In 1881 the Daughters of Charity arrived in Indianapolis with hearts full for Christian service and pockets decidedly empty. The nuns’ collective “wealth” was $34.77. They had come at the request of Bishop Francis Silas Chatard to operate a Catholic hospital in Indiana.  The Bishop gave them $50 more to begin their mission: converting an abandoned seminary into a hospital. Slowly, across the decades, the hospital expanded both its physical footprint and caring touch in the city. One can only imagine the wonder with which these humble servants would view today’s St.Vincent hospital system.

The latest iteration is the newly-named St.Vincent Fishers Hospital, which opened full services April 8, at 13861 Olio Road. “Our name change reflects our expansion from a freestanding outpatient healthcare facility to an expanded inpatient hospital,” explained Gary Fammartino, administrator, St.Vincent Fishers Hospital. “We listened to the community, and our expansion has been guided by what families in Fishers, Noblesville and surrounding areas told us they wanted most.”

The 110,000-square-foot, 50-bed hospital expansion is focused on wellness, women’s health and family health and includes: 30 medical/surgical beds, 10 labor-delivery-recovery-post-partum beds, and 10 observation beds. The expansion complements an existing emergency department, surgery department, all-digital imaging center, primary care offices, pediatric specialists, physical therapy and an adult and pediatric sleep lab.

Hospital leadership had anticipated such an expansion when St.Vincent initially located in Fishers. “We began serving this community in 2008 with the first freestanding emergency department and comprehensive outpatient services,” said Fammartino. “Our goal back then was to eventually expand upon these services to include inpatient care when our community determined it was time.”

According to information provided by the hospital, the facility offers many spa-like amenities “because that’s what today’s patients expect.” St.Vincent Fishers has applied for LEED certification (an environmental design designation) with the aim of providing patients, visitors and others with a healthier environment.

Kim Nealon, chief nursing officer, noted the special attention given to St.Vincent Fishers’ labor-delivery and recovery rooms. “Included in a single room are a pull-down Murphy bed, a walk-in shower, and spa tubs that are available for labor and postpartum recovery. Our Center for Women and Infants, and medical-surgical suites are supported by in-house physicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Nealon said.

The new facility provides 24-hour room service for patients, a cafeteria with indoor-outdoor dining, and a chapel and spiritual family waiting area that are “integral to our hospital’s faith-based values system,” explained Nealon.

Fammartino emphasized that St.Vincent Fishers continues to devote a substantial portion of its budgets for charity care and community benefit locally, regionally and internationally in keeping with the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul. “Our hospital’s mission is to treat all persons with special attention to the poor and vulnerable,” said Fammartino. “Our core values of service to the poor, reverence, integrity, wisdom, creativity and dedication are the foundation of who we are and what our communities have come to know as the Spirit of Caring.”

More information about St.Vincent Fishers is available online at northeast.stvincent.org.

In the month of May, we celebrate Memorial Day. It is a time to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on this day to pay homage to those who fought for their country.

For one local resident, the month of May has an even deeper meaning – it is a time to pay homage to her husband who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Captain Brian Letendre was killed on May 3, 2006, during operations in Iraq. He left behind his wife, Autumn, and a young son, Dillon, to carry on life’s journey.

It was a painful time for Autumn but, fortunately, she had returned to Central Indiana to be closer to family when her husband left for Iraq. During her darkest hours, she and her son were, at least, surrounded by family and friends. “We had always talked about what to do if that day ever comes,” says Autumn. “But, you are never really prepared for the devastating  news that you have lost a loved one.”

Over time, Autumn Letendre turned her tragedy into triumph by finding ways to help other military families dealing with not only the pain of losing a loved one, but also the other unique stresses placed on them by deployments, combat, and just day-to-day military life. She eventually formed the Golden Star USA Foundation – a nonpartisan nonprofit organization headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, which supports America’s active duty and honorably discharged troops and their dependents through education, lectures, financing, and other resources.

Autumn is also very proud to be organizing an annual fund-raising event called the “Yellow Ribbon of Love Gala” which brings military families to Indiana from all over to help raise funds for projects such as “DREAM” – a scholarship for the military child which helps towards the dream of going to college. The Annual Gala will be held at the Indiana War Memorial on Saturday, June 29, from 7:00-10:30 p.m. It features a buffet dinner, cash bar, live band, live auction, Fund a Dream, raffle, surprise celebrities, and entertainment. General admission tickets are $100 per person. Attire is formal. Tickets to attend the VIP Cocktail Reception and Gala are $150 per person. The VIP Reception will be located in the Green Room from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

“Sometimes the loss of a loved one means a financial loss to a family and these scholarships help fund a military child’s college education,” says Autumn.

Autumn travels a lot these days as a motivational speaker for different groups across the country including many school groups. She enjoys singing at functions; and in 2009, she caught the attention of the country music scene when she wrote and recorded an album called “Raise Your Flag.” The album was based on a collection of poems she wrote about her experiences as the wife of a military man and losing her husband.

So this May, Autumn asks that we all “raise our flag” for the men and women serving our country and for the military families hoping their loved ones safely return home.

For more information, you can go online at http://www.thegoldenstarusa.com or email Autumn at info@thegoldenstarusa.com.

Action Air owners John and Kandie Dinger with co-owner Gary Sylvester. (Front) Bentley.

When John Dinger got a call to repair a furnace some 35 years ago, little did he know that service call would lead him not only to his future wife, but also his business partner. John and Kandie Dinger started Action Air Heating and Air Conditioning back in 1986 as a two-person company that they operated out of their garage. Today, they are headquartered in Fishers and with 15 employees, they service Indianapolis, Fishers, Geist, Anderson, and the surrounding areas.

About ten years ago, they partnered with Gary Sylvester who helped round out their team by bringing management skills and a business acumen to the company. John is involved in the technical service-call side, and Kandie handles all the office, payroll, human resources, and marketing functions. Having a hands-on woman in charge in what is typically a man’s field, she says, is rare. But she says people realize quickly that she knows her business.

Action Air specializes in the service and replacement of all major brands of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. They also handle indoor air-quality issues such as filtration and duct cleaning. One area that they pride themselves in is their low-cost maintenance program which includes two service calls per year: one for furnaces during the heating months and the other for air conditioning during the cooling season. The Action Air Service Club can help save customers money by keeping equipment operating at peak efficiency, extending the life of the system, and troubleshooting potential problems before they happen. Kandie says that the average lifespan of a furnace or air conditioner is 12 to 15 years, and one of the biggest reasons that they don’t last longer is lack of maintenance.

She stresses that unlike many other HVAC firms that are owned by large foreign companies, Action Air is truly a local mom and pop business. ”We’re a local company and live in the area. A lot of the people we do furnace and air conditioning work for are people that we are friends with.” She adds that Action Air takes full responsibility for their work; and if it doesn’t get fixed properly the first time, they will make sure the job gets done right. “We try really hard to take really good care of folks. We’re not just going to do a drive-by, 15-minute tune-up on your air conditioner. They’re usually in your home for an hour to an hour and a half. They’re really thorough,” she says.

One of the challenges to the heating and air conditioning business these days, Kandie says, is all the added regulation and new requirements. The cost of providing freon or coolant for older units is becoming prohibitive, so, as a result, it is often cheaper to replace an older unit with a more modern one. Action Air can help you choose the type of system that is best for your home should you need a new one, and financing options are available.

Action Air has been an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner for eleven years in a row and is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau. And as Kandie says about their Mom and Pop operation, “Mom and Pop go to work every day.” So does their dog, Bentley. It really is a family affair.

Action Air
13284 Britton Park Road
Fishers, IN 46038
317-585-8981/Toll Free 1-866-585-8981
www.ActionAirFishers.com
Kandie@ActionAirFishers.com

Greg and Chris Garrison have many things in common. As brothers, they enjoy life with varied interests, but the bond of practicing law is the cement that has made their law firm so successful. The Garrison Law Firm brings together professionals with more than 100 years of experience in several important areas of law.

In their private lives, the brothers really do share a wonderful sense of humor and strong interests in history, horses, sports, reading, and spending time together as a family. It is obvious they enjoy their time together and support each other in their individual areas of legal expertise.

The Brothers …

Greg Garrison, the attorney, is indeed an experienced litigator (on both sides of the courtroom) and has prosecuted a number of high-profile criminal cases. Currently, his practice is concentrated on personal injury law, business and commercial trial work, and general litigation. It goes without saying he is also a highly recognized, long-time radio talk show host with WIBC and because of this high public profile, we sometimes forget he is a very busy and engaged successful attorney as well. In his personal time, when he is not riding and caring for his beloved horses, Greg is a well-known published author who has written several books in his spare time.

Chris Garrison concentrates his law practice in the area of personal injury claims from accidents, defective products, dangerous property conditions (slip and falls), animal attacks, poisonings, and employment injuries caused by someone other than the employer or co-worker. His interest in this particular area of law stems from his father who was in medicine and his own personal involvement of seeing what happens to individuals or families who suffered serious injury or death because of an accident or incident they didn’t cause. In his personal life, Chris enjoys being with his family, reading, and when there is time, hiking, walking, and sports.

They say success attracts like-minded successful professionals, and the Garrison Law Firm certainly has attracted experienced lawyers who represent a broad base of clients and legal representation in Indiana.

When life takes a different turn and you find yourself in a situation that demands legal attention, you can’t go wrong in giving Greg and Chris Garrison a call. Their legal practice expertise and deep love of the law that works for you, could make the difference in setting the course for your personal or professional recovery.

For more information call their office at 317-842-8283 or go to their website: http://garrisonlegal.com

From a basketball player, to a coach, to a scout, to breaking down videos, to sweeping floors and making sure kids work on graduating while with the Continental Basketball Association, to being the director of basketball operations at the University of Tennessee from 2005 to 2011, Ken Johnson has seen and done it all. He has four huge rings from success at various levels, including in the NCAA tournament with the Volunteers under Bruce Pearl. He also coached under Pearl at the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

But his most fulfilling award? His current job as a college sports recruiter for the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA), which helps student athletes in ALL sports. The NCSA also works closely with the NCAA. “I’m used to working with college basketball players and making sure they get their grades and do the right things, make the right decisions. I worked closely with them at UT. Now, I work closely with families, helping their kids. This is very fulfilling.”

Ken and his wife, Amber, who’s a clinical manager for Access Scientific, reside in Fishers. He’s big on family. In fact, his kids also bear his name in their names: Makenzie (14), Kenley (6), and Deaken (2).

The NCSA is headquartered in Chicago. One reason he chose Fishers, he said, was because of the schools and being in the Midwest. Plus, his best friend, Ryan Owners, a former coach at DePauw, lives in Fishers.

Johnson is very street smart after growing up in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. “I was the youngest of 3 boys and raised by a single mother who was a teacher’s aide and later started her own bakery,” he said. “I had great support from friends and family in LA. Mom shaped me. Sports kept me out of trouble, and I had a lot of people help me stay on the right track.”

The effervescent Johnson, the first from his family to graduate from college, knows the importance of getting an education. As a Tennessee graduate in 2010, he received his master’s degree in Sports Administration. Johnson brings a lot to the table for families and their kids. “College nowadays is like a high school degree – you really have to have it,” said Johnson.

He says if kids work hard to get it done in the classroom, then there’s a college out there for them. “Not everyone can go to Duke or Indiana, and parents have to be realistic about that,” he said, “But there are many other schools ready and willing to help their kids and help shape their futures. They just have to get it done in the classroom in order to have an opportunity to get it done in athletics. Parents just have to be open to all possibilities, and the one thing they need to impress on their kids is they are students first, then athletes. . .STUDENT ATHLETES.”

Steve Risley, father of Ross Risley, the senior quarterback at Hamilton Southeastern in 2012 who recently signed to play for Wittenberg College in the fall, has this to say: “The most important thing that NCSA opened our eyes to was the vast opportunities that exist in Division II and Division III sports. While we all want our children to play for Alabama, Notre Dame, or other major Division I programs, that is not always going to happen. Our goal was for Ross to further his education and prepare for life. If he were going to make the effort and commitment at the next level, then he should have the opportunity to play – not just go to our alma mater, put on a uniform, and sit. “We are not sure that Ross would have gotten this opportunity to move forward to the next level without having NCSA as part of our process. I am sure there are other services out there like NCSA, but they provided the best fit for us. Ross, his mom (Teea), and I are very happy with the success we have seen and the results we achieved.”

Risley, a member of Indiana University’s 1981 NCAA championship basketball team and a McDonald’s All-American from Lawrence Central High School, added: “DO NOT THINK YOU CAN BE AS SUCCESSFUL GOING AT IT ALONE UNLESS YOU ARE A RIVALS.COM OR SCOUTS.COM BLUE CHIPPER. Those players are few and far between. The rest of us will do much better in finding that ‘best fit and opportunity’ with help from people who have done this before. That was NCSA for us.”

Final words that Johnson would like to impress upon parents: “Be open to the possibilities and opportunities. Getting a scholarship paid for and being able to play the sport you love at the next level are priceless.”

National Collegiate Scouting Association

What: Athletic recruiting

Contact: Ken Johnson

Phone: 317-774-5687

Website: http://ncsasports.com

S.P.O.R.T.S. (Southeastern Program of Recreational Team Sports) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing youth in the Hamilton Southeastern community with the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive team sports that promote character development, leadership and physical fitness.  We are located at 12690 Promise Road, Fishers.  All participants must reside in Hamilton Southeastern School District.

S.P.O.R.T.S. Fall 2013 Registration May 1-31 – Registration will take place in May for football, cheerleading, soccer, fall baseball, girls volleyball, cross country, and boys and girls basketball (basketball registration will remain open until August 31).  Parents may register online or by submitting a form to the S.P.O.R.T.S. office.  The registration forms will be available on the S.P.O.R.T.S. website, at all HSE schools, the Fishers Library and the S.P.O.R.T.S. office.  Parents registering online can pay online with a credit card or can print the form and submit it to the office with check or cash payment.  All participants must reside in the Hamilton Southeastern School District.

If you would like more information, please visit our website at www.hsesports.org or call the SPORTS office at 845-5582.

Although all of our nominees are deserving of being the Mom of the Year, the winner, Claudia Davis, mother of three daughters, stands out as the only finalist to be nominated by a non-family member. Her compassionate and nurturing spirit lead to her current role as a breast health navigator at Community Hospital North, where she serves as an advocate for breast cancer patients. Her motherly instincts extend beyond her own family, which is what makes her our Fishers Mom of the Year.

Breast cancer survivor Christi Poske’s 11-year-old daughter, Cassidy, wrote a school essay about Christi’s battle with breast cancer, citing Claudia as a true hero who helped her mom triumph over the disease. Claudia’s reassurance and positive attitude made her feel safe in a time of uncertainty. Christi sent the essay to Fishers Community Newsletter to nominate Claudia for Fishers Mom of the Year. “When I think back about my fight with breast cancer, there is no one else I would want by my side other than Claudia. Chemotherapy, surgeries, or simply a basic appointment, she always made me feel safe, and that I was going to be OK. To this day, when I get scared she is always ‘my run-to’ person,” said Poske.

Claudia and her husband, John, and their three daughters, moved from Elkhart, Indiana to Fishers in 1991. In short order, Claudia became a school volunteer and then school nurse. In 1996, Claudia went to work at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, focusing on home care. “Building relationships with home care patients was very rewarding,” said Davis.

During her father’s battle with cancer, Claudia recognized that the oncology nurses were the most helpful resource to patients and their families. She joined Community Hospital North in 2000 and became certified in oncology and breast health through the Oncology Nursing Society. Claudia has received several awards for nursing including 2004 winner of Community Health Network’s Nursing Excellence award for patient-focused care. In 2007, she was awarded the Indiana Hometown Hero Award by the Indiana Pacers for her work with breast cancer patients. She is also a member of the Community Health Network Society for Nursing Excellence.

After hours, Claudia actively supports breast cancer events and fundraisers, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Megan S. Ott Foundation. She serves on the Board of Directors for Indiana Women In Need Foundation, a support organization for women enduring breast cancer treatment.

After becoming aware of their mother’s nomination, Claudia’s daughters got on board with the idea quickly. All three have always known that they share an amazing mother. “I look up to mom as a role model in patient care. Since we both work at Community North, I hear from patients just how special she is,” said Jodi Statzer, Claudia’s oldest daughter. Second daughter Kelli Davis said, “I wasn’t actually surprised by the nomination, just unaware. My mother has always been an inspiration. She is an amazing person who truly cares about other people.” Courtney Davis, Claudia’s youngest daughter, added, “Living with a chronic illness myself, I know how valuable it is to have an advocate like my mom in the medical system. She inspires me to want to become an advocate for others suffering from Lupus.”

Married for more than 40 years, Claudia and John look forward to more vacations with her granddaughters, Chloe and Josie, in the years ahead.

As the Fishers Mom of the Year, Claudia will receive the following gifts and services: • Hair makeover, nails and makeup from Reeda Todd Hair Salon • Mother’s pendant necklace from Geist Jewelers • Month long membership to 7e Fit Spa • Day spa package from Message Envy • Bouquet of flowers from McNamara Florist • Dinner for two at Murphy’s Pubhouse • Wine basket from Tasteful Times

Congratulations Claudia!  You are an inspiration to all!

Although this May 7 isn’t a Presidential Primary Election year, registered voters living in the Hamilton Southeastern School District have an important reason to get out to the polls in high numbers. The HSE School District is seeking voter approval for $95,000,000 necessary to increase classroom space at both Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School for 2,000 more students. The majority of these additional 2,000 students are already enrolled in the school district in the elementary, middle school, and junior high grades.

District leaders studied various solutions and gathered feedback from the community, parents, students, and educators. These combined factors resulted in a proposed plan that would elevate the need for up to 84 portable classroom trailers as the younger students move through the lower grades and enter high school. Rather than build a third high school in the HSE District, the proposed plan asks for $95,000,000 to expand the two current high school campuses as a cost savings measure. According to the district, this proposal would save $30,000,000 off the cost of building a third high school and save another $750,000 each year in operating costs by avoiding duplicate administration, extra-curricular facilities, and activities.

Unlike previous referendum questions, this question is much simpler to understand. Following is a sample of the question as it will appear on the ballot: Local Public Question: “Shall Hamilton Southeastern Schools issue bonds or enter into a lease to finance the expansion and related improvements of Fishers High School and HSE High School, which are estimated to cost not more than $95,000,000 and are estimated to increase the property tax rate for debt service by a maximum of $0.1353 per $100 of assessed value?”

The property tax impact for voters has added a complexity to this referendum due to the confusing State of Indiana property tax structure. Although all residents of the HSE School District who pay property taxes will contribute to the proposed additions, only homeowners who own property at or above the property tax cap will see an increase in tax bills. Because the district will be paying off old debt, those owners below the tax cap could see a decrease in property taxes. If the referendum passes, those same owners experiencing a tax decrease may return to current tax amounts due to the new debt replacing the old debt, essentially experiencing little or no change to their tax bills.

The district attempts to simplify the resulting property tax impact by offering homeowners the following examples for homes assessed at three levels. A home assessed at $195,000 would have no increase, a $230,000 home would come with a $12-per-month increase, and a $370,000 home would come with a $23-per-month increase. However, the exact impact will vary based on the assessed value of a home, the tax district where the property is located, and whether or not it is valued under the property tax cap.

If passed, the referendum will allow the Hamilton Southeastern School District to build the space necessary to house 1,000 additional students at each high school. Therefore, HSE and Fishers High Schools could avoid the need for 84 new portable classroom trailers. This additional space will provide the district an opportunity to have space that will support the shift in instruction to include more 21st century learning. While the new space will not cost any more money than traditional classroom space, it will solve the space issue of growing enrollment and offer senior academies at each location. All seniors will utilize this new instructional space in addition to classes and activities in other parts of the buildings. Underclassmen will also have opportunities to take classes in the academy and use the new facilities. The plan also includes the expansion of other areas to accommodate the increased volume by expanding fine arts, performing arts, and physical education areas.

Additional information regarding the high school additions and referendum information can be found on the district website at www.hse.k12.in.us or call the administration office at 317-594-4100.  Voting and elections information can be found on the Hamilton County Government website at http://www.hamiltoncountry.in.gov.

April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring? Summer vacation! School will be out in just a few short months. Don’t wait to hear the dreaded “Mom! Dad! I’m bored!” It’s time to get your children enrolled in a summer camp. Lucky for you, there are many options in the area to keep the kids busy until the yellow bus comes back in the fall. Sign up today to ensure your kids enjoy a boredom-free summer!

Do your kids love driving over the Geist Reservoir and wish they could be on one of the boats they see sailing on the water? Tell them to put on their Coast Guard-approved life vest and get ready for Sailing Camp. The Indianapolis Sailing Club offers weekly Junior Sailing Camps beginning the week of June 10. The camps welcome all levels of experience. Beginners just need to be comfortable around water. Campers will enjoy sailing every day, if the weather permits, and all equipment is included except the required life vest. Sailing Camp is open to ages 8–17 years old with certain weeks designated for the 10 to 17-year-old age group. Camp is held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for $295. Discounts are offered for additional weeks, sibling attendance, and to Indianapolis Sailing Club members. Space is limited and slots fill up quickly for this summer opportunity. For more information and registration forms, visit http://www.indianapolissailing.org or email michelle.sarber@gmail.com.

MyArt Camp Let your budding artists bloom at MyArt Summer Camp, new this year in Fishers. MyArt has locations in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Zionsville. The Fishers MyArt is the newest addition to the MyArt family and is located at 12244 East 116th Street on the campus of Rita’s Backyard. At MyArt, a non-competitive environment and supportive instructors give students the courage to explore their creativity while also learning technique and skill. Camps are available in four-day or single-day mini-camp options. Monday through Thursday camps are held for two-and-a-half hours with morning and afternoon options available. Friday mini-camps are in the morning. At MyArt, all teachers believe that anyone can be taught how to draw if you have the passion and desire to learn! Each camp focuses on a theme and will use a variety of mediums and styles throughout the camp. The theme options include Cartooning, Animal Lovers, Rainforest Adventure, Under the Sea, Things with Wings, Angry Birds, Winged Whimsy, Pokémon, and Superheroes. All artist-led camps guide students to create at least one masterpiece per day. The four-day camp is $140, and the single-day mini-camp is $35. These fees include all necessary supplies. Students 5 years old and older are encouraged to register now while openings are available. Space is limited, so sign up today by calling Sylvia at 317-443-6831 or email Sylvia@myartindy.com. More information is available at http://www.myartindy.com.

Incrediplex Summer Adventure Camp is the place to play all day long! Held under 4 acres of indoor air-conditioned fun, this camp is designed for kids ages 6–14 years old. The action-packed camps are offered all summer on full-day weekly, half-day weekly, single full day, or single half day schedules.  Activities include a four-story playground, soccer, bowling, basketball, volleyball, kickball, rock climbing, inflatables, and so much more. The Incrediplex is located at 6002 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236, just a short drive from Fishers or Geist. Camp begins on May 28 and continues through August 16 from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with pre- and post-camp hours available for an extra fee that extends the day from 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.  Fees are $149 weekly for full day, $89 weekly for half day, $40 daily, or $25 for half-day sessions. Additional children in the same immediate family will receive a $15 discount for each full day or $10 discount for each half day weekly camp. Registrations are accepted by calling 317-823-9555, and walk-ins are always welcome. Find out more information at www.incrediplex.com. Make this a summer of adventure your kids will never forget! Bring your kids for the whole summer, the week, or just for the day, because at Incrediplex you have so many options for fun!

Are you tired of the kids using your furniture as balance beams and trampolines? The Rec Room has a solution for those long summer days! Bring the kids to Gymnastics and Tumbling Camps at The Rec Room for four days of fun! All camps are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and include a snack and T-shirt. Gymnastics sessions are designed for children ages 3 and older, and Tumbling sessions are open to those 7 years and older. Participants will be excited to show off their skills during a short performance on Thursdays for parents and guests. Campers will also enjoy the end-of-the-week Water Day! Each session is $135 per week with a $10 sibling discount and a nonrefundable $50 deposit due by May 6 with the remaining balance due on or before the first day of camp. The Rec Room is located at 9344 Castlegate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Camps are held 5 weeks during the summer beginning June 3, June 17, June 24, July 8, and July 22. Camp registration has already begun and space is limited, so call today at 317-594-5555.

At Kiddie Academy of Fishers school-aged children from 6 to 12 years old will engage in week-long themed camps that culminate in a field trip or hands-on experience related to the theme. Veteran campers are already buzzing with excitement over Bug Week; aspiring chefs are ready for Cooking Week; and sports enthusiasts are geared up for a week of Olympic fun!  Kiddie Academy of Fishers is located at 11703 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037, and registrations for camp are accepted in person or by phone Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. There is a $100 per child or $150 per family registration fee which includes all field trips or experiences, and camps are $190 per child for full-time weekly participants. Lunch and snacks are included in the cost, and a 10% discount is offered to siblings. Kiddie Academy staff believes that every day should be this awesome! Call Kiddie Academy of Fishers today at 317-596-3100 to secure a full-time or part-time spot for your children.

Indy Ski School Celebrating 10 years of service offers skiing and wakeboarding camps for ages 6 years and older. No boat, no problem! The Monday through Thursday camp provides all equipment except a Coast Guard-approved life vest. Instructors are Level 1 USA Waterski certified.  Beginners and experienced watersport enthusiasts are all encouraged to attend. Camps are $250 and available in early morning, midday, and afternoon sessions beginning June 3. Camp drop off and pick up is at Geist Marina’s courtesy docks. Private lessons are also available. Register online at www.indyskischool.com. Contact Derek Dechert at 317-370-5478 or email indyskischool@comcast.net.

At Holy Cross Summer Camp, children ages 3 through those who have completed grade 3 can participate in five weekly science-themed camps offering three-, two-, or single-day options. Science themes include dinosaurs, amazing animals, kitchen science/magic, space, and pirates. Participants will enjoy science with hands-on fun! Robotics Lego Camp is also offered for children who have completed grades 1 or higher. Programs are scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning June 25 and are $18 per day for each child. Registration forms will be available after Spring Break on http://hclc.info to print, complete, and return with payment to the school office at 8115 Oaklandon Road. Contact Karen Geiger with questions at 317-826-1234.

Camp Indy, a ministry of Horizon Christian Fellowship, offers an outdoor adventure camp in a Christian setting on 98 acres near 79th and Fall Creek at 7702 Indian Lake Road. Day camps are held weekly May 28 through August 2 from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with extended care available. Campers are grouped by age offering junior camp for 4- to 6-year-olds that includes swimming, crafts, and outdoor play. Campers 7–9 years old and 10–13 years old enjoy swimming, games, and more but also select from over 20 specialty camps and sports clinics to learn specific skills and techniques. Your camper might find it difficult to choose among Canoe Paddlers Camp, Cooking Camp, Horseback Camp, Music Lovers Camp, Basketball Clinic, Cheer Clinic, Sports Fans Camp, and so much more. Camp cost ranges from $140-$200 per week depending on age and activity choices. More information and registration are available online at www.campindy.org. For questions, call 317-823-9038 or email to info@campindy.org.

Camp Invention is a national summer program offer by Invent Now, Inc. This summer’s program is Geo-Quest, featuring the I Can Invent: Launchitude module. This year, students will combine physics and re-engineered household items to create the ultimate Duck Chucking Device. Children entering grades 1 through 6 will have the opportunity to participate in our local camps held in Fishers at Hoosier Road Elementary on June 10–June 14 and at St. Louis de Montfort on June 17–June 21 from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The 5-day camp is offered only during these two weeks in our immediate area, so register today before it’s too late for your child to participate in this hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) content camp! Register at www.campinvention.org or call 1-800-968-4332. Costs are $220 or $250, but our readers will receive a $15 discount by using the offer code “SPRING” when you register.

Geist Sports Academy The No Bummer Summer Camp at Geist Sports Academy is offered for both preschool and school-aged children beginning at 3 years old. Full-day and half-day options with extended care are available and include arts and crafts, water play on a 20-foot slide, and theme activities. All camps end on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and include a special camp performance for family and friends. Preschool-themed camps include Princess or Superhero, Go for the Gold Gymnastics, Ooey Gooey Scientist Camp, and more! School-aged students will enjoy options of Art Explosion Camp, So You Think You Can Dance, High Flying Tramp & Tumbling Camp, and more! Each individual camper will enjoy one-half off your 3rd camp by signing up for two camps. These week-long camps are $225 for full day and $165 for half day options. Wet ‘N Wild Wednesdays are also offered as a 3-hour drop-off program from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Kids can have fun on the trampolines, enjoy the water slide, and so much more! Call 317-823-7734 to reserve your spot, or find more information at www.geistsportsacademy.com.

Additional Area Summer Camps YMCA Day Camps:  www.indymca.org/camp or call 317-577-2070.

Fishers Parks & Recreation Summer Camps:  http://www.fishers.in.us/department/division.php?fDD=9-229. Call for information at 317-595-3150 or walk in at 11565 Brooks School Road, Fishers, IN 46037.

Conner Prairie Summer Adventure Camps and Art Camps: www.connerprairie.org or call 317-776-6006.

Mad Science Camp of North Central Indiana:  Located at Fishers United Methodist Church at 9690 East 116th Street, Fishers, IN 46037.  Email fun@indymadschience.org or find more information at www.indy.madscience.org or 317-388-0988.

David Cook never played fast pitch softball. He played baseball.

He did help coach a girls traveling softball team in Pendleton. Two of the girls on that team had a lot to do with Cook becoming a varsity softball coach. They helped plant the seed, so to speak.

They told him that there would be an opening at HSE. He said he really hadn’t thought about coaching high school softball until they mentioned such a possibility.

“I’ve truly enjoyed coaching girls softball, and I really thought that the sport was close to really taking off,” he said. “Back then, there was only the ASA (American Softball Association), but the sport exploded statewide (it’s been under the IHSAA umbrella since 1985). When I decided to apply at HSE, winning a state championship never entered my mind, or that maybe it could happen at Southeastern. I so enjoyed coaching and working with the girls, and I was just happy to have a chance to coach at Southeastern.”

Cook enters his Silver Anniversary season coaching the Lady Royals this spring. He’s already a legend. He’s won two state championships (2007 and 2010), something no other coach in Hamilton County has accomplished, and he needs only 21 victories to reach the 500-win milestone. Not only is he likely to get No. 500 this season, you can’t help but wonder when the school’s softball diamond will be named after David Cook.

Cook also has come a long way in the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association, where he is an active member. He’s a regular voter on the Top 15 Voting Panel for Region 3 and a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

“A lot of memories?” Cook was asked. “Yes, many,” said Cook, a graduate of Pendleton Heights High School who earned a Physical Education degree from Ball State. “I’m blessed. I have great kids, strong parent involvement, tremendous facilities here, and a very supportive administration.

“And as far as coaching and winning, the fire still burns. I look forward to every season. This is what I do, what I love. I never have any thoughts of retirement. Winning never gets old, and helping prepare these kids for when they leave high school is important. I’m not just talking about whether they excel at the next level in softball; I mean helping them prepare, excel in life is what really is important.”

When he talks about his team, coaches, and everyone involved, he likes to think of it as one big family. He said that parents host some dinners during the season, and that the girls will go to breakfast as a team on occasion.

“We go to breakfast every prom, for sure. They love it. They need to do and think about something other than softball on that day. Certainly we don’t practice on prom day. You know, the girls need to do their nails and hair and get ready for their big night,” he said with a chuckle.

But getting back to his Silver Anniversary moment or season, here’s what Noblesville’s Mike Ramsey said about Cook: “Dave is a great competitor! I absolutely enjoy playing his teams as they are always well prepared and, year in year out, among the best in the state. Twenty-five years is a long time to do anything. The impact Dave has had on our sport and all the young lives he has mentored is really overwhelming. I think if there were a template for what a Hall of Fame coach looks like in any sport, Dave represents it. He has been as successful as any fast pitch coach in Indiana history in the win-loss column and holds 2 state championship titles. If his actions ended there, the story would be very impressive; but I don’t think many people realize how active coach Cook is behind the scenes as an advocate for his girls and our sport.”

Cook just smiles and shrugs his shoulders whenever Hall of Fame talk is mentioned. He’s not there yet, but he will be. His teams have won 20 or more games the past six years. The Lady Royals were 25-5 last year. He could also go over 500 career victories this season. He ranks fifth on the all-time list with 479 wins; he’s lost 178. He needs 1 more set championship to move into a second-place tie with New Palestine’s Ed Marcum.

“Not a goal – not something I spend time thinking about,” he said matter of factly about the Hall of Fame. “I don’t know what the criteria is, but I’m guessing you have to be nominated.”

One of Cook’s goals, though, is to keep on winning and doing things the right way when it comes to teaching, preparing, and leading his Lady Royals.

Said Center Grove’s Russ Milligan, a four-time state champion whose 590-74 won-loss record ranks atop the state coaching list: “Dave is a great coach and always has his girls well prepared. His love for the game and his love and commitment to the girls he coaches is evident in both his accomplishments and in his demeanor on the diamond.”

Cook is also the only coach to produce an unbeaten season en route to a state title when the tournament was single class, and now that feat still stands in Class 4A of Class Softball. His 2007 team, led by Miss Softball Morgan Melloh, went 31-0.

“Would we love to win another one this season? Yeah, that would be awesome,” he said. “But getting out of our sectional is not easy. This is just really a difficult sectional. That’s the first and most important. After that, we’d like to think the rest of the way might not always be as a difficult. Our conference (Hoosier Crossroads) and sectional, we feel, really does prepare you to advance in the state tournament.”

As far as the sectional goes, certainly Carmel, Noblesville, and Fishers, in particular, have been formidable foes; and Zionsville and Westfield should be stronger this season. Cook’s Lady Royals beat then-No. 1 Noblesville two years ago in the sectional, then lost to Fishers in a semifinal game, and Carmel went on to win state. Last year, the Lady Royals went extra innings, losing to Carmel 1-0 in 8 innings in the sectional final. “Like I said, nothing easy about our sectional,” he motioned with his hands while shaking his head with a sigh.

This year’s team could be very good. All three pitchers return in seniors Alyssa Buchanan and Amanda Winthrow and sophomore Maggie Armstrong, who’s coming off a tremendous freshman season where she posted a 2.08 ERA. She also plays shortstop. Winthrow was sort of thrown into the fire last year when Buchanan could not play because of elbow surgery in the offseason. Winthrow responded brilliantly by recording 150 strikeouts. Buchanan also pitched extremely well on the 2010 state championship team. Catching those three is Roni Patterson, a hard-nosed competitor with good speed and a strong arm who is a power-hitting lead-off batter.

“Our pitchers are good, very good. I won’t say they are the best, but I can’t believe there’s any team with three pitchers any better,” Cook said.

His competitive nature takes over off the field once in awhile when talking about the sport he loves – especially when he sees teams or hears of a team pop up on the internet that he might know nothing about yet that seems to have all these great statistics (oft times unrealistic numbers). “I’m not saying we can beat them; but if they’re that good, come on. I want to play them, and we’ll see what happens,” he said with a slight grin.

Cook’s conversation always comes back to his girls. “My assistants might say I’ve softened up over the years, but there’s still a lot of discipline in our program. At the same time kids need to have fun, and they need to know you are there for them and that you’ll always be there for them,” Cook said.

“Like I said, we’re trying to create a family atmosphere. As important as winning is, well, it’s not all about winning. We have a lot of smart, really smart, ladies. They have high GPA’s, some even over 4.0. We play a lot of games in a very short time, and it’s important that we provide balance in their daily schedules. That could mean ending practice early on occasion to give them time to hit the books. I can’t stress enough how important grades are.”

Assistant Coach Alison Strole said, “Back in the ‘90s when I played for him, his nickname was Mad Bear. Back then, he was very vocal, but it was also the way to motivate athletes. If he would yell at me, it got me fired up and I would pitch the ball harder. Now my nickname for him is Teddy Bear. It’s our running joke. I keep telling him he has become a big softy. However, though his coaching style may have changed over the years, one thing that has not changed is his passion for the game and his dedication to his players. He goes above and beyond to help kids who want to play at the next level get there. He then makes sure that he goes and sees them. I still remember when we (IU) were playing at Arizona in a tourney and my parents weren’t able to make the trip. I looked up in the stands and there was Coach Cook. It meant the world to me. I also think it says a lot that most of his coaching staff over the years are former players like myself who, after playing college ball, want to come back to the program. It is truly one big family!”

Asked how he would like to be remembered when his coaching days end, Cook leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and paused a moment as if he was in deep thought. “That I’ve always been for our girls – and we’ve had some great ones come through this program as athletes and just really fine people,” he said. “And that I want those involved with our program to like what we’ve done and to know we’ve always tried to do things the right way.”

OK, coach, enjoy your Silver Anniversary season.