Out of the trap, onto the green

By Mike Alexander

[caption id="attachment_3903" align="alignleft" width="459" caption="Bernhard Langer, left, two-time Masters champion playing this week in the Senior Open golf tournament in Carmel, addressed 200 Southsiders Tuesday. Photo Submitted"][/caption] German-born Bernhard Langer provoked laughter when he told the story of how he climbed a tree to play his ball stuck in a tree rather than take a one-stroke penalty in tournament play. The ball had lodged between the trunk and limb of a large oak tree. With a mighty whack, he boomed the ball high in the air and watched it bounce gently onto the green, rolling near the cup. [ad#single-post] On-lookers roared their approval, and television cameras beamed the feat around the world. “After that, I was known as the golfer who hit a ball out of a tree,” he said smilingly. The 200 Southsiders on hand, many of them young golfers, laughed and giggled at the funny mental picture Langer had presented. The event was Breakfast with the Pros, brought about by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It took place at The Gathering Place on the west side of Greenwood Tuesday morning. Langer was there to tell how developing a relationship with God had changed his life for the better. Slender and tan, Langer, now 52, told with a German accent about growing up poor in Anhausen, Germany. He would ride his bicycle 5 miles to caddy at a golf course. He started play at age 7. His first clubs were 2 and 3 woods, a 7 iron and a bent putter. He turned professional at the remarkably young age of 15. After his 20-minute talk in Greenwood, he would hurry away to the Northside to tune up for this week’s Senior Open at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel. “In Germany in 1981, we had good soccer and tennis players, good skiiers, but no good golfers,” he said, looking around the huge athletic fieldhouse. Langer won the Masters Tournament in 1985 and 1993. He played on 10 Ryder Cup teams, and was non-playing captain of the victorious European team that defeated the Americans in 2004. He said his success soared in the 80s. But his life was centered around golf, golf and more golf. Something was missing in his life. After all, he believed in the Ten Commandments and went to church regularly, “but it was not enough.” In 1985, he accepted Christ. Now, his life attention was centered around God as No. 1, his family of wife Vikki and four children as No. 2, and the job (golf) as No. 3. With those priorities, he said, he found inner peace and new strength in his life. “What good is it to be traveling at a fast speed when you’re going in the wrong direction?” He said if he makes it with God, “I’ll be giving free golf lessons in heaven.”

Obstructionists costing Southport money

By Mike Alexander

The city of Southport lost $15,000 for at least a year because only two of five city council members showed at a special meeting Monday. The third and final reading of an ordinance to establish a Capital Cumulative Development Fund (CCDF) died for at least a year because of a lack of quorum of council members. About 25 people attended the meeting. Some began shouting at Mayor Rob Thoman to step down from office; others fired questions without waiting for answers, much like the previous two meetings. [ad#single-post] Since there was no quorum, the special meeting ended. The embattled mayor said he would leave if the rude behavior continued. The audience quieted down, and the mayor attempted to answer questions and explain the city’s financial situation for nearly 90 minutes. The CCDF, the separate taxing authority, would have levied 5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on property owners. In three years, it would have risen to 15 cents, resulting in $30,000 of new revenue to the city of 1,800 residents. The council also has not resolved funding for the Anniston Drive Improvement project off McFarland Road near the elementary school, and the city is in danger of losing $1 million in federal funding. Like many federal grants, Southport would have to come up with 20 percent of the cost, or about $200,000.

The next public council meeting

will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, in the city building, 6901 Derbyshire Road. Thoman said two subjects for discussion will be the Anniston project and establishing a redevelopment district.

The project, expected to take about 10 years to complete, has never been programmed or budgeted in the 15 years it has been on the drawing boards. “Southport has long been troubled with cash flow challenges because we continue to use our operating funds to pay for capital purchases such as police cars, maintenance vehicles, building construction and park improvements,” Thoman said. In addition, he said the McLaughlin Drive storm water correction project now stands a good chance of failure, because they will have no capital funds to buy right-of-way or pay for the capital improvements. Thoman said he was troubled by obstructions voiced by council president Rose Harrison. “There has not been any evidence of misappropriation brought forward to verify their (council) accusations,” he said. “Neither the State Board of Accounts, the Department of Local Government and Finance, the state attorney general or county courts have called or written any word of warning, suspicion or complaint.” Council members were informed by Ann Cottongim of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns that the mayor was within the rules. “The council fails to bring any solutions to the table,” Thoman said. “It appears that their (council members’) intent is to turn back our most recent city election and hamstring any efforts to improve or administer the city. “I fear that the $220,000 savings that I have effected will go to waste as the councilors languish in their current stature.”

PMHS grad Marion County Fair Queen

By Submission For The Southside Times

[caption id="attachment_3895" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Photo by Tower Studio Photography"][/caption] University of Indianapolis student Molly Shannon was crowned queen of the 79th annual Marion County Fair. The 18-year old graduate of Perry Meridian High School is the daughter of Ned & Josie Shannon of Perry Township. Shannon will represent Marion County in next month’s Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant. Southside members of the Queen’s Court include: • Jackie Halpern, 20, Franklin Township, daughter of Eric and Christy Combs. • Jordan McHenry, 17, Franklin Township, daughter of Jeff and Julie McHenry, and • Miss Congeniality Emily Kirkpatrick, 20, Franklin Township, daughter of Robert and Melinda Kirkpatrick. The Marion County Fair continues through Saturday. For an event schedule and discount admission coupon, log on to www.marioncountyfair.org.

Greenwood Park Mall: The newest place to pick up a Southside Times

By Sara Gentry

For years, readers have been able to find copies of The Southside Times in hundreds of locations all over the south side of Indianapolis and in Southport, Greenwood, Beech Grove and White River Township. A new partnership between The Southside Times and Greenwood Park Mall means you’ll now be able to find newspapers at four locations at the mall. “Greenwood Park Mall is excited to announce a new partnership with The Southside Times newspaper,” said Heather Soto, Area Director of Mall Marketing and Business Development. Mall shoppers can pick up papers from the food court, the children’s play area, outside the Cheesecake Factory and Mall Entrance 2 (near T.G.I.Fridays). For more information, visit www.ss-times.com.

Obituaries for the week of 07.30.09

By Submission For The Southside Times

Charles William Mason, 87, of Greenwood, died July 26. Charles was born to the late Charles Henry and Ethel Ann Bradley Mason in Orange County, Ind., on August 11, 1921. During WWII he served in the Army Air Corps. Charles was retired from the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Ursla Louise Chisham Mason; children, Charlene Riley, Dr. William and Karen Mason, Wanda and John Wayne Christy, and Brenda and Willard Sumner; sister, Patricia and Dennis Loveall; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Burial will be held at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens on Friday, July 31.

$22,000 raised for Alzheimer’s

By Submission For The Southside Times

Submitted by Keith A. Brown It’s a formidable team when Greenwood Village South and Marquette combine their talent and experience to raise funds to support The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. And all participants in the event have a great time while focusing on the needs of others. Recently, their Third Annual Golf Tournament was held to benefit this cause, and over $22,000 was raised at the beautiful Eagle Creek Golf Club. Brian Lane and Jonathan Cook, executive directors respectively for the two retirement communities noted above, hosted the event, which included a noon shotgun start and a concluding awards banquet. The staffs at the two communities worked during the preceding weeks to round up dozens of sponsors and prize contributors, and to register players. About 20 were on the organizing committee. [ad#single-post] A total of 32 teams played — 128 golfers — and prizes were awarded. There were substantial cash prizes for the first, second, and third place teams, and the longest drive, plus golf equipment for closest to the pin on two holes and door prizes for everyone. In addition, 17 items were awarded in a raffle drawing. In addition to the players, supporters included 21 hole sponsors and 42 prize contributors. “Platinum” level sponsors were Shiel Sexton, St. Vincent Hospital Center for Healthy Aging and T. L. Care Corporation. The eight “Gold Sponsor” businesses were BGBC, Hylant Group, Ice Miller, Ikon, Life Care Services, LLC, Meyer Najem, Stifel-Nicolaus and The National Bank of Indianapolis. Food and beverages were provided by Sysco Food, Gordon Food Service, Kasco Marketing, 21st Amendment Liquor, Coca Cola, Monarch Beverage, Pepsi, Petro’s Culligan, Rock Bottom Brewery, Rudy’s Liquor Store and Zink Distributing. A Gallop poll has revealed that 1 in 10 Americans now report a family member with Alzheimer’s and 1 in 3 knows someone with the disease. By 2050, scientists expect the number with Alzheimer’s could be as high as 16 million. Support for activities such as the above event contributes to the revolutionary and expanding field of research that is working hard to reduce and eventually eliminate the impact of this disease on families across the country and the globe.

Area Girl Scouts earn highest award

By Submission For The Southside Times

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana awarded 33 Girl Scout Gold Awards during the Girls of Distinction Celebration on June 6, 2009, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Two Girl Scouts from the south side, Amanda Church and Amanda (Amy Jo) Riley, earned the award. Church’s project, “Window on Wildlife,” cleaned up a wildlife area at Southeastway Park. Dead Flora and old bird feeders were removed, and she planted almost 300 flowers. Stones surrounding the pond were replaced and new bird feeders and shepherd hooks were replaced. [ad#single-post] Church is a 2009 graduate of Franklin Central High School and will be starting at University of Indianapolis to pursue a degree in exercise science this fall. She is the daughter of Bill and Carol Church. During Riley’s project, “My Green Back Yard,” she designed and taught a curriculum for kindergartners about ecology and conservation. She created eight lessons that addressed animals that live in suburban backyards and their behaviors. Each lesson included a craft that helped reinforce the topic that was discussed that day, and a parent brochure that described the lesson and offered suggested activities parents could do at home with their children. Riley is a 2009 graduate of Franklin Central High School and is attending Ohio Valley University this fall. She is the daughter of Joe and Cindy Riley.

What’s it worth

By Larry D. Cruse - GRI Coldwell Banker South Central Realty

[caption id="attachment_3883" align="alignleft" width="460" caption="Photo submitted"][/caption] Type: Traditional American two-story home with four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms Age: Built in 2002 Location: Decatur Township, Copeland Mills Estates Square Footage: 2,620 square feet on two levels Rooms: This home has a total of eight rooms, four up and four down. On the main level you will find the living room, with a gas log fireplace, and dining room. Both rooms have beautiful laminate wood finish flooring. Also on the first floor are the kitchen, with eat-in accommodations, a center island, an abundance of cherry wood cabinets and stainless appliances, and the laundry room. The upper level provides the very spacious master suite, with a separate bath including a double sink vanity, and the three additional bedrooms for the family. Strengths: This home is of newer construction that included multiple upgrades to the plan. It has been wonderfully decorated with a recent refresh of neutral colors. The outside provides a full privacy fence to the backyard and a storage shed for those items that you just don’t want hanging around in the garage. Challenges: None were noted.

The print on retiring is fine, indeed

By Steve Maple

Did you know that Medicare will not pay for the first three pints of blood you receive in the hospital? Who determined that the government would save money that way? Since I will be celebrating my “Medicare” birthday (65) next month, I decided to learn more about the system which I will depend on in the future. . I am a senior citizen by most accounts. But what exactly does that mean? [ad#single-post] The AARP sent me their card when I turned 50, so I signed up as a “retired person.” But I kept working. In fact, if my employer wanted to fire me because of my age, it couldn’t now, and couldn’t have for the previous 10 years. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects employees age 40 and above. Heck, I could work until I drop (at age 79 according to statistics), and they can’t fire me just for getting older, but could for incompetence such as a memory loss … I just forgot what else I was going to say. Even if I wanted to retire now, Social Security won’t start my full payment until age 66 (67 for you youngsters). And since I am working, the SSA will take away $1 for every $3 that I earn over $14,160 until I reach age 66. And when I elect to take social security, the IRS will tax from 50 percent to 85 percent of it! I could receive social security checks as early as age 62, but they permanently reduce my payments by 25 percent. Or I could wait until age 70, and they promise to increase my payments, assuming both it and I will still be around. Then there is my pension. I could only begin receiving money from my 401(k) or traditional IRA at age 59½, and must begin withdrawing an actuarially determined sum by age 70½. But the 59½ and 70½ rule doesn’t exactly coincide with six months after those birth years. If I withdrew money early, all the untaxed income, which is usually all of the amount I withdrew, is taxed and the IRS adds a 10 percent penalty. While I expect to need the money by age 70, I may not need it; I must take it anyway, or face a tax and penalty on their actuarially determined amount. Back to Medicare. I must sign up and pay a premium for Part B (doctor costs, etc.), although Part A (hospital costs) are “free,” and a premium for Part D (medications). But the devil is in the details for coverage under any of these parts. The best I can figure is that I will pay a minimum of 20 percent of what the hospital, doctor, or drug company charges, if my illness and medication are covered at all. My mail now is stuffed with Medigap insurance information (for Part B coverage) and drug coverage, but wading through all these ads will take a while. Developing Medicare rules probably keeps quite a few folks employed, which is good, but the rules they promulgate seem confusing and complex. For example, if I get hospitalized most of the cost for the first 60 days is picked up by Medicare, but from the 61st to 90th day I would currently pay $267 of the bill, and if I am hospitalized, then released, then hospitalized again, I may receive another 60 days of Medicare coverage. A summary discussion of the Medicare law will follow in a later column after I have applied and received my bill, which I understand will include a monthly surcharge based on my income. The good news is this: Indiana gives me an additional $1,000 in tax deduction on my 65th year. My 1040 standard deduction increases by $1,100; I itemize, so this won’t apply to me. After all this, it is reassuring to know that I can go to McDonald’s and receive my senior discount without asking for it. Perhaps it’s the gray beard I am growing. Steve Maple is associate professor of business at the University of Indianapolis and an attorney.

UIndy to help students losing financial aid

By Submission For The Southside Times

Changes in state financial aid could cost Indiana college students millions of dollars, but the University of Indianapolis is taking special measures this year to cover the difference for its students and help them continue their educations. Although the new state budget includes a 6.5 percent increase in funding for student assistance this year, applications for financial aid increased more than 20 percent. As a result, the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana voted this month to reduce the maximum award available per student by 31 percent. For students at private colleges, the maximum grant is dropping from $10,992 to just $7,584, a return to levels of a decade ago. [ad#single-post] The change will affect more than 1,100 students planning to attend UIndy this fall, and the announcement leaves them little time to find other sources of funding. However, as those students were informed last week, UIndy is reallocating money within its 2009-2010 budget to replace most of the lost aid — as much as $3 million, depending on fall enrollment. Grants from the temporary fund are being awarded to students based on individual need. “Losing this much aid would force many students to put their educations on hold, and that’s unacceptable, especially in this economic climate,” said Mark Weigand, UIndy’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “These additional grants we’re providing will not be sustainable in the long term, but this year it’s the right thing to do for our students. We hope the state can find the funding next year to restore the cap to its previous level.” Weigand added that UIndy still expects record enrollment this fall, which puts the university in a better financial position to help students with the most need. The university also will stand by its previous decision to raise tuition and room and board by just 3.2 percent for the coming academic year. Over the past decade, UIndy has averaged year-to-year increases of only 4.3 percent, one of the lowest rates among Indiana’s independent institutions.