Fishers-based Flexware partners with Purdue – Software developer Flexware Innovation, a Hitachi Group company, announced that it has joined other technology and manufacturing leaders to help Purdue University develop its Smart Learning Factory, a manufacturing facility for students on its West Lafayette campus. The facility is designed to simulate manufacturing environments. Polytechnic students, along with engineering collaborators, will get direct experience in information technology, operational technology and manufacturing engineering. The first comprehensive smart manufacturing lab course is expected to be delivered during the fall 2024 semester. Flexware is based in downtown Fishers, 12 Municipal Dr., Suite 200.
Fishers Farmers Market vendor applications open — The Fishers Farmers Market’s 2024 vendor application period is open through Feb. 11. The 2024 season will offer a weekly public market from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, May 4 through Sept. 28, at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in downtown Fishers. Learn more and access applications at playfishers.com/farmersmarket.
Cooper & Cow names executive chef — New Fishers restaurant Cooper & Cow Steakhouse & Bourbon Lounge announced that Scott Marmaduke will be the restaurant’s executive chef. According to an announcement from the business, Marmaduke started as a cook with Cunningham Restaurant Group, working at Cunningham’s Charbonos and Stonecreek restaurants. He more recently worked as a sous chef at Prime 47 Indianapolis downtown and Anthony’s Chophouse. Cooper & Cow is at the intersection of 116th Street and Municipal Drive in Fishers’ downtown Nickel Plate District.
Employer-sponsored childcare grants available — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has expressed its support for the governor and Family and Social Services Administration’s recently announced grants for employer-sponsored childcare. Awardees can use the funds to support employees’ childcare needs in a variety of ways, including sponsoring dependent-care assistance plans, providing on-site or near-site child care or offering childcare tuition benefits. For more, visit in.gov/fssa/carefinder/employer-sponsored-child-care-fund.
New tax credit available — The Indiana State Treasurer’s office announced a new tax credit worth up to $500 beginning in taxable year 2024 for contributions into INvestABLE Indiana accounts. Indiana Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Authority implements the state’s qualified INvestABLE Indiana plan by supporting access to ABLE accounts in the state. These accounts are 529A accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to save for future expenses while not compromising access to public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. For more information on INvestABLE accounts, visit In.SaveWithAble.com.
Century Club picks fourth-quarter recipient — Fishers Century Club recently announced that Youth Mentoring Initiative was selected as the winning charity for December. The club is still tallying total funds raised from in-person and online contributions, but the donation is expected to exceed $3,000. The donation will support YMI’s services in schools within Hamilton Southeastern School District.
Household Heroes classes announced — Household Heroes classes at the Fishers Parks’ Maker Playground teach skills to fix simple household projects, such as drywall repair, plumbing, basic electrical wiring, tool usage, and more. Maker Playground membership is not required, and classes are open to anyone 16 and older, regardless of skill. Cost is $20 per person. All sessions are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/3HezXAa.
Upcoming classes that still have space available are:
- March 20: Power Tool Basics
- April 17: Picture Hanging
- May 15: Toilet Trouble
- June 19: Drywall Repair
- July 17: Cut & Install Molding
Fishers Arts Council annual meeting — The Fishers Arts Council held its annual meeting Jan. 11, during which the board welcomed four new members: Susan Dickey, Tom Rich, Latrica Schooley, and Amanda Wilhite. According to an announcement from FAC, the board also voted on leadership positions. FAC’s new board president is Ross Hilleary, vice president is Chris Hayes, treasurer is Douglas Dusseau and secretary is Olivia Harris. The former board president, Laura Villanyi, remains on the board as past president to help with the transition.
Pre-K Prom scheduled for Feb. 3 — Parents can get dressed up with their little one ages 3 to 6, and “Be Our Guest” at this themed dance hosted by Fishers Parks. The annual Pre-K Prom is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Fishers Parks headquarters, 8100 E. 106th St. In addition to dancing and music, participants can visit with characters and take part in games, crafts, photo ops and more while enjoying refreshments and getting a keepsake photo taken. Cost is $25 per person. All attendees — children and parents or guardians — must be registered. Children 2 and younger are free. To register, visit playfishers.com/602/Pre-K-Prom.
Fishers Parks plans Spring Formal —Adults and their children ages 7-12 are invited to enjoy a night of dancing at the Fishers Parks’ Spring Formal, a semi-formal event. Spring Formal will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 2 at Fishers Parks HQ, 8100 E. 106th St. The event will have a spring theme, with crafts, games, photo ops and refreshments. The cost is $25 per person. All attendees — children and parents/guardians — must be registered. To register, visit playfishers.com and click on the “register” icon.
