Fishers Magazine March 2023

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING CAN CREATE THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD

CHAMPIONING CHANGE Fishers Kicking off Disability Awareness Month With Series of Events

The Only Name You Need To Know

All within 1/2 Hour Or Less from Geist!

Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.

--------MEET JOY HARRIS------

Over 20+ Years Experience!

INTERESTED IN INVESTING

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MEET REAL ESTATE BROKER JOY HARRIS A 27 YEAR EXPERI-

Joy began selling real estate in 1996 during the off-season of her basketball career. She was an All-American at Purdue University (1991) and then went on to play professionally in Japan in The American Basketball League (ABL) & the WNBA.

Joy loves helping her clients navigate the real estate process and overcoming the challenges that sometimes arise. “As a RE/MAX Broker, I’m dedicated to finding my clients the home that’s just right for them. ” She has also developed a knack for working with professional athletes and coaches. “Being a former athlete, coach, and mother of a NBA player, I understand the demands they have both on and off the field and court.”

Whether buying your first home, dream home or downsizing, Joy provides a confidential, first class experience. Joy and her husband Gary have lived in Fishers for over 21 years. They have raised three sons: Gary Jr, Cameron & Trey and now have 2 grandsons!

HARRIS Associate Broker ANDREA MARTIN Listing/Closing Coordinator

• SCHULHOF TEAM

SCHULHOF Broker/Owner

Associate Broker

RUSSEL Associate Broker

BRECKENRIDGE DR • INDY $429,000 or Trade

Nominations Now Open!

TOP LOCAL

NOMINATE YOUR TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES

We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!

HOW TO QUALIFY

To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher

Listing on TownePost.com

Supports Local Charities

Locally Owned

LarryInFishers

THE LATEST NEWS IN FISHERS INDIANA

Writer / Larry Lannan

We now know all the candidates filing for Fishers city offices in this year’s election. The May primary features only one contested race – City Clerk.

Jennifer Kehl, the only City Clerk Fishers has ever had, will face fellow Republican Rachel Segars in the primary balloting. Segars is the wife of Fishers City Councilor Pete Peterson.

The November election will have several contests, but not at the top of the ballot. No one filed in either party for Mayor of Fishers other than incumbent Scott Fadness.

Democrat Janet Pritchett, former Hamilton Southeastern School Board member, will face the winner of the Republican primary election in the November contest.

City Judge Dan Henke is unopposed for another term in office.

Pete Peterson is unopposed in the Southeast City Council District.

Republican John Weingardt seeks another term on the council, facing Democrat Lane Skeeters in November, Weingardt’s opponent four years ago.

Incumbent Northwest District Councilor Selina Stoller, a Republican, has a Democratic challenger, Bill McLellan.

Democrat Crystal Neumann is seeking her first full term on the council in the Northcentral Council District, having been appointed to fill-out the term of Samantha DeLong. Republican John DeLucia, a former member of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, will be Neumann’s opponent.

David Giffel was elected by a Republican caucus to fill-out the remainder of David George’s term in the Southwest District and has a Democratic

opponent, Bill Stuart, in the fall. Stuart is a member of the Fishers Plan Commission.

Republican Brad DeReamer, after initially announcing he would not seek another term, changed his mind and will run in the Northeast District. His Democratic opponent in November will be Samantha Chapman.

Three city councilors are elected by the entire city as at-large members. Republican incumbents Cecilia Coble and Todd Zimmerman will once again be on the November ballot. Democrat Jocelyn Vare is also seeking another term. Republican Tiffanie Ditlevson and Democrat Howard Stevenson are also running for at-large council seats. Ditlevson holds several appointed positions, including the Hamilton East Library Board. Stevenson is a former member of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board and currently chairs the Fishers Plan Commission.

In other news …

Mayor Scott Fadness and his youngest son suffered only minor injuries in what the mayor described as a “head-on collision,” Thursday, January 19, just before 8am at Southeastern Parkway and Atlantic. The mayor’s long-time (and often repaired) city vehicle did not survive the crash.

“We were shaken up for sure, but I am beyond grateful that no one sustained any serious injuries and the only major damage that occurred was to the vehicles,” Mayor Fadness said in a written statement. “I’m also thankful for the witnesses and first responders who helped us at the scene.”

Once Geist Waterfront Park opens in March, residents should have technology as its friend. Fishers Information Technology Director Tracy Gaynor says residents will have free access to the park and will be provided with cards that should work no matter where the card is located in your vehicle.

As a new year begins, new leaders are elected to local government bodies. John Weingardt is serving as Fishers City Council President, Dawn Lang has been elected President of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board and Christine Altman will be the President of the Hamilton County Commissioners.

Finally, allow me to thank the many local people expressing their sympathies when I lost my mother January 26 at the age of 92. Each message was very much appreciated.

For my latest news updates and podcast links, go to www. LarryInFishers.com. You can sign-up for e-mail updates near the top of the blog, on the right side of the page.

Larry Lannan

GEIST WATERFRONT PARK & MORE

NICE COAT

SPRAY-NET PROVIDES INNOVATIVE PAINTING SOLUTIONS

Photography Provided

A home makeover can often be as simple as a new paint color. Spray-Net North Indy offers an innovative exterior and kitchen cabinet repainting solution. Spray-Net specializes in painting exterior siding, doors and windows, and kitchen cabinets, with proprietary coatings engineered specifically for each surface.

Owner Rodney Kuhl says Spray-Net offers its own proprietary coating specifically formulated for each type of paintable surface. Kuhl says each proprietary coating provides a factory finish warrantied for 15 years, engineered specifically for the needs of that surface. For instance, the kitchen cabinet coating is a hard, durable finish that is scratch and stain resistant, and washable, made to withstand the daily activity in your kitchen. Whereas the brick coating isn’t a paint at all. It’s actually a stain. The

stain allows the porous brick to breathe so moisture isn’t trapped inside and the coating won’t peel.

“We’re a much more cost-effective alternative to replacing your kitchen

cabinets or exterior siding, often saving clients 50-75% vs. replacement,” Kuhl says. “Our process is always brush-free, only using paint sprayers. For kitchens, our twocomponent paint is odorless and dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes, so you can return

Writer / Renee Larr

Rodney Kuhl

AFTER BEFORE

to using your kitchen as soon as we leave.”

The brush-free finish means newly painted cabinets look brand new. Spray-Net provides a thorough process by bringing the factory directly to the client’s home. Kuhl says they bring a portable spray booth they can set up inside a home or garage. From there, the Spray-Net team prepares the rest of the home by covering any exposed surfaces.

“We have a HEPA air scrubber running to clean the air while we paint,” Kuhl says. “We take the doors off the cabinets and spray those in our portable spray booth, ventilating dust outside. The cabinet boxes stay on the walls to be painted, but we mask off everything else and put up a plastic barrier from floor to ceiling to protect the rest of your home.”

The majority of their projects are completed in two to three days.

Kuhl was looking to get out of the corporate world and find a business opportunity that allowed him more freedom, time and flexibility in his work life. Kuhl was drawn to Spray-Net because of its unique approach to home renovation.

“I liked the idea that Spray-Net could bridge the gap between painting and replacing, and filled a large void,” Kuhl says. “I liked my corporate job but I was sitting behind a computer all day. I love getting out and meeting new people. Spray-Net was an opportunity to provide a high-value service and a great employment opportunity for those in our community.”

Kuhl says each surface type is different, necessitating different formulations of

primer and paint. Spray-Net customizes both and combines it with a patented process to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish each time

“One of the other nice aspects is our clients can be in their home while we work,” Kuhl says. “There is minimal disruption to their everyday lives. We thoroughly protect everything else in the area. Also, conventional cabinet repainting rarely holds up and often has to be redone every few years. With our process, your cabinets, exterior siding, doors, and windows are guaranteed for 15 years, so you save a lot of money vs. replacement now, and compared to conventional painting in the long run.”

For more information about Spray-Net, call 317-342-1649 or visit spray-net.com/ exterior-painting-north-indy.

“OUR PROCESS IS ALWAYS BRUSHFREE, ONLY USING PAINT SPRAYERS.”

“FOR KITCHENS, OUR TWO-COMPONENT PAINT IS ODORLESS AND DRY TO THE TOUCH IN 15 TO 30 MINUTES, SO YOU CAN RETURN TO USING YOUR KITCHEN AS SOON AS WE LEAVE.”

AN OUTDOOR OASIS

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING CAN CREATE THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD

If you live in the Midwest, you have probably enjoyed a warm sunny day followed by a cold, rainy one the next. Your outdoor entertainment dreams don’t need to rely on the weather when you can rely on

Outdoor living spaces have become an extension of the home and interior spaces.

“As homeowners realize how important it is to connect both with nature and each other, the outdoor space is a cost-effective way to

add living space to an existing home,” says J.D. Durst, President and Owner of BPI Outdoor Living. “Homeowners are now aware of their options and looking to create a cohesive connection between inside/ outside living.”

Homeowners these days dream of much more than a simple patio, deck or porch. They want high-end finishes and features that bring the comforts of indoors to stunning outdoor spaces. Cooking areas take the form of an outdoor kitchen. Heating sources include gas and woodburning fire pits, fireplaces and electric overhead heaters.

Cover is now achieved in many forms, from pergolas and shade sails to detached and

Story Provided by BPI

Photography Provided by The Home Aesthetic

BPI Outdoor Living.

attached roofs. The outdoor living room is completed with outdoor audio and video, allowing homeowners to gather and watch their favorite show or sporting event while also enjoying the outdoors. These offerings provide the comfort needed outdoors that allows homeowners to brave the elements year-round.

“As modern homeowners focus on spending more time with friends and family, the desire to have a great outdoor kitchen and lounge area to congregate is equally as important as it is inside the home,” Durst adds.

The BPI team designs dream outdoor spaces tailored to individual homeowners’ aspirations. They have been honing their craft for more than 24 years in the business.

With a core focus on designing and building luxury outdoor living spaces, the team focuses on asking the right questions to help clients maximize their spaces and budgets. With skilled artisans who focus on timeless building techniques and materials, they ensure clients have spaces that they can enjoy year-round and for years to come.

STICK TO THE PLAN

When it comes to creating an outdoor oasis it’s best to think it through and develop a comprehensive plan. A well thought out design solution yields not just a better result, but a better overall experience.

“I’ve seen it time and again,” Durst says. “When people don’t use a comprehensive master plan, the finished project often doesn’t look cohesive. Spending time on the front end not only gets you a better result but could potentially save you a lot of money and heartache down the road.”

The team at BPI Outdoor Living consider themselves landscape architects first and skilled artisans second. With multiple landscape architects and designers on staff, the team believes that design is paramount. They pride themselves on creating an immersive experience for their clients, and they do that with their unique approach.

In most cases, a landscape company will come out to your house, walk the property, then sit down with you at your kitchen table and go through a stack of pictures. At BPI’s initial meeting, however, the design team utilize a customer questionnaire.

“It’s really more of an interview process so that potential clients can determine if we are a good fit for them and their type of project,” Durst adds.

By the end of that first meeting, which typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, BPI has provided the client with a broad idea of what their space could include and approximately how much it could cost. Next steps involve talking about if the project will be done all at once or in phases.

Clients are then invited to BPI’s design studio where they are walked through a design discovery process that honors their goals, ambitions, and needs. Durst and his team discuss opportunities and constraints for the process and advise clients throughout that process, in terms of solutions, investment and return on that investment.

At the design studio, they utilize physical materials and vignettes as well as CAD 3D modeling software, fly-thru videos, and programs like SketchUp to show their clients exactly what a project will look like and how it’s going to feel in that space before they ever put a shovel in the ground.

TRUST THE PROCESS

The process when working with clients is simple. It’s all about having conversations and asking questions because through dialogue comes education and understanding.

According to Kyla Scheuermann, design associate at BPI, with every project they tackle, BPI Outdoor living is focused on building timeless experiences both for now and into the future.

“By honing all of our talent as a team, which includes build artisans and landscape designers, we come together to make a home’s outdoor living spaces more usable, more memorable, and more intentional,” she says. “And we want those spaces and elements to last.”

The BPI team follows a three-step design process that considers creativity, aesthetics and investment. During the first step, they consult with the client on the conceptual design.

“This phase sets us apart because the first thing people may ask about is not necessarily the key issue, which is why we prescribe a design process that addresses the client’s root needs and desires, Scheuermann says. “We also determine what we can and cannot address as far as build and site conditions.”

To efficiently facilitate step one, the team presents the client with a series of questions to better understand the purpose and intention for the space. They then get into more detail in the second step where they present a 3D model of the outdoor living space to help clients more clearly visualize the design solution and overall plans. Step three involves discussing material choices. At this point, they have honed in on the final design package as well as the client’s investment level.

Throughout the entire process the BPI team continually makes necessary revisions to stay within the client’s desired investment level. The team talks through feasible options and identifies ways to achieve certain styles that check all the boxes without breaking the bank.

The goal is to erect timeless projects that are accurate, buildable, and achievable. BPI puts in a lot of background work (i.e., construction plans, framing plans, permits) to make this happen.

If you are ready to begin designing and building your ideal outdoor living space, learn more and request a consultation at bpioutdoorliving.com.

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

GREEN DISTRICT IS FINDING FRESH SUCCESS AT FISHERS LOCATION

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Walker Photography

Eating healthy isn’t always easy, given the pressures of a busy lifestyle. Chris Furlow and his business partner Jordan Doepke were lamenting this predicament, which led to an idea for a new business venture for the two. In 2017 they opened their first fast-casual salad

while the Midwest didn’t get their fair share.”

Furlow says the core menu is 99% the same across all locations, with 12 prefabricated salads available as wraps or grain bowls, and build-your-own salads, wraps and grain

chicken, purple cabbage, cherry tomato, carrot, pickled jalapeño and cheddar cheese. It’s topped with croutons and fried onions, and served with ranch dressing and a barbecue sauce drizzle. Other salad options include the Thai One On Salad with shrimp, edamame, carrot, cucumber, green onion and Thai peanut dressing.

Furlow says seasonality affects the menu offerings, and to adapt, Green District offers limited-release menu items offering the best each season has to offer. A fall salad might include squash and pumpkin seeds.

“The first day we opened the Fishers location, we had a huge line of people outside the door waiting in the nasty, cold weather,” Furlow says. “We’ve done much better than we even anticipated, and we’ve

Furlow says the busiest time for a Green District location is March through October, when people are more invested in eating a salad. He says there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Fishers location, and residents seem to have embraced it.

Customers can dine in or place an online order for pickup. Furlow says they keep the same tone and vibe at every location, while allowing for individualization. He says there is one thing that makes it unique - the employees.

“Our employees are extremely welcoming and make people feel comfortable asking for help or suggestions,” Furlow says. “As an owner, that is important to us and to keep people coming back to Green District.”

Furlow says Green District tries to hit different areas where people work and live. There are two other Indianapolis locations, in downtown Indy on Monument Circle and in Nora.

Green District Fishers is located at 8701 East 116th Street, Suite 140A. For more information, visit gdsalads.com.

Nicholas Jasper, MD Physiatrist

M. Craig McMains, MD NEW Spine Surgeon

Meredith Langhorst, MD Physiatrist

Gregory Poulter, MD Spine Surgeon David Schwartz, MD Spine Surgeon

FISHERS KICKING OFF DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH WITH SERIES OF EVENTS

will also be giving out awards to those in our community who have done outstanding work in the area of disabilities.”

The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability (FACD) is celebrating National Disability Awareness Month beginning March 1. This year’s theme, “Building Our Future Together,” focuses on inclusion and acceptance for all Fishers and Hamilton County residents.

The celebration begins with 2023 Disability Awareness Month Kickoff & Awards: Building Our Future Together, on March

“I’ll be speaking about the history of the disability inclusion movement nationally and locally,” Hartman says. “I’ll also discuss what we need to do from a national perspective, and then dial down to Fishers and what we can do here to change the future for people in our community. We

OneZone is hosting the March Disability Awareness Breakfast: Finding Your Next Great Hire, at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel on March 2. Hartman will serve as emcee for the event, hosting a panel of community members discussing disability myths, available resources for businesses, how to create an inclusive work environment, and hiring employees with disabilities.

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Walker Photography

1 at Launch Fishers Huston Theater. Kelly Hartman, FACD co-chair, is the keynote speaker. Hartman is a Fishers resident, president and chief executive officer of Insights Consulting, Inc., and co-founder and board member of Outside the Box.

Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability Co-Chairs Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognize people with amazing skills in our community looking for jobs who are sometimes overlooked because they have intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities,” Hartman says. “There is a perception employers see hiring somebody with a disability as a charity case. We want to show that hiring people with disabilities does many great things for your work culture. Businesses should hire these people because they’re amazing employees and can be an amazing part of your team.”

The Fishers Arts Council is hosting the Second Friday Gallery Reception on March 10 at the Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation. Local comic book creator Jason Funk will be on hand to share his work.

“Jason is a local high school student on the autism spectrum,” says Cecilia Coble, FACD co-chair and Fishers city councilor at-large. “He has found his talent and has been going to different schools inspiring students to follow their dreams.”

Hartman says many people think Disability Awareness Month is only for people with disabilities, but really it’s for everyone in the community. She says these events bring awareness to issues residents might not know or understand.

“Fishers is a very forward-thinking community,” Hartman says. “If you don’t

know someone affected by a disability, you may not feel these events are for you. These events are a great way to empower those with disabilities and encourage others to become allies for those with disabilities.”

Allies can pick up an ally toolkit at the kickoff event March 1, or at Fishers City Services beginning March 2. The kit

includes a T-shirt, yard sign, stickers, and other items to highlight, educate and further the discussion on disability awareness.

For a complete list of events and more information, visit fishers.in.us/999/marchdisability-awareness.

Hit the Beach

GEIST WATERFRONT PARK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF PHASE ONE

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Amy Payne

It’s safe to say that after a long winter of cold, gray weather, most Fishers residents are ready for spring and all the outdoor activities it brings. The grand opening of Phase One of Geist Waterfront Park is slated for March 18, near the first day of spring on March 20. The 70acre waterfront property is located at 10811 Olio Road, near 111th Street and the east side of Olio Road.

Phase One includes a sand beach, a giant pirate playground, a sand and water toddler play structure, a kayak, a paddleboard and canoe launch area, trails, three small shelters, one large shelter, restrooms, and a concession stand for guests to purchase cool treats and drinks. Guests can rent non-motorized watercraft or bring their own.

“The beach is really impressive because it includes 800 feet of shoreline,” says Jake Reardon McSoley, director of recreation and wellness. “A lot of work has been put into making the beach a highquality amenity for the community. We also did quite a bit of work to the water.”

That work includes dredging, draining and damning the cove, bringing in 12,000 tons of fine, fresh sand, using it to build up the beach, and adding six large aerators, which will keep the water fresh

year-round.

Geist Waterfront Park is the only public access area to Geist Reservoir. While it’s a beautiful amenity to some Fishers residents, city officials realized the reservoir was not accessible for most residents in the city and surrounding communities.

“This quickly started the discussions of how and where we could make the reservoir an amenity for everyone to utilize and enjoy,” Reardon McSoley says. “In 2018 we were able to purchase the land, and here we are now in 2023, opening Phase One.”

He says Fishers is lucky to have Geist Reservoir on the east side and the White River on the west side of the community. He says Fishers has a large amount of aquatic access with Geist Waterfront Park, making access easier for residents and nonresidents. Admission is free for Fishers residents, and a fee structure for nonresidents will roll out later this spring.

“At some point later this spring there will be a smart pass, where Fishers residents can register and have a digital passport to the park,” Reardon McSoley says. “There will be a major communications campaign when that begins.”

Jake Reardon-McSoley, Paula Hardin and Marissa Deckert

The entryway to the park is considered a significant wow factor when guests arrive. Reardon McSoley says much of the masonry needs for Phase One were sourced directly from the site. He says those involved with the project were pleasantly surprised to find so many large, natural rocks and three freshwater springs in the area.

Beach season begins May 27 and runs through September 4, with the beach open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cove will be fully staffed with seven to eight American Red Cross-certified lifeguards during open hours. Reardon McSoley says the lifeguards will go through extensive open-water training before opening. The city has hired the first fulltime aquatics manager. Paula Hardin joined the team in February and previously served as the senior aquatic director for the Fishers YMCA.

Reardon McSoley says with each passing week, the excitement for the grand opening of Phase One continues to grow. He says the park has many items Fishers residents know and love in terms of amenities like play structures, but the most exciting and unique part of the park is the shoreline itself.

“We’re really excited to build upon the area for generations to come,” he says. “I think there is a perception that Geist Reservoir is only for the people who live on it or those who have a boat. We really want to change that perception and welcome everyone to enjoy and engage in the reservoir.”

There is no specific timeline for the opening of Phase Two and Phase Three, but Reardon McSoley says the project leaders have an anticipated completion date of 2040. Additional amenities will include more extensive trails, reservoir walking areas, a fishing pier, more natural playground areas and additions to the parking lot.

“We have been getting a lot of excitement from community members about Geist Waterfront Park,” Reardon McSoley says. “In fact, last November we held a sneak-peek event. Even though the weather was less than ideal, being 35 degrees with 30-mile-per-hour winds, we still had over 400 residents come out to have fun and explore the park.”

The park is an excellent way for everyone to get out and enjoy nature while taking in the beauty of Geist Reservoir during the upcoming spring and summer, this year and for years to come. For more information, go to playfishers.com/219/geist-waterfront-park.