Listen to Your Heart

Kevin DeVoe was saved by a HeartScan at St.Vincent Medical Center Northeast.

Kevin, 53, had come to Fishers for the day to visit his sister and work on her house. The intense pain he experienced knocked him to the floor. Once the pain subsided, the always-ready EMT-I used his cuff and stethoscope to take his own blood pressure.

A Close Call . . .

Convinced he was doing better, Kevin did not call 911. He eventually let his sister drive him to the emergency department at St.Vincent Medical Center Northeast, which was only five minutes away. Routine cardiac test results appeared normal. However, his emergency physician insisted on performing one more test — the computed tomography $99 HeartScan — to see if an aortic tear caused Kevin’s symptoms.

“The computed tomography scan did not hurt and gave my physician results in about five or 10 minutes,” Kevin explained.

“Measuring the amount of plaque inside my heart’s arteries, the HeartScan showed blockages of 100, 95 and 80 percent. I was immediately transferred to St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana.”

Kevin received four stents to help clear his blockages. He credits the HeartScan and his physician’s insistence for undergoing the scan for saving his life.

“I truly believe that if I had been at another hospital, I would have gotten the ‘all clear’ and been released without the treatment I needed,” Kevin said. “I have convinced about 20 people, friends and people from my fire department and work, to get a HeartScan. I think it should be required for everyone.”

Local Heart Heroes . . .

Nationwide, about half of all cardiovascular procedures are performed on patients age 65 and older; however, more than a third of cardiac patients are ages 45 to 64. Younger men and women should act quickly if they experience the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Discomfort in the arms, back, jaw, neck or stomach
• Nausea or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath

“St.Vincent Health provides a wide range of cardiac services close to home,” said Kimberly Nealon, site administrator for St.Vincent Medical Center Northeast. “People will feel the Spirit of caring the moment they walk through our doors.”

You can receive a $99 HeartScan through St.Vincent in Anderson, Fishers, Jennings and Indianapolis to identify your risk for heart disease. Used as a preventive measure, the computed tomography (CT) scan allows patients to make lifestyle changes based on the results. Call 866-432-4457 to schedule your HeartScan.

CityYes Group Garners 1,000 More Signatures

Greg Purvis, Chairman of the CityYes PAC.

Greg Purvis, Chairman of the CityYes Political Action Committee announced today that volunteers at polling places yesterday obtained one thousand more signatures of Fishers’ residents on the petition to change Fishers from a town to a City.

This brings the signatures obtained far over the number required to place the question of conversion of Fishers form of government from a Town to a City on the ballot. The petitions will be presented to the Fishers Town Council in early 2010 so that voting on the issue can be scheduled for the primary election in May.

Purvis commented, “with Fishers approaching a population of 75,000 people voters seem to feel that it’s time.” CityYes believes that the community has grown to the point that it needs to become a city with an elected Mayor and a City Council more directly representative of Fishers voters.

Additional information can be found at www.CityYesNow.com.

Cyber-Bullying Case at Lawrence Central Highlights Online Issue

By Katie McDowell, writer for the Lawrence Central Cub Reporter.

By Katie McDowell, Cub Reporter, Lawrence Central High School

The 6-foot-5-inch buff guy stuffing kids into lockers and taking lunch money is no longer the stereotype of a school bully. It’s the 21st century and times have changed. Today bullying doesn’t always take place during school hours, but behind the computer screen in the comfort of a kid’s own home.

According to The National Crime Prevention Council, “Online bullying, called cyber-bullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.” Nearly half of teens have been bullied while online while half of all teens have admitted to saying something hurtful to another using the Internet.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, marked the beginning of Lawrence Central’s very own cyber-bullying case with the debut of LCHS Gossip Girl, a blog created by an anonymous user designed to share stories about Lawrence Central students’ social lives and the gossip that comes with it. Although the blogger uses no first or last names, initials and puns on real names are her way of identifying people.

The creator of the blog is capable of being charged with libel with the publication of obscene pictures or writing slander of another. And so far, this act has been carried out on several students here.

“My friends know I would never do anything like that,” sophomore Kelsey Funk said after being referred to on the site. “I think it’s hilarious how stupid it is.”

If Gossip Girl believes the exclusion of actual names keeps her safe from the law, she’s wrong. “If people know who the person’s talking about, (the blogger) can still be liable in a case,” Steve Key, the general counsel of the Hoosier State Press Association, said. And once the website provokes a victim to take action on it, the victim has a case.

“When someone feels strongly enough about (the site), he can file a lawsuit once information on the website is provided,” Key said.

The consequences of libel can be severe. The culprit can get an expensive verdict, and if she is a minor, her parents can be charged as well. “Parents can be held responsible for what their kid does on the internet,” Key said.

Not only is Gossip Girl capable of being tangled up with the law and court cases, but the school can also act on it. “A school has no liability to act; however, if a school found out and its behavior violated the school code, they have avenues to take action against the blogger,” Key said.

The LC Student Handbook states on page 33:

Students who commit such acts (threats, bullying and assaults) are subject to suspension, expulsion, arrest and/or prosecution.

Senior Nate Tubbs, also mentioned on the site, agreed that rumors spread on the site have violated school policies. “This site crosses the line in a high school environment where kids are vulnerable in an emotional sense,” Tubbs said.

Bloggers beware: The punishment for libel may be worse than most think. The only thing Lawrence Central may soon be gossiping about is the lawsuit. The punishments against the blogger may go on beyond the law. “Even without a punishment, it would be embarrassing enough for the gossiper to be exposed,” Funk said.

Tubbs agreed. “I hope the writer doesn’t reveal herself because she has already burned so many bridges,” he said.

Employees and Employment Law: How To Avoid Getting Sued

It is inevitable that every employer will get sued by one of their employees at some time in the future. If an employee is upset about his/her termination, all that is required to sue you is to go to the EEOC or ICRC and fill out a form. Then the agency begins an investigation, to which the employer must respond and this usually requires getting an attorney involved. The most basic safeguard is to simply make sure you have a sound business reason for any employee related decision you must make.

The following steps are provided as a guide to help employers with issues that confront businesses every day:

1. Discrimination – There are laws that prohibit discrimination against minority groups such as employees involving race, gender, disability, sexual harassment etc. Make sure you treat all employees consistently and have a good business reason for whatever you do.

2. Retaliation – If an employee complains to you about any of the above, they fall into another protected class and you can’t take action against them unless you have a documented and sound business reason.

3. Wage and Hour issues – There are a lot of plaintiff’s lawyers out there who are actively seeking to file class action law suits. If if a company has a habit of poor record keeping or is not paying overtime properly they are at risk. Watch out for these critical issues because if a suit is filed and you lose, you will have to pay attorney’s fees, which can be substantial.

Employment laws are amazingly complex and are getting more so under the the current administration. Every employer should keep abreast of employee issues and the ever changing laws that could affect their business. An employee handbook is highly recommended.

Bruce Mills is a labor and employment lawyer located in the Geist area. He does not charge for telephone consultation, so if you have a question, give him a call at (317) 318-5286 or e-mail him at bfmills1@aol.com. He also has a sample employee handbook that he will e-mail to you at no charge.

HSEJH Students Put Math Fears ‘To Rest’

Afraid of math class? Hamilton Southeastern Junior High teacher Natalie Stoner tried to help her seventh graders put their math fears to rest on the first day.

She dressed as the Grim Reaper and allowed them to write their negative thoughts about math. Then with eerie funeral music in the background they all lined up to pay respects to “Mat H. Troubles (i.e. math troubles) and deposited their messages in a small casket in the front of the class.

She said the activity allows them to symbolically “bury” all bad thoughts about math forever. Stoner reported the music and costume did surprise a few of her students each period.

HSE Junior High students Jack Kleinrichert, Brayden Beckius and Brigitte Busch take turns placing their math fears or dislikes in a small casket in seventh grade math class as teacher Natalie Stoner looks on dressed as the Grim Reaper.

Yacht Club Event to Honor Former Commodore, Raise Funds for Cancer Society

Joe Kocot was a born leader. People gravitated to him for motivation and inspiration. He was always upbeat and often had a funny story to share, one that not only made you laugh but also taught a life lesson.

“He was a motivator,” recalls his wife, Lisa. “He was the go-to guy. He always had the answers.”

It came as a surprise, then, when Joe was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003. Ever positive, Joe was determined to fight and win.

“His positive outlook on life and his situation was an inspiration to all who knew him,” Lisa said. “Ironically, he was the one we all looked up to for strength.”

Joe remained active throughout his cancer treatments, opening a car lot on Pendleton Pike (Easy Guy Auto) and taking on the role of Commodore at the Indianapolis Yacht Club in 2005.

“He liked a challenge,” says Lisa, adding that Joe volunteered his time at the Yacht Club as a way of giving back to the community. “He liked the water, and he liked family. He liked a place where we could spend time together.”

Joe lost his battle with cancer in March of 2007, leaving his wife and two lovely girls, Caroline and Clarice, who miss their dad’s stories and his incredible cooking.

“Every time I’d come downstairs, there was a different smell,” remembers Clarice, 9, who especially liked her dad’s homemade potato chips and mozzarella sticks.

Although it has been tough, the Kocots are thankful for the support of their neighbors, Lawrence Township Schools, Outlook Christian Church and the Indianapolis Yacht Club.

Now their Yacht Club “family” is joining together and inviting the community to engage in a Night to Remember — a special night to honor all of those who have lost the battle with cancer.

The September 12 event will mix festival-like fun with heartwarming tributes, all to benefit the American Cancer Society. The night will be capped off with a luminary ceremony where everyone will be invited to honor loved ones who have been touched by cancer.

“Our hope in putting on this event is to honor Joe Kocot and those who were touched by his life, as well as give all members of the community the chance to participate in an event where we come together and fight back against cancer,” said Jenny Boling of the American Cancer Society. “ We are striving to bring people together with a common bond and for a common cause. Unfortunately, too many people are touched by cancer, and this event will give everyone a chance to share in the celebration of cancer survivors, and remembrance of those who have lost their battle.”

A Night to Remember will be held at the Indianapolis Yacht Club from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children and include a dinner buffet. Please call Yacht Club Manager Bill Lorch at (317) 335-2582 for more information.

“This is a way to come together to fight back and give back,” Boling said. “All are encouraged to attend!”

Winners Announced in AtGeist Young Writer’s Contest

We received many creative entries for our first ever atGeist Young Writer’s Contest this summer. The decision was tough, but our panel of judges (atGeist Managing Editor Laura Gates, Lawrence Central Cub Reporter Adviser Elizabeth Granger and WriteStuff Writers Founder J. Andy Murphy) managed to determine the top tales from Geist Reservoir, as written by budding authors ages 8-14.

Katie Scherzinger of Fortville captured first place with her under-the-sea fantasy adventure called “The Unbelievable Day.” “I am a swimmer, so I wanted to do something water themed,” Katie explained. “I thought an underwater world would be fun.”

Lauren Sawyer took second place with her heart-warming story of a hermit crab, and Madison Gilstrap secured third place with “Ducky Panic,” cleverly written from the duckling’s point of view.

Receiving honorable mentions were Lexi Scherzinger (Katie’s equally talented younger sister) and Taylor Osborn. Lexi’s story featured a wish-granting fish, while Taylor’s fanciful tale, “The Ghost of German Town,” showcased her knowledge of Geist history.

Congratulations to all of our contest winners, who will receive a free movie ticket to Regal Cinemas and a plaque from atGeist.com. We enjoyed reading your creative stories.

First Place
The Unbelievable Day
By Katie Scherzinger, Age 12

It started so innocently just a normal day in Geist. The air was warm, the water cool, and plenty of boaters were out on the reservoir. Then suddenly, I noticed a strange whirlpool of water out across the waves. I took my jet ski over to test the surrounding areas. Small ripples gently pushed my jet ski in so I turned off the engine. Without the motor I could hear a sort of humming. Or maybe buzzing, but so soft I could hardly tell if it was my imagination or if it was for real.

Captivated, I stuck my hand into the water to feel the current. I expected it to be weak, but it was actually very strong! It was too strong for me to be comfortable with, so I revved the engine to head home. Before I could even lift a finger, however, the swirling water sensed I was about to leave. The current seemed to have turned on a motor of its own, and it swiftly pulled me under.

Instead of the inky blackness I’d expected, streetlights bordered a sandy road with old fashioned shops lining the sides. People in bathing suits like mine burst out of shops and started to follow me like a parade! What was going on? Why was everyone celebrating? In bright, funky bikinis, people yelled, “All hail Queen Katie!” and carried me to a huge, golden, majestic, palace. I was loving it!

And then I woke up in my bed.

Second Place
By Lauren Sawyer, Age 9

It started so innocently just a normal day in Geist. The air was warm, the water cool, and plenty of boaters were out on the reservoir. Then suddenly, I noticed a little hermit crab waddling across my dock. It seemed he was trying to push a bucket of water I set out earlier for all the fish I had caught. The bucket didn’t budge, but then I realized I had placed all these fantastic hermit crab shells I had found earlier into the bucket to keep them moist. He didn’t realize that these shells were empty and he didn’t need to try and save his friends! I picked him up and explained to him that everything was fine and I wasn’t trying to make his species extinct! I ran to my room and found a tank in my closet that was perfect for a little crab. I put colorful rocks and a mini-pool of water on the bottom, and a stick against the wall so he could climb. I also put a little Barbie bed with a fuzzy blanket so he could sleep on something comfortable. I put him gently into the tank. He crawled onto his bed and I placed the blanket over him. He went to sleep joyfully. After a couple of minutes I saw something on his face. It was a smile! I named him Smile and I say to him at night, “Smile in your dreams, do you dream about life back in the lake, or life in my heart forever?” His eyes glistened and another smile hopped upon his face. I knew that meant he loved his new home.

Third Place
Ducky Panic
By Madison Gilstrap, Age 11

It started so innocently just a normal day in Geist. The air was warm, the water cool, and plenty of boaters were out on the reservoir. Then suddenly, I noticed an inner tube full of screaming kids racing toward our family. My brother and I dodged left and my mother dodged right. As soon as that herd of kids went by – who I think need to be taught to be quiet like little ducklings like us – I couldn’t see my mom. After that we set out to find her somewhere around the lake. But after a long day of searching, we sadly could not find her. When we were on our way home, we saw a large boat racing toward us. It was too quick for us to hide from them. All of a sudden, a pair of hands grabbed me and a nother pair grabbed my brother. We were taken back to their boat, put in a box that had holes in the top. we were both scared so we could not help but peep. As soon as it all stopped, we were taken out and put in a screen box with a large light that kept us warm. We nibbled on rolypolys and ate duck food and, given names that fit us, I am now Tweety and my brother is Hercules. We now live a peaceful life with the two girls that saved us.

Make Your Backyard into a Bird Sanctuary

By Laura Hurst, Craig Middle School -

Nearly one year ago, Mr. Wayne Naylor ’s 6th grade science class was still pulling their project plans together. Now, to an outsider, it may look exactly the same, but it is far from it! The Lawrence Township Wildlife Project has come together nicely, and as the new school year creeps closer, so do the next batch of 6th graders. This means more environmental help for the community.

Lawrence Township is a much more environmentally-friendly place than it was one year ago, and it’s about to get better! Although these students have brought their community a long way, there is still work to do. Some of that work is up to YOU! Yes, you, the people of the community! I’ll bet you’re saying, “I don’t have time; I don’t know HOW!” Well, read on to certify your yard as wildlife friendly!

How many times have you wished for beauty and wildlife to be present right in your own backyard? With the economy in the state it is, there is little money left over for vacations. So, with a few simple hours of work, you can take a relaxing vacation in your own backyard!

Certifying is easy! Let’s start with something simple. In order to certify your backyard, you must have a way for some form of animal to get food, water, shelter and a place to raise young.

Do you like our feathery friends? They are clean and have sweet songs that speak of the joy of nature! First things first…a birdbath! Birds love to take a break from a hot spring day, frolicking and singing in a simple basin filled with water! Most birdbaths are cheap, and you can buy them at stores like Walmart, Menards, and Meijer. Put the bath in a place you can view the birds from without disturbing them. The only necessary cleaning is hosing it down every two or three days.

Next bird-attractor: Bird feeders! These simple contraptions require only an occasional cheap birdseed refill. Bird feeders can also attract squirrels. Squirrels are fun to watch, but sometimes scare off the birds. That’s why it’s a good idea to put in several bird feeders. One would be a simple bird feeder, easy for squirrels and birds alike to access. Next would be a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Squirrels will try and fail time and again to reach the seeds, and failures will eventually teach them to move to the easy-to-reach simple bird feeder. Then the birds can come and eat the birdseed at their own feeder, without fear of squirrels.  The final feeder is a hummingbird feeder. Just buy the feeder and the sweet syrup to fill it, and easily attract the tiny, incredibly beautiful and fast birds to your home!

There is one last necessity for birds: Birdhouses! The shelter is an excellent, safe place for birds to nest and raise young. Buying birdhouses is simple at stores like Wild Birds Unlimited, but if you want to make one, my contact information is at the bottom of the article.

Would you like a place to buy feeders and birdhouses? Do you want to only attract certain birds? To learn more, go to: http://www.wbu.com/

Would you like more advice on attracting birds? Email me at: hurst_laura@att.net

Calieel Muhammad, Jovan Williams, Martez Clayton, and Corey Wills are my friends and resident bird experts. I can get you the information you need through them! Our next article will cover native plants.

Join Haleh Krauter Insurance Agency in Backpack Attack

While you’re grabbing those “Back to School” bargains for your kids, why not pick up a few extras for other kids who can’t afford new school supplies?

Haleh Krauter’s State Farm Insurance Agency is among 275 Indianapolis area businesses participating in this year’s Backpack Attack. Backpack Attack is a United Way of Central Indiana project that has collected more than 2.1 million school supplies for children in the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) as well as other schools in Marion, Boone, Hancock and Hendricks counties since its inception in 1999.

“We are hoping to put school supplies in the hands of 20,000 students,” Krauter explains, adding that 78 percent of the families in the IPS school district can’t afford basic school supplies. “Students with inadequate supplies suffer an unnecessary struggle to keep up with peers.”

The collection runs through August 6. There is a box right inside the door of the Krauter agency  at 11204 Fall Creek Road.

“Two years ago we collected and had three boxes that were overflowing,” Krauter recalls. “That will not supply 20,000
students with school supplies, but it can certainly make a small dent.”

Quoting State Farm’s familiar motto, Krauter is encouraging local residents to be a “good neighbor” and be there for kids in need.

“It’s great to give money, and money will certainly be accepted and appreciated,” Krauter said, but she adds, “Sometimes it’s just a little easier or maybe even heartwarming to give a dozen boxes of crayons.  This can really give you a feeling that you are helping a child.

“It’s a small thing, but together we can be really significant.”

Indiana State Fair Covers 17 Days, 3 Weekends

The Indiana State Fair has long been one of the country’s great agricultural fairs, highlighting Hoosiers’ farming heritage within an exciting atmosphere of food, fun and entertainment.  Since 1982, the fair has been a 12-day event traditionally opening on a Wednesday and wrapping up on a Sunday.  This year, however, the fair opens for the first time as a 17-day event beginning on Friday, August 7 and running through Sunday, August 23.

Why the change?  A few different reasons.

First and foremost, Indiana has a very strong 4-H program that is at the heart of what the State Fair is all about.  For the past several years, there have been many 4-H competitions and activities that have taken place prior to the official opening of the State Fair, labeled “Pre-Fair” events.  As a result, these competitors and their families received only part of the entire State Fair experience.

With the additional five days, the Pre-Fair events will now be folded into the official fair dates allowing all 4-Hers to not only compete, but also enjoy a full complement of concessionaires, the midway, stage shows and other exhibits.  The added days also allow families two more weekend days to attend the fair in the midst of early-August starting dates at hundreds of Indiana’s schools. In addition, with more opportunities to attend the fair, visitors may experience less traffic congestion around the fairgrounds during peak times.

When people arrive at the fair, they will notice a host of new ways to save on admission and concessions.  In addition to traditional discounts for veterans, state employees and others, there is now BMV Carload Day Aug. 17 when up to 10 people can enter for $15 with a voucher printed from www.mybmv.com. There’s also $2 Taste of the State Fair Tuesday Aug. 18 when concessionaires will offer $2 samples all day long, and many other great values.

For the third straight year, the fair is celebrating one special agriculture product, and this is the Year of Tomatoes presented by Red Gold®.  Hundreds of tomato plants have taken root all over the fairgrounds, and there will be several tomato-related activities, exhibits and events throughout the fair.  This year’s Indiana State Fair Signature Food contest required tomatoes to be in the recipe, and the Deep-fried Pizza from Urick Concessions was voted the winner.  It will be sold in front of the Grand Hall.

With more days, more savings and tomatoes everywhere, what can fairgoers expect to see?  Plenty!  Here is just a short list of free featured events and exhibits at this year’s fair:
·        Miss America 2009 Katie Stam (Aug. 7)
·        Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® (Aug. 7-8)
·        The Stars of the Peking Acrobats
·        Timberworks Lumberjack Show
·        Hedrick’s Racing Pigs
·        Indiana Space Travels
·        Celebrating Indiana Communities
·        Hoosier Heritage Day with Indiana MusicFest featuring Jon McLaughlin, The Why Store and The Elms presented by metromix.com (Aug. 13)
·        A Tribute to the WLS National Barn Dance presented by Prairie Farmer (Aug. 15)
·        International Circus Hall of Fame from Peru, Ind. (Aug. 17)
·        MC Hammer presented by the Hoosier Lottery (Aug. 20)
·        ABATE of Indiana Motorcycle Day presented by Q95(Aug. 21)
·        Lucas Oil Demolition Derby and Fireworks presented by ampm (Aug. 23)

That’s a lot of great free entertainment, but it’s still just the tip of the elephant ear.  The fair has once again lined up a star-studded, diverse group of musical performers, including these shows in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand:
·        Demi Lovato with Jordan Pruitt presented by VOICE.TV (Aug. 10)
·        Sandi Patty’s Broadway with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (Aug. 11)
·        MercyMe with Jeremy Camp and Mary Mary presented by the Shepherd Community Center (Aug. 12)
·        Kelly Clarkson (Aug. 14)
·        Keith Urban with Jason Aldean (Aug. 15)
·        Journey with Heart (Aug. 16)
·        Jason Mraz with G. Love & Special Sauce and K’naan hosted by Bushwalla (Aug. 18)
·        Oak Ridge Boys with Larry Gatlin (Aug. 19)

As if that isn’t enough, the fair is bringing back tractor pulls for the first time in a long time with Lucas Oil Motorsports Weekend featuring the Indy Super Pull presented by Headline® fungicide Aug. 7-8.  That’s 17 days jam-packed with exciting events, exhibits and attractions the whole family can enjoy.

In other words, more days mean more fun at this year’s Great Indiana State Fair.