Home Blog Page 6999

F.J.Reitz High School Class of 1960 50th Year Reunion

3

The Class of 1960 50th Reunion on OCTOBER 1, 2, and 3, 2010

The committee has been working and planning for months to make this milestone a memorable event. There are many who have never attended a class reunion. Our hope is that you will make an exception this year and come! We will have name tags with the picture from the yearbook attached so we can recognize each other. There will be opportunities for us to rehash past events and get in touch with people we have not seen in a while, maybe since 1960.

Friday, October 1, 2:00 pm. -midnight Burdette Park, Shelter #18 (directions at bottom of page 2) The shelter will be open at 2:00 for snacks and reminiscing with old friends (bring your own drinks)…come and go as you please. BBQ meal at 4:00 p.m. $6.00 per person. At 6:00 we’ll load the bus for those going to the Reitz vs. North football game. Game tickets ($5.00) at the gate. Reitz Alumni crew neck sweatshirts (optional) can be ordered to wear to the game where we will sit together in a reserved area. $16.00 each. Additional $3.00 for XXL and XXXL ($19.00)

Golf on your own at Helfrich or Howell Par 3. Get a group together and play a round.

For the non-golfers, another option: Tour of the Reitz Home… $7.50 per person (pay at the door)
Tours start at 11:00 a.m. – last tour starts at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 2, we will gather at the West Haven Chalet, 5510 Booker Road (formerly West Haven Gun Club off of Red Bank Road) (directions at bottom of page 2)
6:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Registration and cash bar
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Program and Pictures
8:30 p.m.-Midnight DJ

Dress is casual. $30 per person/$60 per couple

Sunday, October 3: 12:00 noon – Good Bye Brunch at Ri-Ra’s (on Riverside across from the casino). Order from the menu – pay waitress.

Please send your reservation(s) NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 to Bonnie Myers Aramowicz, 1011 Char-Lee Drive, Evansville, IN 47712.

If you are unable to attend the reunion, please consider sending a note and/or picture that will be included in a display for all to see. Tell us about yourself and your family.

Please send by

September 1 to Bonnie at the above address.

For your convenience, we are including the names and phone numbers of the west side and downtown hotels:
Baymont Inn & Suites 812-421-9773 (west side)
Fairfield Inn-West 812-429-0900 (west side)
Casino Aztar Hotel 812-433-4000 (downtown)
Holiday Inn Express 812-421-9773 (west side)
LeMerigot – 1-888-633-1770 (downtown)

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN OCTOBER!!

RESERVATION FORM

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________________
Last First Maiden

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________
Street City State___________Zip_______________

EMAIL ADDRESS __________________________________________PHONE #_____________________

NAME OF SPOUSE/GUEST_________________________________________________________________

Number attending Friday meal at Burdette ______ @ $6.00 each $________

Number riding bus to football game _____ no cost

Number of sweatshirts $16 ea (XXL and XXXL – $19.00)

Sizes M_____ L_____ XL_____ XXL_____ XXXL_____ $________

I will attend Saturday night _____#of reservations @ $30 per person $________

I will attend Sunday brunch _____ # of reservations Pay waitress

The check for the reunion should be made payable to
“Reitz High School Class of 1960”.

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $________

=====================================================================

A DVD or VHS (your choice) will be made of both evenings. It will also include 1960 Reitz trivia, music, and special effects. If you cannot attend the reunion and would like to be included in the video, send a picture of yourself and/or your family by September 1 to Bonnie Myers Aramowicz, 1011 Char-Lee Drive, Evansville, IN 47712. The cost of the DVD or VHS is $25.00 . A separate check should be made payable to Norma Minton for the video.

I would like a _____DVD ______VHS AMT. ENCLOSED $ ________

=====================================================================

Return the top portion and keep this part for future reference:

DIRECTIONS TO WEST HAVEN CHALET: From the Lloyd Expressway, go north on Red Bank Road, continue through the flashing light at Upper Mt. Vernon Road. Turn left on Booker Road. Watch for sign at Booker Road.

DIRECTIONS TO BURDETTE PARK SHELTER #18: The shelter house is at the top of Nurrenbern Road hill by the campground and the Discovery Lodge. However, the entrance road there is a one-way so you must enter through the main gate. Go to the right around the back of the parking lot by the pool. Follow the signs to Shelter #18.

THE TIME OF RECKONING HAS PASSED: Public Money Demands Public Disclosure

6

McCurdyExecutive Inn

IS IT TRUE that the time of reckoning has passed on two critical projects …Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel committed public money to assist outside developers in renovating both the historical McCurdy Hotel condo project and the Executive Inn project? …that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission recently gave both project developers 60 days to get their financial situations in order? …that the 60 days are behind us? …that it is time for Mayor Weinzapfel, the Chairman of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission and Tom Barnett, Director of the Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development, to call a joint news conference to announce the status of both projects? …that it is time for the laid-back, conservative, hardworking and dedicated Evansville taxpayers to demand accountability on the status of the above projects? …that if there were favorable deals on the table that the announcements would have already have drawn headlines?….that public money demands public disclosure?…..that no public disclosure has been made since the 60 days extension as granted by the Evansville Redevelopment Commission has lapsed for both projects? …… that the government of Evansville has a legal responsibility to disclose the status of these critical projects?

Excerpts and Updates from a Summer of Accountability

By the City-County Observer staff:

There are two construction projects going on in Evansville that are absolutely vital to the viability of the downtown as a place to go for entertainment and sustainable living. Both projects are now stymied by the failure of certain developers to obtain financing to begin their projects. Here is an overview of these two projects that are both now beyond the 60 day extensions granted by the Evansville Redevelopment Commission for disclosing their sources of financing and set a date to begin both projects..

Arena/Centre Hotel: The looming shell of the south wing of the former Executive Inn begs the question: Will the existing hotel be renovated – and if so, when – or will the Big E and the adjacent parking garage be demolished. It is rumored that the hotel and the parking garage are destined for the wrecking ball due to structural problems. Rumor has it that Browning Investments may not be successful in obtaining financing to complete the hotel project, and that they could basically leave town with an extra $300,000 golden parachute for this failure.

The City-County Observer is extremely concerned about the future of the Arena and The Centre without a convention class hotel in place to accommodate the thousands of out-of-town visitors that always come to town for such events. As you may remember, in 2007 at a fanfare news conference, Mayor Weinzapfel announced a 4-Star branded hotel with a luxury restaurant as a keystone anchoring the Centre and the new Arena as the place to be for regional entertainment. Are there any cities with an Arena and a Convention Center that function without a hotel? Let’s cross our fingers that Evansville does not become the first city in America to have two state-of-the-art venues (the new Arena and The Centre) separated by a rotting shell of a dilapidated hotel. Proceeding with the demolition of the Executive Inn and the construction of an Arena without having the financing in place for a new hotel was a financial tragedy that should never have been allowed to go forward. With all of the bankers and financially sophisticated people on the Evansville Redevelopment Commission, it is baffling how approval to go forward with the Arena was granted for less than a complete financial solution in place. This oversight is the equivalent of building a house in the country without securing financing for a septic system or a road to get to the house. One thing is certain, if there is no hotel where the rotting shell now stands, the financial performance of both the new Arena and the Centre will suffer.

McCurdy: As successful as the loft program seems to have allegedly been in creating approximately 100 residential dwellings on Main Street, the McCurdy condo project has been stalled for the past couple of years for lack of financing. Estimates for completing the proposed 80 rental units are below the market rate for refurbishing that building. Presently the McCurdy sits empty with windows open, making it a home to pigeons and bats. Speculation is that it will soon look like its next-door neighbor, The River House. In our opinion the McCurdy will become the next River House if the financing to begin construction is not secured right now. It is also important to point out that the City and the Redevelopment Commission has put out hundreds of thousands of dollars on this project to date without tangible results.

As the demographics of downtown Evansville are not sufficient to attract a grocery store, a hardware store, or a gas station, these new units are vital to getting the population of downtown to a point where sustainable urban living is possible. Even these units are not sufficient to get the numbers in place but the continuation of the repopulation of downtown Evansville must continue.

The rush to begin the arena was to create a photo-op opening that would coincide with the kick off of the campaign for the statewide democratic primary election of 2012. That photo will not be so flattering with the Big E in its current state in the background. The hotel was to be the only building in the entertainment complex that actually stayed on the tax role. A hotel is also expected to provide significant revenue to the TIF district that is being counted on to pay the interest on the bonds issued to build the Arena.

As the old saying goes, “it is time to perform or get off the pot”. What is the next plan? Will there be another 60 days of extension or will there be a search for another developer? There is no extension on when the public should be made aware of the status of these projects. That time is now!!

If you too would like to send a message to the officials who must certainly have those answers please direct them to the email addresses of Mayor Weinzapfel (jweinzapfel@evansvillegis.com) and Tom Barnett. (tbbarnett@evansvilledmd.com)

VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE CUTS BUDGET 11.9%

1

Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis announced to the Vanderburgh County Council on Wednesday that he has slashed his proposed 2011 budget by 11.9%. Davis, in his first term as County Treasurer, credited his idea for printing property tax bills in-house rather than through a third-party vendor as the main reason his budget has been trimmed by $75,994 from 2010 to 2011. In five years, Davis told the council the project would amount to at least $82,000 in savings for just the bill printing line item.

Davis said the line item in his budget for bill printing is only $15,000 for 2012, $50,000 less than what was budgeted each of the two previous years, and $40,000 less than 2008. The County Council will conduct budget hearings in earnest on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Davis’ presentation also detailed how his office has increased productivity not only for his office, but other county offices as well. Davis credited the County Council’s approval for the purchase of two heavy duty printers producing 6,000 combined prints per hour, as well as equipment that folds and inserts documents into envelopes at a speed of 4,300 per hour. Davis had predicted to the Council that once the printers and folder/inserter arrived at the Civic Center that he would be able to help the Auditor’s Office and the Assessor’s Office print, fold and insert documents into envelopes for mass mailings the county offices perform on an annual basis. But once the equipment arrived, he was surprised to learn that other offices, including the Election Office and the Sheriff’s Office, were interested in using the equipment, too. Davis noted that his office is now planning to help the Sheriff’s Office print, fold and insert 10,000 Tax Warrants into envelopes soon. He also said his office helped the Election Office print every poll book that was used during the Primary Election on May 4, saving that office countless hours of work.

Davis told the Council that new property tax billing software has also enabled his office to eliminate one person from his staff at a savings of $31,300 in 2010 alone, a savings that will add up year after year.

Davis said the in-house bill project did not come as a sacrifice to the taxpayers as far as service is concerned. He noted his office increased the amount of time taxpayers had to pay their bills by 50% — from an 18-day average for seven straight years – to 27 days’ notice this year. Davis said he had a personal goal of giving taxpayers at least 30 days’ notice in 2011.

County Council President Russ Lloyd Jr. commended Davis for his printing efforts, and noted that he was pleased that the money that was spent on the equipment and supplies for the project all came locally, rather than going out of state.

Davis also thanked the County Council for backing his proposal from the onset. The County Council approved spending $84,278.15 in startup costs for the project. The bulk of that money was spent on the folder/inserter, which cost $56,708, and $20,000 for the two printers and enough toner cartridges to print about 3 years’ worth of bills. Representatives from Southern Business Machines, an Evansville company that sold the equipment to the County Treasurer’s Office, were on hand and told the Council that the equipment should last about 10 years, but with proper maintenance may last even longer.

“Bank on Evansville” Accepts U.S. Treasury Invitation

0

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Bank on Evansville representatives will be in Washington, D.C. tomorrow to participate in a two-day summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, to discuss practices from the “Bank On” field. Evansville was selected to attend this invitation-only event because of its leadership in promoting access to the financial mainstream for underserved residents.

Patty Avery, who helped launch Bank on Evansville as Program Manager, and Emily Baxter, Community Impact Manager for the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, will be representing the City of Evansville at the summit which will provide opportunities for local, state and national experts to share information about “Bank On” practices and lessons learned. This information will also help shape national policy to promote financial access and financial education for low-to moderate income families.

“I am gratified that ‘Bank on Evansville’ is being called upon, once again, to share the lessons learned as we implemented the program,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “Bank On” has been able to help people in our community keep more of their hard-earned cash instead of paying high interest rates to check cashers. Our hope is that by helping other cities, many more people will realize how they can benefit by joining the financial mainstream.”

Evansville was the third city in the nation and the first in Indiana to implement the “Bank on Cities” model. Our program helped shape how the State of Indiana and other cities across the state are implementing their “Bank On” initiatives. We were also tapped to help with “Bank On” launches in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, the National League of Cities reports that Evansville achieved the fastest program launch and we are pace setters when it comes to financial education.

“Bank on Evansville” was developed as a response to the high cost of basic financial services for individuals and families who don’t have a checking or savings account. The program’s goal is to measurably improve the lives of our City’s low-to-moderate income residents through better access to the financial mainstream and financial education. Bank on Evansville accounts are low cost/no cost, have no minimum balance and offer a second chance for people that have had previous trouble with banking; fraud is the exception. We have 15 financial partners- both banks and credit unions- in Evansville.

Initiated in June 2008, Bank on Evansville opened 1,139 accounts in its first year. Our two year goal was to open 1,200 accounts.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth Responds to Editor on H.Con.Res. 274

4

Thank you for contacting me with your views on H.Con.Res. 274. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

Faith has long been a part of our national history, starting with the Declaration of Independence that recognized our “Creator” as the source of individuals’ rights. Our national motto, “In God We Trust” is inscribed above the Speaker’s rostrum in the House of Representatives, and is a daily reminder of the vital role faith has played on our nation’s leaders and citizens.

On June 15, 2010, Congressman Randy Forbes of Virginia introduced H.Con.Res. 274, reaffirming “In God We Trust” as our official national motto and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions. Shortly after its introduction, H.Con.Res was referred to House Judiciary Committee. Although I am not a member of this committee, please be assured I look forward to voting in favor of this bill when it comes to the House floor for consideration.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. If you would like to learn more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-Newsletter.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

Senator Evan Bayh Responds to Editor on Responsibilities of Congress and Government to the American People

0

Thank you for contacting me regarding the responsibilities of Congress and government to the American people. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns.

I share your belief that elected officials owe a duty to use tax dollars responsibly, and that excesses should be eliminated. Government agencies must be charge with running efficiently, and serving the needs of Americans. During consideration of FY2010 Budget Act (S.CON.RES 13), I supported an amendment requiring that the substance of legislation, including cost estimates, be made publicly available on the internet for five days before a vote is permitted in the Senate.

Americans increasingly believe that government is unable to achieve meaningful progress. In my view, Congress and the Executive Branch ought to be instruments for creating opportunities and overcoming the numerous challenges we face, including facilitating economic growth, bolstering national security, curbing health care and education costs, and achieving energy independence. Though Americans may disagree on the appropriate strategies, most aspire to the same outcome – a better country to pass along to the next generation.

I consider it my obligation to assist Hoosiers in matters involving the federal government. If you believe Congress is not addressing your concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Moreover, if you have specific thoughts on how Congress can improve, I recommend that you share your thoughts with me.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. You can also sign up for occasional email updates. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel issued ADA 20th Birthday Celebration Day Proclamation

1

ada proclamation 2010

Please Click on Proclamation to enlarge.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth Responds to Editor on New Health Care Reform Law

2

Thank you for contacting me with your views on the new health care reform law. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

I voted for the final health care reform package because I was confident Hoosiers want their leaders to start fixing what is broken in our health care system. This bill was far from perfect, but it will make real improvements over the status quo for Hoosiers. Health insurers will no longer be able to refuse access to insurance to the 109,000 uninsured Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions. Small businesses providing health insurance will receive tax credits to make that coverage more affordable. Seniors who get caught in the Medicare Part D donut hole will see that coverage gap shrink every year and close for good in 2020. Young adults trying to find a job with health benefits can stay on their parents insurance plans until their 26th birthday. The final reform bill also makes some of the big reforms that Hoosiers have called for. It guarantees Americans access to the exact same coverage I get as a Member of Congress. It begins reforming Medicare and Medicaid to start rewarding doctors and hospitals who deliver quality, efficient care that improves their patients’ health. It also makes insurance companies compete across state lines–opening up the power of competition to bring down premiums.

I understand you support repealing the new health care reform law, but I think these new consumer protections and tax breaks are too important for too many Hoosier families and businesses. Beyond my personal opinion, while the debate over health care reform got very heated at times, the American people have indicated in recent months that they oppose repeal of this new law. One example from a recent poll indicated 61% say “the nation should wait and see how the health-care legislation works or leave it alone”, with only 37% advocating for repeal. I support this approach: If one piece doesn’t work, then Congress should repeal that piece. If a piece works, keep it in place. I still believe the new law is not perfect, and I am always happy to discuss ways to improve it. But I believe it’s simply premature to repeal this new law before we have an opportunity to see how each part works for Hoosiers.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me. If you would like to learn more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

GOVERNOR DANIELS CAMPAIGNS IN MOUNT VERNON FOR STATE REP CANDIDATE WENDY MCNAMARA

1

Governor Mitch Daniels visited Mount Vernon Tuesday to show his support for Wendy McNamara, candidate for State Representative in District 76, at a meet and greet ice cream social with one hundred local residents. The Governor spoke to the crowd about his support for McNamara and the importance of this election to Indiana.

McNamara, an educator in the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, was glad to have Governor visit.

“It was truly an honor to have Mitch come to Mt. Vernon on my behalf,” said McNamara. “He represents the sort of responsive and forward-thinking leader that I represent, and I’m thrilled that he would endorse my campaign. He understands the issues that are important to our community, and I look forward to the possibility of taking all the input we received from the voters today and working with him to create real solutions that address those needs.”

Indiana Chamber of Commerce PAC endorses Ron Bacon for District 75 State Representative

1

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce PAC, Indiana Business for Responsive Government (IBRG), has endorsed Ron Bacon Candidate for District 75 State Representative. IBG’s mission is to aid and support candidates that will improve the business climate in Indiana. Michael R. Davis, Vice President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce states that Ron Bacon holds “Pro-Job Growth and Pro-Economic Development views and agenda deserving of our endorsement”.

Upon announcement of the endorsement Candidate Bacon commented “I am very appreciative to receive the Indiana Chamber of Commerce endorsement”.

Bacon stated “Whirlpool Corp. idling their facility in District 75, is another example of the need to have local law makers working with employers in our district and our community crafting incentives for job creation and job retention”. Bacon continued “Affordable education opportunities for those displaced from such closing need to be available within our community college system at IVY Tech. An educated workforce in a business friendly environment is what it is going to take for Indiana to remain competitive in landing new job creation in the future.”

Ron Bacon is a candidate for State Representative in District 75 which covers part of Vanderburgh, Warrick and Gibson Counties.

1...6,9986,9997,0007,001Page 6,999 of 7,001