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VANDERBURGH COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL COMMANDER MARK ACKER DISAPPOINTED IN MAYOR WINNECKE DECISION NOT TO ATTEND “THE CALL TO ASSEMBLE” EVENT

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Earlier this week Mayor Winnecke declined  the invitation by the Commander of the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council, Mark Acker to attend the “CALL TO ASSEMBLE” gathering.  This event is an nonpartisan  political forum to be held on September 23, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  Posted below is Commander of the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council, Mark Acker statement concerning Mayor Winnecke declining to attend this event.

OFFICIAL  STATEMENT  FROM VANDERBURGH  COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL  COMMANDER, MARK  ACKER 

When told  that current Mayor Lloyd Winnecke declined his invitation to attend the “Call To Assemble” event on September 23, 2015, that would benefit the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Commander Mark Acker stated that he is “deeply saddened and disappointed.”

“I don’t understand  why the Mayor would decline this invitation in order to attend the ongoing Traveling City Hall event that are poorly attended and could easily be represented by one of his staff.”   “I hope he will reconsider his decision because the area Veterans would like to know what we can expect from him the next 4 years if he’s reelected Mayor.”

MARK ACKER

COMMANDER, COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL COMMANDER,

 

Just in case you missed Mayoral; Candidate Gail Riecken  e-mail she sent to Commander Acker accepting his invitation  to attend the “CALL TO ASSEMBLE”  we have attached  her acceptance e-mail.

GAIL RIECKEN ACCEPTANCE LETTER TO ATTEND THE “CALL TO ASSEMBLE”.

Dear Commander Mark Acker

As a wife, who’s husband was a Navy Veteran and served three (3) consecutive tours in Vietnam, it’s an honor for me to accept your invitation to speak at the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County’s “Call to Assemble” event on September 23 held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

When our county called upon the brave men and women to serve their Country for the cause of Freedom, they did. Today our Veterans are calling our local political candidates to “Assemble” at the Veteran Memorial Coliseum and I consider it to be a privilege and honor to participate in this event.

I also share the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County’s commitment to encourage honest, open governance, with transparency and better accountability to our beloved City. As your State Representative, I have work tirelessly on issues that effect our Veterans and shall continue, if I’m elected Mayor of Evansville.

I strongly feel the “Call To Assemble” will give me the opportunity to discuss the present and the future of our great city in an open and honest dialogue.

I look forward to attending this event and excited about discussing the real issues with my opponents.

Sincerely,

Gail Riecken
Mayoral Candidate For the Great City Of Evansville

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Adopt a Pet

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Megabyte is a 4 year old Chihuahua mix.  He is good with kids.  His adoption fee would be $120 and includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines and a bag of food.

The VHS is open for adoptions and viewing Tuesday – Saturday from Noon – 6 PM. You can check out more animals on our website at www.vhslifesaver.org.

Intern with the House Republicans

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The Indiana House Republican Caucus is now accepting intern applications for the 2016 Indiana Legislative Session.

This paid internship gives college students and recent graduates the opportunity to be a part of Indiana’s legislative process by working directly with state representatives to issue press releases, handle constituent work, conduct research for state policy or even work in our IT department.

The House Republican Intern Program takes place at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. The program is open to college students (sophomores and up) and recent graduates. It is recommended to those who would like to gain professional experience as well as learn more about the legislative process.

Individuals interested in the program may consider the following internships: Legislative, Communications, Policy, IT and Fiscal. A more detailed description of each of these internships and the online application can be found on our 2016 Intern Program Page.

Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2015. A schedule of recruitment events at campuses across Indiana can be found here.

Adopt a Pet

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Benny is a 2 year old terrier mix.  He has a great personality.  His adoption fee would be $120 which includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines and a bag of food.

The VHS is open for adoptions and viewing Tuesday – Saturday from Noon – 6 PM. You can check out more animals on our website at www.vhslifesaver.org.

50th anniversary Founders Day program honors three

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The University of Southern Indiana celebrated its founders and honored supporters at the annual Founders’ Day program sponsored by the USI Alumni Association on September 15. The event, which pays tribute to the University’s start, has special significance this year as USI celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“It’s important for us to celebrate Founders’ Day because of how far we have come,” said Janet Johnson, director of Alumni and Volunteer Services. “Today, the University of Southern Indiana is a highly regarded public university, one that continues to make a positive impact on the region and a difference in the world. The journey from one aging school building to a thriving college campus is a testament to the vision, tenacity and hard work of its founders, leaders, faculty, students and alumni through the years. Founders’ Day is a celebration of this founding spirit.”

Ronald D. Romain ’73, alumnus and member of the USI Board of Trustees, offered a tribute to USI founders, including members of Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. (SIHE), USI’s Board of Incorporators and Board of Trustees, and the Southern Indiana legislative delegation. A proclamation by Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke followed, designating September 15 as “University of Southern Indiana 50th Anniversary Day.”

The program, held in University Center’s Carter Hall, included the presentation of three awards:

Alumni Service Award

Judy Morton ’73, a world renowned needle artist, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from USI. While attending USI, Morton was a non-traditional student raising two children as a single mother. She has been a true friend of the University since her days as a student, and continues to support USI today.

In 1985, she helped organize and served as vice president for the Quilt Registry Project for the state of Indiana, and she helped found the Raintree Quilters Guild of Evansville, Indiana. In celebration of Indiana’s bicentennial in 2016, the Indiana State Museum asked Morton for one of her quilts to display in the exhibit “19 stars-quilts of Indiana’s present and past.” Only 38 quilts were selected for this prestigious exhibit.

She also established the Thomas J. Morton Jr. Engineering Scholarship Endowment to honor her late father-in-law. She is a member of USI’s Alumni President’s Associates and the prestigious C. Wayne Worthington Legacy of Lifetime Giving Society.

Her commitment and dedication to the Evansville community and USI is commendable. Recently, she made a gift of her rare and nationally-known quilt collection to the University’s Art Collection.

Faculty Recognition Award

Nancy Findley Bizal is an instructor of business communication and the coordinator of external relations for the Romain College of Business. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from DePauw University and a master’s in business education from Indiana University.

Bizal is known as a creative teacher concerned about her students’ learning and professional success. As coordinator of external relations, she continues her passion for bringing business practitioners into the Romain College of Business. She has been involved with its three advisory boards: Board of Advisors, Accounting Circle and Young Professionals, and IT Alliance. She also facilitates the Executive-in-Residence and Alumni-in-Residence programs, and several speaker series, and is the editor of the Romain College of Business Reports newsletter.

Bizal has a history of volunteering, most often related to developing young people both professionally and personally. In 2008, she was named the Phenomenal USI Faculty Member as part of the Phenomenal Women of USI and the Community awards. She also was a finalist for the 2009 Athena Award for her involvement in the Evansville community.

Honorary Alumni Award

Steve Small, a native of Evansville, Indiana, was a strong believer in the undertaking of the University of Southern Indiana to provide stewardship of our arts culture. For the past 25 years he was affiliated with USI’s Theatre Program and appeared in numerous performances with the New Harmony Theatre, most recently playing Huckabee in The Fantasticks in 2014.

Small received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Evansville in 1976. He came to USI for coursework in secondary education and subsequently began studying acting. Theatre was deeply entrenched in his life. He and wife, Vicki, gave generously to USI Foundation, sponsored New Harmony Theatre productions, volunteered time, served as a mentor to young actors and actresses and opened their home to many visiting theatre artists, hosting cast and crew’s parties.

In 1991, he received the Irene Ryan Award nomination for his role in A Cry of Players. He was designated an affiliated artist by the College of Liberal Arts in 2000, in recognition of his ongoing relationship with USI.

This award, given posthumously, was accepted by Elliot Wasserman, chair of the Performing Arts Department and professor of theatre.

Following the Founder’s Day program, students, faculty, staff and guests gathere

Wesselman Woods Fall Nature News

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Change.  Wesselman Woods Nature Center is always changing and not just with the season.  We have seen staff change.  Summer camp counselors who graced us with their presence for the past three months have disappeared.  Long term staff member, Neal Bogan, Canoe Evansville Guru and naturalist extraordinaire, moved on to take a job teaching at Tecumseh High School.  Neal made huge contributions in moving Wesselman Woods Nature Center forward and in helping make the work environment supportive, dynamic and fun.  It was hard to see him leave, but we are happy he can pursue his dream and we will be sending him a membership application and annual sustaining campaign very soon.

We have seen programming change with new classes and new partnerships. Collaborating with local homeschoolers we had developed an exciting new series of classes that we are offering to homeschoolers and anyone who wants to provide science enrichment for their child. This expansion keeps the center filled with excited kids from opening till after closing some days.

And equally exciting, after 4 years of an empty exhibit hall, construction will begin this Fall to get ready for new exhibits that will be installed late winter 2016. That big empty room will be filled with exhibits that will help visitors better understand how an old growth forest like Wesselman Woods Preserve works and enrich their experiences hiking the trails.  It’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait.

What makes all of this possible, new programs, new exhibits, and new ways to bring nature to the community are your donations; the support we receive when you become a member and the support we receive when you make a donation to our annual sustaining campaign. So, thank you.  Thank you for making wonderful things happen here at Wesselman Woods Nature Center and Preserve.

Dr. John Scott Foster
Executive Director, Wesselman Nature Society

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Experience the changing seasons at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve while enjoying the traditions of autumn at this scare-free, family-friendly event. The Fall Harvest Festival and Hayrides will be held on October 3, 2-8 pm. Admission is $5 per person (ages 2 and under are free), and activities will include horse-drawn hayrides, guided night hikes, animal programs, stargazing, insect encounters, cider press demonstrations, a campfire, and plenty of activities and crafts for children.

Seasonal concessions will be available for purchase. Free event parking is available in the former Roberts Stadium parking lot adjacent to the nature preserve. All proceeds will help support the nature-based educational programs provided by Wesselman Nature Society throughout the year.

Purchase your tickets now, guaranteeing your Front of The Line Admission. Click Here To Purchase Tickets

Day 3: Governor Pence Advances Economic Ties with Japan, Announces New Hoosier Jobs

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Pence Welcomes Former Vice President Dan Quayle, Sister-State Gov. Fukuda to Friends of Indiana Reception

 

Tokyo – Governor Mike Pence continued his jobs mission in Tokyo today, meeting with Japanese business executives and government leaders and announcing results of the state’s efforts to attract Japan investment to Indiana.

 

This morning, the Governor joined executives from Mitsubishi Corporation and its Hoosier subsidiary, Indiana Packers Corporation, which processes pork and bacon for the United States, Japan and Mexico. During his visit, the company announced plans to invest $40.6 million to expand its operations in Delphi, creating up to 91 new Hoosier jobs. 

“International companies like Indiana Packers Corporation are choosing to locate and grow in the Hoosier State because they recognize the benefits of our low-cost, low-tax business climate,” said Pence. “Since leading my first jobs mission to Japan in 2013, more than 18 Japan-owned companies have announced plans to create 2,500 new jobs in Indiana. And, in light of recent conversations with executives here in Japan, I anticipate even more jobs announcements in the coming months as a result this trade mission.”

 

Governor Pence also met with executives from Mitsui Kinzoku Act, Subaru and Marubeni – one of Japan’s five largest trading companies – to discuss future opportunities for growth and new investment in the Hoosier State. Mitsu Kinzoku is the parent company of GECOM in Greensburg, which employs approximately 1,600 associates, while Lafayette is home to Subaru’s only assembly plant located outside of Japan, accounting for more than 3,800 Hoosier jobs.

 

In the afternoon, the Governor visited the headquarters of Japan’s largest business association, Keidanren, which has nearly 1,500 members representing Japanese companies, nationwide industrial associations and regional economic organizations. This summer, Keidanren sent a delegation of 21 high-ranking business leaders to Indianapolis, where they met with representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Japan-America Society of Indiana, Eli Lilly & Company, Purdue University, Ice Miller LLP, Indiana University and the Indy Chamber.

 

“With Japanese businesses thriving in all corners of the state, Indiana’s economy is growing at a record rate thanks to the continued commitment to job creation from your companies,” said Governor Pence. “We’re proud to stand as partners in growth for Japanese businesses, which today support 52,000 Hoosier jobs, and have been key in helping us reach the milestone of record Hoosier employment.”

 

Pence then traveled to the National Diet Building in Tokyo, which hosts sessions of Japan’s House of Representatives and House of Councillors, to meet with the honorable Hirofumi Nakasone and discuss ongoing opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Indiana and Japan. Nakasone is a Japanese politician and former Minister for Foreign Affairs.

 

In the evening, Governor Pence and First Lady Karen Pence hosted a Friends of Indiana reception, welcoming special guests Dan Quayle, the 44th vice president of the United States and a former U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator in Indiana, as well as Governor Tomikazu Fukuda, the governor of Tochigi Prefecture, Indiana’s sister state. The Governor and First Lady also welcomed representatives from Eli Lilly Japan as well as executives from Japanese companies with operations or investment in Indiana such as Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, KYB and Keihin.

 

“Over the decades, Hoosiers and the Japanese people have worked together as friends, sharing the joys of growing our businesses and economies together,” said Pence, addressing the reception. “And today, there is so much to celebrate. Surrounded by leaders like Vice President Quayle and Governor Fukuda, along with executives of Japan’s leading businesses, I’m honored to be back in Japan and witness the results of the ‘kizuna’ [a special bond] between our two great states. For your commitment to this relationship, I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the great state of Indiana.”

 

Day 3: First Lady Karen Pence Participates in Art Therapy Initiative in Tokyo

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First Lady Karen Pence visited NPO Resilience, a non-profit organization that offers art therapy for victims of domestic violence, where she participated in an art therapy session with participants enrolled in the Japanese art therapy initiative.

“While visiting NPO Resilience today, I was humbled and honored to be invited to participate in an art therapy session with victims of domestic violence. I was inspired by their courage,” shared First Lady Karen Pence. “I have had an opportunity to visit art therapy programs in Indiana, as well as internationally. I continue to be amazed by how much art therapy affects the healing process both emotionally and physically. I commend Robyn Tsuji, Art Therapy Coordinator, and NPO Resilience for their dedication to helping those in need.”

Mrs. Pence joined a group of women, all victims of domestic violence, for an art therapy session, which included drawing art expressions of items important to the women, items they were proud of and items they wished they could change. At the end of the session as a parting gift, the women presented Mrs. Pence with a canvas which featured teardrop-shaped paper notes inscribed with the women’s sentiments for the future. In return, Mrs. Pence presented each of the women with a gift bag from her charitable foundation in Indiana, the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation.

NPO Resilience offers Japan-wide seminars for victims of domestic violence, which include art therapy. The art therapy process is a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis.

 

As a former art teacher, Mrs. Pence has seen the positive impact art therapy can have on patients. In 2013, Mrs. Pence created the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation focusing on children, families and the arts. The foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children’s Art Therapy Initiative in Indiana, where she serves as the honorary chair. Mrs. Pence has also participated in art therapy activities called Combat Paper at Herron School of Art. Mrs. Pence serves on the board of Tracy’s Kids, an art therapy program at Lombardi Hospital in Georgetown.

 

As Indiana’s First Lady, Mrs. Pence advocates internationally for art therapy’s integration into traditional therapy programs. During Governor Mike Pence’s jobs and economic development mission to Germany in the spring of 2014, the First Lady met with art therapy leaders at the Weissensee School of Art in Berlin to exchange information on the latest best practices in the discipline. Most recently, during the Governor’s jobs mission to Toronto, Mrs. Pence visited the Toronto Art Therapy Institute where she met with students and teachers to learn more

ST. MARY’S NAMES DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

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Michelle Parks, LCSW, MBA, was recently named Director of Behavioral Health Services at St. Mary’s Health. In her new position she will be oversee behavioral health services available through St. Mary’s Health and St. Mary’s Warrick Hospital.

Prior to this, Parks was Chief Executive Officer for Brentwood Meadows and the Hospital Administrator for RiverValley Behavioral Health Hospital in Owensboro, Ky.

Parks earned a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Psychology from Indiana University and Master’s of Science and Social Work from the University of Louisville. She also holds a Master’s of Business Administration, Health Care Management degree from Western Governors University.

Parks resides in Evansville with her husband and 12-year-old son.

Pence’s Japan trade mission lands big pork plant expansion

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The governor got together with officials of Mitsubishi Corp. in Tokyo on Tuesday to announce a $40.6 million expansion of the Indiana Packers Corp. plant in Delphi.

 

The expansion will add 91 jobs in the next year at the northern Indiana plant and boost Indiana Packers’ total employment at its two Indiana pork-processing plants to more than 2,000 people.

 

The aim of the expansion: to produce more bacon, ham, sausage and other pork products. The news came during Pence’s trade mission to Japan.

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