Fishers Town Talk

TownTalk Fishers

O f f i c i a l n e w s l e t t e r f o r t h e To w n o f F i s h e r s , I n d i a n a

July 2011

In this issue:

• Newly Appointed Fire Chief • Grant for Fishers Fire Department • Annual Flavor of Fishers • I am Piano, Play Me! • New Season of Parkside Café • Geist Bridge Bash • Road Construction on 126th Street • Native Plant Landscaping Photo by Jennifer Driscoll

Produced by the Town of Fishers, Indiana, Communications Department, Town Talk is an official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana.

Additional copies are available at the Fishers Town Hall. For more information about the Town of Fishers, visit us on the Web at www.fishers.in.us.

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Fishers Town Council

Dear Fishers Residents, Welcome to the July issue of Town Talk!

It is our pleasure to congratulate and welcome new Fishers Fire Department Chief Steve Orusa. Steve has served as the Fishers Fire Department’s Deputy Fire Chief for over a year, and is very familiar to Fishers.

We have no doubt that, in his new role, Chief Orusa will continue to lead our Fire Department toward many more accomplishments. Congratulations!

The Fishers Fire Department was recently awarded a $5,100 grant from Fireman’s Fund, which purchased 75 Lifetone HL Bedside Fire alarm units.

The units “hear” a normal smoke alarm and activate a bed shaker and a low-frequency audible alert, as well as displaying “FIRE” in large text on the screen. The devices are relatively new and will serve the deaf community in Fishers. Turn to page 3 for more information on this great program.

Finally, we hope you are able to attend the Geist Bridge Bash on July 4th.

Although this fun, family-friendly event has taken place for many years, this is the first year it is co-sponsored by the Town of Fishers and we are excited to be a part of it. See page 7 for more information.

As always, we welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out to us by e-mailing administration@fishers.in.us

Scott A. Faultless, President Michael L. Colby, Vice President Stuart F. Easley Eileen N. Pritchard Daniel E. Henke David C. George Arthur J. Levine

Clerk/Treasurer Gaye Cordell, IAMC, CMC

Town Manager Scott A. Fadness

Deputy Town Manager Nathan George, ICMA-CM

Development Director Wesley G. Bucher, AICP

Engineering Director Jeff Heiking, PE, CFM

Public Works Director Eric Pethtel

Parks & Recreation Director Barry Russell

Police Chief George Kehl

Respectfully,

Fishers Town Council Scott A. Faultless, President Michael L. Colby, Vice President Stuart F. Easley Eileen N. Pritchard Daniel E. Henke David C. George Arthur J. Levine

Fire Chief Steve Orusa

Fleet Management Director Keith Condra

Human Resources Director Cici Hendrix, PHR, IPMA-CP

Town Talk Editor Maura Leon Barber Communications Director

Production Propeller Marketing 10100 Lantern Road, Suite 240 Fishers, IN 46037

Town of Fishers, Indiana

Jennifer Driscoll

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Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 www.fishers.in.us administration@fishers.in.us

Fishers Deputy Chief Appointed New Fire Chief Fishers Town Council officially appointed on May 31 Interim Chief Steven Orusa to the position of Fishers Fire Department Chief. Orusa has been Interim Chief since May 19th, following former Chief Lay’s resignation. He was Deputy Chief of the Fishers Fire Department for over a year, previously being Assistant Fire Chief of the City of Beach Park, IL. “We are delighted to officially and permanently appoint Steve Orusa as the new Fishers Fire Department Chief,” said Fishers Town Council President Scott Faultless. “Chief Orusa is a dedicated 25-year veteran firefighter and exemplary professional. His experience and dedication are an asset to this organization, and we look forward to the accomplishments of the fire department under his leadership.”

Chief Steve Orusa oversaw a full-time department of 117 members in the City of Waukegan, IL. He has held additional positions as Training Officer, Flight Medic, Dive Team Rescue Leader, Hazardous Materials Teach Member, Director of Fire Academy, and Terrorism Task Force Unifies Command Instructor.

As Deputy Chief of the Fishers Fire Department, Orusa led the creation of a post incident analysis program to improve safe and effective service delivery by examining past performance. He also created an incident management team; some of whose members will be serving on the team managing the Super Bowl in 2012.

Chief Orusa is a frequently invited speaker on public safety leadership and development techniques. He has provided analysis on public safety diving for USA Today, Fire Chief Magazine, Fire Engineering Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, and has also appeared on MSNBC, FoxNews and CNN to provide expert analysis on water rescue disaster response.

Fishers Fire Department Receives Grant to Expand Community Outreach Program

The most pressing fire safety issue for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is whether they will be alerted to danger in time to escape. Standard smoke detectors with audible alarms offer little or no warning to those who cannot hear.

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is donating $5,100 to the Fishers Fire Department to purchase 75 smoke alarms for deaf and hard of hearing residents in and around Fishers.

The Town of Fishers has a sizable deaf community due to its proximity to the world-renowned Indiana School for the Deaf, and the Fishers Fire Department wants to support those in their community with smoke alarms designed for the deaf and hard of hearing. When smoke is present, they provide three simultaneous alarms: an audible alarm much louder than the standard beep, a backlit display which flashes the word “FIRE” and a shaking device which vibrates the occupant’s bed and pillow.

“Fire safety for our residents is our top priority,” said Fire Chief Steve Orusa. “We are honored to receive this donation so we can extend our outreach program to the hard of hearing residents of our community.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,700 different organizations totaling more than $27 million.

For more information on Fishers Fire Department community programs, please visit www.fishers.in.us/fire Town Talk July 2011

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Saturday, July 30 from Noon to 10 p.m.

The Annual Flavor of Fishers Returns This Month

The 4th annual Flavor of Fishers is planned for Saturday, July 30, 2011! Scheduled from Noon-10 p.m., the event has proven to be one of the most exciting events in Fishers for people of all ages. An estimated attendance of 15,000+ residents and visitors will encompass the USA Parkway Circle off of Exit 5 behind Sallie Mae.

One of the goals of the Flavor of Fishers is to showcase the wonderful restaurants located in the greater Fishers and Indianapolis area. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the food and drink specialties of these local businesses at a reasonable price. Selections will include healthy items and kid friendly options. Over 20 different restaurants are expected to participate.

Visitors looking for action and entertainment will have the opportunity to listen and participate in entertainment for all ages. For the younger crowd or young at heart, the FREE Family Fun Zone will feature Silly Safari and animal expert Alligator Aaron offering an educational and fun animal adventure. Radio Disney and the Disney Crew will provide two hours of live entertainment including games and various contests. Local businesses will provide fun games and prizes for all children. The entertainment never stops and includes a magician, juggler and of course the bounce houses! This year the Flavor of Fishers will be host to a “Kids Against Hunger” pack-a-thon sponsored by Christ the Savior Lutheran Church.

When it’s time to take a break from sampling great food, the over 21 crowd can stop by the ’Beer and Wine Garden’ for a refreshing beverage, and visitors of all ages enjoy the sounds of local and nationally recognized bands, Dave and Rae, Blond Sonja and our headliner act, Toy Factory. Art enthusiasts will want to be sure to visit the talented ‘fine art’ artists located in the ‘Taste of Art’ area.

The Flavor of Fishers is presented by the Fishers Chamber of Commerce with support from local businesses and the Town of Fishers.

Photos by Brien Richmond, Focal Point Studios, Fishers Chamber of Commerce

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‘I am Piano, Play Me!’ Program Now Featured in Four Fishers Locations The Fishers Arts Council introduced last month a new social art project in which four pianos were placed in public places around the community for 30 days. The project, called “I am Piano, Play Me!” was inspired by a desire to introduce art in various forms to Fishers residents of all ages.

The four pianos, donated by the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy and Doug Dale, were decorated and placed at Billericay Park, the Historic Ambassador House, the Train Station and 116th Street and Lantern Road in mid June. The artwork for the pianos was created by local artist, Zachary Thomas, owner of The Discovery Studio. Several other professional artists and art students donated their time to help paint the pianos. This project is meant to engage the community through song or simply through conversation.

“Now residents and visitors of Fishers will have an opportunity to spontaneously play the piano in unexpected places,” said Art Levine, Fishers Town Council Member. “We hope this encourages them to play more.”

The “I am Piano, Play Me!” project helps to draw attention to an instrument and an art that in today’s busy society often gets forgotten. It also allows people of any skill level, from “chopsticks” to Chopin, to try their hand at the piano.

The Fishers Arts Council and the Fishers Parks and Recreation Department are excited about their latest venture and hope that Fishers residents get a chance to experience this project in some form or another before it concludes later this month.

The Fishers Arts Council encourages everyone to make their way to a piano while they are on display in one of the four locations and take a few minutes to enjoy the entertainment, or make some of their own.

For more information on this project or to volunteer with the Parks & Rec. Department visit www.fishers.in.us/parks

Know...

Did You

the Billericay Splash Pad’s hours of operation?

Fishers’ own fun splash pad is located in Billericay Park on 12690 Promise Rd. Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Labor Day Weekend.

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Parks & Recreation Launches a New Season of “Parkside Café”!

Whether you need some quality outdoor time or are planning a family outing or play date for the kids, a picnic is a fun and healthy treat!

To encourage picnicking, Fishers Parks & Recreation identified picnic areas in five of Fishers municipal parks: Brooks School Park, Cumberland Park, Fishers Heritage Park at White River, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve and Roy G. Holland Memorial Park. Some Parkside Café areas are close to a multi-use trail, perfect for an after-lunch walk.

Others are found along a greenway or nestled in a grove of trees where the sights and sounds of nature can soothe the soul. All are convenient to on-site parking.

To enhance your picnic experience, Fishers Parks & Recreation partnered with area restaurants which will honor Parkside Café coupons.

Coupons are available at www.fishers.in.us/parks Bring a coupon to: • Subway, 11640 Brooks School Road • Arby’s, 7454 E. 116th St. • Yats, 8352 E. 96th St • Moe’s Southwest Grill, 8235 E 116th St. from now until October 31, 2011 and receive 10% off a meal for your picnic!

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A brochure and more details on Parkside Café are available at www.fishers.in.us/parks

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July 4th Blast on the Bridge at Geist Now in Partnership with the Town of Fishers

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The Blast on the Bridge at Geist will be held this July 4th on the Fall Creek bridge in Fishers. Although this has been a longstanding event, this is the first year the Geist Lake Coalition and the Town of Fishers have partnered for this event.

“We are looking forward to the first year of an already great partnership between the Geist Lake Coalition and the Town of Fishers,” said Fishers Town Council member Stuart Easley. “We have no doubt the Blast on the Bridge at Geist will celebrate another year of success, this time in joint effort.”

The event will feature the yearly boat parade, food and beverage from a variety of vendors, kids’ entertainment, and fireworks at dark.

All donations will benefit the Geist Lake Coalition and the Geist/ Fall Creek Watershed Alliance. These groups support research & planning, water quality initiative leadership, lake safety and advocacy, among other initiatives. It operates under the volunteerism of area residents.

Authentic British Telephone Box Now at Billericay Park Celebrates Sister City Relationship with Billericay, Essex, UK

Thanks to Town of Fishers Public Works and Parks Department employees, this authentic phone box from England was recently restored and installed as public art in Billericay Park.

Billericay, a suburb of London, is Fishers’ sister city. The Sister Cities Association of Fishers obtained the phone box to further celebrate the sister cities relationship between Fishers and Billericay.

“The Blast on the Bridge at Geist is possible because of the support of many people,” said Geist Lake Coalition President, Brian Hall. “Every year we rely on many different sponsors, local business and homeowners to make this a successful event, and we certainly could not have continued our growth without partnership with the Town of Fishers.”

The Blast on the Bridge at Geist is a free event open to the public, and begins on July 4th at 6 p.m.

For more information on this and other town events, visit www.fishers.in.us Town Talk July 2011

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INDOT To Replace 126th Street Bridge Over I-69; Town of Fishers Will Rebuild 126th Street

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The Indiana Department of Transportation met last month with officials from the Town of Fishers, utility company representatives, road and bridge contractors and design engineers to coordinate plans for replacing the 126th Street bridge over Interstate 69 and reconstructing nearly a mile of 126th Street. Motorists can expect a bridge and street closure after the July 4th weekend for approximately 120 days. Later, lane closures will be instituted as needed on I-69 in both directions.

Promise Road and Hoosier Road will also be impacted by closures as INDOT builds the new 2-span bridge.

The Town of Fishers is responsible for reconstructing a .9 mile section of 126th Street and will have more information on www.fishers. in.us as the project progresses.

Berns Construction of Indianapolis is the project’s prime contractor.

The company was awarded the bridge reconstruction and road replacement contract in mid-May over three other contractors based on its low bid of $7,559,915. Schutt-Lookabill of Indianapolis is the subcontractor for bridge demolition and construction.

126th Street Phase II construction limits begin 700 feet west of Promise Road and end 450 feet east of Westmorland Drive. There will be two 12-foot concrete lanes in each direction with a center median. Most work is on the west side of I-69.

Plans for the 187-foot concrete bridge call for two 12-foot lanes in each direction, a 12-foot bike/pedestrian path on the north side and a 6-foot sidewalk on the south side. There will be a 120-day closure for demolishing the existing 126th Street bridge and constructing the new concrete structure. The contract completion date is November 15, 2011.

Planting Guide to Help You Spruce Up Your Garden

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Although spring is coming to an end, there’s still plenty of time for planting! In an effort to assist homeowners and businesses, the Town has compiled a comprehensive planting guide.

This guide includes information on shrubs, ornamental grasses and groundcovers. An important component to this guide are the details on height and spread, blooming period, flower and foliage colors and a few notes specific to each plant species.

There’s a section on approved street trees, one on trees for shading parking lots, trees under utility lines and even a section on tree planting basics.

To access the guide, go to: www.fishers.in.us. Click on the Development page and find the Preferred Planting Guide in the featured links.

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Happy Planting!

Maps, Maps and More Maps!

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The Town of Fishers is now offering several maps to provide residents up-to-the-minute information on the status of its services. During the winter ice storm, the town provided a map with shelter information and vital updates for residents. Following the snow events, the town made available a pothole map with known potholes that the town is in the process of fixing. Most recently, the town is providing a road closure map for residents to stay up-todate on road projects and any traffic restrictions.

“We hope that by offering a variety of online maps, residents are able to see what road improvements we are working on before being affected by them,” said Town Council Member David George. “We hope that this will alleviate any inconveniences and make for an easier traffic flow during the course of the road projects.”

In the event of an emergency, an interactive map is activated and posted on the homepage of the website to reflect any problem areas, and to identify shelters.

The Fishers GIS department updates them throughout the duration of the emergency, and residents are able to access it directly through the website, or through the Fishers iPhone application.

“During the March floods, the map was incredibly useful for residents to see which roads had been barricaded, and which parks had been closed,” added George. “We are happy local media promoted this tool and we will continue to provide innovative ways of communication to Fishers residents.”

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CALL 317-537-1040 WWW.BENFRANKLINPLUMBING.COM

For more information, please visit the GIS section of the www.fishers.in.us website, located under the government tab.

*A $49 value, with repair. Coupon must be presented at time of service.

Cannot be combined with other coupons or specials.

Cannot be used for timed service options. Coupon Never Expires! FTT2011 Plumbing License #CP10100018. HVAC License #0000801. Electric License #10425 ©Clockwork Home Services, Inc.

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Call 317-338-CARE or visit 3384HER.com for more information.

DAy

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4 Her

A F r e e E v e n t C e l e b r at i n g Wo m e n ’ s H e a lt h

Saturday, July 16 8:30am - 1:00pm St.Vincent Carmel Hospital 13500 N. Meridian Street

Join us for our free women’s health event and the grand opening of our new Monogram Maternity suites.

Participate in free health screenings.* Learn more about health issues that may affect you. Enjoy a fashion show brought to you by some of the merchants at Clay Terrace. Tour the brand-new maternity suites and get an early look at the beautiful space we’ve created for life’s most memorable moments. *Registration is required for cholesterol and stroke screenings. Call 317-338-CARE or visit 3384HER.com to register.

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Town Talk July 2011

Events

Calendar of Special Events

Summer Concert Series The free concerts are held on the grounds of Fishers Town Hall, Tuesday evenings in June and July from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. This year’s July line-up includes: July 5 Living Proof (Rhythm and Blues) sponsored by The Goddard Schools of Fishers July 12 New Shining Star (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute) sponsored

by Bose, McKinney & Evans, LLP July 19 Dave & Rae (Pop) sponsored by Primrose School at Gray Eagle

home and stroll the gardens. www.ambassadorhouse.org 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Mondays, July 5, July 18 Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 6, 13, 20, 27 Fishers Farmers Market Fishers Train Station 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. www.fisherschamber.com

Tuesday, July 12 PUD Committee Fishers Town Hall 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 12 Plan Commission Fishers Town Hall 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 12 Parks Advisory Committee Fishers Train Station 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monday, August 15 Citizens Fire Academy Fire Station 91 - Headquarters 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. www.fishers.in.us

July “I am Piano, Play Me!” Four pianos are placed outdoors for people of all ages to view and play! The pianos have been donated by Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy and Doug Dale and decorated by The Discovery Studio. Located at the Historic Ambassador House, Billericay Park, the train station and 116th Street & Lantern Road.

Saturday, July 30 The Flavor of Fishers See page 5 USA Parkway Circle 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.fisherschamber.com

Sunday, July 31 Friends of Heritage Gardens Lecture Series - How to Start Hostas from Seed Topics include streaked plants, plant traits and a question and answer session. Free to Friends of the Heritage Gardens, $5 for non-members. RSVP to ppowers_2000@yahoo.com 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 31 Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens Sunday Open House Fishers Heritage Park at White River Free guided tours. View the refurbishment of the historic

Meetings – Open to Public

Thursday, August 25 Friends of Heritage Gardens Lecture Series - Cooking with Herbs Gisela Reibel will showcase some of her favorite recipes using fresh herbs from her garden. Free to Friends of the Heritage Gardens members, $5 donations encouraged. RSVP to info@gardentravelers.com 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 28 Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens Sunday Open House Fishers Heritage Park at White River Free guided tours. View the refurbishment of the historic home and stroll the gardens. www.ambassadorhouse.org 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27 Town of Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals Fishers Town Hall 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 28 Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals Fishers Town Hall 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 28 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Fishers Town Hall 9 a.m.

Monday, August 1 Town Council Meeting Town Hall Auditorium 7 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9 PUD Committee Fishers Town Hall 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9 Plan Commission Fishers Town Hall 6:30 p.m.

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PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PA I D

Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 1170

Town of Fishers, Indiana Fishers Town Hall One Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317.595.3111 www.fishers.in.us

Town Talk is the official newsletter for the Town of Fishers, Indiana

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