Katie Douglas carries on

By Tia Nielsen

[caption id="attachment_3597" align="alignleft" width="459" caption="Douglas (left) drives past Deanna Nolan of the Detroit Shock. Photo courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment"][/caption] By Tia Nielsen and Lael Nielsen How did you honor your father on Father’s Day? Katie Douglas, former Perry Meridian and Purdue basketball standout, faced a painful memory on Father’s Day weekend: the anniversary of her father’s death to cancer. It also closely coincided with the same sad anniversary of her mother’s passing. So, Katie did what her parents asked her to do. The two-time WNBA All-Star, now headlining for the Indiana Fever, focused her attention on the task at hand June 21 to fuel a decisive victory over the Detroit Shock, the reigning WNBA champion. Her parents message to Katie? “Carry on.” Carry on she did. Much to the Shock’s dismay.

» Career Numbers

3,200 • Points 988 • Rebounds 657 • Assists 406 • Steals 79.5% • Freethrow percentage

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Saturday, June 27, vs. New York Liberty at 7 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse.

[caption id="attachment_3598" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Photo courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment"][/caption] As each parent faced leaving this life, they challenged Katie and her three siblings to carry on. “Don’t let your life spiral (downward),” said Katie in an exclusive pre-game interview. “They wanted something good to come out of it.” For now, that is excelling in a game that is being honed by her contributions to women’s professional basketball. Katie’s focused mindset prepares her to face each game, the fluidity of the team roster, and life with unusual toughness for a 30-year-old. Katie’s mind is made up that she will make things work out for the best. When teammates are waived and new ones join the team, Douglas decides, “We’re going to make it work.” We treat the group here today like they’ll be here all season. “These are the people we’re going to battle with.” Katie affirms that team chemistry is part of on-court success. “It’s a huge factor.” With teams changing roster members for any reason, Douglas said, “As an athlete, we don’t concern ourselves with what we can’t control.” We focus on what we can control — and that is how we play basketball.
With an emotion-laden weekend, Douglas made sure she contributed fully to what was in her control. [caption id="attachment_3605" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Photo courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment"][/caption] The Indiana Fever beat the Detroit Shock for the second time in three nights, 82-70. Fierce and competitive, the first quarter kept the teams fairly even, swinging the lead back and forth six times. Two pivotal points turned the game. First: with the Fever trailing 38-37 in the second quarter, Detroit went on a 16-0 run from 3:36 of second quarter to the 6:53 mark of the third quarter. Second: Fever coach Linn Dunn called a time out at that point for her beleaguered team, now trailing 54-37. The result? The Fever defensive pressure turned up immediately. Smothering their opponents over the course of the next 16 minutes, they outscored the Shock 40-8. Allowing only one basket in the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter, the Fever went up 77-62. Maintaining that intensity, the Fever wrapped it up at 82-70. This hearty team effort was lead by Douglas, with 17 second-half points and 23 overall. Perennial fan favorite Tamika Catchings chimed in for 15, while Tammy Sutton-Brown added 13 points. The Fever held Detroit to 31 percent shooting in the second half while the Fever shot 55.6 percent, with points coming from eight players. This moves the Indiana Fever to 4-2 on the season. They are only one-half game behind Washington in the Eastern Conference with the next home game on Saturday, June 27, against the New York Liberty at 7 p.m. The take-home for Katie Douglas? Chalk one up for honor. This one’s for you, Dad.

Lutheran senior to play in Adidas All Star game

By Submission For The Southside Times

[caption id="attachment_3594" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Brandi Lawson, student at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, will play in the 2009 Adidas Futures All Star game in Boulder, Colo., on June 30. - Photo Submitted"][/caption] Brandi Lawson, a senior at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, has been nominated to play in the 2009 Adidas Futures All Star game. This game will be played in Boulder, Colo., on Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. Lawson will be playing on a team of 2010 graduates from 11 different states. Last year this event had over 1,500 spectators and more than 150 college coaches in attendance. This event will kick off a week-long College Exposure program and is the largest exposure event of the summer. Players from all over the U.S. will compete with more than 300 college coaches in attendance. Lawson plays on the Lutheran High School Lady Saints softball team, which was the IHSAA Class A state runner-up this year.

CrossRoad Engineers invests $12,000 in park improvements

By Submission For The Southside Times

Thanks to a $12,000 contribution by CrossRoad Engineers, rehabilitation of the north and south basketball courts in Sarah T. Bolton Park will begin as soon as this week, weather permitting. The investment by the engineering company, located on Sherman Drive in Beech Grove, will fund half of the cost of the improvements with the remaining $12,000 coming from the Parks Department. CrossRoad staff also will donate its design-planning time for the drainage and surface work for the courts. According to CrossRoad Engineers Vice President Trent Newport, with their office around the corner from Sarah T. Bolton Park, staff uses park amenities on a regular basis and noticed the courts’ deteriorating condition. “Being a longtime Beech Grove corporate citizen, we feel at home here and and use the basketball courts on a regular basis. We recognized the age of the courts and the impaired drainage in the area, so we want to do our part to invest in a valuable asset of a park we enjoy. “CrossRoad believes in giving back. We are proud to be part of this rehabilitation project and look forward to the next game on the new courts,” Newport said. According to Newport, cracks in the north basketball court will be repaired and the deteriorating surface will have an asphalt overlay applied, along with a new acrylic color sports coat and striping. The same graphics as are in the city’s welcome towers along Emerson Avenue will be applied to the basketball courts’ surface. The south basketball court will receive the same improvements, along with the installation of new drainage on the west and south sides so water drains into Lick Creek. [ad#single-post] The remaining cost for the improvements will be funded by the Beech Grove Parks Department. “On behalf of the Park Board, I am very pleased to partner with CrossRoad Engineers to make improvements to our basketball courts in Sarah T. Bolton Park. The courts are used heavily and are in need of repair. “With proper drainage and new surfaces, these courts mean a better, brighter Beech Grove. The Park Board thanks CrossRoad Engineers for their continued interest and generous investment in our community and specifically, our main City Park,” Marks said. Led by Marks, the seven-member Park Board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Hornet Park Community Center. Park Board meetings are open to the public. Sarah T. Bolton Park is Beech Grove’s largest city park, located at 1300 Churchman Ave. Purchased by the city from the Bolton estate in 1930, the Park is named after Hoosier poet Sarah Title Barrett Bolton, whose home still stands on 17th Street.

Obituaries for the week of 06.25.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Clay Barker, 13, of Indianapolis, died June 21. He was born October, 28, 1995. Clay will be lovingly remembered by his mom and dad, Chris and Tina Barker; sister, Natasha Barker; brothers, Chris and Nathan Barker. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, at the funeral home. Clay will be laid to rest in Round Hill Cemetery. [ad#single-post] Robert G. Lancaster, 87, of Indianapolis, died on June 18. Robert was born to the late Clyde and Leona Lancaster of South Bend. He was married to Doris E. Johnson, who preceded him in death. Robert is survived by his son, Robert C. (Shellie) Lancaster, and daughters, Mary (Sam) Becker and Alice (Gary) Swanson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amy and Zach Swanson, Alex and Scott Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his brother James Lancaster and his grandson Adam Citron. Burial took place June 22 at Orchard Hill Cemetery, Wanamaker. Carol Sceper, 75, died Wednesday at her home in Moody, Ala. She was preceded in death by husband Kenneth M. Sceper and daughter Karen Sceper-Turner. She is survived by daughters Kym (Philip) Summerfield Sr. and Kristie (Todd) Atkinson, sister Barbara Woods, grandchildren Cassie Borba, Philip Summerfield Jr., Carolyn and Victoria Summerfield; great-grandchild Aspen Borba and dear friend John Stewart. The visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home in Huntsville, Ala. Joyce Ann Wirey, 77, of Indianapolis, died June 18. She was born June 21, 1931, to William and Elsie Blankenship. Her husband, William Allen Wirey, preceded her in death. Survivors include her children, Debbie Whitaker, Cindy Henderson, Shirley Coble, and William Allen Wirey, Jr.; sister, Norma Jean DeVore; brother, Billy Blankenship; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She will be laid to rest in Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh, Ind.

Southside military news

By Submission For The Southside Times

Air Force Airman Colin M. Conway graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Jeff and Conny Conway of Woodgate Lane, Greenwood. Army Reserve Pvt. Lindley M. Greene 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. She is the daughter of Charles Greene of Sherwood Drive, Orange, Texas, and Tanya Greene of Woodale Terrace, Greenwood. Greene is a 2006 graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, Orange. Army Spec. Michael D. Lochard has completed the Warrior Transition Course at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. The course teaches basic skills necessary for integration into the Army for all prior-service servicemembers to fully prepare them for Advanced Individual Training or on to their first assignment. Soldiers undergo much of the same training developed in basic combat training, except it is developed in a program of instruction that lasts five weeks instead of nine. To complete the course, soldiers must complete the Army Physical Fitness Test, with a minimum of 60 points in each event, M-16 weapon qualification, tactical foot marches, tactical field and situational training and the land navigation course. Lochard is a 1996 graduate of Baptist Academy, Indianapolis. Casey Renae Sheets, daughter of Ed and Darlene Sheets and a 2006 graduate of Franklin Central High School, graduated basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, on May 22. Sheets is currently attending technical training for aerospace medical at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. She will be stationed in Kusan, South Korea, in December.

Summer is VBS season

By Nathan Pace

[caption id="attachment_3612" align="alignleft" width="459" caption="Photo by Nathan Pace"][/caption] Preschool children were jumping and spinning to songs played at the Vacation Bible School at Stones Crossing Church. Little kids dancing to up-tempo songs about Bible stories is a scene happening at local churches this summer, and Stones Crossing is no exception. Stacey Fisher is the woman in charge of the church’s Vacation Bible School program. “We don’t set it up like school at all,” Fisher said. “It’s just a fun experience for preschoolers.” [ad#single-post] Stones Crossing selected a crocodile theme for the program calling outdoor events “Gator Games” and “Crawfish Crafts.” Fisher emphasizes that the program is more than just fun and learning. The preschoolers collected toys during the week to donate to missions in El Salvador. “For us, we want our preschoolers to learn the things we want them to learn about God,” Fisher said. “That he’s powerful and does the things he says he’ll do, but it’s also a chance for kids to learn about missions, and El Salvador will reap the benefit.” Signs for Vacation Bible Schools can be found along curbs all over the south side. And with each church in the area pushing their own summer activities at the same time, it may appear to be competition to casual observers. Fisher is quick to denounce that thought. “Any church in the area that does a Vacation Bible School is doing a good thing. We hope to work together with all the churches in this area, not compete.”

Sikand receives UIndy Distinguished Alumni Award

By Submission For The Southside Times

Beenu Sikand (UIndy, '99) has become a leader, role model and mentor to many Indian immigrants in her community. Sikand is one of the top Indiana Realtors with Century 21 in residential and commercial real estate. In addition to her success as a Realtor, she has an Insurance Agency and launched “Guldusta” in 2006, a magazine used as a platform for South Asian businesses. She was not satisfied finding success solely for herself and her three children; she also strives for other Asian families to find success as they make the transition to Indiana. She helps other Indian immigrant families achieve home ownership and obtain jobs as well as provides information pertaining to schools, doctors and other aspects of everyday life. She helps women and kids going through divorces to build a life for themselves. The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award is to recognize outstanding professional accomplishments or long-standing devoted service in a chosen occupation or profession. The level of accomplishment or service must clearly distinguish the alumnus or alumna among his or her peers.

Greenwood Freedom Festival

By Submission For The Southside Times

Picnic & Greenwood Community Band Concert (6-8 p.m.) • Bring a picnic and a blanket and settle in to enjoy the music of the Greenwood Community Band as they perform an hour-long concert at 7 p.m. playing a variety of patriotic classics at the Greenwood Amphitheater, located behind the Greenwood Community Center at 100 Surina Way, Greenwood, Indiana, 46143. Enjoy Chips and Queso compliments of Moe’s Southwest Grill at 6 p.m. Old Town Greenwood Street Fair (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) • The Old Town Street Fair is full of food, fun, crafts, games and family entertainment, and is located on Machledt Drive, east of Madison Avenue. Enjoy the offerings of more than 80 merchants, food and craft booths, kids’ games and live entertainment. Don’t miss the book sale at the Greenwood Public Library, which is just south of Old City Park. Show & Shine Open Car Show (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) • Enter your show car in the Open Car Show at the Greenwood Community Center. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with awards presented at 2:30 p.m. [ad#single-post] Parade (10 a.m.) • The theme for the 2009 Greenwood Freedom Festival Parade is “It’s a Grand Old Flag.” The Gordon Pipers and Circle City Stompers are scheduled to perform. The Parade Grand Marshal, Josh McRoberts of the Indiana Pacers, and the Parade Committee will each choose the parade float or entry that they feel best represents the spirit of the parade theme. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners at the BBQ Blast stage immediately following the parade. The parade route will be the same as last year, starting at the Greenwood Middle School on Madison Avenue, traveling north along Madison Avenue to Broadway, turning east on Broadway to Meridian and then following Meridian south back to the Middle School parking lot. Kids’ Zone (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) • The whole family will enjoy the free activities zone full of inflatables, games and other fun activities. Located in the football field at the corner of Madison Avenue and Machledt Drive, northwest of Old City Park. Craig Park Kids’ Fair (6-9 p.m.) • One of the largest Kids’ Fairs offered in the area, located in the southeast corner of Craig Park. The Kids’ Fair offers free inflatables for kids, located in the field behind the Evening Entertainment Stage. Free Concert by The Meatball Band (8:35-9:50 p.m.) Honor the Flag Ceremony and Patriotic Set (9:55 p.m.) • Members of the City of Greenwood award-winning Fire Honor Guard will lower and remove the flag, at the flagpole located northeast of the Evening Main Entertainment Stage. Greenwood’s Honorable Mayor Charles E. Henderson will open the patriotic portion of the celebration with the Pledge of Allegiance. Performances of patriotic classics and the National Anthem will follow. City of Greenwood Fireworks Celebration (10:10 p.m.) • Enjoy the largest fireworks display in Greenwood provided by Mad Bomber fireworks. Glow necklaces will be sold at dusk with proceeds to benefit the Greenwood Freedom Festival.

At Play Calendar for the week of 06.25.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Forbidden Broadway • You will want to reserve your tickets now for the one show in town the takes your average Broadway play and punches it up a notch. Only in this one show can see the parodies of 20 different Broadway plays and also catch dinner while you’re there. | When: July 8–August 27. Actual dates vary. | Where: The Mansion at Oak Hill | Cost: $45 for the dinner and show, $25 for show only | Info: Reservations are required by calling 843-9850. Tavis Smiley and STAND • Join Tavis Smiley as he premieres his new documentary, STAND, which follows Smiley and group of his closest friends as they travel throughout Memphis and Nashville in the summer of 2008. You will see as they pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and watch the rise of President Obama. | When: June 26 at 7 p.m. | Where: Clowes Memorial Hall | Cost: Free | Info: Call 940-6444. Tour of the Athenaeum • Meet in the Athenaeum Theatre for a free docent-led tour, where your tour guide will point out little things from Indiana’s historic past. | When: July 1 at 1 p.m. | Where: The Athenaeum Theatre | Cost: Free | Info: Call 655-2755. [ad#single-post] Naturalization Ceremony • The President Benjamin Harrison Home will host the Naturalization Ceremony to welcome all who have become qualified U.S. citizens. Tours of the home will be available after the ceremony. | When: July 2 from 10 - 11 a.m. | Where: President Benjamin Harrison’s Home | Cost: Free | Info: Call 631-1888. Black & White • The Dean Johnson Gallery has some the best photographers on display at his new exhibit, Black & White. The opening reception is July 3 from 5-9p.m. | When: Exhibit runs from July 3 - July 30 | Where: Dean Johnson Design at 646 Mass. Ave | Info: Call 634-8020. Wind Ensemble • The Indiana Wind Ensemble will play from a selection of Mozart and other classical composers. There will also be a pizza reception to follow and childcare is available. | When: June 28 | Where: The Irvington Presbyterian Church | Cost: Free | Info: Call 356-7225. The Music of Led Zeppelin • The Indianapolis Symphony will be performing “The Music of Led Zeppelin: A Rock Symphony” for the Led Zeppelin fan in you. | When: June 25 at 7:30 p.m. | Where: White River State Park | Cost: $29.50-$65 | Info: Call 631-6400. This is not a free concert, as originally (and incorrectly) printed. Book Discussion • The Southport Evening Book Discussion will be over the Diane Hammond novel, “Hannah’s Dream.” | When: June 29 at 7 p.m. | Where: The Southport Public Library | Cost: Free | Info: Call 275-4510.

Further thoughts on the oxymoron that is ‘reality TV’

By Mike Redmond

OK, quick show of hands. Who, besides me, has had it Up To Here with “Jon & Kate Plus 8”? Or, as the tabloids at the grocery store checkout line would have it, “Jon & Kate Plus 8 Plus Two Teams Of Divorce Lawyers”? It seems to me that their 15 minutes of fame are long past up. And I’m talking 15 minutes for every member of the family. Including pets. I bring this up for a couple of reasons: Number One, I just got back from the grocery, and all those headlines (“Jon & Kate Affairs!” “Jon & Kate Custody Battle Looms!” “Jon & Kate Are Really Aliens From The Same Planet As Elvis & Marilyn!”) remain fresh in my mind. Number Two, this morning I read a sad story about one of Hollywood’s biggest prop shops having to close because the trend toward “reality” TV means there’s no need for props, as there would be in sitcoms and dramas.

Which is what I’d rather be watching — something funny and diverting that isn’t real and doesn’t pretend to be

You’ll notice I put quotation marks around the world “reality.” That’s because I believe “reality” TV to be one of the bigger lies perpetrated by a medium that has pulled off some whoppers in its day. No, I am not talking about the 1969 moon landing. I know there are people out there who are convinced the whole thing was a fraud pulled off by the NASA and the Walt Disney Company. Oh please. Have you ever seen the footage of Neil Armstrong coming down the ladder? It’s grainy and blurry. Therefore, it has to be real. The Disney Company has MUCH higher production values. [ad#single-post] Unless you’re looking at security video or something from a hidden camera, there is no such thing as “reality” TV. Once you introduce a camera into a group of people who know it’s there, reality flies out the window. And it doesn’t even have to be a TV camera. Think about all those Christmas card photos your Dad made you pose for when you were a kid. Was that reality? Did you really wear elf pajamas in July? Were you known to stand in front of the fireplace, straight as a ramrod, with a sickening grin pasted on your face? Oh. Well, congratulations. Your childhood was even weirder than mine. Which gets us back to Jon & Kate and their herd. A brood that size isn’t going to have anything resembling a “normal” kidhood to begin with. Do you think turning them into a spectacle for millions of video voyeurs is going to help? “Reality” shows succeed because they’re cheap to produce — see above under “no need for props” — and because they offer a no-consequences way for us to poke our noses into other people’s business. Never mind that the shows frequently make no sense (“Flavor of Love,” anyone?) or that the so-called “real people” are playing roles (“Tune into ‘American Chopper’ to watch the Teutuls yell and throw wrenches!”) just as surely as the cast of a classic sitcom. Which is what I’d rather be watching — something funny and diverting that isn’t real and doesn’t pretend to be, seeing as how it’s in black and white. Except the channel that carries them, TV Land, has begun take them out of the evening schedule. Why? Among other reasons, to run “reality” shows. Unreal, isn’t it?