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Lt. Gov. Crouch, FSSA Announce 21 Golden Hoosier Award Recipients

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The Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Service Administration’s Division of Aging, announced the 21 senior citizens who received the 2021 Golden Hoosier Award.

“So many of our strong nonprofits rely on the generosity of volunteers, and we are fortunate to have great senior citizens who answer the call to give their time, lend a hand and make considerable contributions to their communities,” Crouch said. “These humble leaders make positive impacts on the lives of others and improve the overall wellbeing of our state. Thank you for your service and answering the call to give back.”

Crouch said the award began in 2008 and annually honors Hoosier senior citizens for their years of service and commitment to the state.

This year, Golden Hoosier Award recipients will be honored with a video ceremony, which can be watched by going to IN.gov/lg/2532.htm.

The following individuals are this year’s Golden Hoosier Award recipients:

  • Jan Bronnenberg – Anderson;
  • Edna Cox – Centerville;
  • Jerry Decker – Coatesville;
  • Mary Deering – Union Mills;
  • Toni Dickover – Noblesville;
  • Charlotte Hastings – Aurora;
  • Art Hennig – Fishers;
  • Julius Huffman – Lawrenceburg;
  • Paul Hughes – Newburgh;
  • Debbie Kluemper – Milroy;
  • Stephen Kovecsi – Griffith;
  • Pastor Robert A. Lee – Kokomo;
  • Marlene Lu – Terre Haute;
  • Jean McMahan – Sullivan;
  • Linda Morris – Parker City;
  • Robert Napier – Liberty;
  • Ralph Richards – Fishers;
  • William Rumbaugh – Morgantown;
  • Paul Sinders – Clay City; and
  • Dave Withey – Indianapolis.

In addition to these recipients, Phyllis Menke of Huntingburg received the Indiana Golden Hoosier Humanitarian Award. This award is a special recognition of an individual who seeks to promote the welfare of others.

Since 2008, more than 260 Hoosiers have received the Golden Hoosier Award.

For more information, contact GoldenHoosiers@fssa.IN.gov.

The Division of Aging is a program of the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration. If you have questions about Aging programs and services, visit us online at www.IN.gov/fssa/aging.

ALTON BROWN’S BEYOND THE EATS IS COMING TO EVANSVILLE

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ALTON BROWN’S BEYOND THE EATS IS COMING TO EVANSVILLE

TICKETS GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 AT 10AM

Evansville, IN – September, 2021 – Food Network star Alton Brown has announced his next tour, “Alton Brown Live – Beyond The Eats,” (www.altonbrownlive.com) will visit the Old National Events Plaza on March 31, 2022. Brown’s new form of entertainment – the live culinary variety show – brought the “Edible Inevitable Tour” and “Eat Your Science,” to more than 200 cities, reaching over 350,000 fans.

Brown says fans can expect “more cooking, more comedy, more music and more potentially dangerous science stuff.” Critics and fans rave about the interactive components of Brown’s shows. He warns “Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if I call for volunteers… think twice.” Brown has a knack for mixing science, music and food into two hours of pure entertainment. “Plus,” he notes, “you’ll see things I’ve never been allowed to do on TV!”

Alton Brown has been on the Food Network for over 20 years and is best known as the creator, writer and host of Good Eats, Good Eats: Reloaded, and Good Eats: The Return. He also hosted Cutthroat Kitchen and served as the culinary commentator on Iron Chef America. There are two James Beard awards with Brown’s name on them in a drawer in his office, and somewhere in the world there’s a coveted Peabody awarded for Good Eats that was stolen out of his car back in 2013.

Ticket Information:

What:              Alton Brown

When:             Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 7:30pm

Where:            Old National Events Plaza, Aiken Theatre

Tickets:           Tickets start at $35.00 plus applicable fees and tax

VIP ticket options are available for purchase 

Tickets are available at TicketMaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office.

For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit: www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com

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About Nederlander National Markets

Nederlander National Markets LLC continues the tradition of operating historic theatres, producing and presenting the best in theatrical and concert events, and innovating new ways to engage future generations of theatergoers.

About MagicSpace Entertainment

Alton Brown Live is produced by MagicSpace Entertainment. The company is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay, Dave Stinson and Kristy Maple and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 35 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in North America, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 250 events in 75 cities per year.  They have offices in Park City, UT. www.magicspace.net

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square-feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.

Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Meeting

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 The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet in executive session at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021, in the Schroeder Conference Centre located in the EVSC Administration Building, 951 Walnut, IN 47713, Evansville, IN. The session will be conducted according to Senate Enrolled Act 313, Section 1, I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1, as amended. The purpose of the meeting is for discussion of: collective bargaining, (2)(A) and purchase or lease of property, (2)

Vincennes University Launches Expert Directory For Journalists

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Vincennes University faculty and staff are leading authorities on a wide range of topics and are available to comment on a variety of issues trending in the United States and globally.
The VU Expert Directory is a curated list of diverse faculty and staff from Indiana’s First College. It showcases the wide array of proficiency and expertise among VU faculty and staff.
VU experts are available to assist the media by sharing their insight into an issue or trending topic when journalists are working on stories related to a variety of topics. They draw upon their extensive knowledge and research in their areas of expertise to help audiences better understand a story. VU experts are knowledgeable and highly skilled in their fields and possess immense real-world experience.
VU faculty and staff are committed to serving the public and assisting in the delivery of valuable and impactful information. They are honored to help tell stories key to Hoosiers and the world.
Our experts have been featured by many media outlets, including:
  • VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson appeared on Inside INdiana Business and detailed how VU is the first university to partner with Amazon in a Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship Program.
  • VU Homeland Security and Public Safety Program Director and former FBI agent Lou Caprino shared his expertise on how 9/11 impacted the agency in a WTHI-TV 10 report.
  • VU College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Dean Curt Coffman was featured in a Vincennes Sun-Commercial story about 17-year cicadas and why the insects hadn’t made an appearance yet in Knox County, Indiana.
  • VU Director of Career Services Donna Taylor Bouchie shared advice with WTWO/WAWV on how to conduct successful virtual job interviews during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • VU Indianapolis American Sign Language and Deaf Studies – Interpreter Preparation Professor Janet Schwall was interviewed in a WTHI-TV 10 report about ways to communicate with the deaf community, particularly during the pandemic.

Arts Commission Announces $834,000 In American Rescue Plan Act Funds

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Arts Commission announces $834,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds distributed to arts organizations in Indiana communities 

(INDIANAPOLIS) Today, the Indiana Arts Commission announced it has distributed American Rescue Plan Act funds to 278 nonprofit organizations totaling $834,000.

Grants were distributed through the agency’s Arts Recovery Program with American Rescue Plan Act funds directly from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) with additional NEA funds through Arts Midwest, Indiana’s regional partner.

“We are proud to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest to support the arts organizations across Indiana that are playing a key role in the recovery from the pandemic,” said Lewis Ricci, Indiana Arts Commission Executive Director. “This funding is a recognition of the value that the creative sector provides to the economic and social health of our state and nation.”

The Arts Recovery Program supports:

  • Salary support, full or partial, for one or more staff positions
  • Fees/stipends for artists and/or contractual personnel
  • Facilities costs such as rent and utilities, e.g., electric, phone, gas bills.
  • Costs associated with health and safety supplies for staff and/or visitors/audiences
  • Marketing and promotion costs

Last month panelists met virtually and assessed each applicant’s ability to advance the arts, provide relevant activities and access to the arts, and operate through June 2022.

Click here to view a complete list of award recipients.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

20210920030151574

Redistricting Made Simple: What Happened, And What’s Next

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Redistricting Made Simple: What Happened, And What’s Next

September 17, 2021  
Posted by:

By Haley Pritchett

TheStatehouseFile.com 

INDIANAPOLIS—The next 10 years of Indiana politics started this week during redistricting.

Redistricting is a complex issue often skimmed over by citizens. The process, however, is vital in determining whether or not all Hoosiers’ voices will be heard.

Q: What is redistricting? 

A: Redistricting is the process by which the state’s lawmakers redraw the boundaries of each voting district. What district you live in determines what Indiana House, Indiana Senate and U.S House candidates you vote for. District maps are redrawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census is completed. The United States Constitution says that each representative should have an equal number of citizens. Lawmakers are supposed to keep this and other considerations in mind.

Q: Why does this matter? 

A: Although it seems to be a simple, straightforward process, redistricting is a bit messier when it is looked at under a microscope. Because politicians themselves are in charge of redrawing the maps, oftentimes they are accused of gerrymandering.

Q: What is gerrymandering? 

A: Gerrymandering is when districts are drawn with intentional political motives. Politicians make sure they stack the odds in their favor when they place certain people in each district. This could mean putting all of the opposing party in one district so those people do not create competition in another, or stacking more of their supporting party in a district that they think could sway competitive districts to their advantage.

Q: Is this happening in Indiana? 

A: At the public meetings on Sept. 15 and 16, which discussed the supermajority Republicans’ proposed maps for the Indiana House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives, it was argued that this is in fact happening in Indiana. For example, Julia Vaughn, policy director for Common Cause Indiana, a group that has no political affiliation, called the redistricting process a complete conflict of interest.

Q: What are the effects? 

A: The effects of unfair redistricting processes are long term, even past the 10 years they are in place. They are especially harmful for minority populations. One in four Hoosiers is a minority, yet only one of the 11 members of the Indiana congressional delegation is a minority. Only 16 of the 150 members of the Indiana House and Senate are minorities.

Q: Where is Indiana in the process now, and what comes next?

A: Indiana’s House Elections and Apportionment Committee just finished hearing public testimony about the proposed maps for the Indiana House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives. The committee will have an amend-and-vote-only meeting on Monday, followed by a full House vote on the committee report, before it moves on in the process. As for the Indiana Senate maps, which have yet to be released, a public hearing is set for Sept. 27.

FOOTNOTE: Haley Pritchett is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Aces win Dunn Hospitality Tournament Championship

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Aces win Dunn Hospitality Tournament Championship

UE wins 10th match of the season

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Freshman Madisyn Steele had the top outing of her college career, recording 10 kills and two block assists to help the University of Evansville volleyball team earn a 3-0 win over Murray State to earn the Dunn Hospitality Tournament Championship.

Alondra Vazquez was named the Most Valuable Player of the event and finished Saturday’s match with 19 kills andf 14 digs.  Steele and Melanie Feliciano earned All-Tournament accolades.  With the win, UE moves to 10-1 on the season with Missouri Valley Conference play set to begin on Friday at Indiana State.

Blakeley Freeman added 10 digs while Feliciano added eight to complement nine kills.  Taya Haffner had 43 assists, Kate Tsironis picked up five block assists and Giulia Cardona led all players with three service aces.  Alexa Harris and Brooke Watts led the Racers with 16 and 15 kills, respectively.

Set 1

With the score tied at 7-7 in the first set, Evansville tallied three points in a row and would lead for the remainder of the frame.  Feliciano and Vazquez recorded kills during the stretch.  Cardona added a kill of her own to push the lead to five at 15-10.  The Racers cut the deficit to three points before two more Vazquez kills capped off a 25-17 win.

Set 2

UE had the early momentum in game two, grabbing a 10-5 lead thanks to a Vazquez kill.  Murray State chipped away at the lead and tied it up at 13-13 before going in front at 18-17.  A back-and-forth battle ensued with the Purple Aces going back in front at 20-18 with Cecilia Thon adding an ace.  Two in a row by MSU tied it up before a Steele kill gave UE a 21-20 edge.  With Evansville continuing to lead by a 22-21 tally, the Racers stormed back with three in a row to bring up set point.

Facing a deficit in crunch time, the Aces responded in a big way with Alondra Vazquez taking control.  Her kill got the Aces within one before a Racer error tied it up.  The senior added a service ace to put the Aces in front before Murray State tied it up.  The teams exchanged points leading to a 31-31 score.  That is when Vazquez took over once again, registering a kill and an ace to clinch the set.  Evansville did a great job of keeping control in the final rallies, never letting the Racers take the lead.

Set 3

In the third set, the Aces put everything together to finish off the day.  While the set was close early on, UE never let Murray State gain the lead.  With the score knotted at 7-7, the Aces picked up six of the next seven tallies to go up 13-8.  Haffner had an ace while Cardona notched a kill to extend the advantage.  The Racers cut the gap to a pair (17-15) before an 8-2 rally capped off the 3-0 match victory on the strength of a 25-17 decision in the set.  Thon picked up another ace in the late stages while Vazquez had two more kills to finish the day with 19.

  • INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville athletics, log on to the sport page on GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics.
  • SUPPORT: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit http://gopurpleaces.com/give.
  • TICKETS: To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page

“If I’ve Already Had COVID, Why Should I Get Vaccinated?”

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“If I’ve Already Had COVID, Why Should I Get Vaccinated?”

Majed Koleilat, MD-Deaconess

(Reviewed by Majed Koleilat, MD, Deaconess Clinic Allergy and Immunology, and Jeff Starkey, PharmD, Antimicrobial Stewardship Coordinator, Deaconess Pharmacy)

This is a very common question that we often receive, along with many other doctors and pharmacists, and we understand why people ask this question. When you’ve had an illness, why would you need a vaccination to prevent getting it again?

However, COVID-19 infection leading to “natural immunity,” and the risk of future infection, isn’t nearly as straightforward as many other illnesses.

According to a study in Kentucky earlier this summer1, 2, unvaccinated people who have had COVID-19 are more than twice as likely to be re-infected than those who are vaccinated. Given the prevalence and increased transmissibility (contagiousness) of the Delta variant, this number is likely even higher now.

We’ll break down the reasons why those who have had COVID-19 in the past still need to be vaccinated, as well as why prior infection isn’t necessarily a helpful piece of information when it comes to current COVID-19 infections and hospitalization rates.

1) “Natural Immunity” wanes.

Natural immunity results from the antibodies made by a person’s immune system when they’re infected with a particular pathogen. When someone is infected with COVID-19, they do develop antibodies to the SARS-COV-2 virus (the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection). But over time, those antibodies begin to reduce in number. This process is different from person-to-person and impossible to predict.

2) Natural immunity doesn’t adequately protect against variants.

The genetic make-up of viruses changes and evolves over time. (For example, the flu changes each year, requiring a somewhat different shot every fall.) SARS-COV-2 is doing the same thing, and prior infection from earlier variants of the virus may not offer the same protection for new variants. Immunity from vaccination, however, offers broader coverage because it creates antibodies to the protein on the outside of the virus, which is remaining more consistent. That means a vaccinated immune system is more prepared to recognize variants of the SARS-COV-2 virus.

3) Natural immunity is not predictable.

Different people get exposed to different viral loads (quantities of viruses). In a studied vaccine, everyone gets the same dose. This makes the response predictable.

Let’s use chickenpox as an example. For those of us old enough to have been infected with chickenpox prior to vaccination availability (about age 25 or older now), we probably know someone who had chickenpox twice. In those cases, the first chickenpox infection was likely mild, which meant that their immune system didn’t create adequate antibodies to prevent a second infection.

That is now COVID-19 infections seem to be working. Mild-to-moderate SARS-COV-2 infections tend to not create as strong of an immune response to the virus, allowing reinfection.

Additionally, those who had severe cases of COVID-19 may not mount an adequate antibody response, due to timing (an infection many months ago), or unknown immune suppression (contributing to the severe infection in the first place). Those who have had severe infections are being re-infected, although at a slower rate than those with a milder infection.3

Vaccination, on the other hand, delivers a precise, equal, and measurable dosage, which instructs the body to make antibodies that recognize multiple versions of the virus. This is predictable and easier to study.

4) Vaccination reduces the likelihood of both contracting or spreading COVID-19. 

People who have had both a COVID-19 infection and are vaccinated are believed to have the best protection from future infection.

People with natural immunity but are unvaccinated may be more likely to spread the infection to others because we cannot predict how protected they are (see #3, above) and now because of the highly contagious Delta variant.

People who are vaccinated don’t have as high of a viral load as an unvaccinated person (amount of virus in their nose and throats) for as long of a time span4. That shorter time span can reduce the likelihood of spreading to others, especially at the beginning of the infection, when one may be asymptomatic or with minor symptoms.

Additionally, as more people become vaccinated, making their bodies an inhospitable host to the SARS-COV-2 virus, the more we can reduce the risk of future variants. Every time a virus replicates, there is the risk of a new variant forming.

5) Vaccination reduces the current and future suffering.

One of the most difficult feelings for any human to process is regret. When unvaccinated people get seriously ill with COVID-19, or when people realize they’ve given COVID-19 to someone else, it leads to feelings of regret and “shoulda, woulda, coulda.”

Being unvaccinated increases the risk of severe illness, which can have long-lasting consequences for not only the patient, but their family who is counting on them. And as mentioned earlier, vaccination reduces the risk of giving COVID-19 to someone else…someone who may not do as well. No one wants to learn that a loved one, or a patient you were caring for, passed away because of a COVID-19 infection that you gave them.

Why Sharing Prior COVID-19 Infection Data Isn’t Helpful

In healthcare, when sharing information about COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, we’re often asked why we don’t include the numbers of people who have had COVID-19 before. Including that data isn’t helpful in drawing meaningful conclusions because of many variables explained above, including:

  • When did someone have COVID-19?
  • How severe was it?
  • Which variant/strain was it?
  • What percentage of the overall community has had COVID-19, to recognize if it’s a proportional number?

So listing a “yes or no” for prior COVID-19 infection isn’t always a meaningful statistic, compared to whether someone has been vaccinated. Prior infection is not always a useful predictor. Listing vaccination is far more straightforward and precise, as we know how many eligible people have been vaccinated, what their dosage was, etc.

The greatest variable now among listing vaccination numbers is those who are immunocompromised (due to medical conditions or age) resulting in their body’s inability to mount as strong of an immune response to the vaccine. That factor is why 3rd doses are being recommended for that group of patients. For more information on third dose eligibility, visit https://www.deaconess.com/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccine/3rd-COVID-19-Vaccine-Dose.

You can schedule a vaccine at Deaconess at www.deaconess.com/vaccines, or at area pharmacies and other locations at www.vaccines.gov.

Dr. Koleilat is board certified in allergy and immunology and pediatrics. He completed his fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Duke University and is a member of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.

Jeff Starkey completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Butler University and completed a PGY-1 residency at Henry Ford Health System. 

Sources: 

1) CDC.gov

2) MedPageToday.com

3) Medicine.Missouri.edu

4) TampaBay.com

Learn more about the author

Majed Koleilat, MD
Specialties: Allergy & Immunology, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology

Susan Kirk Selected a 2021 “Community Service Award Winner”

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SUSAN KIRK RETIRED AFTER SERVING THE PUBLIC IN APPOINTED AND ELECTED OFFICES FOR OVER 50 YEARS

The City-County Observer is pleased to announce that Vanderburgh County Treasurer Susan Kirk has been selected an “Outstanding Community Services Award” winners for 2021.

Blanket statements and stereotypes are never a good idea. Some people run for public office because they really do want to serve people and make a difference.

Susan Kirk is among Vanderburgh County’s biggest assets and best kept secrets. She has a variety of accolades ranging from homeless fundraising efforts to excellence in voter registration

Susan Kirk. She doesn’t get involved in political matters surrounding her office. She just does her job and follows the laws and regulations set by the state. There’s no political grandstanding in her eyes. She does her job with fairness and integrity, or as she puts it, the way it’s supposed to be done.

Susan’s political career began in 1968. At the time, she was working as a dental assistant. Remembering that May and November are typically busy times in the County Treasurer’s Office, she recalled the time her father asked her to come work for him. While she was doing that part-time, she was offered a full-time position as a secretary at The Centre.

When Shirley Cox was elected Clerk, she asked Susan to come to work for her in the Election Office. Susan leaped at the chance. She talked about all she had seen as an Election Office employee. She said that during the week of the elections she would go into the office on Monday morning and wouldn’t go home until Wednesday.

While she has worked in a political atmosphere for most of her life, Susan doesn’t consider herself a seasoned politician. She earned from her father the value of maintaining your integrity as a public servant.

She took a common-sense approach to government spending. “I think all of the government needs to prioritize spending. When you have no money, you just need to maintain what you have. On the federal level, I think everything should pass on its own merits, with no attachments. As far as Vanderburgh County goes, I think, compared to a lot of other counties, we are doing pretty good.” Vanderburgh County Clerk

While most people may see Susan Kirk as Vanderburgh County Clerk, she’s much more than that. Take one step in her office and look around. It’s apparent that she is adventurous and family-oriented. Her office is decorated with photos of her son, granddaughter, and 97-year-old mother, who incidentally still lives with her. She also has a certificate from a tandem jump from her lone skydiving adventure. And let’s not forget her Indiana Women’s Golf Association Hole-In-One certificate from a perfectly played hole at Quail Crossing Golf Club.

“I really can’t complain. I’m very thankful for the life I have. I enjoy my job, and I have a wonderful, healthy family with my two brothers, my son, my granddaughter, and my mother,” said Susan softly.

Joining Susan Kirk as a 2021 “CCO Outstanding Community Services Award” winners for 2021 are; State Senator Vaneta Becker, the popular three-term Mayor of Evansville  Lloyd Winnecke, prominent attorney, and community activist Charles L. Berger, retired Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Richard G. D’Amour, and the Co-Chairpersons of the “Feed The Hungry” collation of Vanderburgh County, Lisa Vaughn, and Evansville City Council member Alex Burton.

This event is scheduled for October 20, 2021 at Bally’s-Evansville Walnut rooms A and B at 12:00 noon.

 

 

 

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