The Fishers Century Club gathered Tuesday evening at The Club Coworking for its quarterly meeting, drawing a strong turnout as members continued their mission of supporting local nonprofit organizations.

The session opened with an update from Rock Steady Boxing, the September award recipient. The organization reported that its earlier contribution from the club went toward scholarship assistance for participants who depend on its non-contact, boxing-based fitness programs but face financial barriers.

Three charities then presented to members for consideration. Marcus Zimmerman introduced The Progress House, describing its work as one of Indiana’s longest-operating residential recovery programs. Returning member Klynt Brummett spoke on behalf of Josiah White’s, outlining its services for youth and families.

The evening’s winning presentation came from new club member and Marine veteran Justin McDonald, who highlighted the Warriors in Nature Project. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on helping veterans reconnect with the outdoors and reduce the stress of post-service life. Members voted overwhelmingly to direct their collective support to the organization.

According to McDonald, the project offers veterans opportunities for connection, reflection, and healing in outdoor settings. Club Founder Adam Kallick said members were moved by the group’s mission and by McDonald’s personal commitment to it.

With contributions still being submitted by members who were unable to attend in person, support for the Warriors in Nature Project has surpassed $3,000, with additional donations expected.

The latest award brings the Fishers Century Club’s total giving to nearly $70,000 over 19 meetings. The organization meets quarterly, featuring presentations from up to three nonprofits before members vote to select one to receive direct funding that same evening.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. New members are invited to attend.

For more information on the Century Club, go to www.fisherscenturyclub.com

The Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF) has secured a $6 million Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the ninth phase of the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative.

HCCF is among 92 community foundations statewide receiving grants intended to strengthen local philanthropic efforts and improve quality of life in the communities they serve. The Community Support Grant provides flexible funding that foundations may use over a three-year period to address urgent or emerging needs identified within their counties.

HCCF President Danielle Stiles-Polk said the funding will allow the organization to respond more quickly to concerns raised by residents and nonprofit leaders. She said the grant will help support the work of nonprofits as they manage changing budgets and increasing community needs.

The foundation plans to spend the first quarter of 2026 creating a regranting strategy to guide how the dollars will be distributed. That strategy will be based on HCCF’s recent community needs assessment and strategic plan, with input from local stakeholders throughout the process.

Lilly Endowment launched the GIFT initiative in 1990 to help Indiana communities build philanthropic capacity and collaborate on local challenges. Through GIFT IX, the Endowment has made up to $271.5 million available to community foundations across the state.

The mental health and counseling programs are large at a school district with more than 20,000 students and Molly Kirwan coordinates both programs for Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools.

Molly sat down with Larry to talk about those programs in the podcast linked below.

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools appear poised to participate in the revised Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program following significant changes enacted by the State of Indiana. Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley outlined proposed updates to the district’s written policy Wednesday night to allow HSE to take part in the revamped program.

Previously, teachers rated “effective” or “highly effective” on their annual performance evaluations were eligible for TAG payments, meaning a large share of HSE educators typically qualified. Under new state rules, the size of each grant increases substantially—ranging from $3,500 to $7,500—but no more than 20% of a district’s teaching staff may receive an award. For HSE, Kegley said that caps eligibility at about 236 teachers.

HSE has filed the required application with the State Board of Education to join the program. Teachers wishing to be considered must complete an internal application developed by the district administration by January 7. Administrators will review submissions, and once the state informs HSE how much money has been allocated locally, the district expects to announce recipients and award amounts in early 2026.

Kegley said applications from teachers in special education, English as a new language, and those recognized as Teachers of the Year will receive priority consideration, though all eligible teacher applications will be reviewed.

The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) opposed the state’s TAG changes, and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) said its members were “nearly unanimous” in advising against HSE participating in the new program.

Participation in TAG is optional for school districts. Edinburgh Schools, for example, has chosen not to participate this year.

Kegley noted that changes of this nature would typically be reviewed by the board’s Policy Committee. However, with the board set to reorganize officers and committee assignments in early 2026, no Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for January. Board members with questions or concerns were asked to contact Kegley prior to a final vote on the TAG policy change at the January board meeting.

Mother Nature is poised to drop another round of snow on the Fishers area Thursday and Friday, with 2–5 inches forecast. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 p.m. Thursday through 10 a.m. Friday.

After the snow moves through, bitterly cold temperatures will settle in for the weekend. Overnight lows Saturday are expected to fall to around -2 degrees, not including wind chill. Sunday’s high is forecast to reach only 9 degrees, with temperatures dropping to about -1 Sunday night. A gradual warming trend is expected to begin Monday.

Drivers should be prepared for slippery roads Thursday evening into Friday morning. Anyone spending time outdoors this weekend is urged to dress appropriately for dangerous cold.

When a school district is required to redraw boundary lines, the process is often difficult for at least some of the neighborhoods affected. Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools concluded its months-long redistricting effort for elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools Wednesday night, but not without making changes to the previously proposed maps.

District administrators and Woolpert, the consultant hired to guide the process, had published what they described as a final set of recommended maps. However, concerns persisted among several neighborhoods. In response, Woolpert and school officials made targeted adjustments, presenting an alternative option for the board’s consideration.

Once that alternative recommendation was introduced, Board Member Suzanne Thomas offered an amendment allowing students in the Woods at Geist Overlook neighborhood to remain assigned to Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High School (HIJH).  The amendment was approved.

High school boundaries remain unchanged, and the district’s “choice” system—allowing students to select which high school they attend—will continue for now. Several board members, however, cautioned that the choice system may not be sustainable in future years, and that high school redistricting may eventually be necessary.

Board members also noted that the newly approved maps, which Woolpert initially projected could remain in place for up to seven years, may require reconsideration in as few as five years due to enrollment shifts.

The updated boundaries will take effect for the 2026–2027 school year. District administrators will now begin planning transition efforts to help students adjust as they move to new school assignments.

For a detailed look at the process of putting the new maps together, use this link.

Fishers City Councilor At-Large Tiffanie A. Hill Ditlevson has formed an exploratory committee as she considers entering the race for the Indiana State Senate District 31 seat. The seat is currently held by Sen. Kyle Walker, who announced he will not seek another term.

Ditlevson, a decorated Air Force combat veteran, entrepreneur, and community advocate, said she was surprised by Walker’s decision and praised his time in office.

“Kyle Walker has served with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to delivering real results for Hoosier families,” Ditlevson said in her announcement. “I’m deeply surprised and saddened to see him step away, and I honor his service to our community. After the November 2020 caucus for this seat, Senator Walker encouraged me to stay active in politics, and I remain grateful for his guidance and kindness.”

Ditlevson said she is weighing a run after receiving encouragement from residents and community leaders throughout the district, which includes portions of Fishers and Indianapolis.

She emphasized a desire to offer “strong, relatable, service-driven leadership that reflects [the district’s] diversity.”

“Serving District 31 has been a goal since 2020,” she said. “My entire 18 years in Indiana have been rooted in living in Fishers, being a working mom, attending church at St. Matthew in Indianapolis, helping families in crisis, and making connections with Cathedral High School families during my daughter’s cheerleading career. I’m committed to learning, listening, and continuing to improve the lives of Hoosiers.”

Ditlevson is the second Fishers official to express interest in the seat. Hamilton Southeastern School Board President Juanita Albright announced her candidacy shortly after Walker said he would not run again.

When I first heard about the financial situation at Martin University, my mind went back to my family’s connection to the Brightwood neighborhood on Avondale Place. My brother Tom and I grew up in half a double with our parents until I was about 5, directly across the street from my mother’s parents.

Just a short walk from my grandparents’ home was St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. My grandfather counted the collection money on Sundays, and my grandmother handled the cash at the parish’s fundraising bingo games—clear signs of how much the priests trusted them. Only a select few were asked to manage parish finances.

My grandmother also cooked meals, did laundry, and handled a variety of domestic tasks for the priests living at the parish. My mother graduated from the parish elementary school.

By the mid-1950s, my parents had saved enough to buy a house, and we moved out of the double. My grandparents stayed until construction of Interstate 70 forced the demolition of their home. St. Francis de Sales, however, survived the highway project and remained standing just yards away.

As manufacturing jobs disappeared, the working-class neighborhood changed, and St. Francis de Sales struggled. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis ultimately closed the church and school on June 30, 1983.

The church building itself is stunning, known for its German and French Gothic architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it serves as the Father Boniface Hardin Gathertorium at Martin University.

Martin University began at 35th Street and College Avenue before moving in 1987 to the former St. Francis de Sales Church and school campus in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, where it remains at 2171 N. Avondale Place/N. Sherman Drive. I was always pleased to see the church and school buildings put to meaningful use.

The university is named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and St. Martin de Porres. It was founded by Reverend Father Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling to serve low-income, minority, and adult learners who faced barriers to traditional higher education.

That mission is why I was disheartened to learn from recent news reports that Martin University will be forced to “pause” operations at the end of the current semester. School leaders say the institution needs additional community and financial support to continue.

Martin University is Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). It serves nontraditional students striving to improve their lives and their communities. The university has even provided day care services to ensure students have a safe place for their children while attending class.

I understand the Indianapolis metropolitan area has many pressing needs, and philanthropic dollars are stretched. Still, I hope the community can find a way to keep Martin University operating, serving those who rely on its mission and opportunities.

My family’s connection to this area dates to 1951. Now we will see whether Indianapolis responds.