Michael W. Smith Ft. Local Orchestra and Choir
Acclaimed contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Michael W Smith will be in concert with members of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday, December 14th. “Celebrate Christmas” with a range of Christmas classics and some of Smith’s most popular hits.
For more information about this artist, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available at the Ford Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster, participating Wal-Mart locations or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.
Wesley Milner Named UE’s Exemplary Teacher for 2012
Wesley Milner has received this year’s Exemplary Teacher Award. He currently serves as director of the University’s international studies program, chair of the Department of Law, Politics and Society, and the Austin S. Igleheart Endowed Chair in Political Science.
Each year, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church presents the Exemplary Teacher Award to recognize excellence in teaching at United Methodist Church-related institutions of higher education.
Today, UE President Thomas A. Kazee announced Milner as this year’s recipient during UE’s Winter Commencement ceremony.
Milner came to UE in 1999 as a professor of political science and international studies. His classroom performance earned him the Dean’s Teaching Award in the College of Arts and Sciences. Milner’s international experience includes serving as a visiting professor at Harlaxton College in England, Tokoha Gakuen University in Japan, and the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program.
Milner holds a PhD in political science from the University of North Texas, a Master of Arts from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and German from the University of Texas.
The Exemplary Teacher Award comes as Milner transitions into a new role at the University: On January 1, he will assume duties as the first-ever executive director of international programs.
“The Exemplary Teacher Award was determined well before Dr. Milner accepted his new role, so I’m thrilled to publicly recognize him for his distinguished career as an educator,†Kazee said upon presenting the award. “We’re very fortunate that Dr. Milner will continue to serve the University, and we look forward to many more years of calling him a member of the UE family.â€
Snowflake Derby set for January 12
The 35th annual Snowflake Derby has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, on the campus of the University of Southern Indiana, and features two races this year.
Entry fees for pre-registered runners are $15 for one race or $20 for both races, while race-day registration will be $20 for one race or $25 for both races. Race-day registration and packet pickup will run from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC).
All pre-registered entries must be received before January 7 and pre-registered runners will receive a Snowflake Derby fleece running cap on race day. Running caps will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. If supplies run out, the caps will be mailed to all participants as soon as possible. Food and drink will be available following the race in the RFWC.
This year’s 8k course will be run entirely off road and consists of dirt, grass, and crushed stone trails. Challenges include hills, hay bales, log jumps, creek crossings, and whatever else Mother Nature has in store.
The 4k race features a fast, scenic paved course utilizing the USI-Burdette Trail.
Awards go to the top three finishers overall, plus the top two male and female finishers in the following age groups: 15–under, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-over.
Vanderburgh County Felony Charges
Evansville, IN – Below is the felony case that was filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
Travis Frizzell Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class C Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class D Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving – Class B Misdemeanor
Failure to Stop After an Accident – Class C Misdemeanor
For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Carly Settles at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at csettles@vanderburghgov.org.
DISCOVER THE DINOSAURS
DISCOVER THE DINOSAURS ROARS INTO EVANSVILLE!
The Centre • Evansville, IN
December 14-15-16, 2012
Discover the Dinosaurs, a hands on exhibit including over 60 animatronic and
museum quality dinosaur replicas is coming to the The Centre December 14th,
15th, & 16th. The exhibit showcases museum quality pieces along with several
moving animatronic dinosaurs, all in a fun and educational environment. The
exhibit is scheduled to travel across the country in 2012.
Kids and families are encouraged to get up close and touch some of the
dinosaurs on display, an opportunity which isn’t usually available in museum
exhibits and other dinosaur events. This is the cornerstone of Discover the
Dinosaurs. In addition to the exhibit, other activities included in admission price
are the Dino Dig, Dino Den play area, Dino coloring area, scavenger hunt, and
Dino theater. *Several other attractions including gem & fossil panning, face
painting, dinosaur inflatables, mini golf, and Dino rides are available for
additional charge.
School age children love dinosaurs, and Discover the Dinosaurs engages the
imaginations of kids to learn, gives them the hands on opportunity to touch a
dinosaur, actually ride on the back of a T-Rex, and experience other fun activities
& attractions that make spending the day with dinosaurs fun for all ages.
Learn-Touch-Ride at Discover the Dinosaurs.
Exhibit runs Friday December 14th 12 PM to 9 PM, Saturday December 15th 10 AM to 8 PM,
and Sunday December 16th 10 AM to 7 PM
*Admission: Adults 12+ $15, Over 65+ $10, Children 2-11 $10, Under 2 FREE
State Rep. Gail Riecken on The Department of Child Services
When the Department of Child Services (DCS) Interim Study Committee began its work back in August, many feared that its work would be an exercise in futility.
As someone who has spoken long and loud about the failure of DCS to protect abused and neglected children, I worried the committee would provide little more than endless debate with no real action. Reformers like myself would complain about the problems with DCS, while the administration would offer lengthy defenses of the agency’s work. Lots of talk, but no action.
But as we sit here on the brink of a new legislative session, I must say that the committee has made remarkable strides in addressing concerns about DCS, and we are ready to move forward in 2013 with bipartisan reforms that begin the process of making our children safer.
I must compliment State Sen. Travis Holdman for his willingness to consider proposals from the Democratic members of the group.
I am particularly pleased that we were able to recognize the flaws of a centralized hotline to address all child abuse complaints. Such a system simply did not allow for local caseworkers to be able to respond quickly to concerns happening in their area. The proposed change will get these calls in the hands of local case managers as soon as possible.
Oversight will be improved through a new legislative panel, as well as a Commission on Children. These groups will be able to review policies already established by DCS, and recommend changes that promote the protection of our children.
Under this broad definition, I easily envision study and recommendations in a number of areas, including improved training and education for family case managers and expanded definitions of children who can receive immediate protection.
There will be a renewed effort to prioritize the allocation of financial and human resources to children’s services and field staff at the local level, including reviewing policies to make sure we are meeting the needs of counties in our state that have the highest rates of abuse and neglect.
Best of all, there will be a conscious effort to improve the lines of communication at all levels in this system: particularly between management and case workers, and between the agency itself and local advocates and law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts.
In that light, it is good to see that the study committee’s recommendations for legislative action include a call for more comprehensive review of unexplained child fatalities by local review teams. I’ll be proposing to place the teams under the guidance of the state Department of Health.
These are all good steps forward. They reflect the willingness of all parties involved to recognize that there is a problem, and a desire to see more done.
But that is not all I will seek in the upcoming session. I want more done, and I will certainly make every effort to pass more reforms.
I would like a more substantive review of current policies that remove children from treatment facilities within 20 days, rather than 30 days. I would like to see a clearer definition of the status of children who should receive services, including those who should be classified as having “indicated but not substantiated†abuse and neglect.
Finally, I would like to see what can be done to reduce the amount of turnover among DCS personnel. These people are in the front line of protecting children, and they deserve our thanks and our consideration in helping them do a job that is more difficult than any of us can imagine.
These are substantial steps that are being taken, but we are talking about an area where any child being abused is one child too many.
Zero tolerance remains our ultimate goal. We will continue to do everything in our power to make that a reality.
WEST SIDE STORY COMING TO EVANSVILLE
ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM
THE AIKEN THEATRE AT THE CENTRE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
EVANSVILLE, IN (2012) – The tour of the smash hit Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to Evansville. WEST SIDE STORY will play at the Aiken Theatre at The Centre for one performance only, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction is recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).
Tickets for WEST SIDE STORY are on sale now and start at $22.00. Tickets can be purchased at The Centre, by visiting Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Discounts are available for Broadway at The Centre subscribers and groups of 10 or more by calling (812) 435-5544.
WEST SIDE STORY tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,†“Tonight,†“America,†“I Feel Pretty†and “Somewhere.â€
The Associated Press says WEST SIDE STORY “remains Broadway’s best dance-driven musical. Five decades have not dimmed the extraordinary choreography or the score that pulsates throughout.†Variety says, “The true stars of WEST SIDE STORY are Jerome Robbins’ graceful, endlessly expressive choreography and Leonard Bernstein’s score, which still sounds bracingly modern a half-century after it was first heard. The music is a primal force.â€
WEST SIDE STORY is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut.
WEST SIDE STORY features scenic designs by James Youmans, costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard, lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley and sound design by Peter McBoyle
Jam Theatricals is proud to present WEST SIDE STORY as part of the 2012-13 D. PATRICK PRESENTS Broadway at the Centre season with media sponsors The Evansville Courier Press and WFIE-TV.
ABOUT JAM THEATRICALS (PRESENTER)
Jam Theatricals is a Chicago-based entertainment company that presents and produces Broadway engagements throughout North America. Under the direction of co-founders Arny Granat and Steve Traxler, Jam Theatricals manages subscription seasons in more than 30 cities. Jam Theatricals and its principals are the recipients of five Tony Awards® for producing Glengarry Glen Ross (Best Revival of a Play, 2005), Monty Python’s Spamalot (Best Musical, 2005), The History Boys (Best Play, 2006), August: Osage County (Best Play, 2008) and Hair (Best Revival of a Musical, 2009). Additional Broadway credits include: One Man Two Guvnors, Spiderman, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, The Retreat from Moscow, The Wedding Singer, Talk Radio, Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Seafarer, The Homecoming, November, Sunday in the Park with George, Speed-the-Plow, 9 to 5, Blithe Spirit, Race, Come Fly Away and The Addams Family. Jam Theatricals is proud to produce this seasons 30th Anniversary revival of Glengarry, Glen Ross by David Mamet starring Al Pacino and the World Premiere of Mamet’s new play The Anarchist starring Tony Award winner, Patti Lupone, and Debra Winger in her Broadway debut. For more information, please visit www.jamtheatricals.com.
IS IT TRUE December 13, 2012
IS IT TRUE December 13, 2012
IS IT TRUE that today is the 35th anniversary of the plane crash that killed the University of Evansville basketball team?…to commemorate this tragedy the Office of the Mayor has chosen to make the announcement that the home of that team Roberts Stadium is on schedule for demolition and that soon we can all watch the destruction of public property on webcam?…the CCO thinks linking the anniversary of the plane crash to a formal announcement of a webcam of the demolition of Roberts Stadium exhibits about the most out of touch and obliviousness to life’s realities that could possibly come out of any elected officials office?…that on a day of remembrance our leadership has turned the intentional destruction of public property into an internet cartoon?…we could go on all day about this but the oversight to connect these events really makes one wonder if anyone in the Office of the Mayor is even thinking before they act?
IS IT TRUE that one of our end of the year articles planned will be dealing with the dumbest things to go on in Evansville politics during 2012?…that seems like an easy task as we are certain that things like the drunken City Council fest fueled by Indianapolis bought alcohol and Earthcare Energy that got our year started will be among the dumb things?…in the spirit of Christmas we would also like to include a list of things that the City of Evansville did right?…we indeed have a short list of things that deserve accolades but we are having difficulty in coming up with very many?…we would appreciate it very much if our readership would make some suggestions on things to include in this end of the year article?…we will also be doing an article on 10 things to do right in 2013 and that the #1 item will be a COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE?…when you do not have planning you pretty much get the emotion of the day and the long list of dumb things is an artifact of the failure of our leaders to plan?…the need for a plan has been #1 on the wish list of the CCO now for 3 years?…the last attempt at a comprehensive plan happened in the early 2000’s and was commissioned by then Mayor Russ Lloyd Jr.?…ex Mayor Weinzapfel never ever followed that plan and never made one of his own?…instead he had a singular focus on a downtown arena which he did find a way to get?
IS IT TRUE according to a Wall Street Journal poll a month after the presidential election highlighted divisions over taxes, spending and political stewardship, Americans now solidly back compromise to solve the biggest budget challenges facing the country?…about two-thirds of Americans of all political stripes would like Congress to strike a deal to REDUCE THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT, EVEN IF IT MEANS CUTTING SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE AND BOOSTING SOME TAX RATES?…an even larger share — more than three-quarters of Americans, including 61% of Republicans — said they would accept raising taxes on the wealthy in order to avoid a “fiscal cliff” of large spending cuts and tax increases now set to take place in January?…the practical nature of the American people is playing out right now regarding this issue EVEN THOUGH THE PRESIDENT AND THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP ARE STILL SQUABBLING OVER CRUMBS THAT WILL NOT SOLVE THE DEFICIT AND DEBT PROBLEMS?…the CCO has no doubt that the people of this country at all economic levels will be willing to make sacrifices to save our country from insolvency?…seeing ads on TV from paid special interest panhandlers is becoming truly offensive to those of us who want to see this country saved from dying and idiots death?
IS IT TRUE that if a deal is to be made with President Obama the it will be a quick deal as he has a long vacation in Hawaii planned to start next week and last until after New Year’s Day?…we doubt that Congress can decide on which flavor of milk shake to buy in 4 days so do not be surprised when January 1, 2013 comes and the so named “fiscal cliff†is breached?…you should also not be surprised when the sun comes up on your first paycheck of the new year that will be less by between 2% and 6% depending on your earnings?…nearly all of us can afford that and will survive with some easy decisions on which non-necessity to cut from our budgets?…the only solution to the deficit and debt problem is for every last American to learn to live with less whether that is a lower paycheck due to tax increases or less government handouts due to spending cuts?…both are necessary to solve our problem so get on with it while it is still possible to fix?…SOAK EVERYBODY is the solution!!