Greenwood merger could mean drastic changes

By Tia Nielsen

It is expected that the seven members of the study committee responsible for exploring the feasibility of a merger of White River Township (WRT) and the City of Greenwood will be appointed the first week of 2009. The Greenwood City Council and the White River Township board both meet the first week of January. By state statute, three of the study committee members will be appointed by the White River Township board, three selected by the Greenwood common council and one appointed by Greenwood mayor Charles Henderson. Appointees must come from multiple political parties with no single party having dominance. Statute also requires the study committee be appointed within 30 days of the certification of both governance bodies passing similarly-worded reorganization study resolutions. On Dec. 22, Greenwood clerk-treasurer Jeannine Myers certified the receipt of the White River Township board reorganization resolution that WRT trustee Jay W. Marks had certified two weeks earlier. [ad#single-post]The study committee has one year to gather the data, information and ideas before presenting its findings to the two local governing bodies for further consideration. Final decisions about a merger will rest with the voters via referendum. White River Township board president Mark Messick emphasized the goal of any reorganization, as stated in the resolution, is meant to create “more effective and efficient government for those citizens.” Messick believes local government should reflect the realities and demands of the 21st century rather than adhere to a style of governing that was necessary in the 19th century. Messick is looking for committee and subcommittee members who embrace a bold willingness to explore as many options as possible for the future of these neighboring entities. “Open-mindedness is the greatest attribute I’m going to be looking for (in potential committee members),” Messick asserts. “Someone who is willing to bring forth ideas and use imagination to look at this as an opportunity to reinvent not only the governance we have in White River Township, but maybe even the City of Greenwood.” Messick also would like to see those involved have a “serving mind … and willing to do the hard work” needed to volunteer for this study. He is looking for those who are committed to searching earnestly for the best possible solution for the sake of both WRT and Greenwood. Messick discussed the new governing model about to be implemented by Zionsville in Boone County as one option. They reorganized two township governments, folding them into the city limits as of January 2009. The model allows different ways of handling the disparate settings within the same entity, such as differing tax rates for rural and urban areas. Should the merger would become a reality, the City of Greenwood (population 47,700 in the latest census) would nearly double with the addition of the estimated WRT population of 42,000. That would make Greenwood the sixth-largest city in the state. Messick said the merger would “drastically change things.” A shift of that magnitude would most likely result in Greenwood moving from a third class city to a second class city said Brent Corey, Greenwood city council member-at-large. That would add two more council seats, a district seat and another at-large position. Corey noted that the Greenwood and Center Grove school corporations would remain separate if the merger happened.

BGHS again recognized as one of America’s best

By Submission For The Southside Times

U.S. News and World Report has named Beech Grove High School as one of America’s Best High Schools for the second consecutive year. BGHS was recognized for standardized test performance and proficiency rates of all students, including the least advantaged. Pictured with the award are student council president Danielle Winkler, principal Steve Cox and senior class president Nick Hurt.

Final update: One child waits…

By Tia Nielsen

Nearly 500 children from 200 families opened Christmas presents this year because of the labor of love of non-profit Servant’s Heart of Indy. Beech Grove resident and Servant’s Heart founder Bill Boone, along with his hardworking, all-volunteer board, continued to gather community support right up through the night the gifts were wrapped at a party at South Grove Intermediate School. [ad#single-post]Three-fourths of the families were “adopted” by individuals, churches or businesses this year. The requested clothing and toy items were purchased and wrapped by those sponsoring groups. Mounds of additional toys and extra cash were collected and donated by a broad range of community groups. Some participating groups were the Beech Grove Public Library, Wal-mart, Chick-Fil-A, The Southside Times, the Beech Grove Fire Department and the Greater Beech Grove Chamber of Commerce. Many more donors of all financial levels came forward, said Boone, to help make a Merry Christmas for these children. South Grove has been involved in sponsoring children and whole families for several years, but this was this first time the school hosted the wrapping party. Principal Susan Richards and teacher Nancy Wilson, a cousin to Boone, opened the building to facilitate the space needed to handle the volume of work to be done on behalf of children. The gymnasium was overflowing with toys, tables, festive paper and bows while people excitedly bustled about preparing the packages. A wide selection of extra toys and stocking stuffers were in “Santa’s Shop” in the school gym. The nearly 50 families that had not received sponsorship could “shop” for what they wanted the Saturday morning before Christmas. Adopted families could fill out their wish lists Saturday afternoon at Santa’s shop with what remained form the morning. Boone was pleased that nearly every item was chosen. Boone and his team always include a sprightly Christmas letter to the families receiving gifts letting them know that community members gave to them out of love. Boone also shares his belief that these gifts reflect the love of God to each family member. The hard economic times altered how many families they could help, he said. Many folks and groups still gave, but at a lower level. He is very grateful that more people donated. Still, as Boone noted, the “have-nots” tend to be more generous than the “haves.” In the end however, there was something special for everyone. FOR 2009: Servant’s Heart is looking for a building of their own with land available for Victory Gardens so people can grow some of their food supply. Contact Bill Boone at 501-0281 if you have a potential location.

Obituaries for the week of 1.1.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Joseph Blazek Jr., 76 of Indianapolis and Naples, Fla., died Dec. 17, 2008, following a long battle with emphysema and cancer. Joe was a 1950 graduate of Southport High School where he quarterbacked the only undefeated football team. He was a retired builder and developer of homes and commercial developments and was a former owner of Wilson-Blazek Builders, Inc. of Indianapolis.  He remained active in real estate developments he owned up until he died. He was a member of the Southside Sertoma Club, Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite, Murat Shrine and Southport Lodge No. 270 F. & A.M.  He and his wife, Janet, were members of the Messiah Lutheran Church of Naples, Fla. and the Southport Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Surviving are his wife, Janet (Gilpin) Blazek; his children, Sidney L. (Jeanne) Blazek, Vickie L. (Blazek) (Jeff) Miller, Robert J. (Sue) Blazek, Anthony W. (Kyla) Blazek, Joseph Q. Blazek and Jerold I. (Sandy) Blazek, all of Indianapolis; step children Lois (Jeff) Admire of Wesley Chapel, Fla., Alan T. Duncan of Indianapolis, and Amy K. (Robert High) Duncan of Alexandria, Va.; his brother James (Tina) Blazek; his sister, Mary Alice (Blazek) Fisher; and 23 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Elizabeth (Turner) Blazek Sr. A private ceremony was held Dec. 21, 2008 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Naples.  The family will also hold a Memorial Service in Indianapolis in the spring.  Memorials to Emerson Avenue Baptist Church Food Pantry in Indianapolis. Send online condolences to jjblazek@comcast.net. Local arrangements by Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center. Kenneth Wayne Stinson, 46, died Dec. 21, 2008. He was born Dec. 31, 1961. He is survived by his wife, Denise Stinson; his children, Keith, April and Aaron Stinson; his mother, Geneva Barnheart; his brother, Terry Stinson; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerald Stinson, his brothers, Steven and Douglas Stinson and his sister Pamela LaFara. Arrangements by Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Chapel of the Chimes.

Southside Military News for the week of 1.1.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Army Pvt. Justin M. Sparks has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training. During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area. He is the son of Dave Sparks of East Stop 10 Road, Indianapolis. The private is a 2008 graduate of Central Nine Career Center, Greenwood. Air Force Airman Curtis Lawson 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. Lawson is the son of Corinne Finnerty of Keller St., Tustin, Calif., and Donald Lawson of Forest Rise Lane, Indianapolis, Ind.

At Play Calendar for the week of 1.1.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Fellowship of Christ Baptist Church New Year’s Eve Service • Pastor Alonzo Wiggington invites attendance at the New Year’s Eve service. The service offers special singing, preaching, communion and foot washing. | Where: Fellowship of Christ Baptist Church, 1310 Main St., Beech Grove | When: Today from 8 p.m. to midnight. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre New Year’s Eve Celebration • Beef & Boards, which has been celebrating its 35th Anniversary Season throughout 2008, sends out the year in style with an evening of fabulous food, live entertainment, dancing to the Beef & Boards Orchestra and more! The special New Year’s Eve celebration features the scrumptious holiday buffet and the final performance of A Beef & Boards Christmas 2008. Then, the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Orchestra takes the stage and performs for patrons to dance. Tickets range from $72 to $88 for this special event, and early reservations are suggested. Parking is always free. Every year, more and more people discover A Beef & Boards Christmas is the perfect way to enjoy the season – dinner and as how in one place! It’s “The Best Night Out In Indy!” For reservations, call the box office at 872-9664 any day between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com. [ad#single-post]“Wall-E” at the Library • The Clark Pleasant Branch of the Johnson County Public Library is showing “Wall-E.” Bring a pillow and a family member or friend and come to the library for a movie screening. | Where: 530 Tracy Rd., New Whiteland | When: Monday at 2 p.m. Indianapolis Civic Theatre Presents “The Wizard of Oz” • The Indianapolis Civic Theatre opened its “Wizard of Oz” production. | Where: Indianapolis Civic Theatre, 3200 Cold Springs Rd., on the campus of Marian College. | When: Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. | Cost: $34 | Info: Visit www.civictheatre.org. Lodge Breakfast • The Prospect Lodge Breakfast Club is offering breakfast. | Where: Prospect Lodge, 2901 S. Meridian St. | When: Saturday from 7:30 to 10 a.m. | Cost: $5 adults, $3 children. Humane Society of Johnson County Offers the “Do Nothing Ball” • It’s time again for the Humane Society of Johnson County Do Nothing Ball. This time of year can be busy for most people. The Humane Society understands that and would like to help you by not having a “Ball.” One less night of stress, no new party duds and no need to hire a sitter. The Ball begins at Whenever O’clock, at your house, today, tomorrow or the next day. We encourage “unguests” to dress as they are – pj’s are perfect. Simply send your check for “non-tickets” at whatever price you chose to Do Nothing Ball, Humane Society of Johnson County, 3827 N. Graham Rd., Franklin, IN 46131. The Do Nothing Ball may be imaginary but your donation will benefit some needy animals that rely on HSJC for their care. All donations are tax deductive. | Info: Call the Humane Society of Johnson County at 535-6626. Youth Basketball League • The Baxter YMCA is offering a seven-week co-ed basketball league for children ages 4 to 18. Register before Sunday for a discounted rate. League play begins Jan. 24, practices begin Jan. 12. | Where: Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St. | Cost: Facility Member $36; Program Member $71 | Info: Contact Tammy Ward at 881-9347, ext. 231, or tward@indymca.org “Christmas at the Lilly House” and “Power and Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty” Exhibits Run Through Jan. 11 • Tour the IMA and also take a look inside an American Country Place era of the 1930s and 40s with a tour of Oldfields – Lilly House and Gardens. The historic home is lavishly decorated for the holidays, including a classic tree ornamented with strings of cranberry and popcorn, shimmering draperies of blue and silver and a pyramid of candles to brighten the mantelpiece. | Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art, | When: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Gardens and grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk | Info: Parking is free. Wheeler Arts Community Hosts First Friday Event • The Wheeler Arts Community is hosting a First Friday event. Show will feature artwork from resident artists as well as guest artist Hannah Woebkenberg. Live music will be performed by Brian Duff. Come on out and brave the cold for a wonderful night of art and music! | Where: Wheeler Arts Community, 1035 Sanders St., one block south of the fountain in historic Fountain Square. | When: Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. | Info: Event is free, free parking available at police lot across street. Come on out and brave the cold for a wonderful night of art and music. Super Sunday Indy Automotive Swap Meet & Car Sale • Where: West Pavilion and South Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds | When: Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cost: $6; children 12 and younger free when accompanied by an adult.  Indianapolis Music Collectors’ Convention • The 221st series of the Indianapolis Music Collectors’ Conventions is Sunday. Thousands of recycled, out-of-print and hard-to-find phonograph records, CDs, DVDs, tapes and other music-related items will be displayed and offered for sale by dealers. The public is invited to bring items they wish to sell to dealers. | Where: Ramada Inn, 7701 E. 42nd St. (I-465 and Pendleton Pike) | When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cost: $3 adults; $2 with discount coupon from participating CD and record stores; children under 12 are free with adult. Free parking. Holidays in the Heartland • The free “Holidays in the Heartland” exhibit runs through Saturday at the Indiana Historical Society. Take a stroll through the “Holidays in the Heartland” display, where you’ll enjoy vignettes about Indiana Santas, holiday food traditions, Christmas tree decorations past and present, and winters in the Midwest. Anyone who has seen the classic film, “A Christmas Story,” will remember the infamous leg lamp. You can buy one just like it at the Basile History Market, along with all kinds of made-in-Indiana products. | Where: Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis | Cost: Free. Zoo Hours Change • During the winter months, the Indianapolis Zoo has shorter hours, but remains open year-round. The majority of Zoo animals are located inside heated facilities, and there’s even a tropical oasis at White River Gardens to get completely away from the cold. Through January and February, the Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Twelfth Night Choral Service • Christ Church Cathedral presents a Choral Eucharist for the Eve of the Epiphany. | Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 55 Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis on the circle | When: Monday at 7:30 p.m. Toastmasters — Woodman Club • Improve your public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment. | Where: Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St., Indianapolis | When: Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. | Info: Call 654-6422. The Quilt Connection Guild of Greenwood Meets Jan. 8 • The Quilt Connection Guild of Greenwood will have their monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8, instead of Thursday, New Year’s Day. Please bring a dessert to share, a project to work on plus your Show and Tell items. | Where: The Aerobics Room on the 2nd floor of the Gathering Place (separate building to west) at the Community Church of Greenwood on Main St. (one mile east of SR135).  | When: Thursday. Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. | Info: Call Lois Lankford after 1 p.m. at 787-4010. Library Events Turtle Party in Beech Grove • Friday is Turtle Party Day, complete with a turtle race. This party is geared for ages 6 to 10. NOTE: if you have a round snow sled, please bring it to the party. (It will be your turtle “shell”) | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St., | When: Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Info: Free, no registration required. School’s Out: Winter Break Fun “Snowman Fun” • We’re chilling out with snowmen. Join us for activities, crafts and the award-winning movie, “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs. | Where: Clark-Pleasant Branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 530 Tracy Rd., New Whiteland | When: Friday at 2 p.m. Snow Prince & Snow Princess Party • All princes, princesses, knights and ladies are cordially invited for stories, songs, and fun. This program is geared for children ages 5 to 8. Registration is requested. Wear your favorite prince and princess costumes. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St., Beech Grove | When: Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. | Info: Sign-up at the circulation desk. ABCs of Diabetes • Adults are invited as the Marion County Health Department offers a four-week self-management class that provides them with the skills and education to improve the quality of life. | Where: Southport Branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd. | When: Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Info: Call 275-4510 to register. Fountain Square Afternoon Book Discussion • Get ready now for the Jan. 8 meeting of the Fountain Square book discussion group. Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion program. The book to be discussed is “Dirty Secrets Club” by Meg Gardines. | Where: Fountain Square Branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, 1066 Virginia Ave. | When: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 1:30 p.m. | Info: Call 275-4390 to register. Read Now for the Monday Evening Book Discussion Group • Get Ready The Monday Evening Book Discussion group meets on the second Monday of the month. Everyone is welcome to join us for the discussion, even if you have not finished the book being discussed. January’s book is “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night,” by Mark Haddon. Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has Asperger’s Syndrome. A math whiz with a very logical brain, he loves solving puzzles that have definite answers. One night, he observes the neighbor’s dog has been killed, since it is not moving and has a large garden fork stuck in its body. Christopher knows this is wrong. He has never left his street on his own before, but now he’ll have to in order to find out who killed the dog. What he discovers will shake the very foundation of his perfectly ordered life. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | When: Book discussion is Monday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m., but start reading now. Mark Your Calendar Beech Grove Parks Department Shelter Reservations Begin • The Beech Grove Parks Department will begin accepting shelter reservations for the 2009 season on Friday at 8 a.m. at the Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave. The shelter season runs from May 2 to Oct. 18. Cost is $65 per shelter, cash or check. Reservations taken in person at the community center or by calling 788-4986, ext. 1, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Tickets on Sale Now For: Cirque Du Soleil Presents “Saltimbanco” in February • Cirque du Soleil announced that the Saltimbanco Arena Tour will perform in Indianapolis at the Conseco Fieldhouse in February, from Feb. 12 to 15. Advance tickets are now on sale. To purchase tickets, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com or call (317) 239-5151. Saltimbanco is a signature Cirque du Soleil show with a style that borrows from theatre, dance and music and where spectacular costumes, lighting and make-up take pride of place. The cast of 50 high-caliber artists hail from 20 countries and will amaze audiences with their astonishing acrobatics presented in the uique Cirque style. Full of color, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy. Since its world premiere in 1992, Saltimbanco has toured the world and thrilled more than 10 million people on five continents. For 14 years, the show performed in the trademark Cirque du Soleil big top. In 2007, Saltimbanco embarked on a new arena tour across Canada and the United States. | Ticket Information: Adults, $35 to $90; children (12 & under), $28 to $72. Performance Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1 and 5 p.m.

At least I haven’t named any children after dictators, right?

By Mike Redmond

In this season, as we leave one year and enter another, I find it helpful to think of things for which I am thankful. I know, I know, I should have taken care of that back in November. Well, I was busy. Besides, I had a mouthful of mashed potatoes at the time. [ad#single-post]Actually, this is a pretty good idea, if I do say so myself. It makes more sense for me to go into the New Year with an attitude of gratitude, rather than the attitude I’ve used in the past, which is to stay horizontal (or in my drinking days, tilting in that direction). I’m not usually up late enough for the champagne-kiss-Auld Lang Syne routine. As far as I’m concerned, the New Year gets here on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. and we greet it with root beer and a Homer and Jethro record. So, let’s see. What am I grateful for besides the usual (health, a roof over my head, food to eat, work I love, friends I love more, family I love most of all and my toy tractor collection being better than my brother’s)? I know. I’m thankful for the existence of three people: Devin Perry of Gainesville, Fla.; Vincent Gonzalez of Vero Beach, Fla.; and Heath Campbell of Easton, Pa. Perry is the criminal mastermind who tested positive for drugs at his probation office. His incriminating urine sample was stored in a small, locked refrigerator there, so he hatched his brilliant scheme of breaking into the office and stealing it. He shot out a window, climbed through and did just that. Along with the refrigerator, and all the other urine samples within. Police were given a list of ... um, donors, and went to their homes until they came to the guy with shards of bloody window glass in his house, whereupon they arrested him PDQ. Or should that be Pee DQ? Gonzalez is the creep who got into a fight with his girlfriend as they sat in a car in front of their home. Police said Gonzalez would not let the woman out of the car, so she threw his drink out the window. He retaliated by smashing a cheeseburger into her face, the way Jimmy Cagney did to Mae Clark in “Public Enemy.” Then they got out of the car, and he did it again. The cops hauled him off to the hoosegow, where he posted $1,000 and was released. Personally, I was kind of wishing he was in longer so he could go on a hunger strike. The cops would have to force-feed him. I suggest cheeseburgers. Which brings us to Campbell, who raised a bunch of sand when a grocery store bakery refused to squiggle his kid’s name onto the top of a birthday cake. And what, you ask, was the little tyke’s name? Adolf Hitler Campbell — older brother, by the way, to JoyceLynn Aryan Nation and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell. Dad’s contention is that “a name’s a name.” Right. If that’s the case, Dad, why don’t you change yours instead of hanging that horror on a little kid. Now why, you might ask, would I be grateful for the existence of three such morons as Devin Perry, Vincent Gonzalez and Heath Campbell? Easy. With stupidity like that on the planet, the rest of us look like geniuses.

A new New Year’s attitude

By Sherri Coner-Eastburn

When I was younger, New Year’s Eve was my favorite holiday. I stressed about finding the perfect dress and the perfect party. I loved the noise makers and hats. I loved to dance. I loved it all. It was a magical celebration that filled my heart with hope. A couple of minutes before midnight, my eyes filled with happy tears. Everything would begin again — brand new. What a cool moment to share with a big rowdy crowd of fun-loving strangers! [ad#single-post]Well, who knows what happened, but I guess I’m all partied out. I think I’ve gotten old. Or maybe I’ve just matured. I can no longer avoid this fact. I look at the New Year’s Eve party possibilities much differently now. Intoxicated people kinda make me nervous, if not also a little bit scared. I no longer see the sense in purchasing a sparkling dress I’ll wear for less than eight hours. And I’m too chubby these days to want my belly fat to glimmer under the neon lights anyway. I can’t stand stilettos anymore, and I can’t even recall the last time I danced all night and watched the sun come up while the party traveled happily to an IHOP sometime around dawn. What in the heck happened? I was the party princess for years and years! “Did I tell you yesterday that I bought my New Year’s Eve outfit?” one my friends asked. “Nope,” I said, as I braced to hear about a sleek black something that fit her size 6 frame like a slinky sock. “Sweat pants,” she said with a laugh. “That was my New Year’s Eve purchase. We’re staying at home this year.” “No kidding?” I blinked. “Me too.” Suddenly, I’m starved to death for as many hours in my pajamas as I can possibly muster. I hate cold weather. There’s absolutely no way that I would trade my fuzzy pig house shoes for a three-inch heel. And I care nothing about watching other people slur and possibly puke in place during a high-powered party. That’s right. This New Year, I’ll likely be snoozing when the ball drops in New York City. And that’s OK with me. I plan a quiet, peaceful 2009. I’m hoping it will be filled with sweet, drama-free moments. I dream about plenty of days when I don’t have to do anything except putter around in my flannel, with real bad bead head. No matter how we greet the New Year, here’s wishing happy new beginnings to all of us. And may we only make resolutions we know we can fulfill — such as diving into creamy, rich chocolate a couple of times a week.

Readers’ Views: Constable’s letter was ‘interesting’ — constable’s office is dishonest and patronizing

By Submission For The Southside Times

Editor, Roy Houchins’ letter to the editor in the December 18, 2008, publication of the Southside Times was interesting, to say the least. [ad#single-post]There has been much to be desired coming out of the Constable’s Office since Houchins took over. In fact, under Houchins’ tutelage the Perry Township Constable’s Office has been riddled with corruption, controversy, and arrests with members of the organization, including Houchins himself! Within the article, he said that he was attempting to make his officers “fully” trained. It’s quite a surprise that all officers within the Perry Township Constable’s Office are not already “fully” trained. As a law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience as well as a background as a police trainer, I know that deputy constables should be trained as special deputies. Special deputies possess enforcement authority, but while working for the Constable need to be limited to activities that serve our local needs in Perry Township. Instead, according to Houchins’ he allows the deputies to work the Indiana Black Expo, which in no way serves the residents of Perry Township. In addition, he plans on including the officers in more security details such as this. It’s all to commonplace for government to face scrutiny for questionable practices and illegal activities. The true victims are the hard working citizens that need the services of these so called politicians. The current Perry Township Constable’s Office is the personification of an outdated style of dishonest, patronizing government. The activities that have derived from the current administration have brought dishonor and embarrassment to our township government. Michael D. DeHart

Readers’ Views: Avoid tampering with Medicare Part D in healthcare reform efforts

By Submission For The Southside Times

Editor, As President-Elect Barack Obama invites Americans to forums all across the country to offer suggestions about how best to solve the many challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, I hope the new Administration and Congress will avoid tampering with Medicare Part D. For those of us over 65 years of age, the Part D Program has been and continues to be a critical benefit for seniors. [ad#single-post]As a heart patient, Medicare Part D has enabled me to afford the four prescriptions vital to my continued health and well-being. It also allowed me the flexibility to choose generic equivalents which allowed even more savings. Like most American retirees, my wife and I live on fixed incomes. So cost savings on the medications prescribed by our physicians help a lot. In my opinion and in the opinion of many of my friends, the Part D plan works very well. We all had the option of choosing the individual plan with which we felt most comfortable and which provided the most economical medications. It would be very detrimental to many elderly constituents if they were forced to change, and certainly would be even more confusing and less cost-effective. In the rush to “reform” the system, my hope is that policymakers and our new leadership in Washington don’t forget the older constituents of Indiana and this great country. Raymond Schultz Retired teacher and athletic director of Manual High School Indianapolis