I will once again ask my readers for a point of personal privilege to celebrate the 30th birthday of my twin daughters, Mary Cahill and Allison Lewis.

It was 30 years ago today that I was there for the birth of my twin daughters.  Daddy’s little girls have grown into outstanding young women.

Thanks, Mary & Allison, for making your Mom & Dad very proud parents!  Happy 30th birthday!

It is always odd that summer camp registration begins in the depth of winter, but here we go again in 2024.  The Fishers Parks & Recreation Department will begin accepting registrations for the 2024 summer camp program for Fishers residents now, for nonresidents beginning January 8.

The summer  camp program is for children ages 5-10 to explore their interests, make friends, and shake their summer-break boredom. Whether your kid is an adventurer, nature-lover, artist, all-star athlete, or scientist-in-training, Fishers Parks offers something for everyone to keep kids active and learning.

Here is a listing of what the camps have to offer in 2024, as provided by the Parks Department:

• An engaging and vibrant camp experience focused on a variety of physical, mental, and social learning opportunities. Each week of camp will include outdoor play and exploration, sports, water play, arts and crafts, STEM activities, music, and more!
• All camp counselors must pass a criminal background check and are required to complete over 40 hours of mandatory training.
• Two T-shirt(s) per registered camp week, to be worn each day of camp (for camps at Holland Park, Billericay Park, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers AgriPark, and HSE Schools locations only)
• Outstanding counselor-to-camper ratios
• Procedures to ensure camper’s safety, including on-site medical forms, and photo identification for child sign-out

Access the camping schedule, and online registration, at this link.

I recall recording a podcast with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Launch Fishers Founder John Wechsler.  John was leaving his post running Launch and was about to take on a new challenge he could not announce at that time.  I later discovered Wechsler’s new endeavor was and is a business named Spokenote.

The way John explained it to me, his new business would place QR Codes on products allowing the customer to access a video.  The example John gave me was a flower shop delivering a floral arrangement.  The person sending the flowers could add a video message with a QR Code on the card.

Wechsler’s latest innovative project has just landed a partnership with the NBA and the Indiana Pacers.  The Pacers will feature Spokenote QR Codes on player jerseys.

Below is the news release issued by the NBA Wednesday:

The Poynter Project is one of the most respected nonprofit organizations dealing with journalism.  A recent post on their Web site provides troubling data on the state of news, particularly local news, in America.

I write this blog as a mostly volunteer activity (I receive a small amount writing for Fishers Magazine and providing an advertising portal for them).  That means I do not need to monitor ad revenue or paid subscriptions to determine whether I continue to publish this blog.

But if you are in the game to make money, the numbers are grim.  Online ad revenue is being gobbled-up by the big players in tech, like the Googles, Apples and Metas.  That does not always leave enough ad revenue left for local news outlets to survive.

Here is part of the story posted by Poynter December 27th:

As the holiday season approached, CNN laid off hundreds of employees. Gannett, the country’s largest newspaper chain, cut its news division by 6%. The Washington Post, NBCUniversal and ABC News all announced layoffs for early 2023.

What followed has been a bloodbath. Though data from December is not yet available, the news industry has already seen more job cuts this year — 2,681 — than all of 2022 or 2021, according to employment firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The firm has tracked a total 20,324 job cuts in media through November, the highest year-to-date total since 2020, which saw 30,211 cuts in the same time period.

Those numbers do not reflect what is happening at smaller operations locally.  Many are down to one reporter, others have just closed up shop for good.

I have heard it said by many people involved in local media that this is the best time to be a corrupt local official.  Often, if there is wrong-doing in a local community, it is the local  newspaper that brings it out in the open and forces others to follow-up.

I am not saying there is corruption everywhere, but if you want to be corrupt locally, the lack of a local newspaper enhances your chances of getting away with it.

But local news is much more than that.  Local reporters showing up at government meetings to report on what happens is more important than you may think, even with many government meetings available on video online.  I have had more than one local official tell me a meeting is handled one way with an independent journalist present, and an entirely different way with no reporter in the room.

I will say there are some bright spots in journalism locally.  Capital Chonicle and Mirror Indy are nonprofit organizations doing local news in the Indy area.  Axios Indy and State Affairs are examples of private sector news operations.

But even those news outlets do not replace good, local news coverage.  I sincerely hope a business model emerges to allow local news to become profitable enterprises.

In the meantime, I will continue my Fishers news blog as best I can.  But, once again, I urge everyone to support your local media.  Local news deserves your support!

As I write this, we are in the second day of 2024.  So, what do we know is in store for Fishers in 2024?  There is a little we do know.

First, the City Council will convene with 3 new members and a work session coming on a possible process to take bids on a city-wide trash collection contract.  Many surrounding municipalities either run their own trash collection operations or contract with a private firm to handle the job.  Mayor Scott Fadness has said he has no interest in having a city trash collection department, so a city-wide private contract with the potential to save money for citizens and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in their trash collection fees is most likely the solution to be considered.  We will see where this goes in 2024.

Another major decision coming locally is on a new Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent.  The previous superintendent, Yvonne Stokes, resigned in September with a generous separation agreement with just under one year left in her contract.  The school board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to 5, according to a statement from Board President Dawn Lang delivered at a recent meeting.  A decision is expected in late January or early February.

There are many big events local residents are awaiting in this new year.  The new City Hall/Arts Complex is expected to open in late spring or early summer this year.  The Events Center, to be the home of the Indy Fuel minor-league hockey team and the indoor football team Fishers Freight in 2025, is on target to open in November of this year.  A new community center should break ground soon. There are also new hotels and restaurants opening in the downtown Nickel Plate District.

So, there is a lot in the pipeline.  When I ask local officials what to expect in new announcements during 2024, most tell me me the year will be about starting what’s already been announced and finishing what the city has already started.

What will the biggest story of 2024 be in Fishers?  My best guess is the biggest story is the one we cannot predict or imagine today.  In most years, it is the stories we cannot envision now that will be big in the new year.

Happy New Year to all my readers!

Fishers Arts Council will host their annual meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 7pm-8pm in the Fishers Parks Maker Lab 4, located at in the Hub & Spoke building at 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 150, Fishers. The public is welcome to attend this meeting which will review the Fishers Arts Council budget for 2024, elect new officers to join the board, and vote on executive committee positions.

If you wish to attend, please notify Fishers Arts Council executive director, Les Reinhardt, by sending an email to info@FishersArtsCouncil.org by January 10, 2024.

Celebrating the month of January, the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) presents “My Favorite Things,” an exhibition featuring the artistic brilliance of local talent, Mark Rouse. Renowned for securing the Best in Show accolade at the prestigious 2023 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana and hosted by the Fishers Arts Council, Rouse brings a collection that encapsulates his passion and creative journey.

The exhibit, located at the FAC Hub Gallery within the Collaboration Hub at 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, will run from January 8th to February 1st. Additionally, the exhibit will be available for viewing by appointment from January 2nd to 5th by contacting the FAC directly.

Rouse’s artistic prowess extends beyond individual achievement, as he introduces an exceptional feature to his showcase—artworks by his family members. His daughters Laura and Ashley, alongside their children, will display an eclectic mix of photography, illustration, collage, and intriguingly, “paper pants,” unveiling an artistic legacy that resonates within their family.

Expressing his artistic philosophy, Rouse shares, “I paint the things I love, and I hope people love the things I paint! Critters? Cars? Land and Water? Sports? I paint all of this and more.” The exhibit promises a vibrant narrative spanning various themes close to Rouse’s heart.

However, the artist’s journey towards this exhibition was not without challenges. Rouse, having faced a diagnosis of legal blindness, underwent a remarkable evolution in his creative process. Exploring diverse materials and techniques became pivotal during his recovery, allowing him to surpass artistic boundaries he once thought insurmountable.

Reflecting on his family’s involvement in his artistic endeavors, Rouse speaks proudly of their diverse talents. His daughters Laura and Ashley have ventured into photography and teaching, respectively, while his daughter Lindsay beautifully intertwined painting into her wedding celebration. The artist beams with enthusiasm, seeing the same creative fervor in his grandchildren.

Looking ahead, Rouse is working on paintings for an upcoming sports-themed exhibit at Four Day Ray in July and August. His ambitions extend further, aiming to collaborate with jazz musicians to orchestrate a live painting experience—an innovative fusion of music and art.

In a heartwarming revelation, Rouse expresses gratitude for regaining his vision post-2015, declaring, “Creating art is a joy!” The gallery at the Collaboration Hub aims to be a space where residents can witness the beauty of art created within their community.

The showcase will be inaugurated with a free, public reception on January 12th, from 6:00-8:00 P.M., embracing live music, engaging interviews with the artists, and a special performance by Rouse’s grandson, Cam DeVore, at 6:30 P.M. FAC board member Pat Grabill will lead an interview session with the artists around 6:45 P.M., welcoming all art enthusiasts to join the celebration at the FAC Hub Gallery.

Gallery hours are from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Thursday, with Friday visits available by appointment only, arranged by directly contacting the Fishers Arts Council.

For those passionate about art and eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of creativity, the FAC Hub Gallery is a must-visit destination this January.

For more information or to schedule appointments, reach out to the Fishers Arts Council.

After a successful 2023 event, the City of Fishers, in collaboration with Vision Event Management, gears up for the return of the 16th annual Geist Half Marathon Race Series on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Offering picturesque views of the Geist Reservoir, tree-lined trails, and stunning waterfront bridges, this family-friendly race is set to draw participants of all ages and abilities.

Scheduled for the early fall, the race series presents three distinct distances to cater to varying preferences and capabilities. Participants across all categories will receive a race shirt, a medal, and exclusive access to the post-race celebration.

2024 will witness the revival of the 0K race alongside a revamped VIP experience. This enhanced VIP Perks package boasts reserved parking, exclusive apparel, a private gear check, an extra drink ticket, and access to the Recovery Zone post-race. The VIP experience will seamlessly blend into the public post-race party, allowing VIP registrants an additional drink ticket while they revel in the festivities alongside friends and family. The VIP registration is available for an extra $49 fee.

Ginny Zimmerman, Culture of Health Ambassador for the City of Fishers and Race Director of the Geist Half Marathon Race Series, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled to continue to establish the footprint of the Geist Half Marathon as Central Indiana’s most scenic race series in the early fall.”

Zimmerman credited the success of the event to the support received from the community, acknowledging the invaluable insights provided by previous board members, organizers, and past participants. She highlighted the course’s allure, emphasizing its blend of challenge and beauty, offering panoramic water views along tree-covered trails.

With the aim to cater to a broader audience, the reintroduction of the 10K was an easy decision, providing more distance options to participants. Zimmerman also emphasized the accessibility of the 5K, catering to first-timers, families, and fitness enthusiasts, fostering a healthy sense of community and accomplishment.

Public registration for the race series will commence at GeistHalf.com on December 31, with a two-day New Year’s promotional offer before prices escalate on January 2. During this promotional period, prices will start at $24.99 for the 5K, $31.99 for the 10K, and $52.99 for the half marathon. Virtual registration options are also available for interested participants.

In preparation for this large-scale event, the City of Fishers is actively seeking the support of hundreds of community volunteers. Various volunteer roles—from packet pickup and runner services to on-course entertainment and course marshals—are up for grabs. Interested individuals can register to volunteer at VolunteerFishers.com.

To delve deeper into the event details and secure a spot in the race, individuals are encouraged to visit GeistHalf.com.