Recently, I changed jobs. It was a homecoming of sorts. I returned to the field of urban planning after working seven years in the nonprofit sector. I went to work for a small municipality in northern Hamilton County that I have always thought had amazing potential. It was just waiting for its time. 

And its time has come. Sheridan is an amazing town. It’s off the beaten path, but on it too in some respects. It’s agrarian on its face, yet it has a downtown that is coming alive with shops filled with artists and other entrepreneurs. The community is passionate about its school system and pulls together when faced with adversity. And that’s just what I’ve observed in my first two months.

Sheridan is actively working on the last two phases of the Monon Trail in Hamilton County. Phase I will bring the trail to a downtown trailhead by the end of this year and Phase II will take it to the county line by the end of 2025. The trailhead will be located directly off Main Street, behind Town Hall and when finished next year, the trail will extend approximately 30 miles from Indianapolis to Sheridan.

Cara and Paul at Legacy Images and Homemade on Main support local artists by providing space for them to highlight and sell their art. They offer home decorations in every medium from wood to textiles to glass. Many of the artists will work with you if you find the right item but want it larger, smaller, or in different colors. Adorning Oaks also specializes in unique home décor and custom work. Their window display is beautiful! Down the street you will find entrepreneurs Emma and Ashton. They own the newly opened Blooming Beauty. This salon provides full esthetics and cosmetology services and is about to expand their waiting room to a beautiful outside patio with a stunning floral mural.

These are just a few of the retail businesses you will find in downtown Sheridan. The dine-out options are also expanding. In addition to Greek’s Pizza, we have AJ’s Café opening later this month, and we are eagerly awaiting an open date for a new Polish bakery. Fingers are crossed that we will be able to enjoy authentic pączki next Fat Tuesday!

To say the Sheridan school system is the heartbeat of the community does not accurately describe it. I recently attended the opening of the new fieldhouse. Residents and guests packed the gym for a wonderful dinner, program and ribbon cutting. Students participated in every aspect of the evening and their pride was palpable as they gave guided tours. Next season’s sports teams will have well-designed athletic facilities to work from. Since they also had their spirit shop open, I snagged a great ‘Hawks t-shirt and hat for the fall football season!

When I say that the community pulls together in adversity, it is truly something to see. People show up when needed. In the last two months there have been fundraisers to help local families who were a heartbeat away from tragedy. The passion of the organizers was met with fantastic attendance and the funds raised will help the families recover and sustain themselves in the months ahead.

If you haven’t detected it yet, there’s pride. I am honored to work for this community. It’s small, yet mighty and just like that little engine that could, it’s the little town that will accomplish great things. Stay tuned Hamilton County…

HAMILTON CONNECTION

Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) and Invest Hamilton County have launched a new community ambassador program. The partnership, called HAMILTON CONNECTION will highlight the personal stories of HCLA alumni and allow those Connectors to help personalize the things that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work, learn, and thrive. Meet the Hamilton Connectors HERE.