LEAVING A LEGACY
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IS FOSTERING A LEGACY OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
6 THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS
8
8 NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
Fishers Arts Council
12 LEAVING A LEGACY
Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation is Fostering a Legacy of Academic Achievement
15 I DIDN’T WANT TO TELL THEM... I’m Taking the GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections
18 HOCKEY 101
A User-Friendly Fan Guide to the 2024-2025 Indy Fuel Season
22 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Fishers Art Center
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 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
PUBLISHER
ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
ROBERT BOWLING
BRIAN BROSMER
DEVON DEAN
LARRY LANNAN
RENÉE LARR
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS
Writer / Larry Lannan
The three women on the ballot all came up at-large election winners for Hamilton Southeastern school board in the 2024 general election. Latricia Schooley won over Greg Lannan in Delaware Township with just over 54% of the vote. Suzanne Thomas won re-election against former Board Member Terry Tolle in Fall Creek Township with just under 61% of the ballots cast. Sarah Parks-Reese earned a second term on the board, defeating John Stewart in Wayne Township with just over 58% of the vote. All voters within the Hamilton Southeastern school district voted in each race, but each candidate ran in their home townships. In this case, the three bestfunded candidates were losers, based on pre-election finance reports.
The roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road opened to all traffic October 29, much to the delight of motorists in the area.
The Fishers City Council put its final stamp of approval on the 2025 city budget. The spending plan, over $182 million total, was unchanged from the details provided at the September council session. It provides a 6% increase in pay for city employees and keeps health insurance premiums at or below the same level as 2024.
The Fishers City Council failed to pass a change in the local noise ordinance. There were four votes in favor, and two not in favor. Because only six of the nine council members were present at the October meeting, five votes were required to pass the new ordinance language. Councilors Bill Stuart and Cecilia Coble voted no on the change. Both said the change may not have gone far enough. Council President Coble later asked if she could amend her vote to yes and was told once the vote was taken,
she could not change her vote.
The Hamilton Southeastern school board gave final approval to a spending plan for 2025 of $326,339,619. In 2025 the referendum tax rate will rise to its limit, from $0.1895 in 2024 to $0.1995 in 2025. The support from the state is based on the number of students. The student count is now at 20,698 for the 2024-2025 school year, down from 20,913 in 2023-2024.
Eighteen years is a long time to be a high school principal. Jason Urban has held that job for 18 years at Fishers High School (FHS), but the Hamilton Southeastern school board formally approved Urban’s promotion as the new assistant superintendent for secondary education. Kyle Goodwin has been named acting principal at FHS, and Chrissie Sturgill will serve as acting associate principal.
The Hamilton Southeastern school board facilities committee reviewed a number of issues in a late October meeting, and one item came through loud and clear; once the Fishers Elementary remodel is complete, a redistricting plan will need to be implemented. The Fishers Elementary project should be completed by the start of school in August of 2026. Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley said the board should have before it a redistricting plan about this time next year. The process of putting together a redistricting map should start around September of 2025.
Mike Lindbloom will be the director of the city’s first-ever community center, slated to open in the fall of next year. Lindbloom, a longtime Fishers resident, brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the health and fitness industry to the role.
The Fishers Freight Indoor Football League franchise will start its first season on the road, taking on the Northern Arizona Wranglers March 29. The Freight’s first home game at the Fishers Event Center will be Friday, April 4, taking on the Tulsa Oilers.
Lincoln Square Pancake House, with a number of locations in central Indiana, will be opening a restaurant in Fishers on 96th Street. Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner told the Town Hall Building Corporation Monday that the Lincoln Square operation in Fishers will be in a building east of Lantern Road. It is not clear when the location plans to open, but Baumgartner says the organization has cleared a number of hurdles, including obtaining the proper permits.
Two men from Indianapolis are facing multiple charges, including auto theft and drug-related offenses, after a brief vehicle and foot pursuit in Fishers on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Fishers Police Department officers spotted a black GMC Yukon, suspected to be stolen, and confirmed the vehicle’s status. When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver refused to stop, leading to a brief vehicle pursuit. After a short chase, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Lee Flegal, one of the suspects, was apprehended following a brief foot chase. The second suspect, Patrick Alexander, was found hiding in a nearby dumpster and was also taken into custody without further incident. Upon searching the stolen vehicle, police say they discovered drug paraphernalia, including syringes and glass pipes.
and
and Sellers in Fishers
FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL
Writer / Renée Larr
art galleries in Fishers.
The Fishers Arts Council partners with local organizations, artists, performers, students and others for arts and culture occasions that enhance our vibrant city. Its mission as a nonprofit is to support, advocate and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate, enhance and/ or enrich the lives of those who live, work and visit Fishers, Indiana. The goals of the group of Fishers residents are to grow the Fishers Arts Council and the Fishers arts community, educate about the value of arts within Fishers, cultivate programs for the community, and advocate for arts and culture providers, consumers, and patrons. Through its efforts, we have seen a significant increase in the appreciation and participation in the arts within our community.
Executive Director Les Reinhardt says the Fishers Arts Council meets these goals by hosting events showcasing different types of artists, and maintaining and expanding two
“We’ve been managing the art gallery in City Hall [now called Fishers Municipal Center] since 2012 to provide the opportunity for visual artists as well as enrichment for the community who come to see it,” Reinhardt says. “We hold monthly receptions to celebrate those exhibits. We also manage a space within the Hamilton County Community Foundation inside their collaboration hub to provide more opportunities for the community and hold events quarterly. We hire live musicians for our events to promote the performing arts. We also run a variety of art fairs throughout the course of the year.”
Upcoming winter events include the highly anticipated Winter Arts Market at Sun King at The Yard at Fishers District on select dates in December. Reinhardt says the market, a product of a partnership with Fishers District,
which hosts holiday open houses throughout the holidays, was a hit last year. Together they bring in artisans to sell their wares directly. Guests are invited to meet Santa before heading upstairs to the market, making it a truly inclusive event for all.
In 2021 the Fishers Arts Council introduced Second Fridays, a free all-ages event held in the gallery. Each month live music and exhibits are featured, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work. A board member conducts an insightful interview with the artist on display, delving into their creative process and what inspires them, offering a unique educational experience for all attendees.
Fishers residents can lend their financial support or choose to volunteer to support the Fishers Arts Council’s mission. Donations can be made in one of two ways: as a supporting member or as a one-time donation. Becoming a supporting member is easy. Simply visit the Fishers Arts Council website and choose a tiered level of monetary obligation that best fits your budget. If you prefer to make a one-time donation, you can do so directly on the website as well.
“Volunteers are always needed for our events,” Reinhardt says. “We have volunteers present at art fairs and our monthly gallery receptions, as well as to install and change over our galleries. Volunteers can be involved as much or as little as they would like. There are also some behind-the-scenes-type opportunities as well.”
If you would like to support local artists in an effort to keep Fishers beautiful or learn more about the Fishers Arts Council, visit fishersartscouncil.org.
SPONSORED BY
THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENINGS FROM THE CITY OF FISHERS
Fishers Event Center Now Open
From Indy Fuel Hockey to high school basketball games and concert tours, the 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center in the Fish District brings entertainment right to our community Along with hosting world-class events, the community-focused venue is where local athletes can compete and our students can walk across the graduation stage Buy tickets for these upcoming events at FishersEventCenter com
Dec 1 | Nitro Circus
Dec 4 | AEW
Dec. 6 | Indy Fuel Opening Night vs. Iowa Heartlanders
Dec 9 | Alabama Roll On II North America Tour
Dec 20 | Mudsock Rivalry Basketball Game Double Header
Jan 11 | Indy Ignite Opening Night vs Orlando Valkyries
Jan. 23 – 26 | Cirque Du Soleil® Crystal
Feb 28 | Tom Segura Come Together Tour
Mar 15 | GUTFELD LIVE '25 Featuring Greg Gutfeld and special guest Tom Shillue
Mar 18 | Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: South of Here Tour
Mar 29 | Blake Shelton
April 4 | Fishers Freight Opening Night vs. Tulsa Oilers
Apr 24 | Megan Moroney: Am I Okay? Tour
Spring City Government Academy
Go behind the scenes of local government and hear from staff, tour city facilities, and engage in the collaborative city governing process in the City of Fishers' City Government Academy (CGA). The academy is free and open to Fishers residents ages 18 and older At the end of the 9-week course, participants will have a greater understanding of how the Fishers government works Register by Friday, December 13 at FishersIN.gov/CGA.
Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants
Applications for the 2025 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant program are now open to provide funding for creative and innovative neighborhood projects. HOAs and neighborhood groups can submit an application by January 13. $400K in grant funding is available in 2025. Learn more at FishersIN gov/Grants
Citywide Trash & Utilities Update
All households in Fishers city limits will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling collection beginning January 13, 2025. Monthly service fees will be reflected in residents’ January Fishers Utilities billing statement Information on routes and container delivery will be released in December 2024. No action is required at this time for current Republic or Waste Management customers for this change For ongoing updates and details, please visit FishersIN.gov/Trash.
Key Dates:
Weeks of Dec. 30 & Jan. 6: Bin delivery to new Republic customers
Week of Jan. 6: Waste Management final trash pickup and bin collection *Please leave bins out after date of service for pick up. Week of Jan. 10: Waste Management final day of service for single-family residential Week of Jan. 13: Republic citywide residential service begins
THIS IS FISHERS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fishers Art Center Holiday Classes
This holiday season, give the gift of creativity at the Fishers Art Center in the Fishers Municipal Complex! Embrace your curiosity and imagination through a variety of art experiences, including workshops, classes, camps, exhibitions, events, and more Classes are available for youth and adults. Learn more at FishersArtCenter.org.
Shop Local, 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! Find special Small Business Saturday deals happening on Saturday, November 30 at FishersIN gov/ShopFishers
Fishers
Holiday Lights Map
Looking for the best holiday light displays around Fishers? Beginning December 1, grab some hot cocoa and hop in the car to enjoy the festive displays from fellow residents using the digital Fishers Holiday Lights Map! See the map and add your home at FishersIN gov/FishersLights
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Santa’s Mailbox
Friday, November 29 – Friday, December 13
Nickel Plate Trail (near the 116th Street intersection at the swings) & Geist Waterfront Park | Free Drop off your letters to Santa in the special mailboxes located on the Nickel Plate Trail and Geist Waterfront Park Include your address and you’ll receive a reply from St Nick! Can't drop off in person? Email Santa at Santa@fishers in us Learn more at FishersParks.com.
NPT Night Lights
Open daily in December with special festivities every Saturday from 5 – 9 p m Nickel Plate Trail
Through December, check out the free light display open daily at dusk along the downtown portion of the Nickel Plate Trail Don’t miss the tree lighting on November 30 and a new holiday market on select Saturday evenings. See details at FishersParks.com.
Cookies with Characters
December 7, 8, 14 & 15 | Various times Ambassador House | Various prices Fishers Parks hosts a unique character experience complete with games, crafts, cookie decorating, and more Register online at FishersParks com
LEAVING A LEGACY
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IS FOSTERING A LEGACY OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Writer / Renée Larr
The value of a high-quality education for students of all ages is immeasurable. However, it requires financial support to provide highly innovative best practices to students and teachers in our local community. The Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) was founded in 2001 to invest in every student, every grade and every school within the district, by providing funding for classroom grants and student scholarships through extensive fundraising efforts.
“We exist as the official philanthropic partner of our local schools,” says Justin Hirnisey, executive director. “Our mission is to enhance educational opportunities, inspire
excellence and engage the community to foster a legacy of achievement. HSEF helps bridge gaps by connecting community resources with our schools to bring unique opportunities to our students and respond to emerging needs.”
Hirnisey says that by investing in impactful resources, we all build a legacy of excellence, not only for individual students, but also for the Fishers community for generations to come. The impact of HSEF’s initiatives can be seen in the new student-led podcast and the library production studio expansion at Fishers Junior High School, which
have provided creative learning opportunities for students like seventh-grader Brithanie Emile. “My work in the media production studio is driven by the idea that virtual storytelling and images have the power to change the world into a better place,” Emile says.
“Many HSE students come with an innate interest in science because this district’s parents share their love and knowledge of science before they are ever in school,” says Sarah Chattin, honors chemistry and forensic sciences teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School. “Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation’s generosity has allowed us to fill our classrooms with research-grade equipment to further enrich students’ explorations. I absolutely love that HSEF’s funds are being used to make not only our program, but also our students, better. Giving students who are interested in a career in criminalistics a chance to use the same equipment they will use in their jobs is a huge boost to their confidence and marketability. We would not be able to do what we do without the contributions from HSEF. Seeing students get excited about what they are learning is what makes this job fun. HSEF has given us the tools to reach more students and help them build better futures.”
in innovation, totaling over $118,000. Hirnisey says the HSEF administered 44 scholarships that presented 87 student awards, totaling over $87,000 to graduates from both high schools in the Class of 2024.
“The most impactful time during my 12 years in Hamilton Southeastern Schools came during my junior and senior years,” Jackson Philhower, HSE High School Class of 2022 president. “I attended meetings to provide student input and selected classroom grants to fund through the foundation. As a senior I received several community scholarships administered by HSEF to help fund my college education. I also interned with HSEF the summer after my senior year, helping start the Tigers Royal Alumni Network amongst other projects. Joining the student board helped me see the greater value in giving back to my community. I have continued this in my collegiate studies and plan to in my career.”
The organization is also committed to bridging gaps by connecting community resources with schools, to bring unique opportunities to students and respond to emerging mental health and food insecurity needs. In January 2024, the Food for Thought fund wiped out $25,000 in outstanding meal balances for more than 1,200 families in the district.
Since 2001 the HSEF has invested nearly $2.5 million into programs and initiatives that support the staff and students of HSE schools. In 2023-2024, HSEF connected with HSE students and staff to support 52 grant projects at all 22 schools rooted
So how exactly does the HSEF fund all these unique and thoughtful endeavors? The key is community involvement. Hirnisey underscores that the HSEF’s success is a result of the strong connections it fosters among local businesses, families and schools. From networking events to gatherings like the new Legacy Celebration, the community’s involvement is not just appreciated, but essential to the foundation’s mission. Hirnisey invites everyone
“OUR MISSION IS TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, INSPIRE EXCELLENCE AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY TO FOSTER A LEGACY OF ACHIEVEMENT.”
–JUSTIN HIRNISEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
to be a part of this educational journey, stressing that everyone’s contribution is needed and makes a significant impact.
“We want to build a legacy of excellence, and going into our 25th anniversary next school year, we hope to accomplish that by creating a brand-new opportunity for the community to support our local schools,” Hirnisey says. “The Legacy Celebration event is on February 21 at the new Fishers Event Center. This event will be the largest annual fundraising event for all HSE schools and will continue our legacy of innovation in our community.”
The celebration will feature a national headline act, which Hirnisey says locals will not want to miss. In addition, guests will hear from past grant and scholarship recipients detailing how the HSEF made a difference in their lives.
Community members can get involved in the HSEF’s mission through volunteer efforts, purchasing tickets to community events, individual donations and annual sponsorships.
Hirnisey says even a small, $5-per-month donation through the HSEF’s Grow Club makes a difference in helping to fund handson phonics manipulatives for kindergartners, robotics kits for our junior highs, or professional-grade microscopes for high school science classes.
Additional community events and programs include Before the Bell, Mudsock VIP for football and basketball, Giving Tuesday, Thank an Educator, and Prairie Dash 5K.
For more information and to get involved, visit hsefoundation.org today.
I know the frustration - the feeling of doing everything right, yet still staring in the mirror, wondering why it’s not enough. I tried it all. I put in the time, sweat and discipline. I researched, dieted and tried different fitness programs around town.
Yet there I was again, in the cycle of stubborn fat and weight regain. And honestly, I was exhausted.
For some women, a gradual slowing of metabolism due to muscle loss in our 40s and 50s is the reason weight loss stops. For others, a medical diagnosis and/or physical conditions throw a wrench in our hard work to be fit and healthy. Both are my story.
Yes, age changes things. It’s not just a number; it’s science. As I got older I lost muscle, which in turn slows down how efficiently I burn calories. It’s one of the reasons why maintaining a healthy weight feels like such an uphill battle, even when you’re doing all the right things.
Already dealing with a thyroid issue, I was diagnosed with insulin resistance, a precursor to prediabetes. Wham! My doctor told me losing weight would help, and that the new GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic (i.e. Wegovy) and Mounjaro (i.e. Zebpound) would help me kickstart my body’s ability to lose weight.
I said, “Sign me up!”
But I hesitated telling my trainers at Fit Chicks. I was ashamed that I needed help losing
weight. I didn’t want to be judged for taking the easy way out. I thought my trainers would be mad at me or something. I should not have worried about that, because once I shared with the team that I was on Zebpound, the support was phenomenal. They helped me revamp my nutrition program, helped me monitor my body composition, and boosted my strength training program.
Fit Chicks is a different kind of gym, because Roz Harris, the owner, gets it. She shares her own journey through bariatric surgery over 20 years ago, as well as how she uses GLP-1 medications, and even a recovery program. Fit Chicks is designed for women who want longterm health. They want to be healthy, happy and strong through workouts that work. My gym isn’t trendy; it’s old-school, and I return year after year because of the staff’s knowledge of not only strength-based workouts, but nutrition as well.
I hear Roz in my head saying, “Feed your muscles” and “Muscles equal metabolism,” so I continue to work out at Fit Chicks two to three times per week with a personal trainer, while getting tailored nutrition guidance. Additionally, I’m continuing to see my doctors as I begin to reduce my Zebpound dose.
But it’s still hard.
On GLP-1s, the weight seemed to come off effortlessly. That’s a gift, but it can also make it hard to find motivation to keep showing up, and to keep investing in yourself with workouts and nutrition. That’s why I’m grateful I still have Fit Chicks. They are helping
me be my best self for the long term and they will help me maintain my weight loss. Having a fun place to go, and the accountability from every one there, keeps me showing up for workouts two to three times per week and doing my monthly nutrition consults too.
I want to be strong and live long! Visit beafitchick.com to sign up for a trial membership.
Writer / Eve
Woman works with personal trainer at Fit Chicks (Not Eve author of this blog.)
GLP-1 Prescription Weight Loss Injections
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HOCKEY 101
A USER-FRIENDLY FAN GUIDE TO THE 2024-2025 INDY FUEL SEASON
Writer / Devon Dean
In the mid-‘90s, the Chicago Blackhawks had a strong positioning statement to commemorate the team’s transition from Chicago Stadium across the street to the then-newly constructed United Center: “Remember the Roar.” The phrase referenced the rousing noise from the upper decks of the hallowed grounds colloquially referred to as the Madhouse on Madison.
Coincidentally, my first time seeing a hockey game in person was at Chicago Stadium during its final season. I vividly remember the 2.5-hour drive west on the Indiana Toll Road in early January with my dad to see the Blackhawks play the Winnipeg Jets.
I got goosebumps walking into that venue. It felt like magic in the air. NHL Hall of Fame 2024 inductee and former Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick scored a hat trick (three goals in one game) that night. I saved my allowance for 12 weeks to buy the legendary away jersey from CCM at the vendor stand inside the door. I still have that jersey. Even more impressive, it still fits.
For the uninitiated, hockey is a fast and often brutal sport. As a fan for 30-plus years, I’ve seen every manner of hit, bruise, punch and high stick, as well as epic goals scored at every level of the sport. I’ve seen numerous teams hoist the most coveted trophy in sportsLord Stanley’s Cup.
Did I mention it’s also tremendously fun to watch?
With the Blackhawks’ ECHL minor-league affiliate, the Indy Fuel, kicking off their 2024-2025 season at the Fishers Event Center for the first time, we thought it perhaps best to offer some education on the sport.
Here are the 10 basic rules of hockey to know before your first game:
• The Goal: Get the puck in the net. That is called a goal (yes, we know - we’re stating the obvious).
• Goalie Play: The goalie’s main job is to stop the puck from entering the net using any part of their body or stick.
• Each team has six players total on the ice unless there is a penalty being enforced: left wing, right wing, center, two defensive players and goalie.
• Periods: Hockey is played in three 20-minute periods, with a 15-minute intermission between each period.
• Offside: A player cannot enter the offensive zone, the area beyond the opponent’s blue line, before the puck does. If they do, the play is stopped, and a face-off occurs.
• Icing: Not like on a cookie. Icing happens when a player shoots the puck from behind their own side of the red center line down the ice, and it crosses the opponent’s goal line without being touched. This results in a face-off in the offending team’s zone.
• Face-off: A face-off begins the game and is used after every stoppage of play.
• Penalties: Infractions such as tripping, hooking or slashing result in penalties. The offending player must sit in the penalty box for two minutes (minor penalty) or more, during which their team plays shorthanded.
• Power Play and Penalty Kill: When a team is penalized, the opposing team goes on a “power play,” with the other team on the “penalty kill.” The team playing a man down is trying to “kill” the penalty by playing defensively until the penalty time expires. The penalty is either two minutes for minors or five minutes for majors. When both teams are penalized simultaneously, it’s often referred to as four-on-four hockey.
• Checking: Body checking (using the body to block or hit an opponent) is allowed, but only against the player with the puck. Hits from behind or to the head are illegal and result in penalties.
• Fighting: Aside from UFC, hockey is one of the few professional sports where fighting is allowed. Fighting, or “dropping the gloves,” can result in minor and major penalties depending on who started it, how many players got involved, and various other factors. Yes, it’s allowed. No, you don’t get away with it.
With these basic rules in hand, let’s also take a moment to talk about being a good fan, particularly if it’s your first time.
FAN DOS AND DON’TS:
DO try to stay in your seat while the puck is in play. Trust usthere will be a myriad of timeouts and two intermissions.
DO dress warmly. The arena climate control is generally based on the players.
Do ask questions. The people sitting around you might be hockey veterans. Make friends and ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand.
DO NOT throw things on the ice unless someone scores three goals in one game. Then, toss your hat. You can buy another on the way out.
DO NOT taunt the players if you are sitting near the glass or the penalty box.
Do NOT hit the glass.
DO NOT try to catch a flying puck. They often travel far above 100 miles per hour, and you can get hurt.
DO keep your cool. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Everyone is there to have a good time.
The Fuel will open their 11th season at the Fishers Event Center on Friday, December 6 against the Iowa Heartlanders. Indy Fuel tickets can be purchased at indyfuelhockey.com.
HOME SCHEDULE
DEC. 6
IOWA HEARTLANDERS Friday, 7:00pm
DEC. 7 IOWA heartlanders Saturday, 7:00pm
DEC. 13 ALLEN AMERicans Friday, 7:00pm DEC. 14
KALAMAZOO WINGS Saturday, 7:00pm DEC. 18
BLOOMINGTON bison Wednesday, 7:00pm DEC. 21
FORT WAYNE komets Saturday, 7:00pm
DEC. 27 FORT WAYNE komets Friday, 7:00pm
DEC. 28
JAN. 3
TOLEDO walleye Saturday, 7:00pm
KALAMAZOO wings Friday, 7:00pm
JAN. 8 WHEELING nailers Wednesday, 7:00pm
JAN. 10 WHEELING nailers Friday, 7:00pm
JAN. 15 MAINE mariners Wednesday, 7:00pm
JAN. 17 KALAMAZOO wings Friday, 7:00pm
JAN. 18 CINCINNATI cyclones Saturday, 7:00pm
JAN. 31 GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS Friday, 7:00pm FEB. 1 GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS Saturday, 7:00pm FEB. 7 WHEELING nailers Friday, 7:00pm
FEB. 12
FEB. 14
FEB. 15
FEB. 19
FEB. 25
FLORIDA everblades Wednesday, 7:00pm
FLORIDA everblades Friday, 7:00pm
FLORIDA Everblades Saturday, 7:00pm
FORT WAYNE komets Wednesday, 7:00pm
BLOOMINGTON bison Tuesday, 10:30am
MAR. 1 IOWA HEArtlanders Saturday, 7:00pm
MAR. 2 IOWA heartlanders Sunday, 4:00pm
MAR. 7 FORT WAYNE komets Friday, 7:00pm
MAR. 8 WICHITA thunder Saturday, 7:00pm
MAR. 9 WICHITA thunder Sunday, 4:00pm
MAR. 14 KALAMAZOO wings Friday, 7:00pm
MAR. 16 FORT WAYNE komets Sunday, 4:00pm
MAR. 21
CINCINNATI cyclones Friday, 7:00pm
MAR. 22
BLOOMINGTON bison Saturday, 7:00pm
MAR. 23
WHEELING nailers Sunday, 4:00pm
APR. 2
TOLEDO WAlleye Wednesday, APR. 5
FORT WAYNE komets Saturday, 7:00pm
FISHERS ART CENTER
Writer / Renée Larr
Photographer / Brian Brosmer
Art centers benefit local communities by creating social connections, building community identity, boosting economic development, aiding child development, increasing inclusion, and adding dialogue around health and social issues. The newly opened Fishers Art Center (FAC), located inside the new Fishers Arts & Municipal Complex at 1 Municipal Drive, is a partnership between the Indy Art Center (IAC) and the City of Fishers that seeks to provide art programming and free worldclass exhibitions to Fishers residents.
The art center consists of three studios: two 2D flex studios where residents can participate in programming in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art and photography, as well as a stateof-the-art ceramic studio with 12 pottery wheels. Programming ranges from summer camps for children to one-time makeand-take experiences and multi-week art explorations.
“We like to refer to what we offer as art adventure or an art experience, rather than a class,” says Mark Williams, president and
executive director at the Indy Art Center. “We meet people where they’re at with art, and that’s critical. We’ll have people who come into a program as newbies alongside someone honing a particular skill and doing this for a living. It’s a great equalizer to see your peers working on their projects individually but creating together collectively.”
Michelle O’Hollaren, vice president of education and innovation, says the caliber of art the FAC offers is greater than anything else in Hamilton County. The FAC boasts 20 professional, high-quality teaching artists who execute fall, spring and summer programming for ages 4 to 104.
The FAC also includes exhibition space with two formal galleries. These galleries host art exhibits that rotate quarterly, featuring a diverse range of art. Williams says the art exhibits aren’t just local art. Many will feature national artists, and could be thematic or showcase one artist. He says the exhibits will not be an extension of the Indy Art Center, but rather unique to Fishers and distinctly different, offering a fresh and exciting art experience every time.
“One of the galleries we created was designed intentionally to be future-proof for emerging art experiences such as interactive art, experiential art and projection art,”
Williams says. “It’s an enclosable gallery for completely immersive art experiences, and the space on the city hall side is programmed in partnership with the Fishers Arts Council. That gallery has more of a local focus.”
Williams says the IAC and the City of Fishers listened to local residents about the need for a new art center in our vibrant community. He says public input accounted for much of the need and programming. The goal is to bring the community together using art to facilitate programming and events, making each resident feel valued and included in this community-driven initiative.
O’Hollaren says residents can help keep art available to all by donating or joining a tiered membership with dual membership benefits at the FAC and IAC. She says it’s important to provide equitable access to all programming, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and catered to. Both locations offer veterans’ programming free of charge, senior art outreach programs and scholarship programs.
CONNECT
Celebrating a Year of Success and Looking Ahead to 2025
As the year draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the highlights and memories that have defined 2024 for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. While not every day was perfect, this year has been marked by academic successes, athletic victories, and initiatives that have impacted our community in meaningful ways.
The pride, commitment, and sense of community shown by our students, teachers, staff, and families are extraordinary –
2024 Highlights
This list highlights select top honors, state championships, and national recognitions from Jan 1–Nov 12, 2024, and is not a comprehensive record of all accomplishments.
EDUCATIONAL MILESTONES
qualities that set HSE apart in a rapidly growing city. This spirit of dedication is something truly unique, and we are grateful to each person who has contributed in some way, big or small, to our schools.
As we turn the page to 2025, we invite you to join us in sharing our stories of growth, resilience and achievement. Let’s choose to uplift and celebrate the good we are creating together, so that challenges never overshadow our accomplishments.
Be sure to like and follow @HSESchools on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and TikTok where we regularly share important news, updates and exciting highlights from our schools.
TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
IHSAA 2024 State Championships: FHS Boys Basketball, HHS Girls Volleyball, FHS Boys Track & Field, HHS Softball, HHS Boys Lacrosse
HHS Varsity Cheer crowned HCCA State Champions
HHS ESports Team wins the Indiana AAA High School Division Overwatch State Championship
HHS Mock Trial Team crowned National Champions
FHS Indoor Drumline wins 11th percussion state title in school history, claiming the IPA Scholastic Open Class State Championship
HHS Engineering Design & Development Class wins top honors at the B.E.S.T. Robotics competition
COMMUNITY IMPACT
FHS Dance Marathon raises $67,810.54 for Riley Hospital
Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation awards 46 grants, totaling more than $90,000 to support innovation projects across HSE Schools
Engaged over 400 students, parents, teachers, and community leaders over 20 months to shape HSE Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate, defining the knowledge, skills, and attributes essential for student success
STREET SENSE
A DEEP DIVE INTO LOCAL STREET NAMES
Writer / Robert Bowling
Have you ever wondered how streets in Fishers got their names? Maybe a certain street was named after a person or a place. Some roads get their names from cultural influence, nature or geography. Then again, there may be no particular reason for a street name. Developers sometimes conjure up street names from the most unlikely places. Corby Thompson, Fishers resident and developer responsible for naming streets and neighborhoods in Fishers, joked that “naming streets is one of the toughest jobs that we do.” He named Farley Place in Sunblest after the dog in the comic strip “For Better or For Worse.”
According to the City of Fishers Engineering Department, procedures for approving street names have changed drastically since Fishers was just a small farming town. With the introduction of 911 communication in 1968, municipalities had to ensure that street names were distinct to avoid confusion for emergency services. With 911 communications handled by Hamilton County, all municipalities must work together to ensure street names are distinct. Without cooperation, every city could have a Main Street or Elm Street, which could be confusing.
Many cities have streets named after trees and flowers. In Fishers you will find Maple Drive, Oak Tree Lane, Apple Tree Drive and Eucalyptus Lane, just to name a few. Naming streets after people has always been a popular method.
Since Fishers was founded in 1872, many people have contributed to the city’s growth. Their legacies live on through their names, and none more so than Salathiel Fisher, the city’s founder. However, many other famous residents (maybe not so well-known) can be found around the city. Noah Manship, who owned a 150-acre farm in Delaware Township and later owned a sawmill, inspired Manship Lane. Eller Road is named after Joseph Eller, one of the first settlers of Hamilton County. John Allison moved his family to the Indianapolis area in 1819 and plotted 40 town lots along Winchester State Road, later renamed Allisonville Road. Mollenkopf Road is named after James Mollenkopf, while Hague Road,
completed in 1914, is named after S.T. Hague.
It isn’t just the early pioneers who have streets named after them. The legacy of city council member Roy Holland lives on through Holland Drive and Holland Park. In 1991, the municipal complex was named in honor of Thomas Weaver, a city council member who died after being struck by lightning.
Morgan Meadows, located on Lantern Road south of 116th Street, is a 1960s ranch community. According to Jim Morgan, president of the Fishers Historical Society, it was named for the developer Robert Emanuel “Manny” Morgan and his partner, Fred Appel. Within the neighborhood, you will find Appel Court and Emanuel Drive, saluting its founders.
Very often, street names derive from geography. The White River forms a natural boundary on the city’s western side, where you will find roads such as Riverside Way, Sun River Drive and River Glen Drive. You will find Fall Creek Road on the city’s southeast side. Fall Creek leads into Geist, named for Clarence Geist, who began the reservoir project. Geist has spawned many names including Bridgewater Road, Shoreline Boulevard, and Lake Ridge Lane.
Developers sometimes name streets and neighborhoods around a common theme, such as sports. If you are a golf enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the Legends of Geist subdivisions including Sawgrass, Hawthorne Hills, Haig Point, Spyglass Hill and Lake Stonebridge, which are named after famous golf courses. The Bristols subdivision tackled another sport for their theme, football (pun intended). Three youth football fields were donated by the developers for the subdivision. As a tribute, the streets were named after NFL teams. The developers intentionally left out the Colts, fearing that people would steal the street sign. If you are patriotic, you may want to live in Brooks Chase on streets named All-American Drive, Freedom Drive and Courage Crossing.
Saxony, a 750-acre development on the east side of Fishers, draws its inspiration from Germany. Saxony, a German state, is home to more than four million people. The heart of Saxony is the Bonn building, named after the former capital of Germany. Within Saxony you will find Minden Drive and Tegel Drive, both named after cities in Germany.
Some street names may make you wonder where they come from. Buffett Parkway was named after the musician Jimmy Buffett. However, Chevy Chase Drive wasn’t named for the famous actor, since he was only 14 when the subdivision was built in 1957. The theme becomes apparent when the other street names are considered. San Vicente, La Canada, Carthay, Los Robles and Roses are all places within Los Angeles County. Could the developers have been from Los Angeles?
Have you thought about your street?
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
Sweet Gifts for the Holidays!
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! Don’t miss special deals at your favorite small businesses happening now at FishersIN.gov/ShopFishers.
Kilwins Fishers 11594 Whistle Drive #130, Fishers, IN 46037
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
STRETCHLAB
A UNIQUE GIFT FOR EVERYBODY & EVERY BODY! Give more than a gift…give an experience they’ll love! One-on-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 stretchlab.com
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
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
FISHERS ART CENTER
Give the gift of a creative experience! Share the joy. Gift Cards, classes, camps, workshops, everyone loves the gift of creativity! Art experiences for all ages and skill levels. Find yourself here, at the Fishers Art Center, where it’s always Everybody’s Art! 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 / 317.245.6440 / FishersArtCenter.org
10:00am–2:00am
DrivenPurposeBy
Scan for 20% off Samisi Fine Jewelry www.samisi.store
HOLIDAY
FINE ART POP-UP SHOP
Local artist, Stephanie Carignan, will be featuring her palette knife acrylic paintings and gifts through the end of December. This fun & modern artist pop-up will offer original paintings, fine art prints, notecards, calendars and hand-painted ornaments. There’s something for everyone! www.stephaniecarignan.com 11545 Ikea Way, Suite 630
PRICE VISION GROUP
Price Vision Group is an internationally renowned center for the diagnosis, treatment, and care in the fields of corneal and LASIK surgery. Additionally, we are an innovative and respected leader in cataract surgery. Come experience for yourself why we are trusted to treat patients from around the globe.
9002 North Meridian Street, Suite100 Indianapolis, IN 46260 (317) 844-5530 GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE BOARDS &
9520 Uptown Drive, Suite H
Indianapolis
317-516-5351
grazecraze.com
Let us help you celebrate everything from holiday parties, catering and corporate gifting to date nights and gatherings with family and friends! Pickup or delivery available. Gift cards start at $50.
BRANCH LOCATION
SAMBOL’S TREE FARM CLOSES IN ON 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Writer / Renée Larr
Nothing fills a home with Christmas cheer like the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. Lance and Susan Sambol purchased an 18-acre farm in 2008 with the intention of turning it into a tree farm. Growing and selling that first tree takes patience and seven to eight years of growth. In 2015 the couple opened Sambol’s Tree Farm in Fortville, selling Canaan fir trees to families throughout the holiday season.
“We’re a full-service tree farm, meaning we provide everything our customers need to cut down their perfect Christmas tree,” Lance Sambol says. “From there, we take the tree, trim it, shake it and bail it for the customers. After they cut down their tree, their job is done. It’s really nice because they can take the tree inside once they get home, and it’s ready to go.”
Sambol’s Tree Farm also augments its supply of beautiful trees by offering pre-cut, locally sourced Fraser firs from Northern Indiana. This is a smart choice for families who want a live Christmas tree without the process of
cutting it down.
“Both of these types of trees are perfect for Christmas trees,” Sambol says. “They’re really the Cadillac of trees because of their needles and coloring. The trees vary in height from 6- to 10-feet tall.”
The Sambol family also sells fresh, handmade wreaths, garlands, and grave blankets to honor loved ones during the holiday season. Susan painstakingly decorates 300 to 400 wreaths each year, and she makes all the ribbons by hand. They even sell local handmade items such as ornaments, candles and apparel in their gift shop.
“I was in the golf business before this, so I want the farm to be aesthetically pleasing and beautifully manicured for our customers,” Sambol says. “I only wanted to focus on trees for our farm and nothing else. We have people who bring out their family and dogs to take photos because it’s so pretty out here and well-maintained.”
The farm also includes a structure where people can sit by the fireplace, warm up and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while they wait for their tree to be bundled up. A food truck is on hand each weekend serving yummy goodies including chili, hot cocoa, cookies and more.
“We’re only open for a few months a year, so it’s really important for us to catch up with our customers,” Sambol says. “We only see them once a year, so we like to chat and see how their families are doing, as we’re a family business.”
Even the Sambols’ 16-year-old gets in on the holiday merriment and memory making, by working the family business each weekend. Lance works the farm full time, while Susan still has another full-time job. The family loves providing a small piece of their customers’ holiday experience.
Sambol’s Tree Farm is located at 7783 North State Road 9 in Fortville. For hours and more information, visit sambolstreefarm.com.
3
CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR
5-7 PM
Ignite Studio Classroom is a creative meetup for adults to collaborate on their ongoing projects. hepl.libnet.info
4 AEW PRESENTS DYNAMITE & RAMPAGE
Fishers Event Center 7:30 PM
A night at an All Elite Wrestling show is packed with action.
6
ENL FRIENDS AND FAMILY NIGHT Meeting Rooms - East/Center 6-8 PM
A fun gathering for our ENL Conversation Group and their friends, family and volunteers to enjoy conversation, games and snacks. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to meet others in your community!
IOWA HEARTLANDERS AT INDY FUEL
Fishers Event Center 7-10 PM indyfuelhockey.com
8
HOUSEPLANT SWAP
Hamilton County Library Meeting Room - Center 5 Municipal Drive, Fishers / 1-4 PM Drop by our houseplant swap and bring plants or cuttings to share!
8
WHITE RIVER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA - CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA!
Legacy Bible Church, 13490 Howe Rd. 7:30-9 PM
A joyful celebration of the holiday season, capturing the warmth and magic of Christmas through music. fishersin.gov
14
READ TO A THERAPY DOG! PRESENTED BY LOVE ON A LEASH
Youth Services Program Room B 11 AM-12 PM
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
19
JUNIOR CHEF
Youth Services Program Room B 5:30-6:30 PM
Junior Chef is a fun beginning cooking class for kids in grades two through five.
20
MUDSOCK RIVALRY BASKETBALL
Fishers Event Center 6 PM
A ticket gets you into both the girls and boys games. Children aged 5 and younger are admitted free with an accompanying adult.
Play. Move. Laugh.
As the holiday season approaches, Hamilton County, Indiana, transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive activities and enchanting experiences. The Holiday Adventure Pass is your ticket to exploring the best of what the county has to offer. Visit pass locations to earn exclusive holiday prizes. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Step into a traditional German Christmas market at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Located on Carter Green next to The Palladium, this market features charming wooden huts offering unique gifts, handmade ornaments, and delicious German treats. Enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink, sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine and soak in the festive atmosphere with live music and entertainment.
CIVIC THEATRE
Experience the magic of live theater with Civic Theatre’s holiday performances. This season, the theater presents a lineup of heartwarming and entertaining shows that are perfect for the whole family. From
Discover the Magic of Hamilton County with the Holiday Adventure Pass
classic holiday tales to modern favorites, the Civic Theatre brings the spirit of the season to life on stage.
CONNER PRAIRIE: MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Conner Prairie during the Merry Prairie Holiday event. This interactive history park offers a unique holiday experience with candlelit paths, historical reenactments, and festive activities. Meet Santa Claus, take a ride on the Kringle’s Carousel and enjoy the beautiful light displays that illuminate the prairie.
NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS: HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES
All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a magical holiday train ride! These themed excursions offer a nostalgic journey through the scenic landscapes of Hamilton County. With festive decorations, holiday music, and a visit from Santa himself, the Holiday Train Rides are a delightful experience for passengers of all ages.
THE PALLADIUM
The Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of holiday concerts and performances that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. From symphony orchestras to popular music acts, the Palladium’s stunning architecture and acoustics provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday show.
With the Holiday Adventure Pass, you can enjoy all these wonderful events, make magical memories and earn prizes. Make the most of your holiday season by exploring the best of Hamilton County’s festive offerings. Claim your free Holiday Adventure Pass at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/holidays/holiday-pass/.
Paula Moan Indianapolis Market President
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670
This holiday season, let Taylor’s Bakery be part of your celebrations with an array of freshly baked treats that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
• Santa, Christmas Tree, & Holiday Wreath Iced Cookies
• Christmas-Themed Cupcakes & Petit Fours
• Specialty Christmas Cakes
• Seasonal Pies
• Chocolate Holiday Offerings
• Peppermint Angel Food Cake
• Butterflake Rolls
• Assorted Cookie Boxes & More
ORDER EARLY FOR HOLIDAY CHEER! Visit www.TaylorsBakery.com to place your Holiday pre-orders and make your holidays hassle-free.
EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY DISCOUNT
Save 10% on online orders of $25 or more with code: FISHERSTOWNEPOST Expires 12/23/2024
Email: bakery@taylorsbakery.com Allisonville: 317-251-9575 | Fishers: 317-596-2253 www.taylorsbakery.com : @TaylorsBakery VISIT US AT THESE LOCATIONS:
• Allisonville Location: 6216 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46220 • Fishers Location: 8395 E 116th St, Fishers, IN 46038
