Fishers Magazine January 2026

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION HEARTLAND CHURCH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN FISHERS AND AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY - ONE PERSON AT A TIME

JANUARY 2026

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THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS

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THE RISE OF DRY JANUARY Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION

Heartland Church celebrates 25 Years in Fishers and an Ongoing Commitment to Serving the Community - One Person at a Time

12 JANUARY 2026

LEGACY CELEBRATION

Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation Event Returns With Expanded Entertainment

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NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH The Stone Dry Company

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/ATFISHERS 4 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

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HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN SCHOOLS UPDATE

THIS IS FISHERS

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TOURISM SPOTLIGHT Hamilton County Tourism

PUBLISHER ALISON GATZ alison@townepost.com (317) 829-6670 KEY CONTRIBUTORS RALPH CIPRIANO ALISON GATZ LARRY LANNAN RENÉE LARR MADELINE NORRIS MARK ROBINSON

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THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS Writer / Larry Lannan

COMMUNITY CENTER TO ACCEPT SILVERSNEAKERS MEMBERSHIPS

CHICKEN N PICKLE PROJECT $23.6M IN SR 37 FUNDS CANCELED, CITY BUYING REDIRECTED TO LAND SITE FOR $1M PURCHASES

As the Fishers Community Center prepared for its official opening, one question kept surfacing among prospective users: Will it accept SilverSneakers memberships?

In economic development news, a highly anticipated project announced in 2023 will not be moving forward. Chicken N Pickle, a restaurant and recreation chain that had planned to build near the Fishers Event Center, failed to meet required development deadlines, according to Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner. As a result, the city is purchasing the parcel originally reserved for the project for about $1M.

SilverSneakers, a popular insurance-based program that provides free access to participating fitness facilities for eligible seniors, is one of several similar benefits offered through Medicare plans and large employer insurance programs. Fishers officials have now provided a definitive answer. Following action by the Board of Public Works and Safety, the Community Center has been authorized to accept SilverSneakers and comparable programs, allowing qualifying residents to receive free memberships.

FISHERS EVENT CENTER MARKS ONE YEAR OF MAJOR ACTS AND SPORTS TENANTS

Meanwhile, the Fishers Event Center recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, marking a fast-paced inaugural year since CITY LAUNCHES TRAFFIC opening on November 22, 2024. The STUDY, PLANS ROAD 7,500-seat venue has quickly become a IMPROVEMENTS NEAR regional entertainment destination, hosting national touring acts including Alabama, EVENT CENTER The city is taking new steps to address traffic Cirque du Soleil, comedians Jeff Foxworthy surrounding the Fishers Event Center. With and Leanne Morgan, country artists Megan Moroney and Blake Shelton, and a full year of traffic data now available, the Board of Public Works and Safety approved Nathaniel Rateliff. The arena also featured John Legend’s 20th anniversary tour and a comprehensive corridor analysis to study welcomed several sports tenants: the Indy how current and future development will Fuel of the ECHL, Indy Ignite of Major impact nearby roads. In a related move, League Volleyball, and the Fishers Freight the board also signed off on a professional services agreement for design work tied to a of the Indoor Football League. planned street-widening project in the same district. Construction on the widening is expected to begin in spring 2026.

6 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

The Fishers City Council also took action related to funding from the State Road 37 project. When the city issued debt for the final phase of improvements at 141st Street, the bond proceeds ultimately left a balance of $23.6M. Following a councilapproved transfer of funds on November 17, the leftover money will now be used to purchase land in Fishers. Many of the parcels will be located in the downtown Nickel Plate District and near the Fishers Event Center. The land will be managed by the Town Hall Building Corporation and the Redevelopment Commission.

STORMWATER FEES MOVING TO MONTHLY UTILITY BILL IN 2026 Finally, residential property owners will see a change in how they pay stormwater fees.

Currently billed annually at $79.92, the fee will shift to a monthly charge beginning in March 2026 and will be combined with the city’s existing residential utility bill for sewer and trash service. City Controller Lisa Bradford told council members that the stormwater fee will appear on the March bill—the same month scheduled increases to sewer and trash rates take effect. For example, the city’s trash collection contract with Republic Services will rise from $16.39 to $17.33 per month. The new monthly stormwater charge is expected to fall between $6 and $7 per household.

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INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION HEARTLAND CHURCH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN FISHERS AND AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY ONE PERSON AT A TIME Writer / Ralph Cipriano Photographer / Madeline Norris

Editor’s note: On Sunday, February 1, 2026, members of Heartland Church past and present will gather at the Fishers Event Center to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church’s founding. As part of this celebration, Heartland is launching a bold plan to invest significantly in the youth of the city by building a new recreation center. Everyone’s invited to attend.

In Sierra Leone, more than 40% of the population lacked access to clean water. As a result, one in five children were dying every year from waterborne diseases.

In this story, Ralph Cipriano, a former reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, who was a religious skeptic, recounts the history of Heartland.

“The rig made a terrible grinding, screeching sound,” Darryn says. “And then it went up in smoke.”

In the winter of 2008, Darryn Scheske, the pastor of Heartland Church in Fishers, traveled to West Africa, to witness first-hand the local water crisis.

8 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Pastor Darryn watched as a large drill rig was digging a new well, to supply fresh water to the remote village that he was visiting.

The rig was too old to repair. And a new drill rig was going to cost $150,000. So on the plane back to Indianapolis, Pastor Darryn wrestled with his conscience.

At the time, Heartland Church was experiencing growing pains, while running three packed-out Sunday services on the old showroom floor of a defunct computer store covered with folding chairs.

Fundraising was slow, however, because at the time the entire worldwide economy was in a severe downturn known as the Great Recession.

The pastor was trying to raise $300,000, but after six months, he only had $150,000. But that was exactly the amount that the people in Sierra Leone needed to buy a new welldrilling machine.

The pastor called a church meeting and asked his congregation what they wanted to do.

Clubs of Fishers and Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Rotary International Foundation and World Hope International, together have built more than 200 new wells, supplying clean, safe water to more than 500,000 people in West Africa.

Traveling around Indiana, on behalf of Rotary, to raise money for the water project, Pastor Darryn learned the meaning of a sign that once sat on the desk of former President Ronald Reagan – “There is no limit what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.”

He grew up in the Caribbean as the son of missionary parents.

I met Darryn in the mid-1990s, when I was a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and he was the assistant pastor of a church near my home in Bensalem, a Philadelphia suburb.

At the time, Darryn struck me, a religious skeptic, as an unconventional free spirit in the often-stuffy church world. Because he was raised in the islands, Darryn walked around during Pennsylvania winters wearing no tie, and no socks. He had a friendly, low-key, no-pressure style that Now that same sign sits on the pastor’s desk. allowed him to chat up perfect strangers.

So that’s how the congregation at Heartland It’s a gift from Lou Gerig, Reagan’s former Church decided to give away their entire assistant press secretary, who’s a member of I remember when we met, the two of us building fund to people in West Africa they the church. went to an Italian restaurant in Bensalem. didn’t know, who were more than 5,000 While I was checking out the menu, Darryn miles away.

This philosophy drives the church towards was making small talk with Raphael, a waiter partnerships of scale, instead of trying to from Italy.

A member of the congregation was so create their own ministries. Rather than impressed that he announced he would starting their own food bank, the church As I watched, Darryn quizzed Raphael match that donation. They were able to buy supports 43 existing food banks through about what turned him off about church two drill rigs. the Good Samaritan Network. The church and organized religion. Then, Darryn asked partners with local ministries such as a Raphael if he thought he was going to go to Then, Pastor Darryn and his church decided homeless outreach known as Food 4 Souls, heaven. to partner on the project with the local Gennesaret, a free medical clinic, the Rotary Club.

Neighborhood Legal Clinic, and Grit into By the time the antipasto was served, Grace, a ministry that rescues young women Raphael was on his knees in prayer with the Tom Branum Jr, the president of the local from the sex trade. pastor.

Rotary Club who subsequently became a member of Heartland Church, says the “Last year, through the generosity of our Pastor Darryn had a dream to plant a church water project changed his life. The project, members, we gave away $1.3M,” Pastor with a diverse congregation that “would look known as “Water is Life,” is still going Darryn says. like heaven.” But there was only one problem. strong. In the past 17 years, in a transatlantic partnership between the church, the Rotary It’s been a long journey for the pastor, who’s 55. “I didn’t know where it would be,” he said.

“For us it’s just a delay for a building project,” Pastor Darryn said to his congregation. “But for the people of Sierra Leone, the new drill rig was a matter of life and death. What if we gave this money to some people who just need to survive.”

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 9

In 2019, the church broke ground on its current location at the intersection of East 126th Street and Southeastern Parkway.

Today, after 25 years, the church holds four services every Sunday, drawing more than 5,000 people weekly, and thousands more online.

The first six months in Fishers, Darryn just went around meeting people. He knocked on doors and personally invited more than 1,000 people to attend a launch party for the church.

When the day came for the launch party, held in the community center of his apartment complex in Fishers, nobody showed up.

Darryn was crushed, and believed his dream had ended in failure. He spent three solitary days in his makeshift closet office.

“Growing up in the Caribbean, it never occurred to me to be in Indiana.”

But in the late 1990s, a multi-ethnic church planting movement called Converge asked him to consider moving to Fishers, because it was one of the fastest growing places in America.

When he finally emerged, Darryn felt like he had heard from God. And the message was: “Stop trying to start a church and just pastor people I put in front of you!”

He decided that day to put down roots and buy a home in Fishers. Darryn met a realtor, who introduced him to a mortgage broker, who introduced him to an insurance agent.

In the course of buying a new home, Darryn led all three new friends to faith. When he finally started Heartland Church in his living “No way,” was Darryn’s first reaction to planting a church in Indiana. But then he and room in February 2001, the realtor, the mortgage broker and the insurance agent, his wife, Loree, took a trip to Fishers. And both of them came back saying, “This is crazy, along with their children, were among the church’s original 17 founding members. but I think we’re supposed to come here.”

A church member volunteered to move the family’s belongings across the country. The trucker strapped all of the Scheske family’s earthly possessions on the bed of his flat-bed semi and threw a tarp over it. “I felt like we were the Beverly Hillbillies,” Darryn recalls.

And that’s how Darryn and Loree Scheske, and their three kids, ages 7, 4 and 1, moved from Pennsylvania to Indiana.

10 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

The church also runs a prayer service every Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. that attracts hundreds of people, mostly high school students.

“These kids are on fire,” Pastor Darryn says.

“They’re dragging their parents out of bed to take them to church to pray at 6:00 a.m.”

The Heartland Church congregation demographically is about 30% white, 30% biracial, and another 30% that’s black, plus 8% Latino, and 2% Asian.

“The thing that is unique to me is that we have a church that has somehow provided a gathering of every walk of life, ethnicity, politically, socioeconomically, denominationally,” says Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, who’s also a member at Heartland.

“It defies all the stereotypes of what people think of church. We have this unique diversity that people can’t explain. That’s what strikes people, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, rich, poor. It didn’t grow by being politically correct. It grew by relating to people where they are.”

If you’re coming to Heartland Church to have your political views validated, Pastor Darryn will tell you upfront to tune in to either MSNBC or FOX News.

Because as far as Pastor Darryn is concerned, the politics of the left and the right amount to “just noise.”

Darryn built his first 4-foot by 8-foot platform himself out of plywood. And he started what would become one of the largest “I found that Jesus offends the left and the daycare centers in the state. In the first year, right equally,” Pastor Darryn says. the new church baptized 86 people. The next year it was 200, then 300.

Rather than play politics, his mission remains simple: to point people toward Jesus.

The congregation eventually raised the $300,000 needed to renovate the former To learn more about Heartland Church, Elek-Tek computer store. visit Heartlandchurch.com.

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LEGACY CELEBRATION

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION EVENT RETURNS WITH EXPANDED ENTERTAINMENT Writer / Renée Larr

key opportunity to make an even greater impact. Last year’s event not only raised awareness of HSEF’s work but also expanded its audience.

“There were people in the audience who didn’t even know our foundation existed,” Hirnisey says. “That night gave us a platform to tell our story in a fun, memorable way.”

This year’s event, set for Feb. 20, promises to be even bigger. The 2026 Legacy Celebration will feature co-headliners Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler, bringing a nostalgic ’90s rock vibe to Fishers.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the concert starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at just $30 through Ticketmaster, making it an affordable night out. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit local schools, supporting educational programs and resources.

When the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation hosted its first-ever Legacy Event last year, Executive Director Justin Hirnisey wasn’t sure what to expect. The foundation boldly moved from hosting small-scale fundraising dinners for a few hundred guests to staging a large-scale entertainment event at the brand-new Fishers Event Center.

The debut show, headlined by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, drew a crowd of more than 4,000 attendees and proved to be a resounding success.

“We went from our largest fundraiser having 500 people to 4,000,” Hirnisey says. “It was amazing to see that many people laughing together and learning about the incredible things happening in our local schools.”

The idea for the Legacy Event emerged shortly after the city announced plans for the state-of-the-art Fishers Event Center.

Seeing an opportunity to unite the community’s enthusiasm for live entertainment with its mission to support local teachers and students, HSEF considered how best to maximize this new venue.

“If our city is building this amazing venue that’s going to host thousands of people, we wanted to ask how we, as a foundation, can maximize that opportunity,” he says.

The foundation, which funds classroom innovation grants, student scholarships and districtwide programs, recognized this event as a 12 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

The evening will feature a robust silent auction, showcasing nearly 300 items, including themed baskets donated by all 22 schools, as well as travel packages, Yeti coolers and restaurant experiences contributed by local businesses. The auction runs for a week leading up to the concert and remains open throughout the event, allowing supporters to bid from home or from their seats at the show.

Funds raised from the Legacy Event are reinvested directly in classrooms, supporting teacher grants, student scholarships and essential programs. In 2024–25, HSEF awarded more than $110,000 in teacher grants and a record $100,000 in student scholarships, fueling innovation and achievement for the district’s 21,000 students. The foundation also funds vital initiatives addressing mental health and food insecurity, meeting growing needs in local schools.

Hirnisey says the team’s goal this year is simple: sell every seat.

“Every ticket we sell ultimately puts dollars back in the classroom, whether that’s through a grant, a scholarship or a districtwide initiative,” he says. “It’s hard not to make that our goal because it really does help us meet the growing needs of education in our community.”

As HSEF approaches its 25th anniversary, the Legacy Event has become a symbol of community pride and collective support for public education. Hirnisey says the foundation aims to make the event a February tradition and something the community eagerly anticipates each year.

“We want people to look forward to it — an evening where the whole community comes together to celebrate our schools, our teachers and our students,” he says. “Whether it’s comedy, rock music or whatever we bring next year, the heart of it will always be the same. We’re celebrating education.”

The night also includes special moments that connect attendees directly to the foundation’s mission. Between performances, videos and brief testimonials showcase local teachers and students who have benefited from HSEF’s support.

“We want people to see the real faces and stories behind the dollars raised,” Hirnisey says. “It’s about showing the impact that their ticket purchase truly makes.”

From laughter to live music, the Legacy Event is quickly evolving into more than just a fundraiser. It actively unites the community in celebration with a purpose.

“When you buy that ticket, you don’t just hear two iconic bands,” Hirnisey says. “You help us strengthen our schools, our teachers and our community.”

For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, visit hsefoundation.org.

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NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH

THE STONE DRY COMPANY Writer / Renée Larr

When Stephanie Nashert and her husband looked back on their early years, times marked by partying that stretched from adolescence into adulthood, they realized something needed to change. Sobriety was the answer, but what followed exposed a major gap in their community. There were few, if any, places for people in recovery to socialize, celebrate or simply exist without temptation.

“We joke that The Stone Dry Company is a result of our boredom,” Nashert says. “In the beginning, we kept thinking, ‘What are you going to do when you’re sober? Where do you go?’ We wanted a fun, normal environment without the pressure or presence of alcohol.”

What began as a small sober New Year’s Eve gathering among friends in 2019 has since grown into The Stone Dry Company, a thriving nonprofit whose mission is to prove sobriety is awesome. Officially granted 501(c)(3) status in 2021, the organization now serves hundreds of people weekly through a blend of sober social events and comprehensive recovery programming.

for people who have had to set boundaries with family or friends,” Nashert says. “We want to provide community and fellowship on days that can feel especially lonely.”

With locations in both Anderson and Castleton, Stone Dry’s spaces are intentionally warm and cozy — more like entering a friend’s living room than walking into a traditional recovery center. Guests grab coffee, soda or popcorn from a welcoming bar before programming or events begin, helping ease the nerves that many newcomers carry.

While the parties might be what first attracts newcomers, Stone Dry also offers a robust slate of recovery services.

Weekly large-group meetings, mental health groups, liferecovery sessions, Bible studies and one-on-one coaching help individuals move beyond addiction and into sustained wellness.

The organization’s faith-based approach is significant but inclusive.

“A lot of existing faith-based recovery meetings are located in churches,” Nashert says. “We wanted to create a space for people who aren’t comfortable walking into a church but still want to explore a God-centered recovery path.”

Stone Dry focuses on creating exciting alcohol-free alternatives to some of the calendar’s biggest celebration days.

New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, March Today, The Stone Dry Company reaches more than 500 Madness and Fourth of July are among their signature events. people each week through its meetings, young adult They also host summer gatherings, live music nights and a gatherings and social events. very popular Oktoberfest.

Nashert often hears the same fear from those contemplating But perhaps most meaningful are the holidays Stone Dry their first visit: “Everyone will stare at me like I’m a mess.” But chooses to remain open when many others do not. that melts away the moment they arrive.

“Thanksgiving and Christmas Day can be really difficult

14 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

“The biggest challenge is simply taking the first step inside,”

she says. “Once people see how many others are walking the same path, they realize they’re not alone.”

Stone Dry aims to create not just meetings, but a movement — a movement that shows teens and adults alike there is a better, healthier way to cope, connect and experience joy.

Nashert says the next five to 10 years will focus heavily on youth engagement and expanding to additional locations.

As a nonprofit, Stone Dry relies on community support through donations, event space rentals and memberships to its co-working program, another creative way the organization sustains its mission.

Whether someone is seeking a sober community, a recovery pathway or simply a cool, substance-free venue for a gathering, Stone Dry welcomes all.

Learn more or get in touch at stonedry.org.

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THE RISE OF DRY JANUARY

RETHINKING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL Writer / Alison Gatz

As the confetti settles and New Year’s resolutions take shape, an increasing number of Fishers residents are joining a global movement that’s changing how we think about alcohol. Dry January, the practice of abstaining from alcohol for the first month of the year, has evolved from a niche challenge into a mainstream wellness trend that’s reshaping our cultural conversation around drinking.

WHAT IS DRY JANUARY? Dry January began in 2013 as a public health campaign by Alcohol Change UK, encouraging people to start the new year alcohol-free. The concept is straightforward: commit to not drinking any alcohol for the entire month of January. What started as a simple reset after holiday indulgence has grown into something much more significant — a catalyst for examining our drinking habits and discovering what life feels like without alcohol.

THE BENEFIT BEYOND THE BUZZ Participants consistently report remarkable benefits. Better sleep quality tops the list, as alcohol disrupts sleep cycles even in moderate amounts. Many people experience improved energy levels, clearer skin, better concentration, and noticeable savings in their budget. Weight loss is common, too, since alcoholic beverages can add hundreds of empty calories to our weekly intake.

Perhaps most importantly, Dry January offers mental clarity. Without the social lubricant of alcohol, many participants discover they can enjoy gatherings, manage 16 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

stress, and navigate difficult emotions using healthier coping mechanisms. This monthlong experiment often leads to lasting changes, with research showing that many participants drink less even six months later.

enhances their lives or simply reflects societal expectations.

This shift is particularly visible in Fishers, where mocktail menus are expanding at local restaurants and alcohol-free social events are drawing crowds. The stigma A CULTURAL SHIFT IN traditionally associated with not drinking is PROGRESS fading, replaced by respect for individuals The momentum behind Dry January reflects making intentional health choices. a broader transformation in how Americans, especially younger generations, view REWRITING THE NARRATIVE alcohol. The “sober curious” movement For decades, alcohol has been positioned as is gaining ground, with more people essential to celebration, relaxation and social questioning whether drinking genuinely

DRY JANUARY eBOOK

connection. We toast with champagne, unwind with wine and bond over beers. But a growing number of people are proving these associations aren’t inevitable — they’re learned behaviors we can unlearn.

Choosing not to drink doesn’t mean opting out of life’s pleasures. It means experiencing them more fully, with greater presence and without the next-day consequences. It means defining fun and relaxation on your own terms rather than accepting cultural defaults.

GETTING STARTED If you’re considering Dry January, start by telling friends and family about your commitment — social support matters.

Stock up on appealing non-alcoholic alternatives, from sparkling water to sophisticated alcohol-free spirits. Plan activities that don’t center around drinking, and be patient with yourself as you navigate social situations differently.

Whether Dry January becomes a permanent lifestyle change or simply a reset button, it offers something valuable: the opportunity to make conscious choices about alcohol rather than drinking out of habit. In a culture where drinking is often the default, choosing to abstain — even temporarily — is a powerful act of self-awareness and self-care.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 17

Alexandra’s Story

BAD GRADES AND DISCOURAGING PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES “Before LearningRx, our daughter Alexandra, then age 7, was really struggling. No matter how much extra help she got from school and tutors, she still couldn’t read and her grades were still low. The parent teacher conferences were becoming a chore and we found ourselves concerned for Alex’s future. Worst of all, Alexandra was losing her confidence and even began saying she felt ‘stupid.’ As parents, it broke our hearts to watch her feel defeated so young.

Then we found LearningRx—and everything changed. Alexandra went from a struggling student to a confident, capable reader who

now performs at grade level. Her report cards were filled with good grades, and the spark of confidence in her eyes has returned.

Alexandra is now 19 and a college student at Purdue, a dream that was made possible by the life long change in her brain made through brain training at LearningRx. She’s proud of herself, and we’re so proud of her too. LearningRx didn’t just improve her reading and learning—it gave her back her confidence and changed her future. It truly changed her life.”

—Alexandra’s Parents

FROM HEATHER, DIRECTOR OF LEARNINGRX:

“What makes LearningRx so powerful is that we don’t just tutor—we train the brain. Our customized one-on-one brain training strengthens the core cognitive skills that make learning possible. This means better reading ability, stronger retention of information, and greater overall learning capacity. We also see amazing improvements in attention and focus skills—without the need for medication. When the brain is stronger, everything in school and life gets easier. Everything in life just gets better!”

You’re not alone. Many bright students struggle, not because they aren’t trying, but because traditional teaching and tutoring don’t strengthen the brain skills needed to learn.

Still dreading report cards and parent-teacher conferences— even after tutoring and extra help from school?

That’s where LearningRx comes in.

• One-on-one brain training targets the root cause of learning struggles.

• We strengthen memory, attention, processing speed, logic & reasoning, and reading skills.

• Students don’t just “get by”—they gain the confidence and skills to thrive.

• The result? Report cards that finally reflect their true potential—better grades, stronger reading, and a confident learner who enjoys school again.

• If teaching and tutoring haven’t worked, it’s time to try something different. LearningRx doesn’t just teach—it changes the brain.

Call or Scan the QR Code

Schedule a cognitive skills assessment and see how we can change your child’s future.

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FIRED UP NEW INDY IGNITE HEAD COACH LAUREN BERTOLACCI READY FOR 2026 SEASON Writer / Mark Robinson

of the MLV ladder. The journey begins now, with the 2026 season opening Jan. 10 on the road at Dallas.

Indy opens its home schedule Jan. 24 against Omaha, the first of 14 matches slated for Fishers Event Center, the sparkling arena filled with energy and loyal Ignite fans urging their team on to victory each time out.

The Indy Ignite came tantalizingly close to achieving the unthinkable in the inaugural season for the women’s professional volleyball franchise, advancing to the championship match of the 2025 Major League Volleyball playoffs before bowing out. It was a heralded accomplishment for the league’s new kid on the block.

That, however, was last season, and the Ignite’s sights are now laser-focused on how to take that next step to the top 20 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Much of the core roster that led the Ignite to the MLV championship match last May has returned, including All-MLV First Team pick and opposite hitter Azhani Tealer, 2025 rookie standouts Lydia Martyn (middle blocker), Elena Scott (libero) and Anna DeBeer (outside hitter), and outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh, who was well on her way to becoming an all-league selection before an ankle injury cut short her season.

There’s also new fire burning within the Ignite, and it starts at the top. Indy named Lauren Bertolacci, a longtime successful pro coach in Europe, as the team’s new head coach in July.

Bertolacci’s philosophy has been simple from the outset.

“Getting to the championship final was a huge achievement, and of course we want to take that next step,” Bertolacci says. “For me, the way forward is clear. We’re going to play bold, aggressive and fast. We want to put pressure on teams, score points and play with a big personality and character.

“It’s very interesting for spectators

when we’re enjoying ourselves, being the aggressors and pushing the pace and style of the game,” the Australian native adds. “Most importantly, you score more points that way. You win games when you score more points, you let your mind be free, and you can really get in there and just play. I want to build an ‘Ignite way’ of volleyball — a clear identity that we can lean on every time we step on the court. If we stay true to that style, good things will happen.”

hitters Taylor Landfair (6-5) and Emoni Bush (6-3). In the second round, Indy landed libero Emma Halter, who starred at Indianapolis Roncalli High School before playing at the University of Texas.

To that end, Bertolacci and the Ignite staff have bolstered the returning talent by adding more size and skill to the roster through free-agent signings last summer and the college draft in November. The team has been working hard in training camp, which began in December, to achieve that identity and be ready to go when the first serve is launched on the 2026 season.

That last aspect — high character — is what Bertolacci and the Ignite emphasize most as the franchise moves on from an immensely successful first season to build for the long term.

The added size to the roster can’t go unnoticed. Of the free agents, middle blocker Alexandra Botezat stands 6-foot-6, opposite hitter Camryn Hannah 6-2 and outside hitter Kayla Lund 6-0. In the MLV draft, the Ignite used their first-round selection to take 6-6 middle blocker Cara Cresse, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, native who was teammates with Ignite returnees Scott and DeBeer at the University of Louisville. With a pair of fourth-round picks, Indy chose outside

“The draft could not have gone any better for us,” Bertolacci says. “We were able to get all the players we wanted, and we are sure they will add value both on the court and off the court, as they are all high-character human beings.”

“For me, it’s always about having an impact.

It’s what I crave,” she says. “This league is new, it’s growing, and it was made clear that our foundation is great but that I’d have the chance to lead the volleyball side of things.

That’s what I want: to put my stamp on it, combine my vision with what Ignite already stands for and help push the league forward.

I’m not someone who is overly excitable, but honestly, I’m really excited about this.”

Ignite season tickets, single-match or group tickets, and information on premium or suite space are available now at IndyIgnitevb.com.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 21

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TownePost.com | January 2026 | 23

AWAKENING AGAIN

AMG RETREATS INSPIRE TRAVEL, WELLNESS & ADVENTURE FOR WOMEN Writer / Renée Larr

“These trips are not about working through your internal issues or doing deep therapy work,” she says. “They are an avenue for women to get outside the rat race, meet new friends, explore someplace new and step a little outside their comfort zone.”

Each destination includes an element of adventure, such as hiking, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking or other experiences women may not encounter in their daily lives. The Winter Reset Retreat, for example, takes participants to Colorado for snow-filled fun that Midwesterners rarely embrace back home.

“People in Colorado love the snow. They go out and play in it,” Gatz says. “I want women to experience that freedom again, to let themselves be like kids.”

The wellness component is intentionally approachable, offering yoga, meditation and access to retreat centers with modalities such as saunas, cold plunges, red-light therapy and IV infusions. These elements give women a taste of new practices without pressure or expectation.

For years, Alison Gatz was accustomed to traveling with her family for sports trips, spring breaks, fall breaks and everything in between. But when her oldest daughter moved overseas for veterinary school, Gatz found herself navigating international travel alone for the first time.

For Gatz, who recently became an empty nester herself, AMG Retreats speak directly to a need she sees among midlife women — a desire for friendship, identity and connection beyond motherhood and career titles.

“For 26 years, most of my focus was being mom,” she says. “Now that my daughters don’t need me as much, I’m asking myself: ‘What do I want to explore? What are my passions?’ Many women are “I was renting cars in foreign countries, driving on the left-hand side asking those same questions.” of the road, exploring unknown places, all by myself,” she says. “It was intimidating at first, but it was so empowering. I felt alive again.” Friendships also shift during this stage. With kids grown and schedules changing, many women find themselves increasingly isolated. AMG Retreats create intentional spaces for new bonds That unexpected sense of aliveness lit a spark. If solo travel could to form — small groups of 15 to 20 women who will, as Gatz says, shift something so profoundly in her, how many other women “walk away feeling like they just gained a bunch of new best friends.” might be craving the same kind of awakening? The answer became AMG Retreats, a new travel-focused experience designed One of the cornerstone ideas behind AMG Retreats is removing specifically for women entering a fresh season of life — empty the fear and logistics of solo travel while still giving women the nesters, career shifters, newly single women or anyone seeking independence of going on a trip for themselves. renewed connection, confidence and joy.

What began as a hesitant journey quickly became transformative.

Gatz says she uses the word “retreat” loosely. Unlike traditional wellness weekends filled with workshops and worksheets, AMG Retreats focus on three simple pillars: travel, adventure and wellness.

24 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

“You’re not carrying everyone else’s passports, you’re not managing anyone else’s luggage. You just get in the car, go to the airport, and it’s all for you,” she says. “That alone is exhilarating.”

While the retreats offer the community of a women’s group, participants reap the empowerment of traveling independently, something many have never done.

Ultimately, Gatz hopes women walk away feeling rejuvenated, brave and reconnected with a part of themselves they may have lost along the way.

“These retreats are for women who feel burnt out, stuck or like they’ve lost their spark,” she adds. “I want them to feel alive again.”

With plans to eventually host three to four retreats each year, AMG Retreats is poised to become a beloved escape — one that blends adventure, wellness and sisterhood into something deeply meaningful for women stepping boldly into their next chapter.

For more information or to sign up for the Winter Reset Retreat, visit amgretreats.com.

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TownePost.com | January 2026 | 25

JANUARY 2026

THIS IS FISHERS HAPPENINGS FROM THE CITY OF FISHERS

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS 2026 Fishers Utilities Update

Starting in 2026, Fishers will combine sewer/trash and stormwater accounts into one monthly utility bill. The annual stormwater fee will now be billed monthly to simplify payments. Customers will see the change on their February 2026 bill. Please pay any remaining 2025 stormwater balance by January 15, 2026 to avoid late fees and unexpected withdrawals once accounts merge.

Learn more at FishersIN.gov/Utilities.

Explore Fishers White River Park

Fishers’ newest west-side amenity is officially open! The 120-acre park offers riverfront views, new trail connections, and access to Heritage Park and the Bur Oak Bridge linking to Carmel’s Hazel Dell Landing Park. Visitors can enjoy trails, scenic overlooks, native plantings, and more daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at FishersParks.com/FWRP.

Fishers Community Center: New Year, New You, New Us!

A new year means new possibilities, and the Fishers Community Center, Strengthened by IU Health, offers a membership beyond fitness to support your growth and goals. Enjoy group exercise classes; discounts on aquatics, camps, and fitness programs; free access to clubs and community events; and more. Become a member at FishersCommunityCenter.com.

LAST CHANCE: Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants

HOA’s and neighborhood groups can apply by January 23 for up to $25,000 in matching funds (80/20) for projects that enhance neighborhood beauty, sustainability, and livability. New this year, preference goes to applicants with a completed reserve study and HOAs that haven’t received funding in 2023–2025. Grant funds may also be used to complete a reserve study. Learn more at FishersIN.gov/Grants.

2026 Inclusion & Accessibility Awards

Nominations are due February 9 for the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability’s 2026 Inclusion & Accessibility Awards, which will be announced during the Disability Awareness Celebration in March.Submit your nomination at FishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.

Fishers Snow Fight: Winter Weather

With winter weather here, Fishers DPW reminds you to move parked cars and basketball goals off streets, clear snow from fire hydrants, and keep storm drains free of debris before a storm. During snow events, please give plows plenty of room to work. Learn more at FishersIN.gov/Snow.

3 Municipal Drive, Fishers IN 46038 (317) 595-3111 | FishersIN.gov 26 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Fishers Indiana Government

@FishersIN

@FishersIN

City of Fishers

City of Fishers

THIS IS FISHERS UPCOMING EVENTS Geist Half Marathon Early Bird Registration

Registration for the 2026 Geist Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K opens December 31! This family-friendly community tradition returns on Saturday, September 12. All participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal.

Register during the New Year’s special on December 30 for the lowest price at GeistHalf.com.

FHD’s New Aging Well Series

The Fishers Health Department’s Aging Well series offers free, in-person educational sessionsto help older adults and those who care for them live healthy, active, and connected lives. From brain health to fall prevention and cybersecurity, sessions feature practical information, expert presenters, and local partnerships to support lifelong wellness. Register at Health.FishersIN.gov/AgingWell.

Free Christmas Tree Recycling

Friday, December 26 – Sunday, February 1 | Brooks School Park, Cumberland Park & Holland Park Residents can drop off bare, live trees at three park locations around the city. Learn more at FishersIN.gov/Recycle.

EXTRA HOLIDAY RECYCLING? Have leftover holiday boxes or hard-torecycle items? Fishers residents can use the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center (1717 Pleasant St., Noblesville) to recycle cardboard, electronics, chemicals, paint, and more.

Details at FishersIN.gov/Recycling.

MLK Day Community Food Drive

Monday, January 19 | 10 AM- 2 PM | Fishers Kroger locations With local food pantries experiencing an increase in demand and a decrease in supply after the holidays, the City of Fishers will host a community-wide food drive as part of the National Day of Service on MLK Day. Find volunteer opportunties, donation needs and more at FishersIN.gov/MLK.

Find Winter Creativity at Fishers Art Center

Try your hand at pour painting, take a turn on the pottery wheel, and learn to knit a winter headband at the Fishers Art Center, located in the Fishers Municipal Complex (1 Municipal Dr.). New three-day workshops, multi-week classes, summer camps, and Make It Take It workshops are open for registration at FishersArtCenter.org.

Fishers Summer Camp Registration

Registration for 2026 Fishers Summer Camps opens January 19 for Fishers residents and Community Center members, and January 26 for nonresidents and nonmembers. Camps are available for ages 3 and up, offering fun opportunities to explore, play, and make new friends.

Fishers Summer Camps are now managed by the Fishers Community Center. Learn more at FishersCommunityCenter.com/Camps.

CONNECT WITH US

Stay up to date on the latest news from the Mayor’s Office, Fishers Parks, Police and Fire Departments, Fishers Health Department, and more. Sign up at FishersIN.gov/Subscribe.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 27

TIMELESS RETREAT

PRESERVING HISTORY AT THE STORY INN Writer / Renée Larr

Just beyond the rolling hills of Brown County lies one of the Midwest’s most charming hidden getaways: the Story Inn. Located about 20 minutes from Nashville, the property is a fully preserved National Historic District, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back into the 19th century. It’s rustic, romantic and proudly “one inconvenient location since 1851,” a slogan as quirky and beloved as the inn itself.

28 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Today, the Story Inn is led by proprietor Richard Hofstetter, who carries forward a legacy begun by his father, a lawyer with an unexpected passion for historic preservation. In the late 1990s, Hofstetter’s father purchased the entire town of Story at a sheriff ’s sale, an impulsive moment that shaped the destination guests know today. He went on to secure its placement on the National Register of Historic Places and fought significant legal battles to bring utilities to the property. When he passed away, Richard took the reins.

family names to each building. Many of the cottages now bear the surnames of the earliest residents, a meaningful gesture that has helped reconnect present-day descendants with their heritage.

“Some people have deeper roots here than I do,” Hofstetter says. “I don’t want to violate someone else’s family history.”

Beyond history, what makes the Story Inn truly remarkable is its rare structure: The business owns the entire unincorporated town. That creates an unusual cohesion between departments. Culinary staff help Rather than feeling confined by his father’s with winter maintenance, the maintenance legacy, Hofstetter views his role simply. team assists with dishes, and employees float seamlessly between roles. This “I’m a custodian,” he says. “I’ll take care of the place until somebody else wants it back.” symbiotic model allows the inn and its His commitment to preservation is evident award-winning restaurant to operate sustainably, even in a challenging rural everywhere, from the restoration of historic cottages to the return of original location.

Guests come for many reasons, from quiet getaways to candlelit dinners, weddings and photography sessions, and nearly all of them return, Hofstetter says. The Story Inn boasts one of the highest repeat-visit rates in Brown County, something Hofstetter attributes to offering a great value at a fair price and creating an experience guests can’t replicate elsewhere. Overnight packages simplify stays: For a flat rate, guests enjoy lodging, a fine-dining meal and a truly unplugged retreat. Wi-fi is available, but its sparsity is part of the charm.

“People come here for disconnection,” he says. “It’s a slower pace. When you’re not distracted, you can reset.”

The inn is also known for its inventive events, from comedy shows and wine fairs to murder-mystery dinners, one of its most popular offerings. Staff are encouraged to dream up new ideas, and if something works, they refine it. If not, they try something else.

Natural beauty also sets the Story Inn apart.

Photographers regularly travel two hours or more to capture its diverse backdrops — gardens, wooded trails, rustic barns and the iconic blue-and-yellow cottages.

“We have what other people don’t,” Hofstetter says. “The grounds are just beautiful.”

Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a culinary escape or a nostalgic brush with Indiana’s past, the Story Inn offers a destination that feels both timeless and refreshingly simple.

For more information, visit storyinn.com.

TownePost.com | January 2026 | 29

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TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

Embrace Winter Wellness in Hamilton County, Indiana holistic wellness centers dotted throughout the county. These spaces provide an escape from the chill and help support respiratory health, muscle relaxation, and mental clarity — essential elements of well-being.

Beyond structured activities, simple practices like walking on the Monon Trail’s scenic paths, enjoying a warm beverage at a local café, or cozying up at a local bookstore with a new book can foster a deeper sense of calm and resilience.

Whether you’re gliding across the ice, flowing through yoga postures, or indulging in self-care, Hamilton County invites you to make this winter a season of health, connection, and renewal.

Learn more about winter wellness in Hamilton County at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Wellness.

As temperatures dip and snow begins to fall across Hamilton County, the season offers more than holiday lights and cozy firesides — it’s the perfect time to prioritize wellness, movement, and mindful self-care.

From invigorating outdoor experiences to restorative indoor practices, winter in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns has something for everyone looking to stay healthy and find balance in the new year.

Winter naturally brings opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Local parks and attractions such as the sledding and tubing hills at Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes in Noblesville and the outdoor ice skating rink at The Ice at Carter Green in

Carmel encourage active play, heart-healthy exercise, and joyful movement in crisp fresh air. These seasonal activities offer a fun way to beat cabin fever and stay engaged with nature during the winter season.

For those seeking indoor tranquility and rejuvenation, Hamilton County’s wellness scene shines with diverse offerings. Yoga studios offer classes ranging from hot yoga and power vinyasa to restorative and gentle flows — perfect for combating blues and stress. Local wellness centers also offer meditation and holistic therapies that nourish both body and mind.

Couple mindful movement with restorative experiences at salt lounges, steam spas, and

For a full list of holiday events and festivities, go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

16 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

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