Geist Magazine March 2023

MAGAZINE

MARCH 2023

CLASS IS IN SESSION GEIST COUPLE TAKES OVER LEAFSPRING SCHOOL NICE COAT

Spray-Net Provides Innovative Painting Solutions

AN OUTDOOR OASIS

BPI Outdoor Living Can Create the Ultimate Escape Right in Your Backyard

TownePost.com TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 1

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Joy began selling real estate in 1996 during the off-season of her basketball career. She was an All-American at Purdue University (1991) and thenMEET went on to play professionally in Japan REAL ESTATE BROKER JOYin The American (ABL) & the HARRIS Basketball A 27 League YEAR EXPERIWNBA. Joy loves helping her clients navigate the real estate process and overcoming the challenges that sometimes arise. “As a RE/MAX Broker, I’m dedicated to finding my clients the home that’s just right for them. ” She has also developed a knack for working with professional athletes and coaches. “Being a former athlete, coach, and mother of a NBA 14443 WATERWAY BLVD • FISHERS 393 & 397 S. HERITAGE DR • PENDLETON $1,080,000 South Lot | $720,000 North Lot player, I understand the demands they have both $724,900 or Trade on and off the field and court.”

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

MARCH 2023

For advertising information, contact:

FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT JOSH BROWN CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

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ON LOCATION

CLASS IS IN SESSION

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NICE COAT

HIT THE BEACH

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29

AN OUTDOOR OASIS

CHAMPIONING CHANGE

Heartland Film Moves Headquarters to Fort Ben

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

Spray-Net Provides Innovative Painting Solutions

Geist Waterfront Park Celebrates Grand Opening of Phase One

BPI Outdoor Living Can Create the Ultimate Escape Right in Your Backyard TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

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Geist Couple Takes Over LeafSpring School

Fishers Kicking off Disability Awareness Month With Series of Events

KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY PAYNE / RENEE LARR TAYLOR DIXON / WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY

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ON LOCATION HEARTLAND FILM MOVES HEADQUARTERS TO FORT BEN

Writer / Taylor Dixon Photographer / Amy Payne

In 2021 all of Heartland Film’s furniture and equipment sat in storage. The company was looking for a new location after leaving its previous offices in Broad Ripple when President Michael Ault, who transitioned into the role amid the move, first heard about the newly renovated Fort Ben Cultural Campus in Lawrence.

While looking for a location for its holiday

series, Merry Movie Nights, Heartland Film toured the Fort Ben Cultural Campus and the idea of moving into the Sterrett Center was brought up. After thinking it over, Ault says moving to the developing area just made sense for the company.

“When we looked at the location, with what’s happening in Lawrence and what’s happening on this cultural campus, it made sense for us to think about putting our footprint here,” Ault says. “We still have our footprint in Indianapolis for the festivals, so 8 / GEIST MAGAZINE / MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

we’re not doing anything different. This is just where our offices are and where we will program events.”

Heartland Film started in 1991 as a way to promote independent films that are inspirational, educational and entertaining.

Through doing this, it supports local filmmakers and works with studios across the country to be a resource for artists and creators in the Midwest. It also hosts two annual film festivals at theaters across Indianapolis. The Indy Shorts International

our schools and businesses to really create programs and educational opportunities for youth in this area,” Ault says. “We’re just really getting our feet wet with ideas on what we could possibly do, because this new location has a 4,500-square-foot event space in it that we’ve never had in our past. Now we have the ability to host different things.”

Film Festival is hosted for seven days in July and the Heartland International Film Festival lasts 11 days in October.

As Heartland Film gets settled into the new location, Ault says the company has already been busy. The first event to commemorate the new location was a ribbon cutting on February 15, with live music and tours of the new space.

Currently, Ault says they are working with the Chamber of Commerce to host

an event with coffee and doughnuts once per month, and also working with local businesses to host training and company events. Heartland Film is also working with the superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township to implement programs for students in the area.

“The fact that we’re on a cultural campus, that I think is very significant for us, and we like the fact that we’re close to some very diverse economies where we can work with TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 9

Other possible events in the planning stages include movies in the park with new, highdefinition screens that allow for daytime showings, and finding a way to make a mark on Lawrence’s iconic Winterfest.

“We’re really optimistic about growth and one of the things I’m really excited about is just the new events that we can create here on this campus,” Ault says. “We’re very excited about getting to know the community and the businesses here, and really engage with them and introduce ourselves.”

In addition to supporting local filmmakers by providing shooting locations, Heartland Film also prides itself on helping artists gain

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“We are an opportunity for people who are creating films to get their films seen by lots of people in the industry, and to see it on the big screen,” Ault says. “I think as we have evolved with technology and iPads and cell phones that you can watch movies on, that is not how a filmmaker wants you to watch their film. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, it’s just films, it’s just watching movies.’ We believe that films can be transformative for any mind, however old you are.”

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exposure, with Fort Harrison State Park in its backyard. The winners of the Indy Shorts and Heartland festivals receive not only a cash prize, but also a chance to show off their work on one of the largest stages in the world at the Oscars.

Grand-prize winners automatically get entered to be contenders for Oscar nominations. This year 12 films from both festivals were nominated in 39 different categories.

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

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

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NICE COAT

SPRAY-NET PROVIDES INNOVATIVE PAINTING SOLUTIONS

Rodney Kuhl

AFTER Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

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

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

BEFORE stain allows the porous brick to breathe so cabinets or exterior siding, often saving moisture isn’t trapped inside and the coating clients 50-75% vs. replacement,” Kuhl says. won’t peel.

“Our process is always brush-free, only using paint sprayers. For kitchens, our two“We’re a much more cost-effective component paint is odorless and dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes, so you can return alternative to replacing your kitchen TownePost.com / MARCH 2023

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

AFTER “ FOR KITCHENS, OUR TWO-COMPONENT PAINT IS ODORLESS AND DRY TO THE TOUCH IN 15 TO 30 MINUTES, SO YOU CAN RETURN TO USING YOUR KITCHEN AS SOON AS WE LEAVE.” to using your kitchen as soon as we leave.”

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

“We have a HEPA air scrubber running to clean the air while we paint,” Kuhl says.

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

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

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

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

Kuhl says each surface type is different, necessitating different formulations of MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

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

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

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AN OUTDOOR OASIS

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

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

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BPI Outdoor Living.

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

“As homeowners realize how important it is to connect both with nature and each other, the outdoor space is a cost-effective way to MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

Homeowners these days dream of much more than a simple patio, deck or porch.

They want high-end finishes and features that bring the comforts of indoors to stunning outdoor spaces. Cooking areas take the form of an outdoor kitchen.

Heating sources include gas and woodburning fire pits, fireplaces and electric overhead heaters.

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

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

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

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

TownePost.com / MARCH 2023

With a core focus on designing and building luxury outdoor living spaces, the team focuses on asking the right questions to help clients maximize their spaces and budgets.

With skilled artisans who focus on timeless building techniques and materials, they ensure clients have spaces that they can enjoy year-round and for years to come.

STICK TO THE PLAN

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

“I’ve seen it time and again,” Durst says.

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

The team at BPI Outdoor Living consider themselves landscape architects first and skilled artisans second. With multiple landscape architects and designers on staff, the team believes that design is paramount.

They pride themselves on creating an immersive experience for their clients, and they do that with their unique approach.

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

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

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

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

“This phase sets us apart because the first thing people may ask about is not necessarily the key issue, which is why we prescribe a Clients are then invited to BPI’s design studio design process that addresses the client’s root needs and desires, Scheuermann says. where they are walked through a design “We also determine what we can and cannot discovery process that honors their goals, address as far as build and site conditions.” ambitions, and needs. Durst and his team discuss opportunities and constraints for the To efficiently facilitate step one, the team process and advise clients throughout that process, in terms of solutions, investment and presents the client with a series of questions to better understand the purpose and return on that investment. intention for the space. They then get into more detail in the second step where they At the design studio, they utilize physical present a 3D model of the outdoor living materials and vignettes as well as CAD space to help clients more clearly visualize 3D modeling software, fly-thru videos, the design solution and overall plans. Step and programs like SketchUp to show their three involves discussing material choices. clients exactly what a project will look At this point, they have honed in on the like and how it’s going to feel in that space before they ever put a shovel in the ground. final design package as well as the client’s investment level.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Throughout the entire process the BPI team The process when working with clients is continually makes necessary revisions to simple. It’s all about having conversations and stay within the client’s desired investment asking questions because through dialogue level. The team talks through feasible comes education and understanding. options and identifies ways to achieve certain styles that check all the boxes According to Kyla Scheuermann, design without breaking the bank. associate at BPI, with every project they tackle, BPI Outdoor living is focused on The goal is to erect timeless projects that building timeless experiences both for now are accurate, buildable, and achievable. and into the future.

BPI puts in a lot of background work (i.e., construction plans, framing plans, permits) “By honing all of our talent as a team, which to make this happen. includes build artisans and landscape designers, we come together to make a If you are ready to begin designing and home’s outdoor living spaces more usable, building your ideal outdoor living space, more memorable, and more intentional,” learn more and request a consultation she says. “And we want those spaces and at bpioutdoorliving.com. elements to last.”

MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

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SCAN for DIrECTIoNS AND INfo

CLASS IS IN SESSION GEIST COUPLE TAKES OVER LEAFSPRING SCHOOL Writer / Taylor Dixon Photographer / Walker Photography

Owners Justin and Mollyanne Davis with their children Avery and Dylan.

22 / GEIST MAGAZINE / MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

A

fter their daughter Avery was born 10 weeks early, Justin and Mollyanne Davis spent 61 days in the hospital awaiting their baby’s arrival home. During this time they received massive support from the Geist community, including parents and families from LeafSpring School, an early-learning center catered toward infants through 8-year-olds.

“The LeafSpring community really came together for us,” Justin Davis says. “It was the support that we needed when we needed it most. It was a huge relief that our oldest daughter Dylan was so excited to go to school every day, enabling us to spend that time with Avery in the NICU. When the weekends came we had family and close friends that did playdates for Dylan which was instrumental.”

Davis shared that there were several life decisions that led him to this opportunity and this was just one of the reasons the couple decided to purchase LeafSpring School from Steve and Debbie Ramos. Davis officially became the President and CEO on January 31 after spending more than 10 years in orthopedics working in hospitals throughout Indianapolis. Now running the school, Davis is fortunate enough to bring his daughters in with him in the mornings and can check in to see what they’re doing throughout the day.

“For years I’ve wanted to run a business of my own and this was an amazing opportunity not only to do that but to be partnered with the Ramos family in the Geist community where my wife and I have lived for a decade,” he says. “LeafSpring has the highest level of accreditation with the Paths to Quality available in the state, is the only early education school in Indiana with a nurse on staff full time and has a focus on diversity and inclusion. All of which makes me very proud to be a part of a place that so many local families can rely on.”

TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 23

LeafSpring School was originally founded as Rainbow Station in Virginia in 1989. In January 2017, Steve and Debbie Ramos opened the Geist location. In addition to the Get Well Place, where the nurse ensures any scrapes, bruises or illnesses are taken care of, LeafSpring prides itself on a unique curriculum that focuses on teaching children leadership skills that help mold their character at an early age.

The curriculum includes a focus on play-based learning, which allows for teachable moments in both the classroom and the playground. One of the core literacies, Civic, Davis says, is teaching students about “putting we before me,” which teaches students about giving back to the community.

One example is the fundraising effort last year during the tornadoes that hit Kentucky. The LeafSpring staff, families and students held a clothing, food and toy drive to help donate to families in need.

Together they loaded two semis full of supplies for those affected.

Afterward, the students at LeafSpring received letters and thankyou notes from the families they helped.

“Not only were the kids involved, but they got to see how they impacted other families in another state far from home,” Davis says. “That’s just one of the core literacies showing how this isn’t a daycare. It is a school and we teach real-life lessons at the school every day. We are a Level 4 Paths to Quality and strive every day to be the center of excellence in Indiana, not only in curriculum and education but also in safety. We partner with the police and fire departments and work closely to make sure we are going above and beyond with safety measures. Not only do we do tornado and fire drills monthly, but we also do an intruder drill, a drill we hope to never need but will definitely be ready for.”

This summer the students will run a lemonade stand to raise money for Indiana Cure of MS. LeafSpring will also host Camp Blue Sky starting May 30 and lasting for 10 weeks. Camp Blue Sky will feature a different theme every week, including a superhero week complete with a visit from Spider-Man, a dinosaur week when

students will learn about paleontology, a space week and other fun events. The camp will first open up for families that attend LeafSpring, and any additional spots will be open to the Geist community.

As Davis continues the legacy of learning at the Geist location, he also hopes to bring the values of LeafSpring across the greater Indianapolis area by opening other locations in the coming years.

“Steve and Debbie Ramos did an amazing job of creating a true center of excellence in early education here at LeafSpring,” he says. “My goal as the new owner must first be to continue with that tradition of excellence here and then to expand LeafSpring to other parts of Greater Indianapolis in the next few years. We would love to take what we know is a successful model that focuses on education and safety and expand that into other locations to provide an opportunity to other families in Indiana.”

LeafSpring is currently looking to hire early educators at the Geist location, at 10408 Olio Road in Fishers. For more information or to apply, visit the careers portal at geist.leafspringschool.com.

Learn More

Now Enrolling for 2023-24 Preschool & Kindergarten Beginning in 2023-24, Lawrence Township Early Learning Centers will be open YEAR ROUND!

STRONG SCHOOLS. STRONG COMMUNITY. Learn more about Lawrence Township Schools and Early Childhood Programming at LTschools.org TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 25

Jake Reardon-McSoley, Paula Hardin and Marissa Deckert

Hit the Beach GEIST WATERFRONT PARK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF PHASE ONE

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

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

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

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

Phase One includes a sand beach, a giant pirate playground, a sand and water toddler play structure, a kayak, a paddleboard and canoe launch area, trails, three small shelters, one large shelter, restrooms, and a concession stand for guests to purchase cool treats and drinks.

Guests can rent non-motorized watercraft or bring their own.

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

“The beach is really impressive because it includes 800 feet of

“This quickly started the discussions of how and where we could make the reservoir an amenity for everyone to utilize and enjoy,”

26 / GEIST MAGAZINE / MARCH 2023 / TownePost.com

Reardon McSoley says. “In 2018 we were able to purchase the land, and here we are now in 2023, opening Phase One.” He says Fishers is lucky to have Geist Reservoir on the east side and the White River on the west side of the community. He says Fishers has a large amount of aquatic access with Geist Waterfront Park, making access easier for residents and nonresidents.

Admission is free for Fishers residents, and a fee structure for nonresidents will roll out later this spring.

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

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

Beach season begins May 27 and runs through September 4, with the beach open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cove will be fully staffed with seven to eight American Red Cross-certified lifeguards during open hours. Reardon McSoley says the lifeguards will go through extensive open-water training before opening. The city has hired the first full-time aquatics manager. Paula Hardin joined the team in February and previously served as the senior aquatic director for the Fishers YMCA. Reardon McSoley says with each passing week, the excitement for the grand opening of Phase One continues to grow. He says the park has many items Fishers residents know and love in terms of amenities like play structures, but the most exciting and unique part of the park is the shoreline itself.

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

There is no specific timeline for the opening of Phase Two and

TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 27

Phase Three, but Reardon McSoley says the project leaders have an anticipated completion date of 2040. Additional amenities will include more extensive trails, reservoir walking areas, a fishing pier, more natural playground areas and additions to the parking lot.

“We have been getting a lot of excitement from community members about Geist Waterfront Park,” Reardon McSoley says.

“In fact, last November we held a sneakpeek event. Even though the weather was less than ideal, being 35 degrees with 30-mile-per-hour winds, we still had over 400 residents come out to have fun and explore the park.”

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

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

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FISHERS KICKING OFF DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH WITH SERIES OF EVENTS Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Walker Photography

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

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

1 at Launch Fishers Huston Theater. Kelly Hartman, FACD co-chair, is the keynote speaker. Hartman is a Fishers resident, president and chief executive officer of Insights Consulting, Inc., and co-founder and board member of Outside the Box. “I’ll be speaking about the history of the disability inclusion movement nationally and locally,” Hartman says. “I’ll also discuss what we need to do from a national perspective, and then dial down to Fishers and what we can do here to change the future for people in our community. We TownePost.com / MARCH 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 29

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

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

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

The Fishers Arts Council is hosting the Second Friday Gallery Reception on March 10 at the Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation.

Local comic book creator Jason Funk will be on hand to share his work.

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

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

“Fishers is a very forward-thinking community,” Hartman says. “If you don’t Our philosophy is to inspire Laugh. hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical Play.

Move. know someone affected by a disability, and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical you may not feel these events are for you. and speech therapists provided one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable andyour social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services our needed families.to TOTS Physical, Occupational, child to improve functional independence and gain thoseto skills live life confidently.

These events are a great way to empower and speech therapists provided one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable those with disabilities and encourage Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being yourOur child to improve functional independence gain and those skills neededthe to live life confidently. of the whole philosophy is to inspire and hope nurture well-being others to become allies for those with of the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality disabilities.”

Contact us today to meet with one of our Therapists. deliver theRoad highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS 9957 Allisonville • Fishers | totsindy.com therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and Speech Contact us todayOccupational, to meet with one and of ourspeech Therapists.

Physical, therapists provided one-onAllies can pick up an ally toolkit at the therapists provide therapy and custom-designed home programs 9957 Allisonville Road • Fishers |one-on-one totsindy.com Play.

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Laugh. one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable kickoff event March 1, or at Fishers City Ourto philosophy is to inspirechild hope and the well-being of the whole person, focusing onand physical enable your tonurture improve functional independence gain those childtoto improve functional independence and gain those Services beginning March 2. The kit andyour social needs deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families.

TOTS Physical, Occupational, skills needed to live life confidently. andskills speechneeded therapists provided therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable includes a T-shirt, yard sign, stickers, and to live one-on-one life confidently. your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently. other items to highlight, educate and further the discussion on disability awareness.

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

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