 (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY NATHAN PACE) Taylor Drury, Emma Benoit and Liz Alsot at the Bethany Village Thanksgiving dinner.  Dasia Evans, left, Paige Barrett and Mickey Sasson sit in on a table.  Sophomore Liz Alsot listens to a resident at Bethany Village. | By Nathan Pace Online editor University of Indianapolis women’s basketball players shared stories Thursday with residents of Bethany Village Assisted Living and served Thanksgiving dinner. “Glad to see the UIndy basketball team here,” Dana Huffman of Bethany Village said. “Actually, taking the time to meet and having a conversation with them.” While the women’s basketball team has taken part in previous community events, celebrating Thanksgiving with the elderly at Bethany Village proved to be rewarding. “We are just really thankful for the opportunity,” UIndy’s Taylor Drury said. “It’s always nice to serve people and put a smile on their face.” Senior Emma Benoit, who is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds early in the season, served pumpkin pie, cleaned up tables and met residents. “It’s nice getting to know all of them,” Benoit said. “They are all so sweet to us and ask about our days and everything.” Senior 5-9 guard Mickey Sasson is from Israel, as she has enjoyed learning about Thanksgiving traditions with her teammates. “Families come together and sit around the table,” Sasson said. “I’ve heard you watch a lot of football on Thanksgiving. This is my third Thanksgiving ever.” Sasson enjoyed hearing stories and comments from the attendees at the dinner. “I love listening to people; hearing their stories and just chit-chatting. My favorite story is who is their favorite grandchild. That was funny,” Sasson said. Her sister Shira is a 5-10 junior guard on the Greyhounds team. Huffman said the Thanksgiving dinner was held two weeks before the actual holiday so families can relax and not feel pressured with holiday preparations. She hopes the UIndy players will be back next year. Bethany Village is at 3530 S. Shelby St. The Greyhounds also are successful on the court, having opened with three straight wins. |
 (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY) This is one of the two candles on the Linzie family’s front porch that eventually launched a massive Christmas display enjoyed by generations in Greenwood.  The reason for the Christmas season: a simple manger scene where Christ was born.  The Linzies keep adding to their displays, including this one where two nutcrackers guard the mailbox for letters to Santa.  Snoopy, in different sizes, is among popular characters on display. | By Al Stilley Editor Kenny Linzie knows how a massive Christmas display began on the family farm but can’t be sure of when it began. The farmland near the heart of Greenwood has been in the family since his dad, Herman, moved there in 1948. “My wife (Cathy) set two tall plastic candles on the front porch and we kept adding to it,” Linzie recalled. “I have completely forgotten exactly when this all got so big.” The two candles are visible on the front porch – a tradition but not quite part of the “wow” factor of the hundreds of lighted Christmas decorations in their yard and of neighbor Barry Inabnitt. Linzie knows that for years they shied away from any publicity or notoriety. Year after year, the annual Christmas display kept attracting more and more motorists who would bring families and kids to the key-shaped drive at the end of Middle Street in Greenwood. Longtime Greenwood residents contend the displays have been an annual event for five decades. “We’ve always tried to keep it quiet,” Linzie said. “But with all the online stuff out there like Facebook and Twitter, this has spread across the internet. I know that someone had a drone over the properties and took photos of the entire display and put it up on the internet.” This month, the lights came on a bit later than usual due to and farming season that stretched deep into November. He did not have enough time to bring out many of the hundreds of unique wooden cutouts to be displayed. However, the traditional wooden stand-ups depict Kenny, Linzie and daughter Amy at the entrance with another sign proclaiming the display as the Linzies and Inabnitts. With help from nephew Don “Newt” Repp of Franklin, the lights came on just a few nights ago that turned each side of the driveway and the barns at the north end of the property into another Christmas sight to remember. The Linzie farmland encompasses 190 acres, far less than the original 300-plus acres. Some of the land was sold where Northeast Elementary School and a small Greenwood Park are located. Inabnitt’s land is on the west side of the drive. One afternoon last week, he noticed a mother and son in a car driving through to see the decorations and plastic characters in daylight. “That’s why we do this; it’s so that kids can enjoy it,” Inabnitt said. The driveway on the property is narrow, but there’s room for one lane of traffic each way. The massive display is easy to find from East Main Street, just turn north onto Middle Street. After crossing Broadway Street, don’t let the “dead end” sign fool you – the Christmas lights are just ahead. |
 (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) Franklin Central’s Alexus Mobley is all smiles Saturday while holding the sectional trophy after defeating host Center Grove. Mobley helped the Flashes “ice” the win with four points late in the game.  (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY) Franklin Central senior Rachel Loobie cuts a piece of the net Saturday at Center Grove after leading the Flashes to their first sectional championship since 2014. Loobie had three “double doubles” in three sectional games last week.  Junior Izzy Reed embraces Alexis Mead, GCA's lone senior, after she cuts down a piece of the net.  Junior Savvanah Frye was the second leading scorer with 18, including a trio of 3-pointers. | By Al Stilley Editor “We made it! We made it!” Franklin Central senior forward Rachel Loobie repeated those words several times Saturday night while clutching the Flashes’ first IHSAA girls basketball sectional championship trophy since 2014. Loobie’s 21 points and 14 rebounds along with a complete 32 minutes of intense defense and patient offense by the Flashes paid off in a 36-32 triumph against sectional host 4A No. 11 Center Grove. Meanwhile at nearby Greenwood Christian Academy (GCA), the host Cougars claimed their second consecutive sectional trophy by dominating Lutheran, 82-44 in another all-Southside battle. Franklin Central (15-11) faces East Central (22-5) Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Columbus North Regional. The winner faces the No. 15 Bedford North Lawrence (19-5)-Evansville North (20-5) winner. In 1A, No. 8 GCA meets No. 7 Jac-Cen-Del (21-4) at noon in the Southwestern (Shelby County) Regional with the winner colliding with the North Central (18-7)-Bethesda Christian (18-6) winner. Championship games start at 7:30 p.m. At Center Grove, Franklin Central’s defense frustrated the usually unflappable Trojans. “We were definitely out of synch,” Center Grove coach Kevin Stuckmeyer said. “Give them (FCHS) credit, they got us out of our comfort zone. They guarded our cutters and we missed some open looks early. No doubt, Franklin Central was the better team tonight.” The Flashes were in control most of the game, although statistically it was an even match except for a 23-16 rebounding edge and five more free throws. FC led twice by eight points in the second half, but the Trojans closed 31-30 with 38 seconds to go as Alexis Mobley closed with four points and Loobie hit a free throw. Mobley, Olivia Faust and Weaver combined for 15 points against the Trojans. Loobie’s three-game sectional totals were 68 points, 44 rebounds, 10 assists and seven steals. “The fact that people thought we couldn’t (win) just made us want it even more,” said Loobie who will play collegiately at Central Michigan University. “There was no doubt in our minds that we were capable of winning the game. We wanted to keep pressing hard on defense and not let up – that’s what we did.” FC’s defense prevented the Trojans from a successful comeback. “This was by far the best defense we’ve played in two years,” FC coach Vince Cerbone said, “We gave the girls a simple plan and they executed it perfectly. We’ve come from a two-win season when Loobie had to do everything last year to 15 wins and hopefully more with this group. I couldn’t be prouder.” Center Grove finishes 20-6. The Trojans graduate Alainna Frankel, Ashley Eck and Claire and Emily Rake but return leading scorer 5-10 Mary Wilson. At Greenwood Christian, the heavily favored Cougars cruised through its sectional by outscoring three opponents, 236-106. GCA trailed only once against Lutheran 2-1 early Saturday before pulling away for a first-quarter lead, 29-6. Junior Izzy Reed led with 24 points and grabbed her career 1,000th rebound late in the game. Lone senior Alexis Mead scored 12 points in her final game in the GCA gymnasium. Savvanah Frye added 18 points and Ellie Bigelow scored 12 points. Frye remarked, “This is a stepping stone.” The Cougars are hungry and want to go deeper into the tourney than last year when they fell to University in the Southwestern Regional title game. “We’re not done,” Reed said. “We’re playing together and playing hard.” In his eighth season at the Cougars helm, coach Alan Weems praised the team for maintaining its focus throughout the finale. GCA has won 11 straight games. They have outscored opponents 66.4 points to 43.9. Southside teams and their final won-lost record: Beech Grove (7-15); Greenwood (5-18); Lutheran (6-19); Manual 6-15; Perry Meridian (7-16); Roncalli (17-7); Southport (12-12). (Note: Online editor Nathan Pace contributed to this article.) |
   | NYSlice Pizza & More owner Dan Frost, left, and business partner, Gina Cook, displaying their delicious calzone and pizza, have taken all precautions. They are offering “white glove” curbside treatment for customers picking up orders. They also have two food trucks for hospitals or other critical workplaces who need food on-site for their employees. Customers can order online via thenyslice.com, by calling the restaurant at 317-887-1009, or by one of their third party delivery partners: Doordash, Grubhub or Uber Eats, which those orders have applied tamper resistant seals. Greek Islands Restaurant owner, George Stergiopoulos, is encouraging customers to help the local small businesses through these tough times. They’re offering limited delivery during the lunch hours within 2.5 miles, also through the total takeout app. You can call in your order at 317-636-0700, and receive curbside service. Monkey Business owner, Evelyn Mulherin, is thanking customers in advance for their patronage. They are offering carry-out, as well as, free delivery service within a five-mile radius during this time of uncertainty. They are offering their daily specials and full menu. They open at 11 a.m. Call 317-787-3787 to place your orders. Shane Zoellner from Shallos is ready for carryout and curbside service. Call 317-882-7997 to place your order. Delivery also available through Grubhub. Owner, Paul Zoellner, said they are offering free soup and bread to those in need. Check out their full menu at Shallos.com. Open Noon-8 p.m. everyday.  |
 (SUBMITTED PHOTO) Bre proudly and affectionately holds her 4-year old son, Zayn, beside her IMPD police car.  (PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAN COONEY)  "Officer Leath had the type of smile that could brighten anyone’s day. She was a kind, loving, compassionate mother who had an unbreakable bond with her son and was able to use those skills to bridge the gap between police and the community she served on east district. She is a hero; someone we should all want our daughters to be like. Although her untimely death leaves us grieving, we are grateful for her service and dedication provided to the people of Indianapolis. Rest easy, Breann. We have it from here." - Southport Police Department "A hero is an ordinary person who faces extraordinary challenges. They act with courage, honor and sacrifice. IMPD officer Breann Leath was a superhero amongst heroes. Thank you for your service to the city and the country. You were an exemplary model of what Perry Township Schools strives for in its students. We will take it from here and strive to carry on your legacy. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal." - Perry Township School police "We are deeply saddened by the loss of IMPD Officer and Southport alumna Breann Leath, who is loved by her family and the people she proudly served. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leath family, many of whom have bravely served our Southside community for years. May their weary hearts find comfort, and may Officer Leath rest in peace." - MSD of Perry Township "Breann Leath was a 2014 graduate of Southport High School. She was a good student who displayed great leadership and compassion for her fellow students. She was captain of the SHS dance team. We are proud of her courage, dedication and service in the Indiana National Guard and her desire to serve and protect her community as a law enforcement officer. We are honored to have her as part of our alumni family. She was a role model for current and future Southport High School students. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and our community. You will forever be our Cardinal." - Southport High School Alumni Association | By Al Stilley Editor Breann Leath’s infectious smile and boundless energy followed her throughout her life. Leath, a 2014 Southport High School graduate, began serving in her “dream job” more than two years ago as an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer. She was killed in the line of duty, April 9, after responding to a call for domestic violence at an eastside apartment. Her former teachers, including a Glenns Valley Sunday School teacher, remembered Leath as a young girl who loved to dance, respected her family, and was selfless in all her actions. Southport High School English teacher and dance coach Jessi Walpole enjoyed Bre in class and as a catalyst to help launch the high school’s first dance team as a sophomore. “She was a leader, mediator and role model,” Walpole recalled. “She was the voice of reason for everyone, especially on the dance team when there was a problem. She was a good student, had a big smile and was very sweet.” Bre also was determined to have a career in law enforcement, following in her parent’s footsteps. She joined the Indiana National Guard after graduation, served as a corrections officer and became an IMPD officer more than two years ago. After Bre graduated from SHS in 2014, Walpole kept in contact with her. “One of the things I noticed was that she always was blossoming into a better version of herself,” Walpole said of Bre as a young adult. “She wanted to follow her dad as a police officer. After serving in the National Guard, she wanted to come back to where she grew up and serve the community. She could make a friend of anybody. She always put others first. It was beautiful to see her become a mother at 20 and show the love of family that was embedded in her by her parents.” Walpole concluded, “She always put others first.” Heather Tordero, an English and speech teacher at SHS, remembered Bre as well. “The first thing that pops in my mind is her big smile,” Tordero said. “You could have the worst day and she would smile and hug you and it felt like you could put your chin up. She was smart and knew how to work hard. “Bre was a person that others were drawn to. She had the biggest heart and genuinely cared about others in a way that was beyond her years. This carried on after she graduated. I was not surprised when I found out she had chosen to become a police officer. I am so proud of her and will really miss her.” Bre’s smile was infectious as a little girl when she was 3- to 6-years old in Jan Cooney’s Sunday School classes at Glenns Valley Church. “When I heard about her untimely death, it hit me pretty hard because she was one of ‘my kids,’” Cooney posted on Facebook. “I don’t remember a time when this young lady wasn’t smiling. She could light up the whole room. I can still hear her little voice as she sang and played with the other children. “That little girl could pray. She could out-pray any adult I ever met. We had prayer time each Sunday, and I know God hears all prayers; but as we would go around the circle, her prayers were full of heart and soul. She was so precocious when it came to speaking to God with her whole heart.” Cooney reminisced and stated, “Thinking back on this, I realized that this little girl made an impression on me that can never be erased … her little voice is still in my head, and I will never forget the love she shared with the other children in my class … I pray that we all can have the faith she had and trust God.” Leath, 24, is survived by son Zayn, 4; parents, Tom, a reserve deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department; mother, Jennifer, a public-service dispatcher; sisters, Jay and Tiana; one aunt; two uncles and grandparents, David and Susanne Malone. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Tommy C. Sr., and Minnie L. Leath. Leath’s death leaves a legacy and a personality that will not be forgotten by the officers she worked with. At a press conference Thursday, IMPD Chief Randel Taylor stated, “She’s described as a dedicated officer who showed compassion for the community. She is an example of the type of officer we want on this department.” Stories began circulating about the way she put others first. Recently an elderly male called her and said he had been robbed. Bre finished her report, but then bought and delivered a meal from his favorite restaurant. She also met a young male student who was taking a culinary class at a school where she was on patrol. On a subsequent off-duty day, she stopped by that school to try out his cooking. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett praised, “She heard the call and she went bravely toward that which could do her harm. Because if she didn’t, harm may come to others.” |
 (SUBMITTED PHOTOS) Some facemasks have patriotic colors. | Several members of the Mary Bryan Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are making facemasks daily for various Southside facilities and businesses. Chapter members Carolyn Ferraro, JoAn Nichols, Candy Close, Jill Werner, Cathy Pollachek, Laura Manning and Molly Chizum began sewing this month with Vicki Kurtz picking up and delivering needed supplies to sew the masks. As of April 15, nearly 900 masks have been sewn and donated by the chapter to the community as part of the national DAR initiative, Service to America from Home. Individual donations of materials provided DAR members with needed sewing items, particularly with the recent state-mandated closures of fabric stores that resulted in online orders being placed. Facilities that requested facemasks included Community Hospital South, Franciscan Health Network, Dialysis Center of Indianapolis and American Senior Communities. The chapter also provided masks to Gray Goat Bicycle Company employees at all four locations, a veterinary clinic and the Main Street Post Office in Greenwood. |
