FISHERS DENTAL CARE
AROUND THE COMMUNITY,
NOVEMBER
Nov. 3
IN PERSON: BINGO AND FUN WITH SENIOR FRIENDS
2:30-4PM
Hamilton Trace, 11851 Cumberland Road
Children will experience an afternoon of bingo and fun while socializing with senior friends! eventbrite.com
Nov. 5
CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR
5-7PM
Ignite Studio Classroom
Creative meet-up for adults to collaborate on their ongoing projects. hepl.libnet.info
Nov. 6
FISHERS PARKS FREE YOGA WEDNESDAYS
Billericay Park, 12690 Promise Road
Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m.
Free. Join Fishers Parks for a free yoga class open to all skills levels, guided by Roots. visithamiltoncounty.com
TEEN DROP-IN CRAFT
4:30-5:30PM Teen Zone
Stop by the TeenZone after school for a quick craft before studying or hanging out with friends! Craft changes every month. This month we are making friendship bracelets! hepl.libnet.info
Nov. 8
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT CONNER PRAIRIE
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Prairietown, and reflect forward to 50 more years of immersive experiences in history and nature at Conner Prairie. connerprairie.org
Nov. 9
READ TO A THERAPY DOG! PRESENTED BY LOVE ON A LEASH
11AM-12PM
Meeting Room- East
Would you like to read to a dog? Bring your favorite book or choose one with the help of a librarian and spend some time reading out loud to a special furry friend! hepl.libnet.info
Nov. 12
STORY TIME
9:30-10AM
Meeting Rooms- East/Center Sing, play and listen to stories together! hepl.libnet.info
Nov. 15
HAND INC. TRIVIA NIGHT
6-10PM
Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E. 131st Street.
Get ready to jingle all the way to HAND’s annual Trivia Night! This year’s theme is Holiday Kickoff, and we’re bringing the festive cheer early! handincorporated.org
Nov. 18
SINGLES PASTA MAKING 101
CLASS + MATCHMAKING
7-9PM
Angelo’s Italian Market, 11649 Maple Street, Suite 95
Meet other single foodies in Indianapolis and #FINDlove with this matchmaking event. eventbrite.com
Nov. 27
A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
5:30-9:30PM
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd.
Not a twinkle out of place! Join us for central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festival and make the season magical at A Merry Prairie Holiday. connerprairie.org
FISHERS YMCA 2024
WISHBONE 5K
8-10AM
Fishers YMCA, 9012 E. 126th St. The Wishbone 5K Run/Walk is an annual Thanksgiving event for the entire community. fishersin.gov
PUBLISHER ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670 KEY CONTRIBUTORS
BROSMER WADE CARIGNAN LARRY LANNAN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT
PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the
BRIAN
RENEE LARR NATALIE PLATT
THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS
Writer / Larry Lannan
After much discussion and public comment, the Fishers City Council voted unanimously in favor of a text amendment allowing Meijer to construct a grocery, pharmacy and fuel station at Southeastern Parkway and Cyntheanne Road. The Fishers Plan Commission had provided a unanimous vote recommending the council approve the measure. There was discussion of traffic patterns and vehicular access in and out of the parking lot. Meijer and city officials agreed; Meijer made changes requested by the city administration.
Brian Murphy was hired in March of this year as Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools assistant superintendent of human resources. As of September 30, he was no longer in that job. Murphy submitted his resignation effective at the end of September. The school board approved his resignation. Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) President Abby Taylor told a gathering of teachers just before the board meeting that Murphy’s resignation “is the best-case scenario for our teachers in the district.” Murphy was at the center of an unfair labor practice filing by HSEA, claiming a “hostile work environment.”
Hamilton County has introduced a cuttingedge locution system for its 911 services, a move designed to dramatically enhance communication and response times for first responders. The countywide rollout aims to streamline dispatching, allowing emergency teams to receive critical information with greater speed and accuracy. The new system automates emergency alerts, delivering key details like the location and nature of an incident the moment a call is received. This automation reduces response times and ensures that first responders can act without unnecessary delays. One of the key features
of the system is its ability to facilitate zoned dispatching, meaning only the necessary personnel for a specific emergency will be alerted, reducing interruptions to others.
A pedestrian bridge over 96th Street, connecting the Nickel Plate Trail between Fishers and Indianapolis, is one step closer to reality, following recent action by the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety. The city approved an agreement with the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority to pay the authority $100,000 over a 10-year period, and the authority will “eject” the billboard. The billboard was constructed based on a 1997 lease agreement between the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority and the billboard firm. This clears one more hurdle, allowing the pedestrian bridge connecting the Nickel Plate Trail from Fishers to Indianapolis to be constructed. There was no comment as to when the bridge construction will begin. In one more board action, the city approved the expenditure of $625,000, paying for equipment needed by two professional sports teams that will call the Fishers Event Center home: the Fishers Freight Indoor Football League (IFL) team and the Indy Ignite women’s volleyball squad. $500,00 will go to the Freight for football equipment and $125,00 to Ignite for volleyball equipment. The funds will come from bond proceeds.
Tom Killian has left his position as executive director of the Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF). He will be taking a position with a national organization. October 15 was his last day at the HCCF. When Killian was hired by the HCCF, the foundation’s total assets were $46 million. After his seven and a half years at the HCCF, the assets now total $133 million.
The Fishers Freight of the IFL will start its inaugural season in March of 2025 at the new Fishers Event Center. Dixie Wooten is the head coach and recently named his staff of assistant coaches. First, the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach will be the head coach’s son, Dixie Wooten III. Secondly, Chuck Miller has been named defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, a man with a lot of IFL experience. Finally, Matt Elam, a former first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, is set to be special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Hamilton County has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Government Experience Awards, hosted by the Center for Digital Government, for its innovative Parks Finder program. The county’s Information Systems Services (ISS) Department tied for fifth place in the Overall County Government Experience category. The Parks Finder program, developed collaboratively by Hamilton County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ISS departments, provides residents with easy access to a comprehensive directory of parks.
It was quite an honor to be invited to speak before the Fishers Newcomers Club September meeting. I gave a short speech and took many questions. The ladies asked questions about Fishers and what is happening around the city. Some included how the city does (and does not) cater to the needs of senior citizens, the status of various road projects, and development around the city. My thanks to the Newcomers Club for the invitation. It was a pleasant experience for me.
Allen Williams and Dick Richwine, both longtime Fishers residents, have built the #1 real estate team in Fishers by putting CLIENTS and SERVICE at the heart of everything they do. Their unwavering dedication has made them the top choice for Buyers and Sellers in Fishers for decades. When you work with them, you'll experience a blend of blue-collar work ethic and exceptional, white-glove customer service that truly sets them apart.
AGAPE THERAPEUTIC RIDING RESOURCES
Writer / Renee Larr
Horses, often referred to as emotional mirrors, possess a unique ability to sense human emotions and nonverbal cues. This innate quality creates a profound bond, making them a natural fit for providing therapy and comfort to humans. Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources harnesses this unique bond, providing weekly mounted horseback riding that contributes positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs. By teaching horsemanship and riding skills, the organization, founded in 1986 by Cheryl Miller, has become the largest therapeutic riding center in Indiana, with two properties in Greenfield and Cicero.
“There are over 800 therapeutic writing centers in the United States, and we’re in the top 25 because of our impact and the size of our organization,” says Stephanie Amick, executive director. “We look forward to continuing to remain a leader in the industry, offering therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities, and now also including those with mental health challenges.”
Amick says Agape works with people with over 40 different diagnoses. The programs are designed to meet each individual’s unique needs, and inspire emotional, cognitive, social and physical growth through interactive and engaging activities with horses. Agape offers individual, group and workshop services, starting at the age of 4 up to senior citizens. They currently have 20 horses on over 30 acres between the two properties.
“The pelvic movement of riding a horse mimics walking, so it’s great for those needing to gain strength in their core and legs,” Amick says. “A horse is a sentient being, so it picks up on the rider’s emotions. They help to regulate the nervous system and create an atmosphere of mindfulness. Many of our riders gain confidence just from the beauty of working with a 1,000-pound animal. Agape becomes their place of belonging each week.”
Agape depends on the kindness of individuals and organizations through volunteer efforts and donations. Amick says it takes over 200 weekly volunteers to make Agape’s programming possible. She says even volunteering for a few hours makes their mission possible.
“Volunteering is one great way for people to get involved,” Amick says. “Giving and philanthropy is also another great way to help underwrite the cost of providing programming. Caring for our horses is a unique expense to our nonprofit.”
Another unique program Agape offers is miniature horse visits. These experiences are adaptable for all ages and are a great option for those who cannot travel to the facilities. The mini horses are a wonderful treat for nursing homes, assisted-living centers, community centers, schools, hospitals and churches. Amick says senior citizens especially love the visits as they reminisce about their time growing up on and around farms.
“We love having people at the facility year-round, but we’re also grateful we’re able to have a mobile unit so we can go to them too,” Amick says. “It’s really fun for the participants to pet and groom the mini horses.”
In the future, the two locations will be consolidated into one facility located at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville.
For more information and to find out how you can support Agape’s cause, visit agaperiding.org.
GIVING LOCALLY IN FISHERS
FIND WAYS TO GIVE BACK THROUGH A VARIETY OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
A great way to give back to the community is by sharing your time, talent and/or treasure with local nonprofits. Don’t know where to go or who to support? Here is a list of just some of the local nonprofits to get you started; these are local nonprofits that serve our community and we wholeheartedly believe in the work they do. You can also find more local nonprofits and the work they do by visiting the City of Fishers website at fishers.in.us/residents/communityresources.
THESE ORGANIZATIONS ARE EITHER BASED IN FISHERS, FOCUS MOST OF THEIR WORK IN FISHERS OR HAVE A PROJECT SPECIFIC TO FISHERS:
FISHERS YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM youthassistance.org/fishers
HAND INC. handincorporated.org
HSE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION hsefoundation.org
FISHERS YMCA indymca.org/fishers
OUTSIDE THE BOX otbonline.org/otb-fishers
THE SHIFT INITIATIVE shiftinitiative.org
YOUTH MENTORING INITIATIVE ymionline.org
HUMANE SOCIETY FOR HAMILTON COUNTY hamiltonhumane.com
GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK gsnlive.org
HAMCOLOVE hamcolove.com
MUDSOCK YOUTH ATHLETICS myathletics.com
RECOVERY CAFE OF HAMILTON COUNTY recoverycafehc.com
FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL fishersartscouncil.org
GRIT INTO GRACE gritintograce.org
MUSTARD SEED mustardseedindy.org
THESE ORGANIZATIONS SERVE HAMILTON COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT CENTRAL INDIANA:
SHEPHERDS CENTER OF HAMILTON COUNTY shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org
INDIANA CENTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH ABUSE & SUICIDE indianaprevention.org
HEART AND SOUL FREE CLINIC heartandsoulclinic.org
PREVAIL INC. prevailinc.org
HEALTHIER HAMILTON COUNTY SYSTEMS OF CARE hamiltoncountyphhc.org
PAWS & THINK pawsandthink.org
TRINITY FREE CLINIC trinityfreeclinic.org
FOOD 4 SOULS food4souls.org
JANUS DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES janus-inc.org
KIDS COATS HAMILTON COUNTY kidscoats.org
CHERISH CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER cherishcac.org
A KID AGAIN akidagain.org
SAME AS U sameasu.org
AGAPE THERAPEUTIC RIDING agaperiding.org
HOOSIER BURN CAMP hoosierburncamp.org
INDIANA PARKINSON FOUNDATION indianaparkinson.org
CHANGING FOOTPRINTS changingfootprints.com
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME, VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS!
Did you know the City of Fishers has a complete website dedicated to volunteering in Fishers??? See all the great ways you can give back by visiting volunteerfishers.com.
VOLUNTEER WITH OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS!
Connect with a specific school to determine what needs they have that align with your ability/availability. There are so many ways to get involved with our schools, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Share your career with students on Career Day
• Help in the office by organizing, doing errands or making copies
• Organize a supply drive for teachers and classrooms
• Donate household goods and miscellaneous items for STEM projects, art projects or theater
• Sign up to be a substitute teacher (this is a huge need for our schools)
COORDINATE A COLLECTION DRIVE!
Food pantries love donations. Check in with these local pantries to see their latest needs:
• Township Trustee offices
• Church pantries
• Hamilton County Food Pantry Master Directory by Good Samaritan Network
• Fishers Youth Assistance Snack Attack and Summer Meal Program
• HamCo Love collects feminine hygiene products to donate to schools
CLOTHING, SHOES AND ACCESSORY DRIVES ARE A GREAT WAY TO ENCOURAGE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO CLEAN OUT CLOSETS!
• Winter coats, hats and gloves for Good Samaritan Network or Kids Coats
• Women’s professional attire for Dress for Success
• Eyeglasses for Lions Club or Fishers Optimist Club
• Shoe drive for Changing Footprints
• Rehab equipment such as crutches, walkers, etcetera for Good Samaritan
• Network’s REHAB Equipment Link
• Donate broken and unused holiday lights to local schools
LOVE TO SERVE ALONGSIDE PEOPLE? LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE TO START:
• Fishers Rotary Club
• Fishers Police Corps
• Fishers Fire Corps
• Fishers MultiFaith Community for Compassion
• Fishers Tri Kappa
• 100 Women Who Care Hamilton County
• Fishers Century Club
• Knights of Columbus
• Fifty Club of Fishers
• Kiwanis Club of Fishers
There are many ways to give back, whether through an organization or random daily acts of kindness. One of the pillars of our city is Vibrant. A vibrant community is one that is connected, resilient, healthy and inspiring. We can’t think of a better way than giving back to others as a way to ensure Fishers is a vibrant community for us to call home.
FISHERS DENTAL CARE DECADES OF GIVING BACK
Writer / Renee Larr
Dr. Kevin Ward grew up on the northeast side of Indianapolis, attending Lawrence Central High School. After graduating, he completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University in 1982 and graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1986. In 1994 he decided to open his practice. What better place than Fishers?
“I have been a firm believer that it is important to be involved in the community, as the community is your home,” Ward says. “They trust us and look to us for guidance in the health care they receive. For that reason, I chose to be a general/family dentist, to have a long-term relationship with all my patients. I grew up on the northeast side of Indianapolis and always wanted to return to my community to practice after dental school and my time as a Navy dentist. I have always felt that I have several ‘families’ that depend on me and trust me: my family of my wife and my children, my team at Fishers
Dental Care, and finally our patients in the practice, some of whom have been with me for over 30 years. This is important to me.”
When the time came to add another practitioner to the practice, Ward looked to his own family. His daughter, Molly Dwenger, graduated from Cathedral High School in 2012. She studied at the University of Indianapolis, where she competed with the women’s golf team, earning a national championship in 2015. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. She then continued her education, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2020.
Both dentists have spent their lives giving back to the community in various ways. Dwenger says her parents instilled in her the idea of volunteering and donating time at a young age. During her time at the University of Indianapolis and the IU School of Dentistry, she was the volunteer coordinator, creating fundraisers benefitting Riley Hospital for Children, Ronald McDonald House and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We’ve been parishioners at Saint Louis de Montfort for many years,” Dwenger says. “During the holidays we have a food drive at the office. We pile up all the items in our waiting area and usually run out of space, which is a great problem. It’s amazing to see all our patients and the community coming together and donating. It holds a special place in our hearts.”
Celebrating local businesses that have
OGs of FISHERS
served our community for 25 years or more.
Ward says he’s loved seeing the Fishers community grow from a small town in the mid to late 1970s to the diverse city it has become, as a place to live, raise a family and work. He says it is a sincere privilege to have Fishers as the home for his dental practice for over the past 30 years. Dwenger echoes his sentiments, saying she loves raising her son in Fishers. She says it’s fun to see him grow up in the same area she did.
Ward is still very active in the community. He is involved with the Fishers Rotary Club, the Fishers Chamber of Commerce, and Knights of Columbus. He also currently serves as a board member for the Indianapolis District Dental Society Foundation. Dwenger says community outreach holds a special place in her heart. She currently volunteers at the Heart and Soul Free Dental Clinic, and is an active member of the Fishers Rotary Club.
At Fishers Dental Care, Ward and Dwenger offer a wide range of dental services, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. For more information about their services and commitment to the Fishers community, visit fishersdentalcare.com.
Dr. Molly Dwenger
COFFEE WITH A PURPOSE
MOTW COFFEE OWNERS ARE BRINGING COMMUNITY MEMBERS TOGETHER
Writer / Renee Larr
Growing up in Fishers, Sajjad Shah realized there weren’t many other people like him, a Muslim attending Hamilton Southeastern High School. When he attended Butler University, there were even fewer. In an attempt to highlight the lives of Muslims around the world during a time when anti-Muslim sentiments were high post-9/11, Shah created an Instagram page, @muslimsoftheworld. The platform rocketed to over 700,000 followers.
“The platform took off with people sharing their stories,” Shah says. “The charity raised millions of dollars for different humanitarian efforts worldwide. Eventually my wife Fatimah and I realized that while we had an amazing social media presence, we didn’t have a physical presence. My wife is Yemeni and has an amazing chai recipe. So, we felt it was only natural to open a coffee shop.”
In 2021 the couple opened their first MOTW Coffee location in Indianapolis on West 38th Street. Since then, they’ve opened six
more locations throughout Indianapolis, Illinois, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Shah says that as a local business owner, it’s important to him to be immersed in his communities. Part of that involvement includes addressing a need and calling MOTW followers to action, inspiring hope and a sense of community. The profound impact of MOTW Coffee on the community, inspiring many and fostering a sense of hope, is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship.
“At our Fishers location there is a pizza place next door, and pretty quickly our employees met a young man with autism named Preston, who was an employee at the nearby Donatos,” Shah says. “Preston quickly became a fixture at our shop, coming in during his breaks from work.”
Staff at MOTW noticed Preston walking to and from work each day in weather that was sometimes harsh, and in the poorly lit evenings. Shah posted on his MOTW Instagram page hoping to raise enough money to purchase Preston an e-bike for his trips to and from work. The story resonated with local residents all over the United States and worldwide. Shah says that not only did they raise enough money to buy the bike, but they were also able to purchase
Sajjad Shah, Owner MOTW
a helmet and provide Preston with a check for the rest of the fundsa testament to the community’s support and generosity.
Shah recalls another story about how his abundant social media presence helped another local homeless man. He says that during the renovation process of the 82nd Street location, they noticed a man essentially living between their dumpster and electrical box. Shah says the man, James, always offered to assist the employees at MOTW in any way he could. He almost became a part of the team.
“We couldn’t let him live outside in those harsh, cold winter months,” Shah says. “We started a fundraiser for him. We raised around $16,000 to $17,000. We bought him a bike and got him a hotel room for about six months. With the additional money, James bought a car. He now has a job and a place to live.”
Shah believes that a great community is one where the people support the local businesses, and in turn, these businesses support the local community. He takes pride in the fact that his brand, MOTW Coffee, brings people from all walks of life together, fostering a strong sense of connection and engagement. Local residents’ support for local businesses like MOTW Coffee is crucial in creating a vibrant and supportive community.
“Our mantra is coffee with a purpose, and it is important to me that we continue to live that mantra daily,” Shah says. “We continue to stay true to our mission. We’re currently working on a large project to benefit the Indianapolis community and other communities where we have shops. People often want to do good in their community but just don’t know how. We want to help people to help others.”
For more information about MOTW Coffee, visit motw.coffee.
THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENINGS FR
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHT
Fishers Event Center Opens in Nove
Construction continues on the Fishers Event opening scheduled for November 2024! Sna opening events before they sell out:
Nov 22 | Turnpike Troubadours
Nov 29 | Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz ‘24
Nov. 30 | Leanne Morgan: Just Getting St
Dec 1 | Nitro Circus
Dec. 4 | AEW
Dec 9 | Alabama Roll On II North Americ
Dec 20 | Mudsock Rivalry Basketball Gam
Jan 23 – 26 | Cirque Du Soleil® Crystal
Feb 28 | Tom Segura Come Together To
Mar. 29 | Blake Shelton
Apr 24 | Megan Moroney: Am I Okay? To
Buy tickets at FishersEventCenter com
2025 City of Fishers Budget
The 2025 City of Fishers budget was approved, marking the 4th year of flat or reduced tax rates. Key investments include the Fishers Event Center, Community Center, and infrastructure improvements. It also supports neighborhood grants, lowers employee healthcare costs, and includes a small sewer rate increase Learn more at FishersIN gov/Budget
NEW! Trails Dashboard
Check out the new Trails Dashboard to see all Fishers’ trails and real-time updates on the progress of filling in crucial trail gaps across the city Whether you ' re planning your next
Fishers Community Center at Johnson Farm
Construction is on schedule and the community can look forward to memberships going on sale in early 2025 The center will feature a range of amenities, including a dog park, an indoor free walking track, Sahm’s Café, and an indoor playground. Learn more at FishersIN gov/CommunityCenter
Citywide Trash Services
The City of Fishers is pursuing a citywide contract with Republic Services for residential trash service starting in early 2025 Benefits include city assistance with trash concerns, reduced wear on roads, added services like leaf and landscaping pickup, and a locked-in rate for 10 years Learn more at FishersIN gov/Trash
Fishers Safe Streets & Trails Plan
The City of Fishers is committed to keeping its roadways and trails safe for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists To create a successful plan that meets the needs of our dynamic community, we need input from those who work, live, and play in Fishers. Share your feedback through an online survey, open through November 8, 2024. With this survey, you’ll have the opportunity to identify specific locations in the community where road safety could be improved Take the survey at FishersIN gov/TravelSafe
THIS IS FISHERS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fishers Art Center Fall 2024 Classes
The Fishers Art Center at 1 Municipal Dr offers art classes and programs for all ages, unique gallery exhibitions, and more Registration is open for fall semester classes for children and adults and Make It Take It classes for adults Learn more at FishersArtCenter org
Early Voting
Hamilton County offers early voting at Billericay Park (12690 Promise Rd.) and Holland Park (1 Park Dr.) on the following dates Find more info at HamiltonCounty IN gov
Wednesday, Oct. 23 and Thursday, Oct. 24: 2 - 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct 25 and Saturday, Oct 26: 10 a m - 3 p m
Wednesday, Oct 30 and Thursday, Oct 31: 2 - 7 p m
Friday, Nov 1 and Saturday, Nov 2: 10 a m - 3 p m
Trick-or-Treat Hours
City of Fishers official Trick-or-Treat hours are Thursday, October 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p m Police cars will be patrolling the neighborhoods to ensure everyone ' s safety, and remember to walk in groups and stay on the sidewalk when possible
Fishers Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, November 11 | 11 a.m. Fishers City Hall Theater | Free
Give back to your community this summer with volunteer opportunities at: Fishers Parks & Rain Garden Stewards
3rd Grade Study Trips Fishers Maker Playground and more!
Sign up at VolunteerFishers.com.
The City of Fishers and Fishers Armed Services Commission invite residents to a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring our local heroes and their families Join us for a book signing with speaker Doug Melville after the event sponsored by the Hamilton County Community Foundation Learn more at FishersIN gov/FishersHonors
Geist Waterfront Park Fall Hours
Non-swim season: playground, kayak launch & trails open dawn to dusk | 10811 Olio Rd
Swim season may be over, but there's still plenty of fun to be had at Geist Waterfront Park, including our pirate-themed playground, kayak launch, and trails Free for residents and nonresidents Learn more at FishersParks.com/GWP.
Save the Date: Shop Fishers
Explore and discover local shops and restaurants that make our community special. Join the celebration and support our city’s small businesses this holiday season! Learn more at FishersIN gov/ShopFishers
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking healthy volunteers who are at least 65 years old (men) or 50 years old (women) to participate in a study to determine if a hormone called testosterone or progesterone can reduce the risk of a heart rhythm abnormality.
If you qualify for the study:
• You will complete one 2-hour visit and two 10- hour visits at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis
• Prior to the 2nd and 3rd visit, you will apply testosterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
65 or Older or Women 50 or Older If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
MORE THAN MEETS THE PAGE
EXPLORE HAMILTON EAST PUBLIC LIBRARY’S UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / Brian Brosmer
There are exciting events and programming happening at the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) this fall and winter! Starting in November, HEPL is excited to welcome its first-ever LibraryCon on November 16 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Fishers branch. The event will include a cosplay contest, themed workshops, trivia, musical performances, board games, art and memorabilia, and face painting. The public is encouraged to attend for loads of familyfriendly fun and fandom activities for all ages.
SEASON OF GIVING INITIATIVE
Moving into December, HEPL will once again celebrate the spirit of giving from December 1 to January 5 with their Season of Giving initiative. Happenings include programs at the library and donation drive partnerships with the Noblesville Township and Delaware Township trustee offices and HamCoLove, a local nonprofit that aims to provide necessary period care products to Hamilton County residents. HEPL will collect new socks, winter hats, gloves/ mittens, and period care products. Residents can look for donation collection spots at both the Noblesville and Fishers branches between December 1 and January 5.
MADE WITH LOVE CAMPAIGN
HEPL invites the community to embrace the charm of handmade gifts this season. The library has all the equipment the community needs to create a variety of meaningful projects for
your loved ones. Attendees can use the embroidery machine to embellish a sweater or digitize old family photos for long-lasting memories. You can also design a cute poster and print it on the large-format printer, all while visiting the library this holiday season to create a handmade gift with love.
Kelsey Sweet, director of marketing and communications at Hamilton East Public Library, wants the community to know the library offers more than books.
“I don’t think people realize how much libraries have evolved over the years,” Sweet says. “Yes, we have books, but we also have so much more: technology, a seed library, maker space, a wide variety of classes and programs for all ages, meeting rooms and coworking space, a ‘Library of Things’ where you can check out board games and yard games, art kits and education kits, and so much more. Libraries give the community access to much more than most realize, and it’s free!”
HEPL is also in the process of identifying the needs of their growing community. A survey was recently undertaken that will inform how the HEPL can adjust their services and future plans to grow alongside the community.
“This could result in additional programming opportunities, collaboration with other like-minded public entities, additional deployment of the library outreach vehicle, remote holds lockers at locations throughout the community, or an additional branch location,” Sweet says. “HEPL owns a parcel of land at 15100 Olio Road, although no decisions will be made until we know more about the wants and needs of our community, and we are in the very early phases of planning.”
HEPL is dedicated to serving the community, aiming to foster a sense of connection and enlightenment while being a dynamic contributor to the Fishers/ Noblesville community. As a liaison between its members and the world’s knowledge, HEPL provides a variety of technology platforms that deliver ideas on-site, online and on demand. With their welcoming staff, HEPL is here to assist the community in the quest for knowledge and to help explore a universe of ideas.
You can visit the Fishers branch at Five Municipal Drive, or the Noblesville branch at One Library Plaza. Visit hamiltoneastpl. org for full hours and information.
When accidents happen, access to orthopedic walk-in care for back, bone, joint and muscle injuries makes all the difference to a faster recovery.
OrthoIndy Fishers 10995 N. Allisonville Rd.
OrthoIndy Westfield 288 E. 175th St.
317.802.2000
Scan the QR code or visit OrthoIndy.com/urgent-care to see all six locations and their hours.
COURTING TOUGHNESS
FISHERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM TAPS THEIR INNER STRENGTHAND DR. ROB BELL - WHILE WORKING TOWARD GREATNESS
Last March, towards the end of the third quarter of the IHSAA Class 4A state championship basketball game, Fishers High School Coach Garrett Winegar told his team that winning was going to come down to toughness. Ben Davis had rallied from an eight-point deficit to take a 48-46 lead, but the Tigers weren’t done yet. Winegar’s team stormed back in the fourth quarter to roll to a 65-56 state championship victory.
But the Fishers High School basketball team didn’t get there alone - and didn’t overcome that third-quarter struggle - without Dr. Rob Bell. He holds a Ph.D. in sport psychology from the University of Tennessee, and an M.Ed. in sport psychology and kinesiology from Temple University. A renowned mental toughness coach, Bell has decades of experience with elite athletes, top executives and highperforming teams. His work with Olympic medalists, PGA Tour champions, Grand Slam tennis winners, Indy 500 champions, and now the Tigers, underscores his ability to foster success at the highest levels of competition and performance.
“This was Coach Winegar’s vision and his team,” Bell says. “That’s where this all started. He had a vision about what the team and culture looked like, and mental training is part of that. Mental toughness is how we deal with adversity and setbacks. We developed stronger one-on-one relationships amongst the team,
Writer / Natalie Platt
strengthened leadership roles, and improved communication between players, and players and coaches.”
Two of Bell’s biggest focal points during the 2023-2024 season were working with the team on how they were going to respond to adversity, and how to play well under pressure.
“Having players in the right spot from a leadership perspective, and empowering them to be leaders and hold each other accountable, is the foundation,” Bell says.
On Mondays, Winegar and Bell would lead an exercise called Awaken the Tiger. This section of practice was dedicated to mental training: focusing on breathing, letting go of mistakes, refocusing and visualizing success. Through this, the team developed standards to set in place, endeavoring to perform at a level the players set for themselves day in and day out.
Other tools Winegar and Bell implemented were how to untangle tying a performance to your identity, being able to move on from mistakes by refocusing, owning mistakes, and having a strategy in place to get to the next play, whether in practice or a game.
It’s no surprise, then, that following the game, members of
“HAVING PLAYERS IN THE RIGHT SPOT FROM A LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE, AND EMPOWERING THEM TO BE LEADERS AND HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE, IS THE FOUNDATION.”
—ROB BELL
the IHSAA Executive Committee named Parker Perdue of Fishers High School as the winner of the Arthur L. Trester Mental Attitude Award in Class 4A Boys Basketball.
The award is presented annually to a senior participant in each classification who was nominated by his principal and coach, and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.
Known for his practical and direct approach, Bell grounds his discussions in personal experiences that include completing 100-mile ultra marathons and IRONMAN competitions, as well as caddying in over 20 PGA Tour events. These experiences, combined with the insights shared on his popular podcast “The Mental Toughness Podcast with Dr. Rob Bell”, enrich his presentations, providing real-world applications of his theories on mental toughness. You can find more information on Bell at drrobbell.com.
Serving with Purpose: A Student’s Journey to the U.S. Navy
Dedication, resilience, and a desire to serve others – that’s how 17-year-old Denzel Hawkins approaches life. As he stands on the brink of graduating high school, Denzel has made a decision that will shape his future in ways he could have never imagined: enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
Denzel’s journey hasn’t always followed a clear or easy path. There were moments when school took a backseat as he stepped up to help his family, causing him to fall behind in his classes. Yet, he never lost sight of his goal to graduate. This year, with the support of Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Academy (HSFA), Denzel is catching up on the credits he needs to earn his diploma.
“Denzel has established himself as a leader among students and staff at HSFA,” says Brandon Cloud, Director of Alternative
Education. “His desire to serve our country comes as no surprise – Denzel is about the betterment of others.”
The Academy has provided Denzel with the flexibility to balance his academic responsibilities, work, and prepare for the future.
“My dream has always been to become an electrician,” Denzel shares. “Growing up, I loved working with my hands, figuring things out. The Navy gives me the opportunity to learn a trade, travel, and serve at the same time.”
For Denzel, joining the military isn’t just about career opportunities or seeing the world; it’s about following in the footsteps of those who came before him. “My grandpa is a veteran. He served in the U.S. Air Force,” Denzel says with pride. “Knowing that –inspired me to do the same.”
As he prepares to enter boot camp in the spring, Denzel remains focused on the task at hand – graduating high school with the Class of 2025 and stepping into a future full of possibilities.
As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, Denzel’s commitment to serving our nation highlights the spirit of so many who have worn the uniform before him. It’s a reminder that service, whether to family, community, or country, is a legacy worth honoring.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
STRETCHLAB
A UNIQUE GIFT FOR EVERYBODY & EVERY BODY stretchlab.com
Give more than a gift…give an experience they’ll love! Oneon-one assisted stretching from StretchLab will help them move, feel, and live better. Gift cards available for single sessions or packs. Get a 50-minute intro stretch for only $49. 2462 E. 146th Street, Carmel, IN 46033 / 317-689-0842 11679 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 / 317-288-0166
HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Gift Cards starting as low as $10 14165 Cabela Pkwy - Noblesville 8760 E 116th St. - Fishers 2466 E 146th St. - Carmel handelsicecream.com
DrivenPurposeBy
Samisi Fine Jewelry www.samisi.store
GIVE THE GIFT OF LESS Less Pain. Less Inflammation. Less Headaches. Less Restless nights. Less Stress, anxiety & depression. Less SAD. Less Wrinkles. Less Cellulite. Less Acne. Less Exhaustion. One Month Unlimited Core Services $180 One Month, One Core Service per Day $120 fisherscryo.com 11789 Commercial Dr. 317-943-3000
ROMAN & LEO
Have a little guy to shop for this holiday season? Come visit the only all boys shop in the Midwest, Roman & Leo, right here in Fishers! We specialize in boys’ apparel, accessories, gifts, stocking stuffers, and more! Find us at 8800 North Street #115, Fishers or online at www.romanandleo.com
I’M OUT OF HERE TRAVEL
Give the gift of a Travel. Experiences and memories last forever. Travel to a warm destination with an all-inclusive package or maybe a multi-generational cruise. How about a European vacation? Let us help you make your Christmas Merry and Bright! Call Amy and Tracey at I’m Out of Here Travel. imoutofheretravel.com Owner - Amy Hans, 317-379-0169 Noblesville Agent - Tracey Harris, 317-828-2715
jamie.boer@compass.com jamieboerhomes.com
Nearly New 4 Bedroom Home, 3 Car Garage, HSE Schools, Great Location “Among
-Zig Ziglar
