Road construction season is in full swing, as exemplified by the long list of project updates here.
Below is the list of road construction projects in & around Fishers for the work week starting Monday, May 6:
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Monthly Archives: May 2024
Fishers Unites for Mental Health Awareness with “Fishers Wears it Green” Day
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Fishers and the Fishers Health Department (FHD) are launching initiatives to foster a Stigma Free Fishers and promote mental health awareness throughout the community. Leading the charge is Mayor Scott Fadness, who emphasizes the city’s commitment to addressing mental illness and promoting a stigma-free environment.
As part of the initiative, residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in “Fishers Wears it Green” Day on May 10, 2024. Participants are asked to wear green attire and share photos on social media using the hashtag #FishersWearsGreen. All submissions will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
The city is also hosting the annual Hope for Happiness event on May 11 at the Fishers Farmers Market, located at the Nickel Plate District AMP from 8 a.m. to noon. This free, family-friendly event supports Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers High Schools’ Bring Change to Mind clubs, with a focus on raising awareness about mental health through activities, resources, and more.
Fishers has been recognized with the Mental Health America Bell Seal Workplace Gold Seal for the second consecutive year. This prestigious award highlights Fishers’ dedication to fostering a healthy workplace environment and supporting its employees’ mental well-being.
“We are thrilled for the City to be recognized with the Mental Health America Bell Seal Workplace Gold Seal for the second consecutive year,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “As mental health advocates, we prioritize the health and well-being of our staff, and this award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.”
Additionally, the Fishers Health Department is celebrating its first year of partnership with Credible Mind, an evidence-based, scientifically backed mental health and self-care digital platform. This collaboration has allowed the department to expand its Stigma Free Fishers mental health campaign, providing additional support services and advocating for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
“As we mark a year of collaboration with Credible Mind, we are grateful for the opportunity to collectively blaze the trail toward evolving the conversation around mental health —promoting awareness, empowerment, and resilience in Fishers,” said Monica Heltz, Director of FHD.
For more information about Fishers Wears it Green Day and other Mental Health Awareness Month initiatives, visit fishersin.gov/mental-health-awareness-month.
Fishers Arts Council Unveils Art That Heals: Focusing on Mental Health Awareness Month
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Fishers Arts Council has opened its latest exhibit, “Art That Heals: Focusing on Mental Health,” showcasing the therapeutic and expressive power of art for individuals grappling with a variety of emotions and experiences. The exhibit, open to the public through May 31, aims to inspire attendees to explore creative ways to process thoughts and calm their minds through the medium of art.
“Art That Heals: Focusing on Mental Health” features work from 16 artists hailing from Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Greenwood. Many of the participating artists share their personal journeys, demonstrating how art has positively impacted their mental health and provided an outlet for their emotions. The exhibit’s works vary in style and medium, offering an eclectic mix of small sculptures, vivid oil paintings, and watercolors with an emphasis on the healing properties of water. Portraits of admired individuals and large, textured acrylic pieces in an array of colors also grace the gallery.
Visitors will also have the chance to participate in the exhibit, as two artists have created interactive pieces that invite viewers to contribute their own thoughts and comments directly onto the canvas.
Fishers Arts Council’s FAC Hub Gallery, located inside the Hamilton County Community Foundation at 11810 Technology Drive in Fishers, will host a special free all-ages event on Second Friday, May 10, from 6-8 p.m. The celebration includes live music from Scrapper & Skelton, artist talks, and an opportunity to meet and connect with the artists themselves. Mark Rouse, a Fishers artist, will join the event with his interactive artwork.
The following artists, some of whom are mental health and health care professionals, are on display in May, hailing from Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Greenwood: John Anderson, Caitlin Bischoff, Sydney Brink, Krista Darrow, Shakila Garugu, Liz Hamstra, Ashley Marie Meyers, Caroline Pyle, Elaina Robins, Karissa Rumsey, Mansoureh Sameni, Sven Schumacher, Carolyn Springer, Skye VanWinkle, Ruth Williams, and Tania Michelle Wineglass.
Fishers artist Mark Rouse joins us for our Second Friday reception with his own interactive artwork.
Focus on the Artist programming will take place at 6:45 p.m., led by board member Pat Grabill. Artists Karissa Rumsey, ATR-BC, LPC, and Caroline Pyle will discuss their work and the therapeutic value art brings to their lives.
The FAC Hub Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday visits can be scheduled by appointment. For more information, contact Fishers Arts Council directly at 317-537-1670 or visit their website at fishersartscouncil.org.
A look at recent media coverage about Fishers
As a one-man-band volunteer news operation, I cover what Fishers news I can, but obviously cannot cover everything. I pay attention to what other news outlets are saying about Fishers. Some may require subscriptions, but here are a few recent examples of Fishers in the local news:
John Tuohy of the Indianapolis Star writes about how the opening of the Hotel Nickel Plate signals a major step in the City of Fishers focus on developing the area around 116th Street and downtown Fishers. The link is here but a subscription may be required.
Daniel Bradley of the Indianapolis Business Journal reports on a new residential development coming to 116th Street and Hoosier Road that will feature condos valued in the range of $1 million. The link is here but a subscription is likely required.
The building that once housed an O’Charley’s restaurant near Target, and has been vacant for a while, and is reopening as Walk-On’s, a sports themed restaurant & bar. David Lindquist has the story at this link, with a subscription likely needed to access this story
Current-In-Fishers Editor Leila Kheiry reports on a squabble between a 5th District Congressional candidate and a Fishers City Council member. A subscription is not required to access this story at this link.
A former employee of a Fishers Day Care pleaded guilty to charges relating to abusing children in her care. Television station WTHR has more on the story at this link (no subscription)
Fishers Magazine Publisher Alison Gatz has started a new video series she calls “Mic’d Up.” In this first episode, Alison walks Ritchey Woods with Mayor Scott Fadness, mostly talking about his personal and family life. No subscription needed here. You can watch the video at this link.
As you can see, local Indianapolis-area news organizations are paying attention to Fishers, whether the news is good or bad for the local community.
Podcast: Becky Schroeder, HSE HS teacher, piloting a new virtual reality program
When you think of virtual reality, you visualize a serious gamer with googles immersing in a competitive contest with others online. Imagine the same technology, but used in a classroom setting.
Becky Schroeder, teacher at HSE High School, has been awarded a $22,000 grant to incorporate virtual reality into her classes.
She talks about that, as well as the English as a new language (ENL) program, during the podcast, linked below.