Fishers Magazine March 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

6 THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS

8 NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH

Same As U

10 ALL IN FOR INCLUSION

Unified Sports Programming Continues to Transform Communities

12 HAPPY HOUSING

Village of Merici Offers New Lawrence-Based Condos

14 ALL ABOARD

Fishers Freight Gears up for Inaugural Season

18 FRESH CONCEPT

Scotchy Jamaican Grill Is Filling a Unique Local Dining Niche

KEEPING PACE

Test Your Limits at the Fishers Sprint Triathlon

BEST OF BRITAIN

Max & Tilly’s Brings

Traditional English Fare to Fishers

24 MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH 2025 Connected Through Language

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JOSH COULON

MELISSA GIBSON

ROBERT JONES

LARRY LANNAN

RENÉE LARR

NATALIE PLATT

ASHLEY WATTERS EMILY WHITCOMB

FRESH UNIQUE LOCAL

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THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS

Writer / Larry Lannan

Fishers is set to receive $7 million in sponsorship fees from IU Health. The contract spans 10 years, with the annual amount increasing each year. The first year pays the city $250,000 and the final year brings the city over $620,000. The deal allows IU Health sponsorship of the currently under construction Fishers Community Center, Nickel Plate Trail, Spark!Fishers festival, Fishers Farmers Market and the AgriPark.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has floated the idea of closing the 116th Street and Allisonville Road intersection this summer as a roundabout is constructed. During a late January Board of Works and Public Safety meeting, Fadness indicated the construction of that roundabout at 116th and Allisonville may not happen this year, as had been planned.

Following the meeting, the mayor told LarryInFishers state crews are likely to continue work on the Clear Path project, rebuilding the interchange at I-465 and I-69, well into next year. That state project has been blamed by city officials for the backups and increased traffic flow at the new 96th Street and Allisonville Road roundabout. Fadness says any closure of 116th and Allisonville, paired with the state construction at I-465 and I-69, would dump even more vehicles into the 96th Street and Allisonville Road roundabout.

Dr. Jerry McKibben has been conducting demographic studies for Hamilton

Southeastern Schools for a very long time. For most of that time, he would forecast the rate of student growth. His latest forecast was presented to the school board in January. It expects a slight downturn in the district’s student enrollment. The student count for the current 2024-2025 school year is 20,698. The 2029-2030 student number is forecasted at 20,425. McKibben’s last forecast was slightly off, with 428 fewer students than he had expected; that was off by less than one-half of 1%.

The Fishers City Council voted unanimously on a number of important items at January’s monthly meeting. First, the noise ordinance that has created such a stir in several public meetings was given final approval. It lowers the decibel level from 90 to 80 for an ordinance violation. The issue of loud music from some local venues is being studied by the Planning & Zoning staff.

Second, final approval was provided for Balmoral Village, a new residential community where the Balmoral golf course was once located, just off Allisonville Road.

Third, the council voted final approval for the annexation of an area southeast of the city, near Hancock County, close to the towns of Fortville and McCordsville. There are still some legal steps before this is final, including a remonstrance period. Once finalized, this will add a few thousand additional residents to the City of Fishers.

Fourth, members of the Fishers Board of Works and Public Safety, other than the mayor, will be paid for their service for the first time. Surrounding communities already pay members of such boards. The compensation will be no more than $4,000 a year. The board consists of the mayor and his two appointees.

The City of Fishers conducted a housing study in 2022. As part of the recommendations from that study, a rental registration program was proposed, along with a cap on the number of single-family home rentals per subdivision. Since that study was released, Fishers has been working on the technology to set up a rental registration system. The city is now poised to begin such a system and impose a 10% cap on the number of single-family rental homes in a given neighborhood. Current rental homes would be grandfathered in as “legacy” and subdivision homeowners associations would be free to impose a lower percentage of rental homes in their subdivisions.

Jordin Alexander, chief of staff to Mayor Scott Fadness, reviewed data with the council, saying there are 2,522 singlefamily rental homes in Fishers now, which encompasses 8% of all single-family homes in Fishers and 30% of all rental units in the city. Under the proposed ordinance, there would be registration and permitting requirements for property owners to convert a single-family home to a rental.

SAME AS U

Writer / Renée Larr

For many young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the transition out of high school can feel like stepping off a cliff. After years of structured learning, social opportunities and community support, they are suddenly left with limited options, often working just a few hours a week, with long stretches of unstructured time at home. The absence of meaningful engagement can lead to loneliness, isolation and even depression.

Founded by longtime friends and fellow parents Jennifer Sell and Sara MacGregor, Same As U, a human resources nonprofit, is providing meaningful programming in a unique setting. It’s a place where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can continue their education, develop life skills and build a strong community. The program offers a structured yet engaging curriculum that blends academics with practical, realworld applications, ensuring that students don’t just learn, but also thrive.

Sell and MacGregor’s journey started years ago when they met at a Down syndrome parent group. Their daughters, both born with Down syndrome, were the catalyst for a friendship that eventually led to an ambitious vision: creating a learningfocused program tailored to young adults who want more than just recreational activities.

“We visited several programs out of state and realized that what was missing in our community was an educational model,” MacGregor says. “Our students love learning, and we wanted to create a space where they could continue to grow academically and socially in a setting that felt like college.”

Unlike other programs, Same As U operates like a college for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The daily schedule includes five academic classes covering life skills. social skills, job training, current events and functional math. In addition to academics, students participate in music and art classes, and a modified CrossFit program called Uniquely Abled Fitness, ensuring they stay active and engaged.

The school day is designed to be both educational and fun. “Classes are only 30 minutes long, and we incorporate a dance break, a 20-minute walk and a social lunch,” MacGregor says. “We want students to enjoy their time here while continuing to develop essential skills.”

For Same As U students like Mia McIntosh, the transition to adulthood often feels different than it does for their neurotypical siblings. Many watch as their brothers and sisters head off to college while they are left with few structured opportunities.

“Same As U has been a fantastic continuation of academic education for Mia,” says Kelly McIntosh, Mia’s mother. “She has made new friends and enjoys music class the most.”

Public education has made great strides in inclusion and accessibility, with students actively participating in clubs, sports and education classes. However, those opportunities often vanish when students age out of the system at around age 22. Same As U fills this gap, offering young adults a sense of belonging, purpose and continued growth.

“When people enter the building, they see the words Learn, Grow, Belong, & Thrive,”

Sell says. “That sense of belonging is so important. Our students truly care about each other. They notice when someone isn’t there, they check in and they form genuine friendships.”

As a nonprofit, Same As U thrives on community support, and there are many ways to get involved. Volunteers can assist with lunch breaks, participate in the annual golf outing or even serve as guest speakers.

“We’ve had a race-car driver bring his car, a magician perform tricks and a dentist give a presentation,” says MacGregor. “Our students are eager to learn, and love when people share their talents and passions with them.”

As Same As U continues to grow, one thing remains constant; its mission is to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live the life they imagine.

For more information, visit sameasu.org.

ALL IN FOR INCLUSION

UNIFIED SPORTS PROGRAMMING CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

For nearly two decades, the Unified Champion Schools® program has been transforming school communities nationwide by promoting inclusivity through sports. Established by Special Olympics, Unified Champion Schools began as Project Unify before being rebranded. Now in its 17th year, the program has expanded to schools nationwide, fostering an environment where students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities can compete, learn and grow together.

Unified Champion Schools started with a simple yet powerful goal: to break down barriers between students with and without disabilities through athletics and leadership opportunities. The initiative gained momentum in Indiana 12 years ago

when Special Olympics Indiana (SOIN) partnered with the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) to create a structured and competitive platform for Unified Sports®.

This partnership led to the establishment of Champions Together, a statewide movement that integrates Unified Sports into Indiana schools. From the beginning, key figures such as former IHSAA

Commissioner Bobby Cox, former SOIN

CEO Mike Furnish, Champions Together’s first Director Lee Lonzo, and current SOIN

CEO Jeff Mohler played pivotal roles in shaping the program. Their vision was to create a model where Unified Sports would be both sanctioned and supported at various levels.

The structure of Unified Sports in Indiana includes both IHSAA-sanctioned sports and Special Olympics-sponsored sports across different seasons. Beyond these core sports, many schools have taken the initiative to introduce additional Unified activities, such as Unified Dance, Unified Cheer and Unified Music. Schools like Carmel and Fishers high schools have been pioneers in expanding these offerings, showing how Unified programs can be tailored to each community.

At Hamilton Southeastern schools, Unified Sports is available only at the high school level, though there is a desire to expand it. Patrick Schooley, a coach for Unified programming at Fishers High School, has been instrumental in growing the program.

While Fishers High School has seen great success with Unified Sports, bringing it to the middle and elementary levels has been challenging, mainly due to time constraints. Schooley says expansion remains a longterm goal, especially as more teachers and administrators recognize the value of inclusion.

Unified Sports isn’t just about competition; it’s about building lifelong connections and reshaping perceptions of ability. The program pairs students with intellectual disabilities, called Unified Athletes, with students without disabilities, called Unified Partners, fostering friendships that often continue beyond high school.

One of the most inspiring stories from Indiana’s program is that of Mitch Bonar, a Noblesville High School graduate who was a driving force behind Unified Sports in his school. When he was a sophomore he approached the school’s athletic director with a simple question; why can’t students with disabilities wear their school colors and compete like everyone else? That question sparked a movement.

Today Bonar has come full-circle. He now works as an aide supporting students with disabilities, just as he once had an aide assisting him. His story is evidence of the power of Unified Sports to create lasting change, not only in the lives of athletes, but

Writer / Renée Larr

Photographer / Josh Coulon for Southeastern Media Network

also in a school’s culture.

Similarly, Unified Partners often carry their experiences into adulthood. Elizabeth Price, a Carmel High School graduate, was a Unified Partner who later attended Elon University. Inspired by her time with Unified Sports, she started a Special Olympics program on her college campus, ensuring that inclusion remained a part of her life.

While high school Unified Sports is well-established, efforts are underway to expand middle and elementary school programming. At the middle school level, Unified programming includes Unified Track & Field, Unified Basketball, and Unified Esports and Robotics.

The elementary level focuses on “Game Day” events, which function similarly to traditional field days but emphasize inclusion. Additionally, Unified Robotics, a program in partnership with FIRST LEGO League, has gained momentum, allowing students with and without disabilities to work together on STEM-based challenges.

Significantly, Unified Champion Schools programs are free for schools to implement. SOIN secures federal grant funding to cover the cost of equipment, stipends and program expenses, eliminating financial barriers to participation.

The impact of Unified Sports extends far beyond the classroom and the playing field. One long-term goal among leaders is to see Unified Partners carry the values of inclusion into their future careers. Whether they become business owners, educators or community leaders, they are likely to hire, support and advocate for people with disabilities.

At its core, Unified Sports isn’t just about competition. It’s about changing mindsets and creating a more inclusive world. Thanks to the dedication of educators, students, and organizations like SOIN, Unified Champion Schools continues to grow, ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to be seen, valued and celebrated.

HAPPY HOUSING

Nestled along the beautiful, historic Fort Harrison military loop on the northeast side of Indianapolis in the Lawrence neighborhood, Village of Merici is working to provide more affordable housing options for adults with disabilities.

The Brunette Condominiums, which once housed two companies of infantrymen, are now 34 new, ADA-compliant condos. This development is Village of Merici’s third affordable-housing collaboration, including North End Apartments in Carmel and Merici Village in Lawrence.

Through financial and building partnerships, Village of Merici provides supportive housing options, encouraging independent, self-directed lives. Instead of affordable apartments with monthly rent and annual reporting documentation required by the state per occupant, The Brunette Condominiums offers a unique opportunity for affordable, permanent homeownership (with no annual paperwork). A person with a disability can now own their own home.

“Loneliness is the worst disability of all,” says Colleen Renie, executive director of Village of Merici. “Belonging and

VILLAGE OF MERICI OFFERS NEW LAWRENCE-BASED CONDOS

Writer / Natalie Platt

community is a human need. That’s why our apartments and condos are in neighborhoods that are walkable. Being within walking distance to restaurants, banks and entertainment not only provides a way to be part of the community, but great job opportunities for our residents.”

The Village of Merici housing model supports the sense of belonging that drives humans to connect with one another, and enjoy the friendships and relationships that are meaningful. Their model promotes the rights of individuals to live near their peers, and to experience joy and love to live their best lives. The model also allows for full freedom and choice in residential optionsand not just the options made available by state or federal agencies.

“Lawrence is a wonderful location,” Renie says. “There’s the new public library, the YMCA nearby, and many banks and restaurants for employment. While we don’t facilitate employment, we do provide services like homemaking, money management, and transportation into the community through Merici city rides, a volunteer-based transportation program for residents.”

Resident obligations include employment, rent/mortgage, monthly utilities, and phone and grocery expenses. There is a live-in manager at each complex with regular office hours and availability for after-hours emergencies. Although the specifics of duties vary slightly by location, the support managers serve in important resource roles for questions and needs, as many residents

have never lived on their own before. Each of the three locations of affordable housing has a live-in tenant support manager.

Village of Merici is now utilizing more technology than ever before, and perpetually seeks new, innovative ways to offer a support model and community integration that maximizes independence for the individuals they serve. They have intentionally incorporated individualized assistive technology, by supplying an Amazon Echo Show 10 in each affordable housing unit at both North End Apartments and The Brunette Condominiums. This is made possible by grants from Healthcare Initiatives, Inc. and the Etchepare Family Foundation.

Residents at each location now have a wealth of assistive options at their fingertips. Additionally, Village of Merici provides staff to help with individual assessment, personalization of each device, and training for utilization.

Once again, Village of Merici pushes the boundaries on traditional expectations of those with disabilities by creating an environment of true independence. Community integration is more than just a place; it is the ability to truly connect with others.

Merici apartments are in high demand with very low turnover. If you wish to have your name placed on the waiting list, please apply with the Indianapolis Housing Agency at indyhousing.org, or contact Village of Merici at colleenrenie@villageofmerici.org. Or, call 317-292-9408. Village of Merici is located at 5707 Lawton Loop East Drive in Indianapolis.

THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENINGS FROM THE CITY OF FISHERS

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

Fishers Community Center Memberships

Now On Sale

Fishers’ newest health and wellness destination opening in November 2025 will serve as a hub for health, wellness, and community with a dog park, indoor playground, walking track, aquatics center, and much more

Sign up for a Fishers Community Center membership now to become a Charter Member and receive special recognition, VIP access during the grand opening, and more. Learn more at FishersCommunityCenter.com.

Report a Pothole

Fishers Department of Public Works is hitting the streets to tackle sidewalks, street trees, and potholes Report potholes around Fishers so that our team can get them fixed to ensure safe roads In 2024 alone, this hardworking crew filled 4,286 potholes across Fishers Report potholes at FishersIN.gov/FishersConnect.

March Disability Awareness Month

Fishers Parks’ Summer Camp Registration

The annual celebration of National Disability Awareness Month returns to bring awareness of what life is like for those with physical and intellectual disabilities The month-long celebration, hosted by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and presented by Old National Bank, is themed Connected Through Language, and highlights the power of language in cultivating identity and connections through special events and initiatives around the city Learn more at FishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony

Friday, March 28 | 2:30 p m Fishers City Hall Theater (1 Municipal Dr ) | Free The City of Fishers, a proud Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration, honors veterans and their families who served during the Vietnam War period in a special public ceremony Details at FishersIN.gov/FishersHonors.

Registration for 2025 Fishers Parks Summer Camps is open for Fishers residents Fishers Parks offers camps for children ages 5+ to explore their interests, make friends, and shake their summer-break boredom Register for camps at FishersParks.com/SummerCamp.

Experience the Fishers Event Center

The new Fishers Event Center has taken center stage as the home of the Indy Fuel and Indy Ignite, and the host of world class entertainment Buy tickets for these events at FishersEventCenter.com.

Mar 6 | Crime Junkie Podcast Live: Life Rule #10 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. 27 | Forrest Frank: Child Of God Tour

Part 2

Mar 29 | Blake Shelton

Apr 4 | Fishers Freight Opening Night

June 17 | Rick Springfield: I Want My 80s Tour

July 26 | Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started

ALL ABOARD

FISHERS FREIGHT GEARS UP FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

Writer / Ashley Watters

Local sports fans will soon have a new reason to nurse a lost voice at the end of the weekend.

Fishers Freight indoor football is coming to Indianapolis’ north side. And if the rumors are true, it’s going to be epic.

Fishers Freight is the latest team to join the Indoor Football League (IFL) at the brand-new Fishers Event Center. The team will launch their inaugural season with an away game against the Northern Arizona Wranglers in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on March 29, followed by their first home game against the Tulsa Oilers on April 4. Team Owner Jim Hallett expressed his excitement

about offering another fun, affordable family experience in the Indianapolis area.

Leading Fishers Freight into their inaugural season is Head Coach Dixie Wooten. Joined by his son, Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Dixie Wooten III, Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Chuck Miller, and Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Back Coach Kiante Northington, Wooten is fully prepared to launch his first season as head coach for the Fishers Freight.

“Fishers Freight is going to be huge,” he says. “This is the league’s first time in Fishers and we’re expecting a warm welcome from

the community. We’ve got a new venue and we’ll be seeing teams from all over the nation play in our city.”

Wooten brings years of experience as a former player and coach within the league. He fell in love with the game as a player of nine years and put his expertise to work as the first head coach to lead the Iowa Barnstormers to a championship, following that up with a championship win for the Bay Area Panthers armed with only a two-yearold team.

Wooten chose 38 players to join the team after tryouts last year. He based his assessments on athletic prowess, but also the inclusive presence and positive character of those vying for the team. The new head coach targeted winning players that will also help build up the surrounding communities.

“My team needs to have qualities that show they can be a positive force in the community,” he says. “I always ask deeper questions. What do they do outside of football? How do they help make people around them better? I want to know they have experience in helping out with youth, seniors and others in the community. We want to further the sport with surrounding youth and instill a love of the game in our city.”

Joining the team are veteran players J.T. Stokes, wide receiver with an explosive presence and experienced mindset, Jeremy Cooper, offensive lineman from the University of Cincinnati, and LaQuinston Sharp, offensive lineman from Mississippi State, among others.

“We’re building a great team for Fishers,” says Wooten. “We’ve been very strategic and we’re bringing a strong offensive line.”

Wooten encourages people to come check out one or all of their eight home games this season, and he promises a day full of entertainment starting well before kickoff. Fans can expect tailgate-style events with food vendors, music, games and much more.

“Get there early,” he says. “We want to have

fun before the games kick off and get the excitement going before everyone heads inside.”

Fans can choose their favorite sponsored nights to maximize their fun, from breast cancer awareness to superhero nights. Autographs will also be available from players before and after the games. It’ll be a night packed with family fun.

“When you come to one, you’re going to want to come to every last one of them,” says Wooten.

Fans also have a chance to catch and keep a game-day football. All balls in the stands are fair game.

Wooten credits Jim and Sean Hallett, along with Larry McQueary, with the team’s creation, noting their contributions to the Fishers community and the addition of Fishers Freight to the IFL.

To learn more about Fishers Freight, go to fishersfreightfootball.com.

HSE Schools Expands Enrollment to Include

Out-of-District Students

Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) is excited to announce that for the first time in its history, families living outside the district’s boundaries will have the opportunity to apply for enrollment. This decision, approved by the Board of School Trustees last month, opens the door for more K-12 students to join one of Indiana’s topperforming districts.

Those interested in applying for out-of-district enrollment may complete the online application and submit all required documents by April 1, 2025, to be considered in Round One of admissions. Applications submitted between April 2 and June 30, 2025, will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the timestamp of the completed submission (and availability).

“This is an important moment for Hamilton Southeastern Schools,” said Superintendent Pat Mapes. “By welcoming students from outside our district, we are able to expand access to the high-quality educational opportunities that define HSE while strengthening our ability to serve the greater community.”

A recent study of enrollment data and future trends shows that HSE is no longer experiencing the rapid growth it once did. Factors such as the housing market, demographic shifts, and expanded educational choices have contributed to this shift. Currently, there are more than 600 open seats across our schools at different grade levels.

KEY POINTS TO KNOW:

Transfer students will only be placed in schools with available space. We remain committed to small class sizes and will close enrollment at schools that reach capacity.

Families of out-of-district transfer students must provide their own transportation.

Transfer students must reapply each year to ensure continued eligibility.

For more details on the enrollment process, including eligibility requirements and participating schools, please visit hseschools.org/ enrollment.

At Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Excellence

Starts Here – and now, more students than ever have the opportunity to be part of it.

FRESH CONCEPT

SCOTCHY JAMAICAN GRILL IS FILLING A UNIQUE LOCAL DINING NICHE

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Marlon Llewellyn was born and raised in Jamaica. His mother owned a restaurant there, and he recalls Christmas events that brought the entire community together to eat her food and receive the thousands of gifts she purchased for the local children.

“We would be outside all day, eating, fellowshipping as a community, and every single person left with a gift and a full belly,” Llewellyn said.

When Llewellyn’s mother passed away 10 years ago, he told his siblings he wanted to own a restaurant to honor his mother’s

legacy. Though he put the thought aside for a while, this year things changed.

He knew it was something he had to try.

“This past February I was at Heartland Church in Fishers and Pastor Darryn [Scheske] started a new series on John 15:5,” he said. “It says, ‘Whoever abides in me will bear much fruit.’ I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me and he said he’s not letting me leave without trying everything I need to try.”

He went home and the first thing that

popped up in his journal was his idea for a Jamaican restaurant. The next day at work, Llewellyn saw an ad for the Fishers Test Kitchen on his computer screen.

It was meant to be.

“I created a business plan and sent it in on Tuesday, and they called me on Thursday,” he said. “Since June we’ve been doing popups and every one of them has sold out.”

Scotchy Jamaican Grill is the latest offering at Fishers Test Kitchen, a culinary launch pad for entrepreneurs and unique dining ideas. The staff has walked Llewellyn through every step and he’s grateful for their guidance.

“We’re excited and I’m blessed and honored,” he said. “I’ve learned so much. There’s an amazing team here, and in six months I’m a better person, chef and business owner because of their support.”

The staff at Fishers Test Kitchen and the sold-out pop-ups throughout the year have made it clear that there’s an interest in a unique and delicious option not always found in the area.

For Llewellyn, it’s about great food, but even more so - great community.

“We’re making jerk chicken and jerk pork with authentic preparation,” he said. “It’s marinated and slow-cooked. For me, food is all about community. No matter what it is, it brings people together. Our theme is ‘Catch Ah Vibe’ and every Friday and Saturday we see some of the same people returning. They’ve caught the vibe and they love the amazing food, understanding the culture and learning more about it.”

Llewellyn said they hope to host Jamaicanthemed events in 2025, teaching others how to make Jamaican food in their own kitchen.

He and his son, Bryce (a co-owner), also hope to open 100 locations across the Midwest by 2030.

His faith keeps him going and Llewellyn knows his mom is watching too.

“This past week we did a large catering event and I made mom’s famous sweetand-sour meatballs,” he said. “Everyone said they were amazing and it was mom’s recipe, so it sounds like I did it right. If mom were here right now, she’d be saying, ‘It’s about time.’”

KEEPING PACE

Writer / Emily Whitcomb

Before COVID, an idea came about - what if Fishers hosted a triathlon? With many running events already in place, how could a crosssport event affect Fishers? These questions were placed on the back burner, but brought to life late in 2023 by the committee of Fishers Area Swimming Tigers (FAST).

As a U.S.A. Triathlon certified course, the Fishers Sprint Triathlon (FST) will bring in people from the surrounding area and have the benefit of being one of the earliest triathlons of the season in this area. It has been made possible by the City of Fishers, the FAST board, and Tuxedo Brothers Event Management.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who just wants to shake off the rust,” says Jim Ziino, FST committee member.

FST committee members include a triathlete,

Taking Weight Loss Shots?

a parent of a triathlete, and other athletes. The committee is made up of Liz Kallas, John Ruby, Noel Perkins and Ziino.

“We’ve created a good relationship with [the City of Fishers],” Ziino says. “We want to continue to foster that relationship with them, because we believe in the same ideals that the city has for a healthy living community.”

The FST will be hosted at Geist Waterfront Park on May 17. The swim event is 400 meters, the biking event is 12 miles, and the run will be a 5K. However, the triathlon is not the only option for athletes.

“This is how we’re trying to engage the community a little bit more,” Ziino says. “If you feel that you don’t, or you can’t, do the full triathlon that we are offering, you can build a relay team where one person may swim, one person may bike and one person may run.”

In addition, an aqua bike race (swimming followed by biking, with no running) and duathlon (running, biking, and running again, with no swimming) are both available. Athletes are able to select one race to participate in.

In addition to the City of Fishers, Ziino extends his thanks to the neighborhoods that will be affected by the triathlon.

Race packets will be available for pickup May 16 at Athletic Annex. On May 17, be prepared to arrive at or before 7:30 a.m. All events will begin at or shortly after 8 a.m.

For those interested in volunteering, and for more info on the race, visit fasttigers.com/ fisherssprinttriathlon. Ziino encourages everyone to come out and cheer on the athletes.

For those looking to run other races around the same time as the FST, keep in mind that Tuxedo Brothers is including the FST in its multi-race discount.

Follow FAST on Instagram @fasttigers for updates and announcements.

BEST OF BRITAIN

MAX & TILLY’S BRINGS TRADITIONAL ENGLISH FARE TO FISHERS

Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Robert Jones

Are you a foodie who loves savory comfort food with a casual atmosphere? If the tantalizing smell of British fare enlivens your taste buds, then there’s a local spot for you.

Max & Tilly’s is now open, and you won’t want to miss Owner Sharon Moore’s traditional English culinary experience in Fishers.

“We are an English fish-and-chips shop so we have the classics like fish and chips, but we’ll also offer a full lunch menu with sandwiches, soups and salads, and wine and beer for purchase,” Moore says. “All of the recipes are classic or reimagined favorites passed down in my family.”

Named for Moore’s children, Max and Tilly’s seats 40 for a laid-back dine-in experience, and visitors can also take advantage of the traditional takeaway experience, not unlike what you’d find on the streets of London.

“The fish and chips are traditional with the mushy peas, and we even wrap it in newspaper for takeaway orders,” Moore says. “All of our chips are hand cut and double fried. The fish is fresh Icelandic cod and everything’s made in-house. Dessert will be spotted dick, a steamed pudding, and we’ll also have scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves.”

Moore opened Tilly’s Tea Room in 2014 to serve traditional English teas and scones.

Although the tea room has been moved to different locations over the years, a recent closure has freed up space next to Max & Tilly’s, landing Tilly’s Tea Room next to Moore’s newly opened fish-and-chips shop.

“In a strange twist of fate, the bar next to Max & Tilly’s went out of business, and now Tilly’s Tea Room will open where it all began, back in the old location, on our 10th birthday,” says Moore.

Tilly’s Tea Room is targeting a February opening, which will give visitors a delightful choice of standard British favorites at Max & Tilly’s or afternoon tea specialties with traditional clotted cream right next door.

Tilly’s Tea Room will continue to offer bookings for special events, including baby and bridal showers, along with birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. But now, visitors will be able to purchase their favorites at either location, and the tea room will transition to a wine bar at night to give customers even more access to those English delights.

“It’s really nice to have both come together in our original location,” Moore says. “We’ve seen the return of lots of our regulars, but also so many new faces. There’s so much to try.”

To learn more about Max and Tilly’s, visit maxandtillys.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670

MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH 2025

CONNECTED THROUGH LANGUAGE

Join us throughout March to spread awareness of what life is like for those with physical and intellectual disabilities in our community.

2025 Event Lineup

KICKOFF: CONNECTED THROUGH LANGUAGE

Monday, March 3; 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Fishers City Hall Theater, 1 Municipal Drive; Free, no registration required Mayor Scott Fadness and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability invite the public to celebrate the month’s kickoff.

ONEZONE: DISABILITY AWARENESS BREAKFAST

Wednesday, March 5; 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Fishers City Hall Theater, 1 Municipal Drive Join OneZone for a small breakfast of coffee and pastries at Fishers City Hall to learn about Damar Services, Inc. and the impact of hiring an individual with a disability from Dr. Jim Dalton, the president and CEO.

FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL’S SECOND FRIDAY: MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS ART EXHIBITION

Friday, March 14; 6 - 9 p.m.

Fishers City Hall Theater, 1 Municipal Drive; Free, no registration required

Fishers Arts Council hosts an evening for all ages including live music and various kinds of artistic expressions on display in the gallery. All are welcome to this “Second Friday” celebration of artists with different abilities. Speakers from the Fishers Advisory Committee, Ignite Studio, and the Fishers Arts Council will make comments at 7 p.m., but guests are invited to visit in an open-house style. Light refreshments will be available.

HAMILTON COUNTY RESOURCE DISABILITY RESOURCE FAIR

March 26; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Carmel High School, 520 E. Main St. All families are welcome! No registration required. Contact Niki Ford by email with any questions.

FISHERS PARKS’ STORYWALK

Daily in March, Dawn to Dusk; Holland Park, 1 Park Drive

Enjoy an easy, family-friendly hike around Holland Park as you enjoy March’s featured book, “My Brain is Magic”, written by Prasha Sooful. No registration is required for this free event. Learn more at FishersParks.com/Storywalk.

HAMILTON EAST PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Join the Hamilton East Public Library for various workshops and programs, and learn more on their event calendar.

• Unbound by Limits: The Power of Movement in Art | All Ages | Saturday, March 8 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Hamilton East Public Library

• Neurodivergent Teen Hangout: Game Night | Teens | Sunday, March 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Ignite Studio Classroom, Hamilton East Public Library

• American Sign Language for Beginners Series | Adults | Monday, March 17, 24 & 31 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Hamilton East Public Library

• Preparing for Adulthood on the Spectrum | Adults | Tuesday, March 18 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Virtual

• Notes on Blindness: A Virtual Reality Experience | Adults | Thursday, March 27 | 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. | Hamilton East Public Library

For more information, visit fishersin.gov/ services-resources/resident-resources/ accessibility-accommodations/marchdisability-awareness-month.