Servant’s Heart prepares for Turkey Drive-Thru

By Tia Nielsen

Families struggling to put food on the table this year are thankful for the work of Beech Grove-based Servant’s Heart of Indy. Turkey and all the Thanksgiving fixings have been given to close to 300 families in what Servant’s Heart founder Bill Boone calls, The World Famous Turkey Drive-Thru. Seventy-five people assembled the food boxes on the Saturday morning before Thanksgiving at Boone’s home church. Whole families, Boy Scouts and individual volunteers rapidly filled the 300 boxes in less than an hour at Grace Evangelical Church on Southport Road. Now in their sixth year, Boone and his team have an effective system in place. The “World-Famous Turkey Drive-Thru” begins on the Tuesday night before the holiday. Cars full of expectant families line up and drive through the parking lot of the Servant’s Heart office just off Hornet Avenue. Each family presents their confirmation postcard and then receives a box of canned goods and a bag of frozen items. Based on the size of the family, an alphabet letter on the post card lets the volunteers know which size box to give. Letter A indicates one or two people, “B” for three to four, and so on. [ad#single-post]From turkey and stuffing to green beans, corn and pumpkin pie with Cool Whip, every pre-registered car is handed their box and bag. The Beech Grove Fire Department graciously brings a fire truck equipped with a bright light that raises high above the scene and shines down on the darkened line of cars. The night is illuminated with light, gifts of food and goodwill — all done with a caring spirit. Servant’s Heart of Indy runs a food and clothing center in Beech Grove. Families qualify based on need and their mailing zip code. Once a year, Boone, his visionary board and a raft of volunteers offer two ways to feed hungry families for Thanksgiving. FIRST: Ingredients for cooking their own Thanksgiving meal are made available to those who would otherwise face a bleak day. Last year 244 families went through the Turkey Drive-Thru. Almost 300 signed up for help this year. SECOND: Volunteers deliver individually prepared, hot meals on Thanksgiving Day at noon. The helpers gather at South Emerson Church of God at 11 a.m. to pick up the meals and addresses. This year, the number registered for meals is close to 50, nearly double the number last year. Boone says nearly 1,300 people will benefit from the generosity of volunteers and donors. Boone always includes a note card titled “Thanksgiving Blessings” inside each box explaining why all this matters to him and his board. As this Thanksgiving holiday comes this year, many of you are struggling. Just as the times long ago when the Pilgrims came to this country to start their new life, times were very difficult for them too. Yet through perilous times they gathered with their families and friends to give thanks to God for the harvest. … [W]hen you sit down around the table, just take a moment to count your blessings and thank God for what He has provided. You are seated at a banquet prepared by someone who loves you. God loves you too.” CHRISTMAS HELPERS Servant’s Heart of Indy is gearing up now to provide toys and clothing for more than 600 children this Christmas, too. The annual White Elephant Auction and spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be Sunday, Dec. 7, at Beech Grove’s Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave. The bidding process during the auction provides lively entertainment. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., with dinner at 5, and, as Boone says, “the wild and crazy auction” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone brings a wrapped White Elephant present — an item they no longer want at home. As the charismatic auctioneer, Boone’s excitement seems contagious, because more than once people have frantically bid on the very present they brought. Glitz sells. The funds from the auction and dinner along with contributions from families or churches that sponsor needy families will completely transform Christmas. Last year, Boone was contacted very late to help a family with several children, one of whom was terminally ill. But Servant’s Heart had already delivered all their gifts and was out of cash. A gift card had been pressed into Boone’s hand at the last minute. He had no idea how much it was worth. The $300 surprise total allowed them to buy gifts for a special and memorable Christmas for one little boy and his family. Boone and his group seem to carry the spirit of giving with thanks all year. To be part of this year’s Servant’s Heart “team,” call Bill Boone directly at 501-0281.

IVEC collects items for pet Christmas list

By Submission For The Southside Times

They’ve made a list, and checked it twice. Now Indianapolis Veterinary Emergency Center (IVEC) is asking area residents to join them in playing Secret Santa to a very special group of furry friends. Through December 31, IVEC is collecting pet food, toys, cleaning supplies and other items to benefit animals currently sheltered by Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (IACC). Donors can stop by anytime, day or night, to place their contributions under the Christmas tree in the IVEC lobby. The clinic is located at 5425 Victory Drive, just southeast of the I-465 and Emerson Avenue interchange. The emergency and critical care facility is open 24 hours a day. Items are needed for all types of animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, even horses. According to shelter officials at IACC, the holiday wish list includes: Food Dog & cat food, dog treats, cat treats, rabbit and rodent food, horse and livestock feed, hay. Pet Toys Dog and cat toys, Kongs™, sterilized natural beef bones. Animal Care Supplies Cat litter, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, pet clippers, grooming brushes, nail trimmers, digital thermometers, pet shampoo, flea control products, blankets, towels, large fans, hand sanitizer, manure pick/fork, horse brushes, hoof picks, horse and pony halters, fly spray, large trash barrels, pet carriers. Cleaning Supplies Bleach, paper towels, Lime Away™ cleaner, large trash bags, hoses, scrub brushes, brooms, buckets, spray bottles, rubber boots, rubber gloves, dish soap, laundry detergent, mops, scouring pads, plastic dust pans. For additional information, call IVEC at 782-4418 or log on at www.indyvet.com.

Bus driver holds 5th-annual gobble-off

By Submission For The Southside Times

To South Grove Elementary’s bus No. 5 and bus driver Fred Shonk, Nov. 4 wasn’t this month’s only Election Day. On Monday, Shonk and the fourth, fifth and sixth graders he shuttles to school in Beech Grove held the fifth annual Bus 5 Turkey Gobbling Contest. The students nominated two gobblers from each grade to give their best turkey impressions. “Those participants were encouraged to practice at home, at school, at the bus stop and any other location except on Bus No. 5 until the morning of the contest,” Shonk said. The nominated students included fourth graders Eric Ekis and Weston Taylor, fifth graders Adrienne Heckler and January Campbell and sixth graders Cassidy Bruner and Erich Tetrich. When the bus arrived at South Grove on Monday, the six contestants walked to the front of the bus, faced their peers and did their best gobbling. Each bus rider voted on his or her official ballot and turned it in to Shonk. During the day, he tallied the votes, and on the afternoon trip, he announced the winners and awarded their prizes. Taylor won both the fourth grade title and the distinction of grand champion, Heckler took fifth grade, and Bruner won for sixth.

Soldiers, airmen graduate basic training, are deployed

By Submission For The Southside Times

Army Reserve Pvt. Zachariah P. Engledow has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. Engledow is the son of Rob Engledow of Palo Verde Court, and Missy Van Artsen of Bear Hollow Drive, both of Indianapolis, Ind. In 2007, the private graduated from the Walker Career Center.

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Air Force Reserve Airman Bryan P. Keefe has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force. Keefe earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of James and Carol Keefe of Shadow Lake Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. Keefe is a 2006 graduate of Perry Meridian High School.

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Army Reserve Pvt. Mariano G. Berberena has graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., under the Split-option Enlistment Program to serve as a member of the Army National Guard or Reserve. The program allows students between their junior and senior year of high school to attend basic training during the summer after their junior year. After completing basic training, the recruits will attend National Guard or Reserve weekend drills while still in school. The summer following graduation, the guardsmen or reservists attend advanced individual training in the career specialty they selected at the time they enlisted. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. He is the son of Cesar Berberena of Wallace Ave., and Connie Berberena of Prospect St., both of Indianapolis, Ind. Berberena is currently a student at Arsenal Technical High School.

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Air Force Airman Garrett C. Gaston has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Kimberly Gaston of Stones River Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. Gaston is a 2008 graduate of Franklin Central High School.

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Air Force Airman Cassie M. Hults has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the daughter of Jeanne Baird of Derby Shire, Indianapolis, Ind., and niece of Linda Winchester of Water St., Worcester, N.Y. Hults is a 2008 graduate of Worcester Central School.

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Army Reserve Pvt. Christopher M. Thomas has graduated from basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., under the Split-option Enlistment Program to serve as a member of the Army National Guard or Reserve. The program allows students between their junior and senior year of high school to attend basic training during the summer after their junior year. After completing basic training, the recruits will attend National Guard or Reserve weekend drills while still in school. The summer following graduation, the guardsmen or reservists attend advanced individual training in the career specialty they selected at the time they enlisted. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. He is the son of Penelope Worthington of T St., Lincoln, Neb., and Jared Thomas of Gettysburg Court, Indianapolis, Ind. Thomas is currently a student at Lincoln Northeast High School.

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Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward J. Allen is a member of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific based at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Ala., who has deployed to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Iraq. Band members perform musical shows in these areas of responsibility and at forward operating bases to entertain military troops in efforts to boost morale. The band also performs together with local professional musicians and play requested songs from audiences to help encourage audience participation. Allen, a regional band craftsman-vocalist, has served in the military for eight years. He is the son of Sherry Allen of Terrace Ave, Indianapolis, Ind. His grandparents, Ray and Anne Allen, reside on N. Seventh Ave., Beech Grove. The sergeant is a 1998 graduate of Warren Central High School.

Obituaries for the week of 11.26.08

By Submission For The Southside Times

W.C. Cantrell, 90,

died Nov. 2, 2008 in Indianapolis. He was born Oct. 27, 1918 inSumner County, Tenn. to Willie C. and Effie (Buntin) Cantrell. He retired as a mill operator for Allison Transmission. He was a member of Garfield Christian Church. Surviving are his son, Robert E. Cantrell; and two grandchildren. His parents and his wife, Emma M., and brother, James W. Cantrell, preceded him in death. Graveside services were held Nov. 7 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood. Arrangements by Fountain Square Mortuary.

Carol Suzanne Fletcher, 41,

died suddenly on Nov. 6, 2008 in Pekin, Ind. She was born May 29, 1967 in Louisville, Ky. to John and Norma Ruth (Scheer) Kurzie. They survive. Also surviving are her husband, Lloyd D. Fletcher; her son, Kyle Avery Fletcher; her daughters, Jacqueline Nicole Burkhead and Kayla Cearia Fletcher; and her brother: John Kurzie, Jr. Calling and graveside services were Nov. 13, 2008. Burial in New Crown Cemetery. Arrangements by Fountain Square Mortuary. Paul Russell Glover, 72, died Nov. 16, 2008 in Indianapolis. He was born April 7, 1936 in Indianapolis to Walter J. and Wanda M. (David) Glover Pollard. He was labor in Scrap Metal Co. and a member of National Guard of Indiana. Surviving are his daughter, Lynn Anne Glover; his brothers, Joseph D. (Mary) Glover and Ralph Edward Glover; his sister: Pearl Ann Glover; and one grandchild. No calling or services. Arrangements by Fountain Square Mortuary.

Marian E. (Gallagher) Hasse, 89, of Indianapolis,

died Nov. 19, 2008. She spent several years working for St. Roch Church and School. She was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church and the Catholic Widows’ Organization. Her husband, Herman (Pete) Hasse, Jr., preceded her in death. She was the mother of Thomas and Gregory Hasse, Ann (Glenn) Miller, Beth (Jeff) Bruce, Susan (Mark) Reed and Richard Hasse. She was the sister of Philip (Betty) Gallagher and Rosemary Compton. She has 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Calling was Friday at Lauck Funeral Home, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Funeral Mass was Saturday at St. Roch Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Aleena Marie Lopez-Guzman, 1, of Indianapolis, died Nov. 11, 2008. She was born in Indianapolis on Sept. 20, 2007 to Angel Marie Bunch Lopez and Miquel Guzman Servin. They both survive. Also surviving are her brothers, Miquel and Daniel Lopez; maternal grandparents,  Letzander and Kathleen Cerna; paternal grandparents, Jesus and Angela Guzman; her godparents, Cheyenne and Mandie; uncles, Jeffery, David, Jesus Adam, Raymond, Carlos, Miguel, Nery, Ruben, and Antonio; and aunts, Tara, Lindsay Sabrina, Amy, Jasmine, Natalie, Linda, Evelyn and Manuela; and several cousins. Calling was held Nov. 14, 2008 and services were Nov. 15 at the House Of Victory Church. Burial in Floral Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Fountain Square Mortuary.

Philip Edwin “Big Fellow” Olin, 55, of Indianapolis,

died Nov. 18, 2008. The son of Edwin C. and June E. (Walters) Olin, Philip was born March 13, 1953 in Indianapolis. He was a graduate of Franklin Central High School and he was a self-employed home remodeler. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, Wanamaker. Survivors include his brothers, Walter and Chauncey; his sister-in-law, Bonnie; five nieces; and four great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Philip was preceded in death by a brother, Keith C. Olin. Calling was Friday and services were Saturday at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Stirling Gerber Chapel. Burial in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Wanamaker. Memorials to the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home, 4760 Pennwood Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 or to the American Cancer Society.

Garrett Adam Parsley, infant, of Greenwood,

died Nov. 22, 2008. Survivors include his parents, Blake and Melissa Parsley; brother, Gunnar David Parsley; grandparents, Greg and Sherry Wingate and Art and Teresa Parsley; and great grandparents, Dave and Addie Allen, Anne Wingate, Tom and Jackie May, Linda Smith, and Emma Parsley. Calling and services were Tuesday at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Ave. Burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Glenns Valley. Memorials to Riley Hospital for Children. Online condolences at www.ghherrmann.com.

Janis Subris, Jr., 71, of Indianapolis,

died Nov. 22, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Anna R. Subris; and children, John B. Subris and Ronald K. Subris. Memorial service and calling were Tuesday at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Ave. Memorials to the American Heart Association or Latvian Center Garezers, 57732 Lone Tree Road, Three Rivers, MI, 49093. Online condolences at www.ghherrmann.com.

At Play Calendar for the week of 11.26.08

By Submission For The Southside Times

Thanksgiving Dinner for Fountain Square/Fletcher Place Residents • The Beech Grove United Methodist Church is offering a free thanksgiving dinner to residents of the Fountain Square and Fletcher Place neighborhoods. The menu will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, green beans, dessert and beverage. | Where: Southeast Community Services facility, 901 Shelby Street, Indianapolis | When: Thursday (tomorrow) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Info: A limited number of community volunteers are welcome to help in this service.  For information, and to volunteer, please call the Church office at 784-5424.  If leaving a voice-mail message, please leave a telephone number for contact. Circle of Lights • November marks the beginning of the holiday season, which means many seasonal performances and displays take over the city. Take in the brilliant spectacle of the 46th Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.The event is one of Central Indiana’s favorite holiday traditions, drawing generations of families each year to share in the spirit of the season. New decor will adorn the Monument this year. To honor the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, 26 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors will surround the Circle, along with 26 peppermint sticks. Additionally, the familiar 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights will be strung from the top of the Monument to its base. The scene is complete with 56,700 twinkle lights in trees that add shimmer to the area’s walkways. The lights remain lit until Jan. 17. | Where: Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis | When: Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. All Aboard for a Thomas the Tank Engine Play Day • Children are invited to attend a Thomas the Tank Engine Play Day at United Art and Education. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can bring preschoolers to the store to enjoy a variety of activities, including playing with Thomas toys and games, coloring a Thomas picture, participating in Thomas B-I-N-G-O and having their faces painted. Plus, a very special guest, Sir Topham Hatt, will read Thomas stories at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the excitement and fun. During the Play Day event, customers 18 years and older can sign up to win Thomas Prizes, plus a Melissa & Doug Train Set with Train Table. Winners will be drawn after the Play Day event and do not need to be present to win. In addition to playtime and prizes, United Art and Education is offering a 20 percent discount on all Thomas and friends products Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. | Where: United Art and Education retail store, Greenwood Place Shopping Center, off U.S. 31. | When: Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. [ad#single-post]Beech Grove Public Library Showing “Fred Claus” • Fred Claus has lived his entire life in his brother’s very large shadow. Fred tried, but could hardly live up to the example set by the younger Nicholas, who was just a perfect, well, saint. True to form, Nicholas (a.k.a Santa Claus) grew up to be the model of giving, while Fred became the polar opposite: a fast-talking repo man who’s run out of luck and money. Eventually Fred’s bad behavior catches up with him and he is sent to jail. His only recourse is to turn to his brother. Over Mrs. Claus’ objections, Nicholas agrees to help his brother on one condition: that he come to the North Pole to earn the money he needs by working in Santa’s Toy Shop. The trouble is that Fred isn’t exactly elf material nor is he cut out for creating toys and spreading good cheer. With Christmas fast approaching, Fred could jeopardize the jolliest holiday of the year and ruin Christmas. The 116-minute movie is rated PG. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | When: Friday at 1:30 p.m. “Polar Express” Comes to IMAX at the Indiana State Museum • “The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience” is making a stop to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Audiences can climb aboard this popular holiday film, returning to the largest movie screen in the state for the fourth year. “The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience,” combines classic storytelling with cutting-edge filmmaking. | Where: IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., downtown Indianapolis | When: Show times are available at www.imaxindy.com or 233-IMAX. Film runs now through Jan. 4. | Cost: Tickets are $13.50 for adults, $10 for children (12 and under) and $11 for seniors (60 and up). Tickets will be discounted $1from now through Dec. 16 with donation of a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program. Beech Grove Library Showing “Prince Caspian” • A year after their first adventure in Narnia, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are pulled back in by Susan’s magic horn. They find that hundreds of years have passed, and Narnia is now ruled by the bloodthirsty General Miraz, uncle to the true heir, Prince Caspian, who is now in exile. Now the children must find Caspian and help him depose Miraz... but how will they get home after it’s done? Movie runs 144 minutes and is rated PG. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library | When: Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. | Info: A bag of popcorn and a soda available for $1. Business & Professional Exchange – Indianapolis South Chapter Meets • Career Networking, etc. | Where: Greenwood City Building, Lower Level, 2 North Madison Ave., (Two blocks north of Main St. & Madison Ave.), Greenwood.| When: Wednesday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. | Info: Call 252-9947. Perry Township Democrat Club Meets • The club will be nominating officers for 2009. | Where: Communication Workers Local 4900, 1130 E. Epler Ave., Indinapolis | When: Thursday, Dec. 4. Snacks at 6:30 p.m.; meeting at 7 p.m. Area Author to Host Book Signing in Greenwood • Carlene Crum recently published her second book entitled Something of Value, in which she chronicled her struggles and spiritual growth during the 17-year period that her family reared their special-needs child. Although Benjamin was totally dependent all his earthly life, this family and others came to know him as a blessing sent from the Lord. Approximately 200 volunteers came to their home over an eight-year period to assist Carlene in a home therapy program for Benjamin. This is a heartwarming story penned out of many experiences — hurts, anguish, prayer, deep questions, peace, strength and hope — during seemingly hopeless circumstances. Carlene’s willingness to share her personal, inner searching and longing concludes with a most valuable resolve that can be applied to any of life’s difficult situations. Carlene and her husband, Bob, reside in Brownsburg. | Where: Tree of Life Christian Store, 862 S. Ind. 135, Greenwood | When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity • Author J. Scott McElroy will be signing books. | Where: Borders Books, 7565 U.S. Highway 31 South | When: Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Scrapbooking and Rubberstamping Two-Day Event at the Beech Grove Public Library • Come and work on Friday night, leave your projects out and return on Saturday to continue working on your project or come for all day or any part of Saturday that fits your schedule. We will be working on Christmas Cards! Friday night is a Free Night — bring your scrapbook and card-making supplies and work on your projects; Saturday is a workshop and costs $5 per person. Kim Clayton, a Creative Memories consultant, & Tonya Minth, a Stampin’ Up consultant will host a scrap-booking & rubber stamping workshop all day at the library. Supplies will also be available for sale at the workshop.| Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | When: Friday and Saturday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Info: Registration is requested. Sign up at the desk or call 781-7800, ext. 110. Wizard’s Ball Book Fair • Join us for a Wizard’s Ball Book Fair, hosted by the Greenwood Public Library, in the Barnes & Noble store in Greenwood. Twenty percent of store proceeds from that day go to the Friends of the Greenwood Public Library. Shop for Christmas gifts while you: Have Story time with Mrs. Claus at 2 and 4 p.m., Join a Costume Contest at 3 p.m., Do a “Free the House Elves” Scavenger hunt, Sing Karaoke, Play Guitar Hero, Go to a Fortune Teller/Wizard, or visit the Harry Potter Sorting Hat. Reserve your next J.K. Rowling book, Tales of Beedle the Bard, that comes out the following week. | Where: Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the Greenwood Park Mall | When: Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. 33rd Annual “That Something Special “ Arts and Crafts Fair • The 33rd annual event, sponsored by the Nu Tau chapter of Delta Theta Tau sorority. Guests can shop over 180 booths. Parking is free. $2 donation at the door benefits philanthropic projects in Indianapolis and Johnson County. No strollers. | Where: Southport High School, 971 E. Banta Rd. | When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Info: Call 885-8684. Scholastic Book Fair at Greenwood Public Library • The Scholastic Book Fair is just the right place to shop for the holidays to satisfy the reading needs for your list of eager readers. Not only do you get great books, but every purchase earns credit to buy books for the library as well. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. | When: Saturday through Dec. 7, during library hours. Greenwood Public Library Canned Foods for Fines • The Greenwood Public Library will accept canned food items as payment for overdue book fines. The library will accept one can of food for each dollar they owe (excluding those already sent to the professional collection agency). The Greenwood Salvation Army will receive all of the donations. This will apply to overdue fines, not including lost books, processing fees and collection agency fees. If you are current on your books — you can donate anyway by bringing in items just for fun. Items such as toiletries, laundry soap, canned meats, complete pasta meals (in a box), rice, beans and other non-perishable food items. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. | When: Canned Foods for Fines runs from Saturday through Dec. 13. Take items to the circulation desk, in the front lobby of the library, during library hours, Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Coffee Talk Book Club • The Greenwood Public Library is sponsoring a book club discussion. This month’s discussion features Family Sold Separately by Kate Long. Pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or borrow one from Greenwood Public Library. This isn’t your mother’s book club. | Where: Barnes & Noble at the Greenwood Park Mall | When: Friday at 7 p.m. | Info: Call 885-5036. Celebrating the Life of C.S. Lewis • Families are invited to celebrate the life of the author best known for his children’s books, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” A brief biography of C.S. Lewis will be presented, and attendees may bring a short reading from one of his works. Cake and punch will be provided. | Where: Fountain Square branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, 1066 Virginia Ave. | When: Saturday at 3 p.m. Ornament Workshop • Create personalized ornaments for the holiday season. For grades K-5. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, S. Meridian St. | When: Monday and then again on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. | Register by calling 885-5035. Holiday Cards and Tags • Create one-of-a-kind holiday cards and stylish gift tags. Bring your own pair of scissors. For teens and adults.| Where: White River branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood | When: Monday at 6 p.m. Ornament Making Fun • For grades K-5. Having fun making holiday ornaments for the library’s tree or your own.| Where: White River branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood | When: Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Hip to Knit • Learn the basics of the knit and purl stitches. All ages and experience levels welcome. Experienced knitters: bring your current project and knit in the company of others. Beginners: bring a pair of needles (size 8 preferred). | Where: Greenwood Public Library | When: Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Performances Voices of Worship Gospel Choir • UIndy’s Voices of Worship gospel choir performs under the direction of Geoffrey Kelsaw. | Where: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. | When: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. | Cost: Free. Butler Ballet Opens “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 4 • Butler Ballet’s The Nutcracker, an Indianapolis holiday favorite for more than 25 years, will open the University’s 2008-2009 dance season with five performances Dec. 4-7 at Clowes Memorial Hall. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $21.50-$28.50 for adults, $17-$23 for children, students and seniors, and $14 to $20 for groups of 15 or more. They are available at the Clowes Hall box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, 239-1000, and online at ticketmaster.com. Call the box office at 940-6444 for more information. This year’s production will feature the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark performing Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. Thirty-three young dancers from central Indiana will join nearly 100 Butler Ballet students to present this classic ballet. Local students dancing in the “Nutcracker” include: Adam Battiato (St. Barnabas School); Madalynn Bright (Southwest Elementary); Shelby Burks (Center Grove High); Kelsey Burks (Center Grove Middle); Isabel Burks (West Grove Elementary); and Taylor Griffin (Rosa Parks-Edison). Just for Kids Middle School Madness • A safe and fun hangout for Pre-Teens. Enjoy a night of having the YMCA all to yourselves. Activities include swimming, dodgeball, basketball, XBox 360, Guitar Hero, Ping Pong and computer lab. No registration necessary. | Where: Baxter YMCA Teen Center, Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St. | When: Saturday from 7:15 to 10 p.m. | Cost: Facility Member FREE; Program Member $5 | Info: Contact Julie Zink at 317-881-9347 ext. 253, jzink@indymca.org or visit our website at www.indymca.org. Social Euchre Tournament • The Greenwood VFW is sponsoring a Euchre Tournament. | Where: Greenwood VFW, 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood | When: Saturday at 2 p.m. | Cost: $5 entry fee | Info: Call 888-2488 for more information. Fundraisers Skate for Clothe-A-Child • IMPD is having a skating fundraiser to raise money for their Clothe-A-Child charity. Sponge Bob Squarepants and the Chick-Fil-A cow will be on hand. | Where: Southland Skate Center, 6611 Bluff Rd., Indianapolis | When: Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. | Cost: $4 per person to skate, skate rental included. Blanket Drive • Johnson County Senior Services and Christina House are sponsoring a blanket drive to keep seniors warm this winter. Blankets can be dropped off at the Johnson County Senior Services, 731 S. State St., Franklin or Christina House Assisted Living, 1435 Christian Blvd., Franklin | When: Now through Dec. 22 | Info: Call 535-6550. Register Now For: Tri Kappa Breakfast with Santa • Zeta Theta chapter of Tri Kappa announces the 29th annual Breakfast with Santa. In addition to the continental breakfast, the morning will include singing, crafts, games and shows. Children and adults can shop in our Shopping Boutique. Raffle tickets will be available for children and adult prizes. With the exception of the raffle tickets, shopping boutique and pictures with Santa, all activities are included in the price of the ticket. Scott Bradford and his talented choral group will set the mood with traditional Christmas songs. Rainbow Junction Puppet Ministry will present their puppet show and there will be various other entertainment. Mrs. Claus will visit with families during breakfast and be available for pictures. They are serving only one breakfast sitting this year, beginning at 9 a.m., so guests have better access to the many activities of the morning. All proceeds will go to charitable causes in Indiana, especially those on the southeast side of Marion County. Past recipients have included the Indiana Mental Health Association, Riley Hospital for Children, Ronald McDonald House, Beech Grove Public Library, Beech Grove Education Foundation, local scholarships and many more. | Where: Event held at Beech Grove High School | When: Breakfast is Dec. 6; tickets must be purchased in advance and by Nov. 30. | Cost: Tickets are $5 each. Tickets are available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment to: Marilyn Green, 79 E. Wind Chime Circle, Greenwood, IN 46163, or by calling Marilyn at 888-9356. Tickets must be presented at the door. Tickets will be limited, so mail or call as soon as possible.

Who to tax and who should get a break

By Steve Maple

The election is over. Television ads are back to their non-political boring selves. It is time for me to advise the new president and Congress about some tax changes. You, the reader, have my permission to fax this to your elected official of choice. Tax rates have been reduced somewhat, with the lowest bracket at 10 percent and the highest at 35 percent, but many of us married folks are in the 25 percent bracket when our taxable income hits $63,700. So I propose a modest reduction of my 25 percent bracket to 20 percent. My proposed brackets would be 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent. Since withholding is affected by our bracket, this change would immediately get money in our pockets. [ad#single-post]Exemptions need to be increased, too. Let’s make it easy to calculate, with an even $4, 000 exemption instead of $3,400 for each of us and our dependents. And while I am discussing dependents, the paltry child credit is only $1,000 and it stops at age 17. We keep spending on our kids way past 17, so I think that the least Congress can do is extend the credit to the same age as a dependent child — under age 19 or under age 24 if the child is a full-time student. Also, the amount should have some relevance to the cost of child rearing, so up the credit amount to reflect our costs. Congress can check with the Census Bureau to obtain an accurate figure. Social Security is taxed for many retirees. What is the fairness in that? We pay into the system (as does our employer) at 15.3 percent of our wages, then get taxed on the draw. At least cut the tax rate for what we take out, say, the lowest rate on long term capital gains — 5 percent. Dividends are taxed twice, once to the corporation, then to the shareholder receiving them. Congress sort of understands this and gives dividends a break by taxing them at a range of 5 percent or 15 percent, depending on the shareholder’s tax bracket. My advice — eliminate the tax on shareholders, then stock investments will be more attractive. Pension distributions must be taken at a set amount when we hit age 70. Why not let us decide when and how much we want to withdraw beginning at age 55? We are going to be taxed on every dollar that was previously tax-deferred, plus its accumulated income, so let us do the timing to maximize our tax savings. If something is left over for the kids when we retire, they’ll be taxed on what is in the account. About 6.4 percent of Hoosiers are unemployed, many of whom are on or applying for unemployment compensation. The IRS taxes unemployment benefits. It seems to me that Congress should show some compassion and exclude these benefits from income taxes, since they aren’t all that generous anyway. Student loan interest is deductible but limited to $2,500 and is phased out beginning at $55,000 of adjusted gross income for a single person. Most undergrad and grad students carry a heavy debt to finance their education. Give them the full deduction for any student loan interest. While we are discussing education, let’s increase the HOPE and lifetime learning credits. HOPE gives you $1,630 maximum per year for the first two years of post-secondary education and lifetime learning credit maximum is $2,000 per year. Hoosiers should be calling Congress about this if we want a more educated workforce (Currently we are in the bottom five states in college-educated citizens). I am just getting started, so my venting will continue in the next article. By the way, I know all these tax breaks cost money, but they may do more for the economy than the bank bailouts.

The best times include melted butter and maple syrup

By Mike Redmond

There’s a very old, very subtle Chinese curse that goes something like this: “May you live in interesting times.” Well, it seems to have happened. These are indeed interesting times. And with that in mind, I’d like to discuss something that concerns every thinking American: Waffles. OK, maybe it’s just me. Some seek the Holy Grail. Some look for the Fountain of Youth. These are noble pursuits, but they are walks in the park compared to the path I have chosen. I search for the perfect waffle. [ad#single-post]I love waffles. Perhaps you guessed that. And it has been so ever since I was a little kid and we had them for breakfast about twice a year. I would beg for them every Sunday, and 50 Sundays of the year the answer came back: “They’re too much trouble. Try again in six months.” You see, as a waffle-lover I was the family’s odd man out. The others had favorite butter-and-syrup breakfast treats in varying combinations. Dad and Vicky, for example, loved buckwheat pancakes. Mom, Dad and P.D. loved blueberry pancakes. P.D. and Vicky loved French toast. Mom and P.D. loved fried mush. I was the waffle weirdo. Crispy on the outside, delicate on the inside, with all those wonderful little pockets for the toppings, the waffle offered a combination of tastes and textures that hit me right where I lived. Compared to waffles, pancakes were flabby and lifeless, fried mush like trying to eat a slice of a brick. Waffles were versatile, too. Waffles could be breakfast, obviously, but could also make a wonderful dessert with cream (ice or whipped) and fruit (strawberries or fresh peaches especially). Try that with your buckwheat pancakes. Waffles could even be a nice supper or lunch dish if you made them savory and served them with, say, creamed chipped beef. Or so it said in the cookbook. I never knew firsthand. You see, while my brother got French toast anytime he asked for it, and while blueberry pancakes showed up every other Sunday for years, waffles were seldom seen, no matter how much I begged. So this, friends, is the source of my quest. I must find the perfect waffle. Perhaps it will be the buttermilk waffle I’ve enjoyed so much as an adult. Maybe it will be a cornmeal waffle. I doubt it’ll be an Eggo, but you never know. I’ll give them a chance. “Oh, but Mike,” you will say (unless you are doing an impersonation of my mother, in which case it will probably be something like “Oh, for Pete’s sake” at the mildest), “This will require you to eat waffles for breakfast at least once a week for the rest of your life. Maybe twice a week, or three times.” Yes, it will. Sorry, but I’m not seeing a downside there. Actually, I already have as strong contender for Greatest Waffle I Have Had To Date: A raised waffle made with a yeast batter, from a recipe in Mark Bittman’s “How To Cook Everything.” Seeing as how the same book includes a recipe for the world’s greatest chicken dish (Chicken Adobo, in case you wondered) it could easily include the greatest waffle recipe too, don’t you think? I guess I’ll just have to keep eating until I’m sure. After all, it’s a quest. Besides, everyone knows that interesting times always go down a little easier with melted butter and maple syrup.

Reality strikes again

By Sherri Coner-Eastburn

So, it’s that time of year. Everyone else I know is busy sculpting a door wreath from dried leaves and twigs, or maybe sifting through traditional family recipes or dusting off their most beloved flatware, complete with cloth napkins and table linens. Yep. Domestisticity is vibrating through the air. And I’m trying very hard to fly under the radar. With the stealth of a bad home making ninja, I try to be an invisible domestic failure. [ad#single-post]I’m scared to death that someone will actually ask me about my Thanksgiving Day menu and I’ll have to say something like, “Well this year, I’m serving Whitecastles with stuffed bread sticks and dilly bars for dessert.” Other women gather in grocery store aisles, to discuss turkey rubs and cornbread dressing. I, however, am again charging the entire turkey dinner and trimmings on my credit card, compliments of my favorite area restaurant. Believe me, I can be painfully honest about my culinary shortcomings. With everything in my heart, I am hopeful that I will at least remember to purchase paper plates and plastic cups as I pick up my boxed turkey dinner. Again this year, I will greet my guests in my pajamas, so I can appear exhausted by all the meal prep. I’ll definitely take the time to gush over their covered dishes. I’ll sneak several spoonfuls of whatever they bring too, since I often get a hankering for something home-cooked. And later, just like every year, I will shame myself for not acquiring at least some type of domestic skill in the last 48 years. Actually, a week or so ago, something strange happened to me. Somehow, I got a bit caught up in the cook-like-Martha stuff. Though I know nothing about turkey baking and have never owned a meat thermometer in my life, I fantasized about proudly baking a golden brown bird. I threw in some other wild details, such as suddenly learning how to whip up homemade noodles, yeast rolls and pumpkin pie from scratch. I envisioned my husband, tears in his eyes, thankful beyond words that somehow, a miracle had occurred. His wife could actually do more with meal prep than open a can and press the buttons on the microwave. “This year, I will conquer my domestic dumbness,” I whispered as I sprinted into the store. “This year, I will become one with the bird. I will stuff that turkey cavity like a pro. I will cook my brains out.” And then, I opened my purse to get my checkbook and all my fantasies drained away. My checkbook was dripping with bright pink goo. Half of my giant bottle of Pepto Bismol had spilled into the bottom of my purse. “Reality strikes,” I grumbled as I plucked pink-smeared belongings from my purse. Instead of carrying a turkey home in a grocery bag, I turned the bag into a makeshift purse. “You just can’t do the domestic stuff,” I whispered to myself as I got back in my car. “You’re lucky to get back and forth from work without a disaster. Don’t push the limits. Order the festivities again — just like every other year.”

The legend of The Back

By Kevin Kane

Before the sun rises Friday, the mad dash will begin. Once-calm crowds, neatly aligned and patiently waiting, will storm into stores at the unlocking of their sliding glass doors, entering an environment of ‘cross-store darting, shelf clearing and cart thieving. Their quests for perfect gifts at perfect prices will pit these individuals in this chaotic environment, yet while some searches will be victorious, most will yield nothing but empty hands, frustration and disappointment. And from this feeling of futility, a popular piece of American folklore will reemerge. Stung by the statement “While supplies last”, with nothing to show for their pre-dawn arrival, many on this quest will look to The Back for help. [ad#single-post]According to legend, this mythical place located in the rear of all retail stores holds copious – if not unending – supplies of everything. When expeditions for excellent gifts fall short, The Back will supposedly provide the solution. The Back will make everything better. Inquiring about The Back goes hand-in-hand with the search. With sight of exhausted stock locations comes the question “Do you have any more in The Back?” but regardless of time of day or item in question, the answer is always “No”. The concept of The Back is not new. It is asked for every day and in higher frequency this time of year, but despite its reputation, it rarely provides the answer. So with such a poor track record, why does this mythical place remain in the minds of shoppers across America, serving as the default Plan B in every retail reconnaissance? It’s let us down time and again, but we keep coming back to it, asking for it by name in hopes that it will solve our gift-giving problems. We know it’s a long shot, but we all hold the belief that at some point, one of these days, something will be back there – wherever there is exactly. It will emerge from the secret room, as if from the heavens, to make everything right. But in most cases, it gives nothing. It solves nothing. We habitually look its way and are quickly turned away by its keepers. “There’s nothing back there,” they say. “We’re all out.” It’s the expected response after so much experience, but in the next out-of-stock situation, we will inquire again. We have to. The Back, though mostly unhelpful, provides hope to all shoppers. Especially this time of year when demand often far outweighs supply, it provides the last hope, the potential that things aren’t quite as they seem. In this season of hectic, dog-eat-dog shopping, The Back allows for a bit of optimism, if only for a moment. For whatever reason, American shoppers hold the belief that every store operates like a Foot Locker, with only displays in the front and bountiful stock in The Back. Some stores don’t even have back stockrooms. But according to the Legend of The Back, they do, and it’s a paradise of merchandise. However, as we’ve found throughout the years, what you see is often what you get. In these cases, The Back can be of no service. It cannot produce the proverbial Holy Grail and make our search successful. But for inexplicable reasons, our belief in The Back remains strong. We will continue to look in its vague direction, hoping this will be the year we are finally rewarded for our loyalty. And with this success, all previous, unproductive inquiries will be forgotten.