50 Years of Tartan: The Gordon Pipers Story

The Indy 500 Gordon Pipers are celebrating their 50 year anniversary this year performing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Those of us smitten by the Indy 500 have come to expect certain traditions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on race day: the singing of Back Home Again in Indiana, the balloon release, and the call to Start Your Engines. There’s another, equally embedded tradition that is celebrating its golden anniversary this year – an organization that traces its roots, not surprisingly, to Tony Hulman: The Gordon Pipers.

In 1962, Indianapolis veterinarian Dr. Wallace Gordon Diehl founded the Scottish-inspired parade unit after a split from the Murat Highlanders pipe band. At the time, the Highlanders required members to be male and more than six-feet-two inches in height. Desiring a more inclusive option, Diehl and four other Highlanders defected to create an opportunity for their daughters and short-of-stature sons to march in a pipe band. Casting about for a moniker, they settled on founder Doc Diehl’s middle name and became the Gordon Pipers.

IMS patriarch Tony Hulman saw them perform at a car show and was impressed by the crowd they’d drawn. “Everybody loved ’em!” according to Doug Hardwick, the current president of the Gordon Pipers. Hulman invited the troupe to perform at the 1963 Indy 500 and at that year’s Victory Banquet, he vowed that as long as his family owned the Speedway, the Gordon Pipers would be a featured attraction. Thus was born the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers.

A not-for-profit organization, the Gordon Pipers have a $40,000 budget funded by performance fees from patrons like IMS, the Indianapolis Colts (as the Horseshoe Pipes and Drums), numerous parades in Indiana, and beyond. “We’re ambassadors for the Indy 500 and the City of Indianapolis,” explained Hardwick. Their reach is international, too, having marched in Scotland and Canada. “Some of us are talking about traveling to Afghanistan to play for the American troops there,” shared Hardwick.

In 1968, Connie Summers began as a Gordon dancer, then added bagpipes to her repertoire the following year. Her daughter, Melissa Whybrew, began performing at age three and a half and is now the dance sergeant and a tenor drummer. “I was born into the band and grew up in it,” said Whybrew. “Now, I have a four-month-old son and he’s destined to be a Piper.” Summers, who once fell during a performance (“I’ve never forgotten that!”), noted there are several children and grandchildren of current members who are Gordon Pipers. “Doug and I grew up together,” reminisced Summers. “The band is very much a close-knit family.”

So you’d like to be a Gordon Piper? Well, first you’ll learn their songs by blowing into a chanter. Resembling a wooden recorder (or the Flutophone you squawked on in elementary school), the chanter has several finger holes and is used to play the melody. Next, you’ll learn to manipulate the air bag for consistent sound, followed by marching lessons. Within a year, you’ll be performing in parades. Outfitting the pipers, drummers, and dancers costs about $2,000 per person. No one is paid to perform – the reward comes with travel opportunities.

The Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers are a favorite at parades all over the world, including those closer to home like the CarmelFest Parade.

Band members range in age from 13 to 60 years, and membership hovers around 40 people. “It’s a diverse group including doctors, a retired Marine, police officers – it’s an amazing mix of people,” marveled Hardwick. Extras are necessary because players rotate in and out as their schedules permit. “People have faith, family, and jobs,” said Hardwick, who’s always interested in new members. The band offers instructional classes every three months or so. “Potential pipers have to commit to weekly practices. We like young players, but several recent additions have been age 50 or more. A 72-year-old drummer just retired.”

When the Gordon Pipers perform, Geist is well represented. In addition to Hardwick, Tim Bastion, Sharon Hudgens and her daughters, Jessica and Laura, reside in Geist neighborhoods. “I like the opportunities that being a Gordon Piper has opened up,” said Laura Hudgins. “We just played at the Florida Indycar race, and it was fun seeing the race and being next to the drivers.”

For a 50th consecutive year, you’ll see – and hear – the Gordon Pipers at the Speedway throughout May. And when you do, give a tip of the cap to ol’ Tony for discovering such a marvelous civic treasure.

More information is available at www.500gordonpipers.com. And you can follow them on Twitter (@500GordonPipers).

Making the Move: Mass Transit Stops in Fishers

Executive Director of Central Indiana Transit Task Force, Ron Gifford, recently spoke via a live webcast about the impact of mass transit coming to Fishers, Indiana.

Conversation about embracing state-of-the-art mass transit for central Indiana is nothing new. Arguments for and against significantly upgrading IndyGo, the Indianapolis bus system, and developing an integrated light-rail system to connect adjacent counties have been going on for a couple decades now. The stumbling blocks have always been a combination of finding the money to pay for it; an “it’s not our problem” attitude by xenophobic elected officials; and the lack of political will to make something happen. Meanwhile, peer cities like Austin, Salt Lake City, Nashville, and Charlotte have moved forward with transit systems of varying kinds to transport commuters in their increasingly-congested metropolitan areas. Now, proponents believe it’s time central Indiana punched its transit ticket.

After years of false starts and missed opportunities, a tipping point may have finally been reached. “We now have regional buy-in,” explained Ron Gifford, Executive Director, Central Indiana Transit Task Force, during a recent community conversation about the Central Indiana Transit Plan held in Fishers. “Local elected officials have stepped up because they understand the value of a really good transit system to economic development.” Gifford noted that Mayors Jim Brainard (Carmel), Andy Cook (Westfield), John Ditslear (Noblesville), and Fishers Town Council President John Weingardt all support the measure. “I’m optimistic because we’ve seen a great groundswell of public support. As we’ve pushed the issue throughout the legislature this session, there’s been an outpouring of organic support and the public contacting their legislators and letting them know this is a critical issue and asking for the opportunity for having a vote,” Gifford said.

The proposal calls for phased implementation of the $1.3 billion plan endorsed in 2011 by a cadre of elected officials and civic and business leaders. A combination of upgraded bus services and next-generation rapid transit vehicles would use dedicated transit corridors to move large numbers of commuters quickly and efficiently with both limited express and frequent-stop routes. Proponents offer four primary arguments in favor of the plan. “It gives access to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment to those who cannot afford, or are unable to drive, cars,” explained Gifford. “Mass transit also helps attract a young, professional workforce that prefers living in communities with high-quality transit service. It promotes neighborhood and commercial development and would ease traffic congestion and improve air quality by getting car commuters off the roads,” he added.

Phase One is a 10-year plan targeting Marion and Hamilton counties. Gifford said these are the two counties “most willing to do this,” and noted that Hamilton County’s population will likely double in the next 20-30 years. “We can’t build our way out of this with more roads,” he emphasized. Initially, the current bus system would be expanded, eventually tripling the level of services. Five rapid-transit lines have been identified, including what planners call the Green Line (also known as the Nickel Plate Line) – an existing rail bed that snakes its way from Noblesville past the Fishers train station and into downtown Indianapolis. Gifford credited forward-thinking Fishers leaders (The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority) who, some 20 years ago, bought the rail bed and designated it for future transit use. Gifford emphasized that proposed rail service would be nothing like the State Fair Train rumbling in and out of Fishers each August. Instead, planners are eyeing electric-powered transit vehicles to provide a quieter, more environmentally-friendly experience for commuters and the businesses and residences located along transit corridors.

Gifford said mass transit in other cities has had direct economic impact: where commuter stations are located, business has followed. A proposed funding mechanism would be adoption of what planners call EDIT – Economic Development Income Tax. A three-tenths-of-one-percent increase in income taxes would pay for and maintain the proposed system. That calculates to about ten to fifteen dollars a month for a family of four earning $50,000 annually. “One of the bigger challenges we have is talking to people about why this is an investment that makes sense. Why should we increase our local tax to pay for this?” said Gifford. “In the current political environment, that’s a tough conversation for some people. In our view, it’s really important that this go to local referendum – that the public be allowed to weigh in on this. Ultimately, we think a fully-informed public will value the investment and vote in favor of it.”

A necessary step in making this happen is changes to Indiana law that would provide funding flexibility at local levels of government and a referendum allowing public voting on the proposal. At the time of this writing, a bill addressing these changes is winding its way through the Indiana General Assembly. Renee Cox, District 3 representative on the Fishers Town Council, is closely watching the legislative developments. “We have seen, for the first time, a (mass transit) bill come out of committee, and that’s encouraging,” she said. “If we’re going to continue to sell business development for Hamilton County, a good transit system is vital to its success. We’re talking about planning for the future.”

Cox thinks the jury is still out on the proposed tax increase. People she has talked with express concern if it would be enough funding for sustainability, fearing future, additional tax hikes. Still, when asked about mass transit, she’s fond of quoting Indiana State Senator Jerry Torr: “We gave the people the Right to Work; now we need to give them a way to get to work.” Her hope is that people will put aside preconceived notions about mass transit – including rumors and misinformation – and come to the conversation with open eyes. “The real beneficiaries are those still to come – people who choose to live, work, and play in Fishers and other central Indiana communities,” emphasized Cox.

Planners have designated 2013 as a year for discussion about the Central Indiana Transit Plan. Detailed information is available at www.indyconnect.org. Future community conversations are planned across the metro area.

Catch of the Day

Some local Fishers residents were featured on the Bass2BillFish TV show.

This is a fishing story, but it’s not about the one that got away. About a year ago, Tom Frank, 32, cast a metaphorical net for the chance to appear on a TV fishing show. The Fishers resident submitted a video audition tape for himself and brothers Michael, 34, and Sam, 37, to appear as guest fishermen on the nationally-televised Bass2Billfish program airing on NBC Sports Outdoor network. “On the video, I included pictures of us fishing and what we’d caught,” Tom said. “I figured that would be the end of it.” However, a second audition tape was requested, and it showed host Peter Miller just what he was looking for. “I’ve never had three brothers on the show. It made for a great dynamic: competition, camaraderie – all dedicated to their dad, who had passed away recently,” said Miller.

While some fact-challenged fishermen are famously prone to exaggerate (“You should have seen the size of it!”), that’s hardly the case when the Franks talk about their amazing experience. Consider: the trio stayed four nights at a luxury hotel in the Florida Keys; dined on meals fit for a king; received about $500 each in clothing and other gifts; fished two days using state-of-the-art tackle and boating equipment – and didn’t spend a dime. “They took care of everything possible,” Tom explained. “All they said was ’It’s going to be nice weather so bring appropriate clothes and sunscreen.’”

A year elapsed before the show was taped, but Michael Frank, who lives in Indianapolis, says the wait was worth it. “That’s the great thing about Bass2Billfish. They take regular people and show them the world-class fishing available in Florida. They call it a fishing, travel, reality show. He was happy to show these Midwest kids the great fishing in Florida.”

The episode was shot in the Keys off the coast of Islamorada, Florida, with the intention of landing sailfish. On Day One they saw a few, but none were caught. “Sometimes you get skunked. It happens,” said Tom, who did hook a rather substantial consolation prize – a 500-pound Hammerhead shark. Like most TV fishing shows, Bass2Billfish practices “catch and release,” and after lifting the shark for a measurement and photos, the crew freed the Hammerhead. “We watched it dive back to the bottom of the ocean. That was cool,” Tom said.

Day Two started equally slowly with only tuna and barracuda hitting the dead squid being used as bait. “You have a local guide, a TV host, a cameraman, a second chase boat – they’re just staring at you,” said Michael. “There’s a lot of time, effort, and money. We started to feel a little pressure.” But that changed when Sam Frank, a Grand Rapids, Michigan, resident, hooked a 350-pound Dusky shark which, shall we say, wasn’t too pleased. “He was flipping hard, and seeing the business end of a shark up close certainly got our attention,” remembered Tom. Michael eventually landed the target – a massive, beautiful sailfish. “I would rate their fishing skills at a high level – a strong nine,” offered Miller, now in his fourth season hosting the show that reaches 78 million households.

Lessons learned? For Tom, “How three competitive brothers tossed their egos aside and were humbled by such an incredible opportunity.” And for Michael, “It pays to get out of your comfort zone” and take a risk. Consider it the catch of the day.

The Frank brothers’ Bass2Billfish episodes air Saturday, January 26, and Saturday, February 2. Additional information is available at www.bass2billfish.com.

On Fire For Lawrence: Dino Batalis Sparks Fire Department’s Needy Family Program

Lawrence firefighter Dino Batalis started the Lawrence Needy Family nonprofit that, during the Christmas season, plays Santa’s helper by giving toys to local kids who might not otherwise have a gift under the tree.

Spend a few minutes with Dino Batalis, and you’ll quickly understand what makes the guy tick: It’s extending a helping hand to someone in need. Fueled by a commitment to public service that he learned as a kid, it should come as no surprise that Batalis, 54, is a firefighter and battalion chief, and serves as chairman of the Lawrence Fire Department Needy Family program. According to Batalis who grew up in South Bend, “I think it all has to do with the way I was raised: Help when you can.”

In its 24th year, the Needy Family program helps Lawrence residents whose circumstances have them in need of clothing or groceries or a few bucks for a tank of gas. Typical examples of Needy Family’s touch are a family who has been burned out of their home, or an individual crippled by long-term unemployment. With donated clothes on their backs and food on the table, the gas money pays for transportation to job interviews or necessary errands to get back on their feet.

During the Christmas season, Needy Family plays Santa’s helper by giving toys to local kids who might not otherwise have a gift under the tree. “My parents were always helping someone in need,” explained Batalis. “I know they often did without to make sure that we kids had what was needed.” In its early days, the program was limited to operating a few weeks at the end of each year. In 2006, Needy Family became a year-round function with an annual budget north of $25,000 – all of it from private donations.

It was in 1988 that fellow firefighter Jim Hardie met Batalis, who had stopped by the station asking what he needed to do to join the fire department. “Shortly after Dino started, we realized right away he had this genuine commitment to helping people. From the beginning, Needy Family was his concept. Now, it’s grown into a huge production.”

Firefighters unload food purchased from donations prior to delivering the Christmas “care packages” to needy families in Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of Robert Crouch)

Four days before Christmas this month, Hardie and a small army of volunteers will join Batalis and other firefighters at Station 38 (4450 McCoy Street) to fill several hundred boxes with food staples for delivery to hungry households in Lawrence. It’s an impressive human assembly line that packs $15,000 worth of food in about half an hour or so.

Fittingly, a version of the old “firemen’s brigade” is employed as different teams add pasta or canned goods or sugar and flour, while others pack in hot dogs, bread, fresh fruit, and so on. Then, the boxes are passed hand-to-hand for loading into a refrigerated trailer for storage until deliveries are made the morning of Dec. 22. “Over the years, I’ve tried to make sure that everyone has a part to play. We’ve got a guy who’s 84 years old helping sort boxes,” said Batalis, who is especially gratified by help from people previously assisted by the program. “They want to give something back.”

Sadly, the challenging economic times of late have left a mark on the community. “It’s a bittersweet thing,” lamented Batalis. “The need has grown much greater, and obviously the cost of toys and groceries has gone up.” However, Batalis said the community has stepped up. Donations have remained steady, even increasing a bit. “I’m blessed to say our program’s financial base has not been affected, but there’s more need among Lawrence families.”

Batalis has always bought food in bulk. The resulting discounts really beef up the program’s buying power and help stretch dollars. That’s why the preferred form of assistance is cash donations. “I’m especially proud that not one penny of donations goes into administrative fees,” Batalis emphasized.

Food boxes are prepped by volunteers and delivered the Saturday before Christmas, just in time for the holiday season.

For Lawrence Fire Chief Mark DeLong, an added value of Needy Family is the opportunity for his department to connect with the community it serves, in a relaxed atmosphere. “It’s not a fire run or an emergency. It shows a different side of the fire department,” said DeLong, who added that firefighters have enjoyed Needy Family from day one. “It’s always been a source of great pride, and it’s very nice when people say ‘thank you’ and they really mean it.”

Batalis is quick to acknowledge the program’s success is owed to the generous donations of citizens and local corporate partners. Another key is the blessing of city hall. “I’ve worked for four mayors and all have been totally supportive.”

Ultimately, the value of Needy Family lies in the difference made in people’s lives. Hardie, 47, has never forgotten the expressive eyes of the boy he once gave a football. “It meant the world to him, and you leave thankful all the more for what you have.”

Lawrence is the better for it thanks to Dino Batalis, a man who just likes to help people.

Checks sent to: 9001 East 59th Street, Suite 205, Indianapolis, IN 46216. Checks should be made payable to: “Lawrence Fire Needy Family.” Drop offs at the Lawrence Government Center.

Movember: Men Grow a ‘Stache to Raise Eyebrows and Awareness

Bryan Kendall is chairman of the Movember Indy Committee.

No, the title of this article isn’t a misprint. That’s because for a growing number of men, the 11th month of the Gregorian calendar is Movember. Allow me to explain.

Movember is the name of an international fund-raising campaign to increase awareness about prostate cancer. The source for this odd moniker lies down under – literally. In Australia, the word “mo” is slang for moustache (that’s how Aussies spell the word). Throughout November, participants start the month clean-shaven and then grow moustaches to raise money for prostate cancer screenings and research.

The concept started in Australia in 2003 with five guys drinking beer (surprise!) and asking the question, “Whatever happened to the fashion trends of the 1980s – including moustaches?” This spawned a moustache-growing competition the following year that netted $5,000. In short order, the charity event went global. Last year, Movember campaigns in 14 countries raised an impressive $308 million.

Even ladies get into the spirit of Movember.

2010 was Indiana’s first such campaign as about 900 participants raised pledges equalling $75,000. Last year, more than 2,000 “growers” statewide netted $125,000. Bryan Kendall is chairman of the Movember Indy Committee. “Movember is designed to break down the wall of stigma and shame that often surrounds prostate cancer. We want men to understand that it’s OK to talk about it,” explained Kendall, whose father-in-law is a prostate cancer survivor.

Participants sign up online (www.movember.com) where registrants have a unique web page for emailing prospective donors and securely processing credit card payments. Money is pledged in support of a participant’s decision to grow a ’stache. Prostate cancer survivors are encouraged to participate, and they receive a special participation packet. “One in six men will be diagnosed, and more men die from prostate cancer than women from breast cancer,” said Kendall. “It’s one of the most curable kinds of cancer when discovered early.”

Several corporate teams are participating including Angie’s List, IU School of Nursing, Sun King Brewing, and Flat 12 Bierwerks. “Many employers have lifted opposition to facial hair, especially for this charity event,” explained Kendall. “We like to think of it as our brown, fuzzy ribbon for men’s health.”

A couple hairy parties are planned for Movember. A Kick Off Shave-Off is slated for November 1 at Red’s Classic Barber Shop, 22 East Washington St., Downtown (shave the date!). An end-of-event party will be held at Tomlinson’s Tap Room, City Market, Downtown, November 30, 7 p.m. to midnight, with a raffle, auctions, and live entertainment. Admission is $10. “Every dime of the admission cost goes directly to the prostate cancer charity,” said Kendall. Movember Indy has paired with several local craft breweries who are donating beer for the fund raiser. As organizers like to say, they’re changing the face of men’s health, one Hoosier at a time!

Additional Information about the local Movember events is available at www.movemberindy.com, and at 317.709.0005.

Malt Madness

Mike Sale (shown here) and Ryan Coyle conceived the BrewBracket Challenge in 2011.

It’s no surprise the idea of launching a live competition to crown Indiana’s best craft beer brewers began germinating at a local watering hole. Such a wholly appropriate setting is where Mike Sale and Ryan Coyle envisioned the BrewBracket Challenge. As the co-founders sipped – well, beer – they brewed up a full-bodied, flavorful idea: Create a bracket-style, single elimination tasting tournament. “The purpose of BrewBracket Challenge is to bring people together to taste and determine the very best craft beers,” explained Sale. “It also serves to promote the brewery that makes it to the top.”

In spring, 2011, the inaugural BrewBracket Challenge was held. “We did some small tastings and quickly determined that we could do this on a larger scale,” remembered Sale. About 150 people are expected to attend the fourth BrewBracket event, Bourbon Barrel Aged Beers, Saturday, September 29, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Tomlinson Tap Room in City Market, downtown Indianapolis. Tickets are priced at $45.

Eight brewers will compete, this time with a new twist, er, taste. Each is required to have stored their beers in wooden barrels donated by Harrison Bourbon Company, a southern Indiana distillery. “These premium beers will have set in the barrels about three months soaking up the flavor and color of the bourbon,” explained Joe Eaton, brewer and owner of Barley Island Brewing Company in Noblesville, and the winner of the most recent BrewBracket Challenge. Eaton described the bourbon taste as “strong, alcoholic – a more in-your-face flavor. These beers will pick up some additional components from the barrels.”

Ryan Coyle pours a draft during the BrewBracket Challenge.

Acting as both public tasters and judges, attendees sip and compare the tastes of two beers, picking a favorite. The randomly-seeded beers are served in two identical tasting glasses; tasters have no way of identifying the brewers. “A big component is making it a blind taste test. It strips away any bias,” said Sale.

The winning beers move on in their respective tournament brackets. Taster palettes are cleansed, and the process repeats until two finalists remain for the championship round. “People love brackets! That’s certainly some of the allure,” Sale said.

The winner receives the handsome Big Tap Trophy – and more importantly, bragging rights. “There’s a lot of camaraderie among the brewers. This provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, but no trade secrets!” explained Eaton. “It’s more about showing off products than it is winning.

Brewers participating in the Bourbon Barrel Aged Beers challenge include Barley Island Brewing, Bloomington Brewing, Flat 12 Bierwerks, The RAM, Bier Brewery, Figure Eight Brewing, People’s Brewing, and Triton Brewing.

Craft beer brewing is bubbling. In the early days, Indiana had 18 or 19 commercial craft brewers. Now there are 50, with another seven or eight in the planning stages. “There’s still room for growth,” said Eaton. “It’s been nice to see it hit big. People want quality, not quantity, in beers.”

Each BrewBracket has a featured charity that receives a portion of the proceeds. Additional information is available at www.brewbracket.com.

Hands Across the Water – Geist Watershed Alliance

Geist Watershed Alliance members (left to right) Matt Newell, Scott Rodgers, Janice Snell and Dean Farr look to update residents on the Watershed Management Plan at a May 4th public meeting at the Indianapolis Yacht Club.

The next time you launch a boat or drop fishing line at Geist Reservoir, Scott Rodgers wants you to be mindful of more than just a day of fun in the sun. “The water is safe, but it can be a whole lot cleaner.” Rodgers is a member of the Geist Lake Coalition, founded 11 years ago for the purpose of good stewardship of an aquatic asset that, besides providing recreation, is also a primary source of drinking water for central Indiana.

In Indiana, individual homeowners and businesses control most of the land, and how water usage is managed on these private properties is critical to keeping public water supplies healthy. Water quality advocates say the time has come for the public – you on the jet ski, you casting from the shoreline, and all of us who live in the Geist watershed – to take simple steps to ensure clean, safe water. Jill Hoffmann, coordinator, Upper White River Watershed Alliance, places the responsibility on everybody’s doorstep. “Solving water quality problems at Geist requires everyone to do their part to make sure their property doesn’t contribute to lake pollution.”

Jill Hoffman, coordinator of the Upper White River Watershed Alliance.

From Leonardo da Vinci’s reminder that “water is the driving force of all nature”, to W.C. Fields’ humorous decision never to drink it “because of the disgusting things that fish do in it”, water has necessarily occupied our thinking. And for Rodgers, an Admiral’s Sound resident, the water quality at Geist Reservoir is no laughing matter. “We live in this community and, quite simply, want to make it better. There’s nothing maniacal about it. I’m not an activist by nature, but this is a need, and I believe we can have some impact,” he explained.

Recently, a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) was completed for the Geist/Fall Creek Watershed Alliance (spawned three years ago, and currently underwritten by the Geist Lake Coalition) in partnership with the Upper White River Watershed Alliance (UWRWA). Both groups are consortiums of local governments, industries, utilities, universities, agriculture and regional communities. The Plan – which covers the multi-county area that drains to Fall Creek and Geist Reservoir – includes findings to develop strategies for improving local water quality. “We need awareness about Geist water quality, and more community involvement. It’s a public utility, a drinking water source, and its environmental well-being ties directly to real estate values,” explained Rodgers.

A public meeting will be held May 4 at the Indianapolis Yacht Club to discuss the WMP findings. Representatives from all affected constituencies will be on hand for short presentations and to answer questions.

The Geist watershed is enormous – approximately 140,162 acres – and dominated by Fall Creek. Starting in Henry Co., 169 miles of stream passes through Delaware, Madison, Hancock, Hamilton and Marion counties. “It is important to remember this is not limited just to Geist Reservoir. It goes much broader. Our area of concern stretches 70 miles to the north. We really need to think about this as a central Indiana, and for that matter, a statewide issue.”

According to WMP documents, 62% of streams in the watershed do not meet state water quality standards. Run-off from farm fields and residential lawns, improperly disposed of pet waste, household detergents, combined storm and sanitary sewers, older septic tanks, agriculture fertilization practices, and significant commercial and residential development along waterways are contributors to the pollution problem. “All local waterways are connected. Even stream-side residential behavior miles away from the reservoir can have an impact,” said Hoffmann, UWRWA coordinator.

Among reservoirs in the region Geist has the worst water quality in comparison to Eagle Creek on Indianapolis’ west side, and Morse and Salamonie reservoirs in north central Indiana. Geist Reservoir had experienced persistent problems with blue-green algae that, for several years running, has vexed many areas of the lake, and can often be seen at surface level. Called cyanobacteria, these algae obtain energy through photosynthesis, and in the right conditions, can propagate rapidly. “We have a perfect storm situation. The algae thrive on the nutrients, and combined with the shallow depth of the water and long stretches of hot days and little rain, the algae and toxin levels can go up.”

As recently as October of last year, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued a warning about high levels of blue-green algae. “Swimmers and boaters should be careful in all recreational waters… precautionary measures include avoiding contact with visible algae and swallowing water while swimming.” The IDEM directive also cautioned that “exposure to a blue-green algae during recreational activities such as swimming, wading, and water-skiing may lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation, and other uncomfortable effects such as nausea, stomach aches, and tingling in fingers and toes.” However, use of the reservoir is not prohibited by IDEM.

Clean water advocates stress that this is not just a lakeside home issue. Ground water from neighborhoods and farms located miles away from the lake feed into Geist via streams and storm-drains. To the north, many septic tanks are very old, or sit at the water table level and when they fail, human waste escapes into the watershed and drains toward Geist. Data that are tracked annually suggest the problems with toxins and blue-green algae aren’t likely to change without corrective measures being taken. “Looking at the facts and figures we know absolutely the problems will continue. The data are irrefutable.”

Click image for more information on the Geist/Upper Fall Creek Watershed.

So, what do we do about this? Hoffmann points to several contributing factors that result from human lifestyle choices. “Many mature lawns do not need fertilizers, particularly fertilizer with phosphorus in it.” She notes that one pound of phosphorus running off into the water can grow 500 pounds of algae. “There are several natural ‘fertilizers’ and pollutants that accumulate over the winter, decompose, and find their way into the water as well. Leaf litter, pet waste, and landscaping yard waste all contain nutrients such as phosphorus that can add to spring and summer algal blooms,” Hoffmann added.

There is some good news. Infrastructure improvements are underway including updating of pumping stations, and the city of Indianapolis is addressing its combined sewers problem – a corrective measure that clean water advocates hope is embraced by the smaller cities and towns near Geist, particularly to the north. However, big dollars (likely taxes) are needed to make the necessary changes. To that point, the alliance wants to send a message to the governor and legislators, irrespective of political party: “These things are going to take money and it won’t get any cheaper in the future. Essentially it’s a ‘pay me now or pay me later’ proposition,” noted Rodgers, who lauds Rep. Brian Bosma, and Sens. Beverly Gard and Jim Merritt as champions for the cleaner water cause.

The coalition is working on securing additional government grants over the next three years, including the forming of alliances with other like-minded groups while also seeking community and corporate sponsorship involvement. But ultimately, the solutions will require lifestyle changes by residents and businesses committed to improving the watershed. “I believe that people do want to do their part and not contribute to accelerating the problems, but until they see a direct impact, it’s likely they won’t really address the issue. We can do better than that,” said Rodgers.

Additional information about the water challenges and what you can do to help is available online at www.geistwatershed.com.

Former Quarterback Standout Teams Up with Peyton Manning to Help Kids

Mark Herrmann, recent College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Colts quarterback, now champions health and fitness with Peyton Manning and Project 18.

At Purdue University he was an All America quarterback, Big Ten MVP, and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He played quarterback 11 years in the NFL, including two stints with the Indianapolis Colts, and earlier this year was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Mark Herrmann knows a little something about physical fitness and success. “My whole life I’ve understood that it’s best to be in good physical shape, and to compete,” said the onetime Carmel High School quarterback. “That’s what I’ve tried to do since second grade.”

Today, he’s still on message, helping kids understand the importance of exercise and healthy eating. Herrmann, 51 and a consultant to St. Vincent Health, is responsible for promoting Project 18, a childhood obesity initiative aimed at students in grades 3-5 to educate them about risk factors associated with childhood obesity. “This is a critical age in the development of healthy eating habits,” explained Herrmann. “And, I want kids to pull away from sitting and watching TV and playing video games, and to understand that they don’t have to be a great athlete to be active.”

Peyton Manning and Mark Herrmann have teamed up to promote health and fitness through Project 18. (Photo by Kevin Foster)

Oh, and Herrmann has a like-minded colleague you might be familiar with – a fellow named Peyton Manning. “Childhood obesity is a problem that Peyton is passionate about helping to solve,” said Herrmann, who accompanies the Indianapolis Colts star on classroom visits.

Project 18 is affiliated with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and was developed in association with Ball State University and Marsh Supermarkets. The program encourages holistic health and good eating habits. “Obviously Peyton’s name carries a lot of weight,” said Herrmann, no pun intended. “He really is passionate about kids making right choices to be healthy and active.”

The 18-week curriculum is a big hit, with more then 300 elementary schools across the state participating. Teachers receive binders filled with materials that they incorporate into classroom instruction. Kids are tested before instruction begins, and again afterward to determine measurable results. South Grove Intermediate School in Beech Grove was selected as Project 18’s first challenge winner, earning a $2,500 award and a school visit from Manning.

“Peyton’s been great to work with,” said Herrmann. “He obviously has a very busy schedule, but he makes the time. We’re trying to affect students, and in turn, their families by generating a tidal wave of good health habits.”

Herrmann understands that the program’s success will be judged on its outcome. “This fits right in with St. Vincent’s focus on preventative medicine, where the hope is that by making informed choices at a young age kids might just fend off health-related problems down the road.”

Schools and teachers interested in learning more about Project 18 should visit www.project18.stvincent.org, or call 317-338-KIDS (5437).

College-bound Lawrence Township students receive youth service scholarships

IU baseball recruit and Lawrence North graduate Will Nolden was just one of four to receive scholarships from Burd Ford.

Four recent graduates of Lawrence Township high schools have been awarded scholarships for their involvement with youth basketball as players, and later serving as team coaches and other youth sports volunteers.

Lawrence North graduate Brendon Yu and Lawrence Central grad Nathan Ashmore each received Lawrence Township Basketball League (LTBBL) Tom Ford Scholarships in the amount of $1,000. Ford is the founder of LTBBL, and was on hand for the check presentations at Burd Ford, 10320 Pendleton Pike.

Yu, 19, is bound for Indiana University Bloomington, where he hopes to be a student manager for the IU Hoosiers basketball team. Ashmore, 18, is currently enrolled at the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and was unable to attend the check presentation.

Receiving $500 Rich Burd Scholarships were Lawrence Central grad Matthew Glick and Lawrence North grad Will Nolden. The awards were given in honor of the late Richard Burd, who was a long-time LTBBL coach and supporter of youth sports in Lawrence Township.

“I’m very proud of these four young men who graciously donated their time and talents toward making LTBBL the outstanding youth developmental league that it is,” said Christine Burd, owner, Burd Ford, Inc., and widow of Rich Burd. “Their participation and dedication speak well for the future leadership of our community.”

Glick, 19, will attend Goshen College, where he will play NAIA basketball for the Maple Leafs. Nolden, 18, is headed to I.U. Bloomington, as a recruit for the Hoosiers baseball team.

“I’m especially pleased that youngsters participating in LTBBL activities are learning that life isn’t always about winning – it’s about how you carry yourself on and off the basketball court,” said Tom Ford. “These young men clearly exemplify the kind of values LTBBL has always promoted.”

Additional information is available at www.ltbbl.com.

Tumblin’ Nice: Teen Brothers from Fishers Qualify for Gymnastics Junior Olympics

Anton and Chris Stephenson pose with their matching gold medals from the Indiana State Men's Gymnastics Championships.

While growing up in tiny Mitchell, Indiana, Kim Stephenson says she never imagined she’d spend much of her adult life at a training gym. But that’s exactly where she and husband, Greg, find themselves nearly every evening – and with good reason. Sons Chris and Anton are accomplished gymnasts, both state champions who train at DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics in Fishers.

“My boys eat, breathe and sleep gymnastics,” said Kim. “Chris practices 21 hours a week, Anton 18 hours, 52 weeks a year. Their motto is ‘practice makes perfect, but perfect practice really makes perfect.’ They eat healthy diets and don’t drink soda – that’s just the way they’re designed. They are so disciplined.”

Such dedication by this Fishers family has paid big dividends. In March, each boy won his competition level at the Indiana State Men’s Gymnastics Competition in Evansville. Chris, 15, a freshman at Hamilton Southeastern High School, took top honors in Level 10, competing on the six traditional gymnastics apparatus: pommel horse, high bar, floor exercise, parallel bars, vault and still rings. Anton, 13, a 7th grader at Hamilton Southeastern Junior High, also won the all-around championship in Level 9 on the same apparatus.

The Stephenson family (left to right) Greg, Chris, Anton, and Kim.

“I’m not aware of brothers both winning in the same year. They are state champions – nobody beat them! And for both to come home with a title is very significant,” marveled Mom.

Following the regional competition (Chris finished 15th all-around, Anton 10th), the two qualified for the Men’s Junior Olympics Nationals, May 4-9 in Knoxville, Tennessee, where future Olympians will likely be competing. Governed by Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, such competitions are feeders into the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics training program.

“It’s like the Super Bowl of men’s gymnastics,” explained Kim. “Nine regions each send about 50 boys to the JO Nationals. Chris and Anton will be competing against the best of the best.”

Such success doesn’t come easily – or cheaply. Kim and Greg insist that the boys complete all homework before attending evening training sessions, for which the couple pays $600 a month and requires two trips daily except Sunday. Many hundreds of additional dollars are spent for uniforms, fees and the like.

“You have no idea of the time commitment. We’re lucky to live only 15 minutes from DeVeau’s,” said Kim. “The boys have competed in Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, Colorado Springs and elsewhere. With airfare and lodging we spend boatloads of money on gymnastics. Why? Because the boys are physically and mentally healthy, we love the coaches and gym, and we value healthy competition.”

The discipline required of competitive gymnastics is especially helpful to Chris, who as a young child had obsessive compulsive tendencies.

“For Chris, it keeps him focused. Gymnastics was a dream come true and it is still working,” said Kim.

While a spot on a U.S. Olympic team is a distant dream, the family’s immediate goal is scholarships for the boys in top collegiate programs. After nationals the duo heads back to the gym to work on new skills – a routine they’ve kept since age four. Kim, a Lawrence Township teacher, concedes that all the practice time leaves her missing Chris and Anton.

“I’m sometimes sad not seeing them at home, but I’m good with that. They’re the coolest kids ever.”