The Southsider Voice - Top Stories

Eleanor Ramsey, seated, was joined by family and friends at the Otterbein in Franklin to celebrate her 104th birthday. Ramsey is the oldest living alumnae of Southport High School (Class of 1937). In photo, she is with children Jack Ramsey, Cathy Scott, Linda Gamon, Sherry Borski, and Bonnie Summitt. Eleanor also has 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 14 great great-grandchildren. She was presented with many remembrances and honors along with a special 104th birthday cake. Eleanor was born on Aug. 31, 1919. She is a resident of the Otterbein.
(SUBMTTED PHOTOS)

Members of the First Baptist Church of Greenwood at the corner of old Meridian Street and Main Street recently gathered in front of the church for a commemorative photograph, top photo. The church was built in 1971 and is among the many historic buildings in downtown Greenwood. The church was founded in 1839 and built its first home in 1846 near Main Street and Madison Avenue. The church at 99 W. Main Street was completed in 1971 and served as the congregation’s home for more than one-half century. The congregation also gathered for a commemorative photo in front of their new worship center at 1589 Averitt Road, bottom photo. The congregation is having its grand opening worship services and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new worship center at Averitt and Stop 18 roads. On Sunday, Sept. 10, grand opening worship services are at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a Baptist Builders class at 9:30 a.m. and Partners in Christ class at 11 a.m. The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 3 p.m., also Sunday with the entire community invited. The new worship center consists of 16,000 square feet and is on 26 acres of land. The facility also features a community center and Lionheart Children’s Academy that targets the need for early childhood daycare and preschool in Greenwood. The historic church building at 99 W. Main Street is to be the home of Bethel Chin Baptist Church.
(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)

Royal Spa owner/founder Bob Dapper proudly pauses in showroom at company headquarters on the Southside at West Epler Avenue and Ind. 37.

(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)

THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE SEPT. 13, 2023 EDITION
By Al Stilley
Editor

“We’re learning where everything is going as it happens.”

Royal Spa co-founder and owner Bob Dapper made that comment while seated in his office at the company’s headquarters on the Southside at West Epler Avenue and Indiana 37.

Rightfully, Dapper calls the area behind the building as the “dust bowl” because the landscape about 100 yards west is undergoing a dramatic change.

Interstate 69 is going right behind the property. Progress can be seen from the West Epler bridge that goes over the interstate that has followed the footprint of Ind. 37 until it veers north of Southport Road to eventually connect with a new I-465 interchange between White River and the highway.

The I-465/Harding Street (Ind. 37) interchange is to be redesigned so motorists can access those businesses without going onto I-69. Some of those businesses south of that location include a truck stop, Royal Spa, Everett Transit Group, Reardon’s Carpet, and Trackside Powersports. On the westside of Ind. 37, the Gateway South complex features Denny’s Marina, American Freight Liquidators, and ABC Supply among businesses with easy access from Epler Avenue.

Dapper expects that motorists and customers would have continued access to Royal Spa as they do now by turning west off Ind. 37 and into the parking lot. The fate of a small access road (Belmont Avenue) between four businesses, including Royal Spa, would be eliminated, creating an inconvenient access for semitrailers and delivery trucks to Royal spa and three adjacent businesses. Belmont Avenue would become a local access road west of I-69 and connect with West Epler Avenue.

“Actually, the switchero of having Epler go over I-69 works in our favor because traffic would not be impeded getting into Royal Spa,” Dapper said. “Royal Spa is a destination so customers will find us again and eventually have less apprehension coming to our headquarters because they fear some difficulty like now to get in.”

Dapper is also concerned about moving the Royal Spa fleet of trucks with parts and equipment as well as semitrucks that deliver supplies to build spas to the loading dock on the west side of the building.

“We’ve been able to make lemons out of lemonade before,” Dapper said optimistically.

As owner of a campground in Bloomington, Dapper has followed construction of I-69 over the Ind. 37 footprint. He dislikes the disruption of businesses at the Ind. 144 exchange and the blockage of Smith Valley Road at I-69 in Johnson County, For example, the Busted Knuckle has relocated to Whiteland Road and Ind. 135. And Dapper noticed improvements and access to Oliver Winery that is now a more prominent destination point in Monroe County.

Eventually, Dapper is confident of the same outcome for Southsiders to continue to support businesses, including Royal Spa, that exist at or near the I-465/Ind. 37 interchange. The area lost R.J. Marlin Rentals and Stoops due to the new I-69/I-465 interchange.

Founded in 1981, Royal Spa manufactures hot tubs, float tanks, swim spas, icebaths, and custom-made fiberglass baptistries plus all spare parts and provides full service and repairs. Sales locations are at its factory showroom and headquarters at West Epler Avenue, plus U.S. 36 in Avon and 9820 Pendleton Pike on the city’s northeastside.

Dapper and co-founder Rick Bartlett started Royal Spa from scratch while they were engineering students at IUPUI. Dapper is a product of St. Matthews Catholic School and Cathedral High School. Bartlett is a Decatur Central High School alumnus. They struggled early-on with the business and had to cut lawns to help make ends meet.

They had confidence in their business and continued to improve the quality of hot tubs and swim spas through the years. Royal Spa later dabbled in manufacturing hovercrafts and plastic yard pools which they no longer produce.

Royal Spa also manufactures and sells float tanks and float pods for commercial and private use, a new product for individual float therapy with an Epsom salts solution. He has plans to open a multiple-tank floating center on County Line Road in the future.

Dapper also enjoys Cathedral football and the Indianapolis 500 where he has served as a crew member for several races, including the last 11 years for Dale Coyne Racing. Dapper’s first acquaintance was with team owner Bobby Rahal and later sponsored a race car driven by Roberto Guerrero in the “500” in exchange for two spas for his team owner. He has a framed photo of being a crew member for driver Sarah Fisher on the wall of his office at Royal Spa.

Looking out the window at Royal Spa headquarters, Dapper is sure that Royal Spa headquarters will continue to thrive at its current location.

“I’m taking every day, one day at a time to make this all come out in a good way,” Dapper said. “At one time, the interstate was to go right in front of us.”

Then he grinned and acknowledged he wasn’t sure what the road would be named just north of Royal Spa.
He laughed and said, “How about naming it Royal Spa Way?

Royal Spa headquarters provides showroom, sales, manufacturing, service and delivery from the Southside.

Indianapolis 500 enthusiast and sponsor Bob Dapper points to photo on the wall at Royal Spa headquarters of being a crew member for team owner/driver Sarah Fisher during a 500-mile classic.

Sign on West Epler Avenue will guide motorists to I-69 South just south of new I-69 / I-465 interchange.

Large billboard informs northbound motorists on Ind.37 to turn west onto West Epler Avenue to reach Royal Spa headquarters during massive road construction of nearby I-69.

BILL CIRIELLO 1929-2023

By Al Stilley
Editor

Friends of the late William (Bill) Joseph Ciriello, Sr., 94, of Beech Grove knew right away when you were his friend.

With appreciation, he would tell you: “Thank you for being my friend.”

Ciriello passed away Thursday, Sept. 14, one day after this year’s Beech Grove Promoters Club Fall Festival began on Main Street and significantly two days before the annual festival parade, also on Main Street. Ciriello and his famed black 1959 Cadillac El Dorado convertible were an annual staple of the parade for years.

Saturday, Ciriello was honored during the parade. Club member John Gillespie drove his Camaro convertible with a black wreath near the front of the parade with a Ciriello Plumbing truck following behind. Ciriello founded the company in July 1952, a few years after settling in Beech Grove. Then at the reviewing area in front of the Beech Grove branch library, Taps was played in honor of his military career in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Fittingly, Ciriello himself played Taps many times on a trumpet that was among his WWII artifacts at memorials. During WWII, he played Reveille each morning while stationed on the USS Dayton light cruiser.
“I’m a proud veteran,” Ciriello would say.

In his later years, he continued mingling with friends and other WWII veterans often on Monday evenings at Mikie’s Pub where the Southside’s own singer/entertainer Steve Jeffris would honor all veterans during his performances. And he enjoyed many breakfasts with Beech Grove Mayor Dennis Buckley.

An early civic advocate, he joined the Beech Grove Exchange Club and later founded the Beech Grove Promoters Club in 1953 so that collected funds would go directly to needy groups and organizations. The club also promotes the Fourth of July fireworks at Sarah T. Bolton Park.

Ciriello is best described as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, World War II veteran, a self-made business owner, and community advocate.

He was born May 17,1929 to the late Tony and Lola Ciriello in Rochester, Pa. He married Betty Jo Baker and they settled in Beech Grove. They were married for 72 years before her death. He is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren.

His funeral service is at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday) at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home, The Gardens at Olive Branch in Greenwood with burial in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beech Grove Promoters Club or Indy Honor Flight.

Bill Ciriello takes part in the 2022 Beech Grove Promoters Club Fall Festival Parade. The first parade was held in 1954.
(JOHN GILLESPIE PHOTO)

By Al Stilley
Editor

Southsider Jefferson Shreve is on a history-making campaign in his run to become the next mayor of Indianapolis.

His roots are on the Southside where he and his wife Mary also live, making him the first potential mayor from the Southside since Uni-Gov was formed. He grew up as a kid just a few houses from Boyden’s Bakery where he rode his bike and played in the streets. He has many uncles who live in Perry Township where he enjoys family gatherings. Brother-in-law Jack Martin was in the audience when he spoke last week with the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce at Wheatley’s in Wanamaker.

Shreve also would become the first mayor of Indianapolis with previous experience on the governing City-County Council; he knows how city government should work together for the people.

He reinforced his main campaign message and answered questions from chamber members about the township and the Southside on Sept. 12.

Shreve’s campaign is quite simple and hits home on the issue of public safety in his message to defeat Democrat incumbent Mayor Joe Hogsett who is running for a third four-year term. Shreve’s assets are his success as an entrepreneur, a graduate of both Indiana and Purdue universities, who founded expanded Storage Express from one building into the state’s largest storage facility and his varied experiences as a City-County Council member.

In front of the Franklin Township C of C, Shreve talked at ease about his candidacy as the Republican candidate, who won a three-way race in this year’s primary election.

“Until this year, I didn’t wake up every day thinking of myself as a politician,” Shreve said with honesty. “I always thought of myself as a small business guy. It has been an extraordinary, not always easy, adjustment to go from the sovereignty of owning and growing a pretty successful business and opening up your life for dissection.

“I went into this (candidacy) because I’m convinced that I have something different and better than what we have seen in the Hogsett administration,” Shreve said last week. “It’s a vote (Nov. 7) this year to retire an incumbent … he has to run on what he’s done. He’s vulnerable for a change, and that’s the argument that I’m making.”

PUBLIC SAFETY
Shreve emphasized many points in his remarks last week pertaining to public safety, solving crimes, hiring a public safety director, getting violent offenders off the streets with improved policing prosecutions, making a human relations head as a member of his cabinet, facing financial infrastructure shortfalls, examining the various needs of townships in Marion County, and growing Indianapolis.

“The problem (public safety) is not enough police,” Shreve cautioned. “We have 170 fewer officers on the force than when Mayor Hogsett took office. The City-County Council has authorized 1,843 officers; so the problem isn’t money, it’s leadership. This administration has done nothing to be able to retain and attract sufficient numbers of men and women who chose to serve on IMPD … they don’t have the numbers or the time to be forward engaged to get ahead of some of the crime before it becomes a violent crime … you have to back our police and support them in the work they are trained to do. In my mind, the mayor has not supported the police.”

Shreve proposes raising the hiring age of IMPD officers to 40 years from its existing 35 years to attract more experienced law enforcement professionals, provide higher pay for officers and retention bonuses for deserving officers, ensure the training and support needed, and engage in proactive policing with a fully staffed force of officers.

Shreve emphasized that IMPD’s solve rate was 80 percent during Mayor Greg Ballard’s second term and is only 34 percent under Mayor Hogsett. And he called for more prosecutions of offenders from the prosecutor’s office. Shreve also has Ballard’s support.

“What we have is a revolving door on too many fronts in Marion County,” Shreve said. “It’s hard for a Democrat mayor to be critical of a Democrat prosecutor; it won’t be that hard for me. Our police can’t do their work unless the prosecutor does his work.”

‘EAGER TO GROW OUR CITY’
Looking at the city’s growth and development, Shreve observed, “Indianapolis is flat and not growing (while) the region and the donuts (adjacent counties) are growing. “We are not at our potential. I am eager to grow our city in a way that attracts human talent who want to make their careers and live in the county and attract investment capital; it’s important that we make Indianapolis a safe place to live.”

Shreve said he favors partnering with private development and investment opportunities for the city which should not be owning and building hotels or apartments because that puts a burden on taxpayers and places existing hotels and apartments at a disadvantage.

“I want to work with them (developers); I don’t want to compete with them,” Shreve stated.

Shreve rightfully pointed out that the needs of townships in Marion County differ, especially how they perceive residential and commercial development.

“One size doesn’t fit all and not every township wants the same,” Shreve said.

He pointed out that Franklin Township’s tax base is primarily residential while Perry Township has a good slice of retail, particularly with the U.S 31 and Ind. 135 corridors. Decatur Township citizens would like a cap on distribution warehouses. He also expects commercial and business growth when I-465 and extended I-69 are connected on the Southside.

Meanwhile, Shreve looks forward to Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 7).

“My first 30 days begins Nov. 8,” Shreve said confidently. “You have to be lined up and ready to go on Jan. 1, then you’re ready to move in when you get the keys to the 25th floor (mayor’s office).”

Throughout his campaign trail, Shreve takes his Southside and Catholic roots with him as he makes an impact throughout Indianapolis and pursues a history-making Election Day.

TELEVISED DEBATES
Challenger Shreve and incumbent Mayor Hogsett will engage in two future televised debates. The first debate is to be on WISH-TV, Channel 8, Monday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. The second debate is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26 on Fox59 and CBS4 at 7 p.m.

Southsider and Republican candidate for Indianapolis mayor, Jefferson Shreve, talks about his Southside roots and his goals for public safety with members of the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce at Wheatley’s in Wanamaker.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)

Members of the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce gather with Indianapolis mayoral candidate Jefferson Shreve, middle, at Wheatley’s in Wanamaker. Members are, from left, vice president Dak Darling, Dustin Robbins, John Martin, Shreve, president David Brenton, Nancy VanArendonk, Deborah Jones, and Jenny Meineker.

Longtime Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church member Ilze Bye points to historic photos of pastors and building progress through the years. The church was founded and chartered in 1923.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY)

By Al Stilley
Editor

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary of serving the many needs of the Southside.

The anniversary open house is 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the church located at the southwest corner of U.S. 31 (South East Street) and I-465. The celebration begins with a worship service at 1:30 p.m. and an ice cream social 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited. Fittingly, the theme for the celebration is “Commemorate the Past, Remember the Present, Inspire the Future.”

The present location, 4702 S. East St., has a highly visible steeple and is only the third site in the church’s 100-year history.

A canvas led by Rev. John B. Gardner, Missionary Supt. of the Indiana Synod, Indiana Lutheran Church, and the pastors of St. Mark’s and Christ Lutheran churches established a new Southside church. Its first service was held Sunday, Jan. 21, 1923 at the McClainsville Community Clubhouse at Troy and Carson avenues.

Three years later, the growing congregation was able to build a combined white frame chapel-parsonage at the corner of Shelby Street and McKinley Avenue. A spacious new limestone chapel was added to the building and opened in May 3, 1936. The last service was held there in December 1960 when a building fund began for a church at its present location. The congregation met temporarily at Burkhart Grade School.

Groundbreaking on Oct. 29, 1961 was conducted for the new building on its current grounds. The new chapel-education unit was opened June 24, 1962.

Since then, the church has added a chapel-in-the-round, a multi-purpose community room, a mini-gymnasium with a small stage, offices, and entryway connecting with the education center.

The congregation, smaller than it was six decades ago, remains active in the community with a different outreach to meet the spiritual and growing needs of the Southside. Today’s focus is on the children in the area, its childcare and early learning center, helping to dent the food shortages, and ministering to the needs of the congregation.

The church served as the home of three different Chin congregations that have formed their own churches on the diverse Southside.

The education center is the home of a much-needed Early Learning Center Level III, six weeks to pre-Kindergarten. The center consists of nine classrooms, nursery, restrooms, offices, and a kitchen/lunchroom.

The active congregation also provides the children with a toy gift and clothing at Christmas.

The church also is a site of the Colts distribution of Thanksgiving Day dinner. And the congregation collects food items year-round for Servants Heart of Indy and Hunger, Inc., and canned goods for Habitat for Humanity.

Its most unique outreach is Bethany Community Gardens, where fruits and vegetables are grown to cut into the food shortage in the area. Bethany Community Gardens is an outgrowth of urging from two Purdue Extension agents who taught gardening classes. Over 50 volunteers tend to the gardens, including volunteers from the University of Indianapolis and Beech Grove High School. The outreach of the gardens is coordinated by Southsider Bruce Bye. The gardens earned a first-place national award as “Neighborhood of the Year” in multi-neighborhood partnership from Neighborhoods USA.

Significantly last year, a ceremony was held to burn the $1.26 million mortgage taken out in 1994 to finance the current building.

The church is anticipating many new neighbors as adjacent L-shaped property is being developed for affordable apartments. Once located next to open land while I-465 was under construction, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church has helped in meeting the Southside’s spiritual and community needs down through the decades.

And they are eager to celebrate 100 years Saturday afternoon and to “inspire the future.”

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church at US 31 and I-465 celebrates its 100th anniversary. Saturday afternoon with an open house, worship, and ice cream social.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY)

(BETHANY ELC FILE PHOTO)
Choir members greet the congregation and visitors to official opening of church expansion Sept. 10, 1955.

(BETHANY ELC FILE PHOTO)
Groundbreaking took place Sept. 11, 1954 for $1.26 million building expansion at present location of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Bethany Community Gardens began six years ago to help meet the food needs of the Southside and earned national recognition by Neighborhoods USA.

Bethany Evangelical
Lutheran Church
Milestones
(1923 – 2023)
Jan. 21, 1923 – First service and Sunday School held in a community clubhouse at Troy and Carson.
Oct. 14, 1923 – Church chartered and officially named Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Nov. 21, 1926 – Parsonage-sanctuary dedicated at Shelby Street and McKinley Avenue.
May 3, 1938 – Limestone chapel-sanctuary added to Shelby Street building.
Dec. 4, 1960 – Last service held at Shelby Street; site at 4702 S. East St. bought for $45,000 with plans for chapel-education unit.
January 1961 – Church held at Burkhart Grade School.
June 24, 1962 – Open house held for new chapel-education unit.
1964 – Strong winds blow roof off chapel-education unit; worship temporarily returns to Burkhart.
Dec. 10, 1972 – New sanctuary-in-the-round and narthex-office opens.
Jan. 1, 1988 – Bethany becomes member of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America following nationwide merger.
Sept. 10, 1995 – Dedication of Bethany’s new building, entrance, narthex, education wing, offices, classrooms, fellowship area.
1996 – Bethany Daycare established.
2012 – United Way Central Indiana’s Community Day of Caring constructs playscape for Bethany Daycare.
February 2018 – Bethany Community Gardens established.
March / May 2020 – Church closed due to Covid-19 pandemic.
October 2022 – Bethany’s neighborhood, Southdale Neighborhood Association, registered with City of Indianapolis.
Sept. 30, 2023 – 100th anniversary open house scheduled with open house, worship service and ice cream social.

Cardinals claim first win under coach Bettag
The Southport High School football program wins their first game after a 28-game losing streak. This was Southport’s first football win since Oct. 9, 2020 when the Cardinals defeated Terre Haute South, 50-36.

Southport senior Calvin Miller dumps a water jug on head football coach Alex Bettag in celebration of their win. The Cards won 43-7 against Terre Haute North. This was Bettag’s first win as coach at Southport.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY STUDENT INTERN DARCY LEBER)

Southport High School’s head football coach Alex Bettag hugs a fellow coach in celebration of the team’s win. This game was Bettag’s first career win since he’s been at Southport.

Junior Fabian Tapscott celebrates after scoring a touchdown for the Cards.

Dominating Southport triumph finally ends lengthy 28-game losing skid

The SHS Varsity football team runs onto the field at the start of the game on September 29. Senior Calvin Miller carries the Cardinal flag.

By Al Stilley
Editor

The joy displayed by Southport’s Cardinals and students on homecoming Friday night at Cardinal Stadium was a welcome scene – nearly three years in the making.

Players sprayed water on each other, jumped with joy and celebrated on the field as diehard students rushed the field, too.

Southport finally snapped a demonic 28-game losing skid by showing remarkable confidence and making big plays to dump visiting and winless Terre Haute North, 43-7.

“It was now or nothing,” contended senior offensive lineman Jesus Castillo. “We’ve worked so hard and finally got it – our first win, beautiful!”

Castillo is one of 15 Cardinals seniors who had never experienced a Southport varsity win until Friday.
“This senior class was sophomores my first year here, and these guys have stuck it out and grinded it out,” third-year coach Alex Bettag said. “I’m at a loss for words, I’m so proud of them.”

Until Friday night, the last Southport football team to win a game came Oct. 9, 2020 in Cardinal Stadium against Terre Haute South, 50-36 under coach Brandon Winters, now at Beech Grove.

The closest the Cards came to a win since then was a 28-21 home loss against North in 2021 and a 35-27 loss at Bloomington North last year.

Bettag’s third season began with optimism as senior quarterback Bryce Calvert started against Roncalli only to suffer a season-ending injury.

The Cardinals’ 20 points in the opener were the most until Friday night’s outpouring of 43 points. While rebuilding an offense with sophomore signal-caller Gavin Cummins, the Cardinals produced only 39 points in five games.

“They came in Monday (Sept. 25) believing they could win and that showed tonight,” coach Bettag said. “We had a great week of preparation; we knew we matched up well against North athletically across the board. We tipped the scales in our favor tonight.”

The Cardinals struck against the Patriots on offense and defense.

Southport led 15-0 at halftime, scoring first on a recovery of a North fumble in the end zone late in the first quarter and on a 25-yard TD pass from Cummins to senior Ti’Eric Campbell in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals defense held North to a mere 38 yards total offense thanks to senior Calvin Miller’s early-game pass interception and breakthrough tackles by Miller and junior Trent Baker.

The confident Cardinals exploded in the third quarter for three TDs on sophomore Jeremiah Stanovic’s 48-yard run, junior workhorse Tony Taylor’s 34-yard run, and junior Fabian Tapscott’s pick-6 interception for a 39-yard score.

Sophomore Riley Matlock set up his 1-yard TD in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard run that capped a 52-yard drive in the fourth quarter.

Unofficially, the Cardinals pounded out 257 yards rushing with Stanovic going for 136 yards, Taylor 77 yards, and Matlock 54 yards.

Southport’s now stout defense held North to 3 net yards on the ground and 142 yards passing, including a 79-yard halfback TD pass late in the fourth quarter.

A group of girls hugs and catches up at the beginning of the homecoming dance on September 30. The dance took place at Cardinal Stadium.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY INTERN MORGAN HARMON)

The group dances to “The Cupid Shuffle” at the front of the crowd.

Cari Kauffman succeeds on second try in three years after rigorous training and being stung by a jellyfish

Cari stands in victory and redemption standing on the rocks of Cap Gris Nez, France on Sept. 7.
(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)

Cari Kauffman, left, with her support swimmer Sarah Philpott in the middle of the Channel.

Cari Kauffman, Perry Meridian High School alumnae, Class of 2003.

By Al Stilley
Editor

If at first you don’t succeed … well, you’ve heard lots of those stories before.

Cari Kauffman, a 2003 Perry Meridian High School graduate and swim team member, has lived it.

The former Falcon and University of Evansville swimmer failed in her first attempt to swim the English Channel in 2020, missing her goal of completing the 21.5-mile distance from Dover, England to the rocky shore of Cap Gris Nez, France by three miles.

“I had to cut it short due to seasickness,” Kauffman recalled. “There were gale force winds and the water was really choppy. My coach and boat pilot wanted me out of the water for my health. I was out of the water; I was done, not completing it the first time was quite a blow.”

Kauffman, a bankruptcy attorney in Chicago, continued, “I came home really disappointed and within a month I realized I had unfinished business.”

She began training rigorously again. She competed in various triathlons and began concentrating again on open water distance swims, particularly in nearby Lake Michigan with other swimmers whom she called the Point Swimmers. Their swims usually lasted for four hours.

She also repeated her plans to return to England. She reached out to the Channel Swimming Association (CSA), founded in 1927, that is internationally recognized to observe and authenticate all successful Channel swims.

She booked the same CSA Registered Pilot that was with her team in 2020. Solo swimmers must complete a six-hour swim in cold water (56 to 60 degrees) and have it verified by the CSA. She booked her Channel swim about one year ahead for Sept. 7-12, depending on tides and weather conditions.

Kauffman arrived in England Aug. 24 for her second attempt. Each day, she would swim in Dover Harbor from one to three hours and made her required CSA six-hour swim in her first week there.

“After that first week, I kept my swims short and easy and made sure I was well-rested and fresh for the swim,” Kauffman, 38, said. “My coach and boat pilot were in communication and conditions on the first day (Sept. 7) of the window would be pretty good conditions.”

IN THE CHANNEL AT 3:30 A.M.

She began her swim at 3:30 a.m., in the cold Channel with coach Carol Breiter of Sacramento, former UE teammate Kim Smith and support swimmer Sarah Philpott of Dover, England in the accompanying boat.

“After six or seven hours, I became seasick twice and I had a lot of pain in my right wrist but I kept going because I had to move forward,’ Kauffman recalled.

“You are out there for so much time and because of the tides you swim in an S-shape. The middle part of the Channel is the shipping lane, and I would occasionally see a freighter in the distance. There was really nothing to look at but water.”

“I also discovered that I’m terrified of jellyfish. I had dodged them until the final half mile and then was stung. By then I was so close that I could see the shore. I put my head down and kept going.”

Soon she was overcome with pride by reaching France after 12 hours and 25 minutes.

“I had to make sure my legs would work so I could stand up,” she remarked. “It was an amazing feeling to see about 40 people cheering from a tourist platform.”

Once on the rocky shore, a team member on the boat handed Cari an American Flag which she proudly held behind her for a photo opp. Mission accomplished.

“That experience and the smile on my face was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was redemption,” Kauffman concluded.

PMHS EXPERIENCES

Cari was asked to turn her attention to her Southside roots. She is the daughter of Vickie and Russ Kauffman, who still live on the Southside.

She is a product of Perry Township Schools. At PMHS, she was a swimmer and cheerleader, played the violin in the orchestra, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She swam the breaststroke and individual medley competitively.

She majored in business administration and Spanish at the University of Evansville where she also swam and graduated in 2007. Two years later, she graduated with her law degree from DePaul University.

“My high school experiences on the swim team and orchestra showed me the value of hard work and determination, setting goals and working toward them, and especially time management to make it all happen,” she observed.

She is a fulltime attorney who worked via Zoom after arriving in Dover in August to stay mentally fresh.
After describing her Channel swim, she was asked, “Would you go back and do it again.”

Her reply was one word: “No.”

Coach Carol Breiter, left, Cari Kauffman, and college coach/friend Kim Smith in support boat at Dover.

Southside couple Jefferson Shreve and his wife Mary are with their dog, Shelby. The Shreves have donated vigorously to support animal care throughout the area, including Friends of Indianapolis Animals and Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter plus more. The Republican Mayoral candidate in Indianapolis, Shreve has vowed to donate his salary as mayor to Indianapolis Animal Care Services.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

By Al Stilley
Editor

During a news conference earlier this month, Jefferson Shreve pledged to donate his salary as mayor to the Indianapolis Animal Care Services.

Shreve, the Republican mayoral challenger, professed his love for animals with that vow at the proposed site of a new animal shelter.

He continued to attack the administration of incumbent Democrat Joe Hogsett. This time to improve the issue of animal care and treatment through the IACS.

Shreve, who also grew up on the Southside, and his wife Mary have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the animal welfare community, including Friends of Indianapolis Animals, Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter, Friends of Indianapolis Outdoors and other domestic animal causes.

“The shelter is in dire condition,” Shreve stated, “The fault lies with Mayor Hogsett and the blind eye he’s turned for seven and a half years. It’s time to turn this around, and it will take a change in leadership at the top. Eight years is enough.”

Shreve also charged that Hogsett’s goal of a completed shelter by the end of this year has had no meaningful progress. Shreve pointed out that he may choose a different site for IACS. He proposes that the IACS become a no-kill shelter, hire additional veterinarians, raise IACS staff salaries, partner with an organization to cremate animals, and create an animal welfare advisory coalition.

A few days later, Shreve supported leaders of the Indiana State Police and Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in their plea for a complete review and overhaul of the criminal justice system in Marion County.
“Our prosecutors and judges have a duty to help keep violent offenders off our streets. But it’s not happening,” Shreve stated in a news release. “As mayor, I have vowed to restore transparency into every aspect of our city’s public safety — including the actions of police, prosecutors, and criminal court justices — publicly and online. And I fully support a thorough review of our city’s criminal justice system.”

Shreve restated his public safety plan to appoint a public safety director, hire 300 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers, implement an aggressive strategy to combat gun violence, and get violent offenders off our street by solving cases of violent crime and convicting the guilty parties.

Shreve is on a history-making campaign to become the first mayor from the Southside and first with previous experience on the governing City-County Council.

Greenwood senior Ava Smith with mom Lindsay Weliever whose assistance was valuable at two annual walks for suicide prevention awareness.
(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)

Greenwood senior’s emphasis on suicide prevention awareness leads to annual walks and high school awareness

By Al Stilley
Editor

Consecutive suicide prevention awareness walks at Greenwood High School have raised $9,000 with the help of students, families and adults in 2022 and this year.

This year’s walk took on an extra dimension because of a unique tailgating experience that highlighted mental health awareness Friday night before the Decatur Central-Greenwood football game Sept. 29 before the suicide prevention awareness walk Sept. 30, also at the football field.

Greenwood High School senior Ava Smith organized and coordinated the last two annual walks. She has lived through her depression and is now helping others along the way. An estimated 150 participants took part in this year’s walk to raise suicide prevention awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

“The walk helps destigmatize mental illness and promote mental health,” the determined Woodman senior said. “When I took part in my first walk two years ago in Indianapolis, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many people rallied around me. I know others are not alone; there is hope out there for you.”

Her emphasis on suicide prevention came from the realization that unchecked depression can lead to a downward path of drugs, alcoholism, and even suicide that is the 11th leading cause of death in Indiana.
Showing maturity beyond her years, Smith professes, “Don’t make a forever mistake on a temporary feeling; no matter how dark it is, you will be okay.”

Her experience with depression began as a sophomore when she suffered a double shoulder injury and had to go through extensive rehabilitation. The injuries forced her to miss volleyball and softball seasons. Although still working through a nagging injury, she is hopeful of returning to the softball field for this her senior year.

She recalled, “Everything was flipped and that touched off anxiety and depression. I was struggling (mentally) but I didn’t ask for help for a long time. I tried to deal with depression on my own. I struggled, I started slacking in school. The injuries took my motivation away. Fortunately, I had family support and discovered new support.”

She finally had turned to family and friends who helped her from spiraling downward.

“The pressures are on students to perform and that’s why we need to talk about mental health,” she observed. “Students don’t talk about it and need to eliminate the persona that you are weak as a student. So many students turn to the bad things, drugs or alcohol. The right resources are out there to affect how to cope.”

“It’s okay to be lonely but never to be alone.”

During the interview, Smith emphasized that students can help other students who have suicidal thoughts by:
*Knowing the suicide crises hotline (988) for yourself and others.

*Lifting them up by showing your pride in them to give them strength.

*Helping them develop “little victories” by encouraging them to do things they enjoy doing.

*Walking with them on sunny days.

Smith explained that organizing the walks has been a great experience: developing an outline for the walk to present to the high school administration for approval; coordinating efforts with the AFSP, especially in obtaining t-shirts, bracelets, glowsticks, magnets, and other promotional items; obtaining preliminary financing; reaching out to friends and students to help with the walks; speaking to a crowd; meeting with Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers; and doing TV interviews with Channel 13 and Fox59.

She was assisted by her mother and high school friend Lilli Vazari last year. This year, she added the help of about 20 students and began planning the event earlier.

“Some of the experiences were scary and super-stressful, but I learned a lot from the walks,” Smith observed. “Students have said how much they enjoyed the walks. I’ve discovered that I enjoy helping people more so than myself.”

The tie-in one week ago with the week-long Mental Health Week at the high school and the free community tailgate was a joint effort of Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Greenwood Education Foundation, Greenwood Athletics, and Bring Change to Mind created a mental health emphasis in addition to the suicide prevention awareness walk.

After graduating, Smith wants to attend college and major in criminology for an eventual career with the FBI. However, her experiences with suicide prevention and mental health may lead to another path.

Ava Smith, second from left, shares in success of walk with students, from left, Kenna Hussung, Lilli Vaziri, and Mariah Butler.

Crowd of students behind banner promoting mental health arrived early for home football game at Greenwood High School.

Zoe Lowe

By Patricia Rettig
Beef and Boards

For Zoe Lowe, performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre was meant to be.

“Joseph was the very first show I ever did,” said the 15-year-old, adding this particular production will be the 20th show in which she’s performed. Her history with Joseph and her desire to perform at a professional theatre meant being cast in one of the Children’s Choirs “felt like a match made in heaven!”

Three choirs rotate during the production. Zoe is in the Camel Choir, which performs Nov. 3-19.

Most of her performing career has been spent at Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy, she said. “I love it there!”

But now, she’s excited for her upcoming performances in the Camel Choir.

“I love this show and I love Beef & Boards! I have really wanted to make new friends and get to know the professional theatre process.”

The variety of musical styles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is fascinating to Zoe.

“I love Joseph because it has very unique musical styles, ranging from western to disco, Elvis, and contemporary. It’s very fun to learn all of the different styles.”

Everything she’s learning is helping to build her resume and skills, and one day she hopes to have a career in musical theatre.

“I love being able to tell a story and connecting with the audience,” Zoe said. “Whether it’s making someone laugh, cry, heal, smile, or change their view on life. I live for it!”

The only tricky part, she admits, is “getting over pre-show nerves. It can be pretty scary to do something in front of an audience for the first time. But once you step on stage, it all fades away.”

Zoe, a sophomore, attends Indiana Online through Martinsville High School. She’s the daughter of Brian and Cherie Lowe, Whiteland.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to be staged and is based on the Old Testament story of Joseph, the favorite of Jacob’s 12 sons. After Joseph receives the gift of a colorful coat from their father, his jealous brothers destroy his coat, and sell him into slavery. Down, but not out, Joseph finds that any dream will do for him to be happy again – and possibly even reunite his family.

The Bible-based, Tony-nominated Broadway sensation features a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from rock and country to pop and calypso. Songs include “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Close Every Door,” “Jacob and Sons” and “Any Dream Will Do.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on stage for 53 performances through Nov. 19 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

Tickets range from $52.50 to $79.50 and include chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. To purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the box office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

The Decatur Central High School Marching Band earned fourth place in Class 2A Saturday in the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The marching Hawks placed 32nd overall among 64 competing bands with the top 16 from the prelims advancing to the finals. Decatur Central scored 71.750 points as judged on individual and ensemble music performance, visual performance, and general effect.

Guard costuming by Byron Valentine and Power-Flex Performance Shirts by FJM. Carmel High School earned first place after performing among the final 16 bands.

The Bands of America Grand National Championship is Nov. 9-10 also at Lucas Oil Stadium with 100 bands competing.
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRED J. MILLER INC.)

Teri Sisson Park at Big Car Collaboration/Tube Factory artsgarden in the historic Bean Creek neighborhood will celebrate its public opening with a special event Friday, Nov. 3. The park enables visitors to experience and enjoy art and nature while socializing with others.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Terri Sisson Park, a new outdoor space on the near-Southside Tube Factory campus, opens with a special celebration Friday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with brief remarks, live music, and tours.

The park, designed by Rundell Ernstberger’s Daniel Liggett in close collaboration with Big Car Collaborative staff artists, features many ways for visitors to experience and enjoy art and nature while also socializing with others. It’s open to the public during daylight hours.

Terri Sisson Park is named after the mother of Big Car Collaborative co-founder and Tube Factory curator, Shauta Marsh. Dedicating the park to Sisson, who passed away in 2022, is especially fitting because the park is a shrine to motherhood.

“Otherhood and Motherhood are two main themes that thread through this greenspace,” Marsh stated in a news release. “It’s a place for people who have no one. It’s a space for people who have more people in their life than they know what to do with.”

In addition to the opening of the park, events Friday also celebrate the artists of the long-term residency program on the block, now at 18 affordable homes, with an exhibition in a house across from the Tube Factory, 1125 Cruft Street, in the Bean Creek neighborhood.

Also, exhibitions will be featured in two Tube Factory galleries at Guichelaar Gallery and at Listen Hear. Local artisan vendors will be set up at the night market with local food trucks, Tortas Gaucho and Hert’s BBQ, on site.

“My mother was a bottomless ocean of love and patience,” Marsh said. “She saw the best in people. And that’s the spirit the world really needs. That’s why we will celebrate her with the naming of this park. It was the meaning of her to hold a space for everyone, for total strangers, for friends, for family.”

Brief remarks begin at 6 p.m. followed by live music by Scrapper & Skeleton. Tours with Big Car staff artists are throughout the evening.

Big Car Collaborative and Tube Factory artspace expressed appreciation to Efroymson Family Fun and Allen Whitehall Clowes Charitable Foundation for major support.

The collaborative is a member of the Fountain Square Merchants, Garfield Park Neighbors Association, Bean Creek Neighborhood Association and nationally the Congress for the New Urbanism, Americans for the Arts, and Placemaking Leadership Council.

The Tube Factory is an artist-run contemporary art museum and community center that features rotating exhibits, interactive projects, community space, reference library, and outdoor gathering space.

Most of the programming is free and open to the public.

Info: www.bigcar.org.

By Al Stilley
Editor

The mayoral race between Democrat incumbent Joe Hogsett and Republican challenger Jefferson Shreve of the Southside is the main event expected to lead voters throughout Marion County to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Hogsett seeks a third term as mayor while Shreve, a former City-County Council member, tries for his first major political elected office. They have waged a battle for votes with two televised debates and a variety of TV ads.

Hogsett has touted his record as mayor while Shreve insists that the incumbent mayor has failed to lead the city and that it is time for a change. Shreve, who lives in Perry Township, is attempting to become the city’s first mayor from the Southside since Uni-Gov was formed.

The mayor’s race in Beech Grove has attracted interest as voters elect a successor to longtime Mayor Dennis Buckley, a Democrat, who is not running for re-election. The choices in Beech Grove are Democrat Jim Coffman, longtime business owner and current city clerk-treasurer, and Republican Rick Skirvin, business owner, current school board member and former park board member.

In Southport, incumbent Republican Mayor James A. Cooney is opposed by redevelopment commission member and independent Heather Newport. All Republican candidates for Southport’s five city council seats are unopposed.

In Johnson County, incumbent Republican Mayor Mark Myers is unopposed.

Polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On the Southside, voters have several voting centers, including: Acton United Methodist Church, 5650 Senour Road; Beech Grove High School, 5330 Hornet Ave.; Chin Christian Church, 201 E. Epler Ave.; Decatur Township Government Center, 5410 S. High School Road; Franklin Township Government Center, 6231 S. Arlington Ave.; Garfield Park Burello Center, 2345 Pagoda Drive; Perry Township Government Center, 4925 Shelby St.; and Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 McFarland Road.

Early voting in Marion County can be accomplished today through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Monday, 8 a.m. to noon, at the City-County Building, 122 W. Washington St.; also today through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Decatur Township, Franklin Township, and Perry Township government centers.

In northern Johnson County, Election Day voting sites include: Mt. Auburn Methodist Church, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road; White River Public Library, 1664 Library Blvd.; Community Church of Greenwood, 2045 Averitt Road; Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St.; and Greenwood Bible Baptist Church, 1461 Sheek Road, each in Greenwood; Grace Assembly of God, 6822 N. U.S. 31, New Whiteland; and Clark Pleasant Public Library, Clearwater Blvd. and U.S. 31, Whiteland.

Early voting centers at White River and Greenwood pubic libraries are open today through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Registered voters must have a valid photo ID to vote.

Election Day contested races:
City of Indianapolis: Mayor-Joe Hogsett (D), Jefferson Shreve (R). City-County Council-Dist. 18-Kristen Jones (D), Mark Renholzberger (L); Dist. 19-Frank Mascari (D), Terry L. Trent (R); Dist. 21-Phil Webster (D), Josh Bain (R); Dist. 23-Ryan Hughey (D); Derek Cahill (R); Dist. 24-Dominique Davie (D), Mike Dilk (R).

Beech Grove: Mayor-James W. Coffman (D), Rick Skirvin (R); Clerk-Treasurer-Samantha S. Stratton (D), Celina Jared (R). Council: Dist. 1-Elizabeth A. Lamping (D), Philip N. Davis (R); Dist. 2-Kelsey Behl (D), Ryan Matkins (R); Dist. 3-Autumn James (D), Michael Hemmelgarn (R); Dist. 5-Jonathan Broadwell (D), Michael R. Earnest (R); At-Large-Philip N. Davis II (D), Chris Duffer (R), Benajmin Easley (D), Dan McMillan (R).

Greenwood: City Council-Dist. 3, Michael Williams (R), Manjit S. Nagra (D); Dist. 4, Teri Manship (R), Nathan Cardenas (D), At-Large-Erin Maurine Betron (R), Mike Campbell (R), Rachel Matthews (D), Steve Moan (R), James M. Sceniak (L), Charrie Stambaugh (D).

Southport: Mayor-James A. Cooney (R), Heather Newport (I).

Voter info: Marion County, 317-327-5040; Johnson County, 317-346-4467. Online: indy.govvote-centers; co.johnson.in.us.; and www.vote411.org.

Veteran Larry Pieper with his wife Judy.

2023 Honored Veteran, Larry Pieper

The Southsider Voice is proud to announce 85-year-old Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Larry Pieper as one of this year’s honored veterans for Veteran’s Day 2023.

Pieper enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1957 during a time of tension between The Soviet Union and the United States, because he wanted to do the best he could for his country and his family. He took his Basic Training at the Naval Base in Charleston, SC. After Basic, he attended additional training in Norfolk, VA to become a qualified ship Engineman.

According to Pieper, the training was pretty easy for him, and he settled comfortably into a position as Engineman on the USS Thuban AKA-19 Amphibious Ship an Andromeda Class attack/cargo ship, where he earned the classification of Engineman 3rd Class. He was promoted to the rank of Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO) during his tour of duty and was placed in charge of his Company.

One of the peak adventures of his military career happened when his ship was ordered to participate in the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. While on that mission, the crew managed to gather starfish to bring home as souvenirs, but unfortunately, on the trip home, the starfish spoiled and smelled up the ship so badly they had to be thrown overboard. He also spent a lot of time in the sun on deck during the mission and also while gathering starfish, suffering a sunburn so severe that he, and several of his shipmates, had to spend time in sick bay on the trip home.

On this Veteran’s Day 2023, Pieper wants to send his thanks to all the good shipmates that served with him on the Thuban.

After leaving the service in 1961, Pieper worked for the Carpenter’s Union as a drywall and metal stud hanger. Since 1986, he and his wife (and best friend) of 50 years, the former Judy Byrum have worked together in the merchandise and uniform departments for the Indianapolis Colts.

They are also avid fishermen and love working together doing yard work. He calls it their “Happy Place.”

He has three brothers and one sister. He and his wife are the proud parents of five daughters: Karen Hayder, Julie Garmon, Connie Pieper, Cindy Pieper, Carla Basham, 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

2023 Honored Veteran, Sherry Hubert

The Southsider Voice is proud to announce U.S. Army Sergeant Sherry Babbs Hubert as one of this year’s honored veterans for Veteran’s Day 2023.

A 1973 graduate of Southport High School, Sherry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975. She took her Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. After Basic, Ms. Babbs was trained in Track and Wheel Vehicle Maintenance at the Advanced Individual Training facility at Fort Knox, KY.

After A.I.T., she served as a Tank Mechanic and Truck Driver at Fort Knox for four years. During this time, she met and married another of our 2023 honored veterans, John Hubert. After Fort Knox, she was assigned to posts in Amberg, Germany, then Nuremburg, Germany where she attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). During her years of active duty, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

She says the thing she remembers fondly about her time overseas is that she got to travel around Germany, Austria, and Italy while she was there and says she would love to go back to visit one day.

Sherry left the Army in 1981 but stayed in Germany with her husband. John retired in 1984.

Back in Indiana she worked as a civilian at Camp Atterbury, Indiana during soldier deployments and later at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service office located on the old Fort Benjamin Harrison grounds in Indianapolis until her retirement in 2021.

She is now enjoying her retirement in Indianapolis with her sweet and loyal Jack Russel canine while working in her garden, visiting family, and traveling whenever possible.

Sherry is the widow of John Hubert and has four stepchildren, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

2023 Honored Veteran, John Hubert

The Southsider Voice is proud to announce former U.S. Army First Sergeant John Hubert as one of this year’s honored veterans for Veteran’s Day 2023.

John Hubert was a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who enlisted in 1964 and took his Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ then went on to receive his Advanced Individual Training in Army Vehicle Mechanics at Fort Bliss, TX.

Later he entered and graduated from the NCO Academy in Georgia. During his 20 years of service, in additions to Fort Dix and Fort Bliss, he was also stationed at Fort Knox, KY within the Continental United States. His overseas assignments included two tours of duty in South Korea and three tours in Germany.

Hubert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Marksmanship Medal with M-1 carbine bar.

He retired from active duty with the rank of First Sergeant in 1984 then, as a civilian worked for the State of Indiana at Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, Indiana. In his free time he enjoyed fishing and golf.

John passed away in 2020, during the Covid Pandemic. He was 74. He was survived by his wife, Sherry (Babbs) Hubert, four children, John Hubert, Jr., Ellen Heimer, Crystal Hubert, and Yvonne James, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Veterans mingle at Lavelle Gossett VFW Post 908 in Decatur Township

Veterans and friends fill the seats at the VFW Post 908 bar.

Veterans populate the big room at the Lavelle Gossett VFW Post 908 in Decatur Township.

Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Tatum.

By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Tatum from the Southside is serving aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Tatum is a 2002 graduate of Emmerich Manual High School. Additionally, Tatum earned a degree in criminology from Indiana State University in 2007.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the city where he grew up..
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned to have perseverance, to be humble and to strive for more in life,” said Tatum.

Tatum joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Tatum serves as a logistics specialist aboard USS Kearsarge.
“I joined the Navy to have a meaningful career that had camaraderie and to take care of my family,” said Tatum.

Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.

Serving in the Navy means Tatum is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense by always being present and vigilant around the globe,” said Tatum.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Tatum has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is coming home safe from three deployments,” said Tatum. “I can never take that for granted.”

As Tatum and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride knowing that I am taking care of my family in a career field that protects this country,” said Tatum.

Tatum is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I’d like to thank my mother, Terri,” added Tatum. “I’m grateful for her love and support.”

Some of the volunteers serving at the recent Connecting with the Community event were (from left) Kiwanis members Steve Zahm, Dale Nordholt, Tommy Nicholson, Gary Treharne, Kevin Wheeler, Dave Lashley and Tom Jackson.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

PUBLISHED IN THE NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Perry Kiwanis, in cooperation with Perry Schools, recently conducted its seventh annual Connecting with the Community event. A total of 125 families visited the activity which provides items to students and their families in need.

“Some 340 students from the local school district picked out their own coat or hoodie,” explained Assistant Director of Perry Schools Student Services and event Co-leader Stephanie Quinlan. “Every member of the family received socks from For Bare Feet, shoes from Changing Footprints and foundation garments from I Support the Girls. Kiwanis’ generous donation paid for the coats from Operation Warm and hoodies for the students and cold weather necessities like gloves and hats for everyone. Free T-shirts, quarter zips and running caps from One America were the icing on the cake.

“Volunteers from the organizations mentioned above, as well as the Key Club students from Perry Meridian and Southport high schools and the student council at Mary Bryan Elementary School, made the event run smoothly. They unloaded more than 100 boxes and turned the cafeteria at Southport Middle School into an organized no-cost market for our families. Additionally, local businesses donated donuts, pizza and coffee to keep our energy up throughout the day.”

Kiwanis Treasurer and event Co-leader Scott Splichal added, “I have a sign on my desk that says, ‘Be the reason someone smiles today.’ I think Kiwanis accomplished that by hosting the event. This definitely was a great group effort with everyone who was involved — so many happy faces!”

Kiwanis supports various community organizations including Hunger Inc., Baxter YMCA and Riley Hospital for Children through its golf outing and its concession stand serving Baxter youth athletic leagues.

The Kiwanis Club of Perry Township was formed in 1982. It meets at the IHOP restaurant, 7521 U.S. 31 South, Thursdays at 7 a.m. and on Zoom. Contact President Jeff Udrasols at 317-679-2438 for more information about the club or visit its Facebook page.

Monica Hobbs, center, with her sons, Brady and Brantley, daughter Kaelyn and husband Justin.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

PUBLISHED IN THE DECEMBER 6, 2023 EDITION

Southport Youth Sports recognized Monica Hobbs, a local resident, dedicated mom, and unwavering advocate of youth sports, at the Perry Township school board meeting recently for her generous donation of $30,000. The money came from MONAT Global, by being her company’s top honor grant recipient.

Her decision to invest in sports on the Southport side of the district will benefit Southport Developmental Football League, Southport Wrestling, Southport Boys Youth Basketball and Southport Little League. The donation to Southside sports is only half of what she received. She plans to support other local organizations with the other half.

Hobbs’ daughter Kaelyn is a Southport grad, and graduated this year from Ball State. Her sons, Brady and Brantley, 8th and 4th graders, attend Southport schools and participate in youth football, basketball, soccer and tennis.

Hobbs’ exceptional commitment to volunteering and giving back to the community is much appreciated.

The Carvers gather for a summer portrait (from left) daughter Harlow, son Huxley, father Zach, daughter Sadie and mother Autumn.
(PHOTOS COURTESY 604 STUDIOS)

By Steve Page
Correspondent

For Autumn and Zach Carver, Christmas is much more than giving presents.

It’s all about giving thanks.

And the family from Franklin has more to be thankful for than anyone could know.

So much more.

They’re thankful Autumn and baby Huxley are alive and well.

That’s because they survived the Covid 19 crisis, when so many people were dying.

According to the World Health Organization, the disease has afflicted more than 100 million people in the United States, and it has killed more than a million of them.

That it did not take Autumn and Huxley is considered a miracle by the Carver family.

“We’re super blessed,” said Zach Carver. “The good Lord is looking out for us.”

“This certainly gives us a different outlook, not only on the holiday season, but every day,” said Autumn.
Those who helped keep the family going will be present at Christmas.

“We spend Christmas eve with my family,” said Zach, the son of Tony and Anita Carver. “I have younger brothers who are married with kids of their own. We meet at our house for dinner. We also sponsor a family to help with the community.

“Christmas morning, we’re with Autumn’s parents (Chi and Robin Lau). This is the first time we’ll have her parents and brother. We purchased a new home. We’re having Christmas here. Autumn likes to host. We’ll have a spread, I’m sure.”

This day was a long time coming.

“We think about where we were a couple years ago,” said Autumn. “We’re thankful for where we are now and what could have been.”

Autumn, then 35, was about to give birth to their third child in 2021 when she was struck down by Covid 19. Her case was severe enough that she was put on a ventilator and not expected to live.

Doctors performed an emergency Caesarian operation to deliver Huxley. Still, the odds appeared long.

“We were told in Indianapolis that in 50 or 60 days, she was going to die,” Zach said of Autumn’s chances. “She did die several times, but they brought her back.”

After starting her hospital stay on a ventilator, Autumn was clinging to life while hooked up to something called an “ECMO” machine. It’s an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, which takes the blood, removes carbon dioxide and replaces it with oxygen before returning it.

Still, those odds remained long.

Until the first break came their way.

“Long story short, a gentleman who Autumn works for (at Northwestern Mutual) had clients, some in Chicago,” said Zach. One of them was Dr. Ankit Bharat, the chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

“It was not the best experience in Indianapolis, so we were anxious to get to that hospital,” Zach continued.

“Dr. Bharat was already famous. He had done the most Covid lung transplants in the world, all successfully. Dr. Bharat said get her here as soon as we can.”

They were hoping he could do a lung transplant for Autumn.

“He said regardless of a lung transplant or not, she was going to be fine. That was very exciting for us,” Zach said.

Dr. Bharat said even so, the odds remained frightful.

“When we took on Autumn, the probability was pretty low that she would get better because she had been on a ventilator and ECMO for an extended period of time,” he told People Magazine. But Autumn slowly recovered, and did not need a lung transplant.

“Dr. Bharat was amazing; the whole staff was amazing,” Zach said. “He helped save her life, no doubt.”

That’s just one part of the story.

Autumn was first hospitalized in late August. After the C-section, she did not see Huxley again until Oct. 19.

“It was pretty amazing!” Zach said of the emotional reunion that day. “The doctor said we can bring our son into the room. My mother-in-law was in tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the ECU. It was much needed.”

“I remember that day; I remember the excitement in the staff,” Autumn said. “They were taking me out of isolation. Everybody was buzzing around, excited. I didn’t have a lot of strength. So I held him for a bit. That wore me out pretty quickly. Mom laid the baby on a blanket on me. He snuggled up and went to sleep. I’ll never forget that.”

Autumn kept improving so much that she was released from intensive care. She was then transferred to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago for rehabilitation.

Finally, after 100 days, Autumn returned home to her children, Harlow, Sadie and Huxley. While mom was hospitalized, the girls lived with Zach’s parents and Autumn’s parents cared for Huxley.

“I prayed every second of every day,” Zach said.
“The Lord opened lots of doors for us. God played a big role; so did our friends and family. Our parents were raising our children as we were fighting this.”

“Thankfully for me, I don’t have any memories of a lot of it,” Autumn said. “Unfortunately for those with me, they’re carrying those memories.”

“Luckily, we have an amazing group of friends and family.” Zach said. “Both our workplaces are amazing. They helped us go through what I call hell. It was tough, absolutely tough.

“Our faith was critical, no doubt.” The Carvers are members of the Rocklane Christian Church in Greenwood. Zach is an Army member who is a police officer in Indianapolis.

“This changed our lives. I was very career oriented,” he said. “I was always gone with deployments, chasing stuff at work. This grounded me. I’m not very far from her at any time.”

The Carvers believe there was a purpose to all this.

“To this day, we’re running into people who are bursting into tears,” Autumn said. “They say their faith has been strengthened, their life has changed.

Like Zach said, it was hell going through it. But good things are coming.

“It was nice to have a happy ending for some dark days.”

Zach and Autumn Carver are happy after her long battle with Covid 19.

The Carvers gather for a recent family portrait (from left) father Zach, mother Autumn, daughter Harlow, daughter Sadie and son Huxley.

Dr. Ankit Bharat, the chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Sadie, Huxley and Harlow Carver – Autumn and Zach’s world.

Sadie, Autumn and Harlow Carver.

“We’re super blessed. The good Lord is looking out
for us.”
– Zach Carver

“We think about where we were a couple years ago. We’re thankful for where we are now and what could have been.”
– Autumn Carver

Junior Silas Denton stands while playing violin at orchestra concert on Dec. 6. Denton has been playing the violin since he was 5 years old.
(PHOTO BY DARCY LEBER)

By Harjas Kaur, Reporter
Journal Rewired
Southport High School

For 13 years, junior Silas Denton has had his “unique” quality of playing the violin since he was a child.

Denton’s mother had helped him discover his ability of playing the violin. Not only does he play the instrument for the SHS Orchestra but it also runs in his Italian culture.

His mother Stacy Denton had inspired him from a very young age to play the violin but Denton says that since he was just a baby, he had an enthusiasm for music.

“Well I play because where I’m from in Italy we usually play instruments and violin is the main instrument so my mom got me into it,” Denton said. “I think ever since I was born I had a passion for music.”

Denton doesn’t just do music for SHS, he also travels worldwide and has gone to many different countries to perform.

“I’ve played all over the world,” Denton said. “I’ve played in Vienna, I’ve played in Osaka, I’ve played in Canada, and I’ve played in Germany and in the UK.”

Entering high school, Denton was misplaced in the intermediate orchestra because of his schedule but according to orchestra teacher Thomas Wright, Denton had already come in with a good tone.

The so-called “misplacement” gave Denton many opportunities; Denton was recently selected by Wright to play in the first-ever Indiana String Teachers Association All-State Orchestra.

The students were selected throughout the state of Indiana and Denton had the opportunity to be selected and to play with those students.

Wright says it is uncommon for a lot of his high school kids to exhibit excitement for playing in a high school orchestra.

“He works really hard. I mean he puts in a lot of extra time …” Wright said. “He’s just got a very good work ethic and every day (when) he comes to class he wants to play and he exhibits an excitement for playing his instrument and that is a little uncommon with a lot of my high school kids.”

Even though he loves what he does, playing the violin comes with its negatives as it comes with its positives.
“The amount of work you have to put into it even to be considered a great violinist or even a great musician it just takes so much time, that you have to sacrifice a part of your life to do it,” Denton said.

Wright can’t wait to see what Denton does and is looking forward to seeing him grow and can’t wait to be part of it. “He does a fantastic job and we look forward to see where his music takes him in the future,” Wright said.

OLDEST SOUTHPORT ALUMNAE CELEBRATES 104TH BIRTHDAY

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MOVES FROM DOWNTOWN GREENWOOD TO NEW WORSHIP CENTER

Royal Spa smack in middle of I-69 and Ind. 37 changes near I-465

‘Thank you for being my friend’

Southsider Shreve campaigns on history-making mayoral run

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church to celebrate 100 years on Southside Saturday

HAPPY HOMECOMING

PMHS GRAD SWIMS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

Shreve vows to donate mayoral salary for animal care services

ONE STUDENT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Greenwood senior’s emphasis on suicide prevention awareness leads to annual walks and high school awareness

Whiteland resident to perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Musical now on stage through Nov. 19

DT Marching Band places fourth in 2A at BOA Super Regional

Special celebration opens new outdoor space Friday at Tube Factory

E L E C T I O N D A Y - T U E S D A Y, N O V. 1

HONORING OUR VETERANS

2023 Honored Veteran, Larry Pieper

2023 Honored Veteran, Sherry Hubert

2023 Honored Veteran, John Hubert

Veterans mingle at Lavelle Gossett VFW Post 908 in Decatur Township

HONORING OUR VETERAN - Manual grad serves aboard Navy warship USS Kearsarge

Kiwanis connects with the community

Perry Township resident recognized for $30,000 donation

Christmas more than a miracle for Carver family

Taking a ‘bow’: Junior chases passion for violin