multiracial group in Fishers whose mission is to unite activists and SEPTEMBER 2020
organizations to impact the community, by eliminating cultural and racial misunderstandings that prohibit people from being their authentic selves. “We need to have more conversations about race,” says Buchanan-Rivera, noting that making true change goes beyond showing solidarity by changing a social media profile picture to a black square or painting a street with the words Black
Lives Matter. “We also need more people coming together to talk about what that action looks like. How do we actually protect the lives of people of color via policy work? How do we dismantle racial disparities in health care? It’s important to lean into the discomfort of racial dialogues, and understand that for Black, indigenous and people of color, many do not have the ability to escape that discomfort in their every day lives.” The RECN Leadership Board wanted to provide safe spaces for marginalized children and teens where they would feel comfortable being their authentic selves. “It’s hard to exist within environments when you believe that your identity is not valued and your culture is not welcome,” Buchanan-Rivera says. RECN is working with parks and recreation departments, the Early Learning Alliance
Network, and Conner Prairie to create programming that allows students to engage in cultural connectivity, where they can learn from one another and begin to understand anti-bias education. “We also want students to understand how they can be a true ally as well as an upstander,” Buchanan-Rivera says. “We ask, ’How can youth be an advocate for each other and stand up against racism in their community?’ There are many teens who are working with RECN to form their own student-based organizations to elevate racial justice in Fishers. The student group, Fishers Equity Awareness held a Black Lives Matter demonstration in July at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Buchanan-Rivera designed racial dialogue circles (RDCs) to intentionally include multiple racial perspectives so that people will walk away with an understanding of different lived experiences.
“We talk about constructs of race, understanding historic, systemic race within our country and how it has unfolded,” Buchanan-Rivera says. “We talk about understanding white supremacy culture and how it operates systems - not just education but health care, our judicial system, nonprofits.” She says much has been omitted in Black history that needs to be taught. “We need to hear stories about those who have fought and advocated for social change, and not just Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, but also Ella Baker, and Audre Lorde,” Buchanan-Rivera says. “We have to understand, too, that the omission of those historical narratives was by design. That’s the system of white supremacy culture that has to be disrupted, and it can only be disrupted if we are willing to lean into these hard conversations.” The RDCs, which the organization plans to hold at Conner Prairie, are a component of the RECN. In addition to the RDCs, they plan to offer more programming to engage community members around racial equity work. This may incorporate guest speakers or panel discussions, or other events that are devoted to the creation of identity-safe spaces for children. In October of 2019, the RECN held an event at the Delaware Township Community Center where they invited national speaker Kelly Wickham Hurst, the CEO of Being Black at School, a nonprofit for the advocacy of Black students. The event engaged nearly 100 community members in conversations about equity versus equality, creating identity-safe spaces for children and teens in the community,
SEPTEMBER 2020
ENGAGING IN THE CONVERSATION RECN Participants Share Their Thoughts and what civic action looks like in response to racial inequalities. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the group met monthly to follow up on topics they had discussed, and to assemble a plan to assist the city in becoming more racially inclusive. “We engaged in some powerful conversations,” says Buchanan-Rivera, noting that students of color shared a strong prevalence of racial profiling within the community. “They’ve had neighbors call the police on them for simply playing basketball in their own driveways. That type of implicit bias is something that we’ve talked about as a team that we need to address, but we can’t do it alone; so it’s important to have this coalition where we are engaging multiple people in positions of power who can elicit change throughout our community.” As for hosting diversity celebrations, Buchanan-Rivera believes they are an entry point to racial awareness. However, they do not equate to racial justice. “Celebrations manage inequities - they don’t remove the barriers that harm people of color,” she says. “RECN is in the business of trying to eradicate inequities. To hold an event one day and have people walk away still racist the next day is not really getting to the heart of change.” In an effort to ensure racial equity remains top-of-mind in the community, the RECN leadership team has also met with Mayor Scott Fadness and Police Chief Ed Gebhart. The group wants to make sure the racial equity work is a movement throughout Fishers and not simply a moment.
“It was a great forum to bring people together to take a deep dive, have difficult conversations and learn about each other. The experience was life changing for me.” - Karen Bush “There’s something so powerful about sharing a table with a group of people and hearing their stories, perspectives and lived truths. The world could use a lot more opportunities like this where you’re encouraged to slow down, learn and really listen to others, and embrace our shared humanity.” - Lisa Finn “The RDC not only helped me understand how to better relate to my community, it helped me understand in a historical context why race relations are where they are today.” - Alex Morales “It allowed a diverse group of people to come together to learn and grow through their shared stories, and how race impacted those experiences. We were then able to recognize our own and other people’s humanity and determine the changes we could make in our community to create an equitable and inclusive place for BIPOC [Black, indigenous and people of color] people.” - Renee Isom To learn more about how to join the conversation, check out RECN Fishers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or email RECNFishers@gmail.com. SEPTEMBER 2020
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A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE JAY GAGNE & GAGNE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP’S CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH EARNS FORBES RECOGNITION From his office desk, Jay Gagne has floorto-ceiling window views of a large body of water outside his Castleton office location for Gagne Wealth Management Group.
He is referring to the group’s recent recognition by Forbes magazine’s SHOOK rankings as a top wealth advisor with a #16 “Best in State” ranking for Indiana. This is up from a #25 ranking in 2019, which Gagne says was a “shocking” move up in the state rankings.
Water has always reminded Jay of his youth growing up on northern Indiana’s Tippecanoe Lake and is, unsurprisingly, what grounds him and keeps him centered.
“Not only did we repeat, but we moved up,” he says. “I was very happy, but I didn’t know if I would even make the list two years in a row.”
Gagne, 50, spends his days doing financial planning and managing the personal investment assets of approximately 300 clients, which he takes very seriously and handles with great care and consideration. He describes his day as one filled with multi-faceted roles.
That is due to a complex assessment the firm underwent each year, such as assets under management, broker record, creative planning solutions for clients, staff interviews and, as Gagne proudly emphasizes, “a perfect service record. No reportable client complaints in 25 years.”
“This industry is hard, it’s not easy,” he says. “There are so many moving parts, things to know, and thus experience matters to a large degree. But when you grow to an elite level, you must be doing something right.”
Clients receive consistent contact, a rapid response to time-sensitive issues strategic financial planning implementation, and goal-monitored performance.
Writer / Shelly Sack Photographer / Brian Brosmer
SEPTEMBER 2020
Gagne points to a humorous story that emphasizes creativity while serving clients. When his wife Tessa was in labor in 2017, he was very underdressed from his usual professional attire. He had a client who needed immediate attention, and his client conversation as a wealth advisor was overheard by the attending anesthesiologist. After a business card was requested and given, the next week Gagne promptly had a new client — and a week-old son, Conor. Wealth investment has its roots in Gagne’s
family. He says a lot of inspiration came from his mother Paula, who is also licensed and maintains 1% of the business ownership as law requires. Paula is co-president and still maintains an office and a very active interest in the daily business functioning as well as on going client needs. More than 35 years ago, with two teenage sons, Paula Gagne, the stay-at-home mom, was inspired to make her mark as a financial advisor. She earned her required license’s but needed someone to give her a chance, Wall Street had large barriers to entry at the time. The generally male-dominated field proved hard to enter but Paula had a plan. She made an appointment with a firm under the guise of being an investor and talked her While she was making waves in the financial world, Jay Gagne was busy way into her first job. gaining his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. Success quickly followed the motivated advisor and corporate entities came recruiting due to her proven success in the name of Merrill Lynch.
“I thought about law school but was inspired by the stories I would hear at the dinner table. If she could be so successful in the field, maybe I could too,” Gagne says. Stepping through the doors of Merrill Lynch in 1995 as one person in that year’s recruiting class of more than 1,000, Gagne would soon make his own mark. He placed first in the country in every category in the Merrill Lynch Fast Start program, ultimately earning him the title of “Rookie of the Year.” He later earned his prestigious certification as a Certified Investment Management Analyst from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. SEPTEMBER 2020
Both mother and son worked for Merrill Lynch and were high performers before moving under the Raymond James umbrella. Gagne says it is a better fit overall for their approach to providing career investment services, including but not limited to, retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, tax planning, college planning, insurance needs and business valuations. His clients seem to agree. “The crazy dot.com bust, financial decline of ’08 — we still have many of our early on acquired clients,” Gagne says. “As clients move, they often choose to retain our services. People do business with people they like, know, and trust.” From its perch just west of I-465, Gagne’s Wealth Management firm advises for clients in 29 states, with Florida being the second largest state as people often retire from Indiana and move south for the sunshine. Paula likes to point out that clients sometimes let fear and emotion guide their financial decisions, which is understandable. “We sometimes have to talk them off the ledge,” Paula says. “We keep them focused on the long-term plan. We have at times talked them out of cashing out when markets get volatile, and when markets eventually recover they’re so grateful.”
As president, Gagne wears many hats for his clients. He has to keep an eye on markets, oversee financial plan implementation, client investments, manage his day-to-day business operations, and still make time for his family. Gagne Wealth Management is constantly preparing for the next wave of investors, as his initial clients often times refer Gagne Wealth Management to their grown children. Jay Gagne has another financial advisor on board, Vinya Sagi, as well as an experienced administrative team, Kelly Hudson and Jamie Montisano, to serve client needs and requests. Typically his firm operates primarily through client referrals, specified investment minimums, and careful selection of who they allow on board as new client relationships. He recently received a hand-written card from a client that he took on with a smaller amount than his investment minimum thanking him for accepting them as a client. “It doesn’t matter how many zeros are at the end of the number when someone needs help,” he says. Gagne Wealth Management Group outreach extends to the greater Indianapolis area in the spirit of building community. The firm is a contributor for the Indianapolis Zoo, the Carmel Symphony, Pathway to Recovery, the Humane Society, Cystic Fibrosis Society’s Indiana chapter and Diwali celebrations for the local Indian community. “We love to give back,” Paula says. “Our client base is diverse. When we’re blessed, we should give back. It’s important.” The financial duo’s next plan involves further entrenching themselves in the Geist community, where they already live within one lawn of each other. Gagne and his wife are finishing new construction on a home overlooking the reservoir and Paula purchased the adjacent lot hoping to build next year. After all, it is the water that brings them home. Gagne Wealth Management Group is located at 6081 E 82nd St in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-577-6030 or visit them online at raymondjames.com/ gagnewealthmanagement.
“IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW MANY ZEROS ARE AT THE END OF THE NUMBER WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS HELP.” Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gagne Wealth Management Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. SEPTEMBER 2020
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LOCAL COUPLE BUILDS OUT UNIQUE BUFFALO-STYLE GARDEN Writer / Julie Yates . Photographer / Amy Payne
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annual Garden Walk Buffalo self-guided garden tour event in New York, where they viewed hundreds of gardens. Upon returning home, Ray used his knowledge and expertise to build and design a Buffalostyle garden as a gift to Noreen.
In December of 2018, after retiring from a 50-year career working for Monsanto and Butler-MacDonald as a plastics engineer, Ray took classes from Purdue University and became a certified master gardener. The following summer, the couple attended the
“Every year we go back to visit Buffalo because of Garden Walk Buffalo, an event where residents open their yards and grounds to the public,” Noreen says. “These unique urban gardens have creative, quirky art, beautiful flowers, and plants that bring the homeowners’ personalities to their gardens. It began in 1995 with 29 gardens, and now there are 450 homes that participate. This year they were expecting over 65,000 visitors, but unfortunately it was canceled due to COVID-19.”
lose to the busy corner of 116th Street and Brooks School Road in Fishers, a hidden garden is flourishing. Tucked away in the backyard of a home owned by Ray and Noreen Pomerleau in the Sandstone Village neighborhood, the garden sits alongside a neighborhood pond. The inspiration for the garden stems from Ray’s lifelong love of cultivating flowers, and the urban gardens of Noreen’s hometown of Buffalo, New York.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Constructing a winding pathway and installing varied plantings was a labor of love for Ray. “With Ray’s knowledge of flowers, and my love of antiques and unique art, we created a Buffalo garden right here in Fishers,” Noreen says. “All the gardens in Buffalo have a story and so do we. Some of the art came from antique stores, some from garden shops. Ray built me a zen garden within this garden, and it has become a focal point.” Work on the garden began in August of 2019 when flowering shrubs and hostas were planted. Later, 3,200 pounds of pea gravel was put down. The garden was completed this spring.
WITH RAY’S KNOWLEDGE OF FLOWERS, AND MY LOVE OF ANTIQUES AND UNIQUE ART, WE CREATED A BUFFALO GARDEN RIGHT HERE IN FISHERS. - NOREEN POMERLEAU
“Everything is balanced - you could cut spaces in half and there would be one of everything on each side,” Ray says. “I planned it out by looking at the sun pattern. Most everything is a perennial and consciously planted for highs, lows and texture. The blooms come in peaks and valleys, and there is something flowering well into October. This year, we will see what works and what doesn’t.” Ray and Noreen Pomerleau
During the spring, summer and into fall, colorful blooms are always evident. Early in the season this year, one plant sported pineapple-shaped flowers that were actually clusters of little yellow florets. Within the space are charming structures including an antique Victorian flower cart, a bubbling fountain and even a magical gnome or two.
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“There is upkeep,” Ray says. “It takes two hours to fully water the garden, which I do every day unless it rains. Rosebushes need attention and dead blooms need to be cut off. After it frosts in the fall, plants need to be cut back. I would love to see the community of Fishers sponsor a garden walk here. It’s a great chance to meet people with common interests.”
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WISH-TV Personality Dick Wolfsie Retires After Nearly 40 Years on Indianapolis TV Writer / Shelly Sack Photographer / Eli Beaverson
Longtime television personality Dick Wolfsie seems pretty content on a comfortable August afternoon in Geist relaxing on his back porch. From his raised perch, he can keep an eye on the flowers, birds, squirrels and even “Rocky,” the raccoon who pops out from the treeline from time to time begging for grapes Wolfsie sneaks behind his wife’s back. Aaah. The life of a recent retiree who has more than earned his time to sit back and enjoy whatever comes next. His official last day was July 30, from WISH-TV channel 8, where he had told other people’s stories for the past 30 years. His former colleagues prepared a half-hour special recounting some of his memorable guests (Richard Simmons anyone?). The station passed along a letter from Gov.
Eric Holcomb and a declaration from the mayor’s office declaring it “Dick Wolfsie Day,” in the city. Even the Indianapolis Colts got in on the accolades and gifted him with a special No. 8 jersey for broadcasting excellence.
He booked his nearly 3,000 segments personally and was known as a storyteller. He was always out in the community and his stories ranged from hilarious to controversial to educational to serious topics. On-air hair transplant? Check. His beloved beagle Barney barking up a storm? Check. Organ donor families and recipients meeting live on air? Check.
“Over the summer, I realized I wanted to go out on my own terms. I thought I’d just fade away,” Wolfsie says of his surprise to have his colleagues recognize him and his life’s work. Wolfsie had been a mainstay on “What a thrill. It was great.” Indianapolis-area stations since the mid1980s. After being paired with Patty Spitler for an afternoon show, the station came Wolfsie didn’t know it back in March that a under new ownership and Wolfsie was particular segment would be his final career out of a job, but 36 years later he says the piece. He highlighted two women from short stint changed his life. He moved on to Marion who had adopted a dog from the Fox59 (WXIN) under different call letters Humane Society that had been there for for a late-night talk show that aired once seven years. With the statewide shutdown weekly. He said it was similar in vein to early looming due to the pandemic and other Jerry Springer Show days, but quick to add guests canceling, Wolfsie says he realized he wouldn’t be able to continue his type of show he did some topics first. Due to expenses of a live show, Wolfsie once again found due to virus concerns, coupled with his age himself looking for a job. and health status as a cancer survivor. SEPTEMBER 2020
“My whole career was not being fired, just losing jobs,” he says. With a little time on his hands, he found himself strolling around newly constructed Union Station and the idea of a morning show took root. Not one to dawdle with an idea, Wolfsie made an agreement with Channel 13 (WTHR) and his mornings from 9-10 o’clock were full for the next five years. He proudly recalls standing up pretty well against the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue. “I was proud of it and still am,” he says. “With our staff of three versus theirs of 20 or 30, we produced a show with interesting guests and topics.” When he lost the show in 1990, it was Channel 8 that came to him in the name of former News Director Lee Jiles. “Lee called and said, ‘I have a crazy idea and I think you’d be perfect for it. Go out from
SEPTEMBER 2020
5-7 a.m. and do reports.’ I obviously took the job, but at the age of 44, I thought, ‘If I’m still doing this when I’m 50, shoot me.’ And I did it until I was 73. My skill — I knew how to find good stuff,” Wolfsie says. In the early part of his pre-television career, Wolfie earned his master’s in American literature from George Washington University and taught at his former high school in New Rochelle, N.Y. for nine years. His first television gig was in Columbus, Ohio, where he was recognized with an Emmy for best host in the Midwest. His show was early to the game when cable television boxes could allow viewers to interact with the programming by providing their opinions. He went on to audition for Good Morning New York, which he says was beyond his experience level. His replacement? Regis Philbin. Then on to Boston and Chicago doing short-term hosting before making Indianapolis his and Mary Ellen’s home. The couple have a grown son Brett. Throughout his career, he has received dozens of honors, including a second Emmy and a Casper award. The Comeback Kid, who managed to stay on television for nearly four decades and written 12 books, may have retired but has plans to keep his side gig as a syndicated humor columnist. As he sits on his porch, Wolfsie instantly names Steve Allen as his hero, when asked about memorable interviews. Allen is remembered as co-creator and the first host of The Tonight Show, but was also a musician, actor, radio host and author. Ever the humorist himself, Wolfsie says he recently stumbled upon a third-grade report card where the teacher comments, “He doesn’t shut up, tries to make people laugh and I’m concerned about his future.” As far as what’s next? “I don’t know. And I’m okay with that,” he says. SEPTEMBER 2020
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NEW FHS FOOTBALL COACH CURT FUNK TALKS EXCITEMENT FOR FIRST SEASON Writer / Seth Johnson . Photographer / Eli Beaverson
urt Funk has a passion for football that goes all the way back to the sixth grade. “Some friends and I traveled to a league that was about 30 minutes from our house because our town didn’t have one,” Funk recalls. “We traveled from Bluffton to Hartford City. We played in a league there, and I just fell in love with the sport of football.” Having worked as a coach and teacher for 17 years, Funk will now bring his talents to Fishers High School, where he’ll serve as the school’s new head football coach. Before his move to Fishers, Funk coached football at Mississinewa High School for 10 years, where he led the program to two Class 4A sectional championships and an overall record of 77-36. Prior to accepting his role at Fishers High School, Funk and his family got a glimpse of Fishers via various sport-related commutes.
“My sons wrestle in a club down in the area called CIA Wrestling, so there were many times in the off-season where I would drive them down two to three times a week to practices at Lawrence North High School,” Funk says. “Off of I-69, we would see the Fishers complex and always thought it was just a beautiful school. As the kids would be at practice, I would drive around the area, and a lot of times we’d do our shopping in Fishers.” This familiarity with the community made
it a little easier for Funk and his family to make the move to Fishers. “It was the type of community that we could visualize working and raising our family in,” Funk says. When it comes to his coaching approach, one of Funk’s key speaking points is for players to “close the gap.” “Something I want to instill in our program here right away is for our kids to close the
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“IF WE CAN GIVE OUR BEST EFFORT EVERY DAY AS COACHES, AS PLAYERS AND AS A PROGRAM IN GENERAL, THEN THE WINS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.” - CURT FUNK -
gap and just give their best effort every day in all aspects of life,” Funk says. Another key coaching concept for Funk is the acronym DAT-63, which he learned from longtime college football coach Butch Jones. “[DAT-63] means we’re going to be disciplined, accountable and tough for six seconds every play, with three great efforts,” Funk says. “If we practice that way, then we’ll play that way. Then, that will carry into our everyday lives.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Funk and his staff were only able to virtually meet with players throughout the summer offseason. In-person practices kicked off in July as the high school football season is still set for this fall. “We’re definitely excited to be able to get back and work with our kids because that’s such an important piece to athletics, just that interaction between the kids and the coaches,” Funk says. Funk looks to build on the program’s
previous successes with a simple, hardfought approach. “If we can give our best effort every day as coaches, as players and as a program in general, then the wins will take care of themselves,” Funk says. “All I can ask for in year one is just that we create a culture where we give our best effort, and we live by closing the gap and DAT-63.” Visit FishersTigersAthletics.com for more information on the football team’s upcoming season.
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atFishers.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 37
Conner Prairie’s New Inclusive Park Welcomes All Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
True to its mission, Conner Prairie’s new Ag Adventures at Estridge Family Park inclusive playground offers patrons a funfilled experience while teaching history at the same time. The new outdoor play area has modern equipment that is accessible for all levels of physical and developmental ability, yet it blends into the existing landscape and buildings. Considered to be an exhibit, the 5,000-square-foot space, which took nearly 10 months to build, honors the legacy of the past.
“The playground sits on the spot where Eli Lilly had livestock barns on his fully functioning farm,” says Andrew Bradford, vice president and chief advancement officer at Conner Prairie. “During the 1930s, Lilly diversified his own hobbies and interests as a man. He looked at what the Rockefellers did to preserve Colonial Williamsburg. When Lilly came across the William Conner house on this property, it was in a state of disrepair. Lilly restored it and built Prairie Town.” Unlimited Play, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, built and installed the unique facilities. Ramps are wide enough to accommodate both wheelchairs and those 38 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / atFishers.com
on foot. Audio sounds contribute to the fun - patrons can push a button and hear a cow. A slide equipped with rolling bars creates an opportunity for a sensory experience. Fabricated components such as a silo, tractor and giant corn stalks reaching up to the sky, give the area plenty of visual appeal. “Every year, close to 125,000 people attend Symphony on the Prairie and bring their children with them,” Bradford says. “We realized many of these children played on the nearby playground without knowing the Conner Prairie story that is just beyond the gates. As plans for a new playground developed, the idea evolved for an inclusive space accessible to all.”
“THE PLAYGROUND IS FULLY ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES. IT’S DESIGNED TO ENGAGE SIDEBY-SIDE PLAY FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES. - ANDREW BRADFORD VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER AT CONNER PRAIRIE
As with all exhibits developed at the museum, decisions for the design were based on the needs of patrons. Input was received from leaders at community partner Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA). Several individuals served by BACA are employed at Conner Prairie. The approximately $500,000 investment for the project was funded by the Estridge Family Foundation and the Conner Prairie Alliance. The Estridge family has a long history of supporting the museum, and the popular Treetop Outpost exhibit installed in 2015 was a gift from the foundation. The Conner Prairie Alliance is a group of female volunteers who raise money through merchandise sold at the Apple Store. Throughout the past 35 years, proceeds from the store have contributed to major projects.
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“The playground is fully accessible for everyone, not just for those with disabilities,” Bradford says. “It’s designed to engage side-byside play for all ages and abilities. Conner Prairie has the ability to immerse people in a story. The panels surrounding the playground tell the story of the farm that was once there. Eli Lilly said that livinghistory museums can teach in a way that books can’t. We are carrying on that legacy.” Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. For more info, call 317-776-6000 and visit connerprairie.org.
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