By: Zach Stuard

            In 2000 RJ Rakestraw purchased a dilapidated, two unit -apartment building that was famously known as the bar on The Rosanne Show.  RJ purchased the building, located on Evansville’s north side, with plans to use his contractor’s license to renovate the property into a laundromat for the locals. It was not until RJ hung a picture of Elvis Pressley on the wall that his mind changed and he knew the building had to be a restaurant he says he was influence by Elvis. With the change of plans came the blueprint for talk of the town pizza RJ began renovations by completely gutting the interior & exterior of the building and adding steel support beams throughout, ensuring that it would be around for a very long time.  He finished by adding appropriate décor, brick ovens for his pizza, and adequate seating for 30 patrons at any time.

RJ credits his cooking skills to his mother whom he helped to prepare meals during his childhood. RJ also built a reputation within the community for the hard work and effort he put into The Deerhead during his time there. During his time as the general manager at The Deerhead RJ tended to the food, customer, and music. The blues that he is known for starting there is a feature that he brought with him when he finally opened the doors of talk of the town Pizza Bar in February of 2003.

RJ has seen an incredible amount of support for his restaurant and plans to expand in the near future. He has secured financing for and plans to add a family dining room and outside patio for customers to enjoy during the warmer seasons. Now seating thirty, he hopes to add another 40 seats in the expansion, bringing his total seating capacity to 70. He also has plans for an organic garden on the north side of the property that would allow him to grow most of his ingredients fresh and on site.

RJs previously worked heavily in the contracting sector. He rarely does any contracting work anymore since the opening of his restaurant but he seeks out work from those in the Pizza Bar’s neighborhood when he has a job to offer. He sees this as a way for him to give back to the community and say thank you.  The neighborhood surrounding RJs Pizza Bar has noticed a significant turn in the right direction since his arrival and this may be largely in part to RJs outstanding relationships with his customers.

Talk of the Town Pizza Bar is most known for their strombonis and gourmet salads with oil, garlic, mInt, lemon, the house dressing and red beans & rice. His best selling pizza, by far, is the loaded pizza and you can always count on hearing the blues while you enjoy your meal. RJ serves ice cold fishbowls of draft beer from a old antique brass beer tap and has no plans to either serve hard liquor or switch to smoking, ever. RJ wants to create a fun and healthy family environment where that everyone, young and old, can come to relax and enjoy great pizza.

  

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is experiencing a bit of a baby boom this spring.  The latest edition is a first for the zoo, a female takin calf.  “Ching Lan”, which means beautiful orchid in Chinese, made her debut today in the Asia Valley area of the zoo. Born to first-time parents, the calf is thriving and zoo staff is very pleased with the attention her parents are giving her.

Zoo Director Amos Morris said, “The takin are doing exactly what they need to be doing for their offspring and we are all enjoying watching wildlife at its best.”  

Takin are found throughout Tibet and several provinces of China. Once thought to be related to muskox, the takin is now known to be more related to sheep. Takin are equipped for life at higher altitudes and can withstand very cold temperatures. Takin are considered a vulnerable species due to loss of habitat and habitat destruction.  Takin have taken their spot among today’s pop culture as the physical features of “Beast” from Disney’s animated feature film “Beauty and the Beast” was based on the takin.

 

Attached are  photos of Ching Lan with her mother, Dawa.  Photo is courtesy of Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.

 

For additional information on Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden,  visit www.meskerparkzoo.com

     Deaconess Hospital was once again named one of the top 150 greatest places to work in healthcare according to the May issue of Becker’s Hospital Review*. Each year, Becker’s Hospital Review and Becker’s ASC Review develop their top 150 list through nominations and editorial research. The resulting list is a compilation of healthcare organizations that go above and beyond for their employees and are great places to work.

Deaconess is highly committed to the health and well-being of its employees and has thoughtfully designed programs and benefits to address the physical, mental, and emotional needs of its staff members.

Employees with elevated health risks work with a wellness coach to enact appropriate lifestyle changes. All employees have access to lunchtime fitness classes, a fitness center, and evening exercises classes. They also benefit from robust mental and emotional health services provided by Deaconess Cross Pointe. Professional development opportunities are also offered throughout the health system so all employees maintain the highest level of training and education.

Evansville Surgery Center (ESC), located on the Deaconess Hospital and Deaconess Gateway Hospital campuses also received recognition as a top 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare in Becker’s Hospital Review. ESC is a joint venture business between Deaconess and a group of local physician investors.

*Deaconess Hospital was listed in the top 100 in the 2011 and 2013 greatest places to work in healthcare list. Deaconess Health System and The Women’s Hospital were both listed in the top 100 in the 2012 list. ESC was in the top 100 last year. This is the first year non-provider organizations were included.

Becker’s advertisers were not eligible for this recognition and no winner paid any fees to be considered or named to the list. Visit http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/150-great-places-to-work-2014/full-list.html
for the entire list and details on all the winners.