Bus drivers understand the complexity of the profession. I have been in discussion with many people trying to understand what happened that afternoon, but that’s not known yet.
I watched updates on the accident and the coverage of Jordan’s funeral. I was so impressed with her daughter telling everyone things that her mom would tell her friends, students and staff. The one that hit home most for me was, “Make good decisions. I hear teachers and principals telling students to do that all the time at Hornet Park Elementary and South Grove Intermediate schools.
I see where some schools have reviewed and made changes in some of the rules for the operation of buses while on school property. I am certain that the majority of bus drivers from all over the country have reviewed their procedures and are making sure that they are doing their jobs as safely as possible.
Over the years as a bus driver for Beech Grove Schools, I became friends with the personnel at the schools. Most schools operate like family, and that family includes everyone affiliated with the school. Those of us who are involved in the daily operation of the educational system were shocked and saddened by the accident.
I remain close to the intermediate and elementary schools as my therapy dog, Stuart, listens to the children read on a weekly basis.
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I attended the Southport-Columbus North basketball Jan. 29, during which Southport’s Indiana All-Stars were honored. Fred Fleetwood (1962) Louie Dampier (’63) Jim Krivacs (’74) Linda Mallender (’81) and Erica Fall (’93) were in attendance.
I enjoyed visiting with Louie for a few minutes. I was so happy to see Shelly Condon (a Southport alum), who is a counselor for Beech Grove Schools. We have been friends for a long time. She and her family, including her dog, Cha Cha, used to meet Lyn, Stuart and me at Ritter’s, which provided our canine companions with vanilla custard treats.
As the players were being introduced, I was surprised to hear the public address announcer recognizing Josh Speidel, the Columbus North player who was involved in an automobile accident last year and suffered brain trauma. He had been recruited by the University of Vermont and is visiting the school. It was so exciting and encouraging to see him standing and waving to the crowd.
I also attended a women’s game at Marian University, where coach Katie Geralds’ team has won 13 games in a row and is 21-3 (12-0 Crossroads League).
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I was surprised and saddened when hearing about the closing of the Longacre Bar & Grill a couple of weeks ago.
I didn’t like driving past it at 4813 Madison Ave. and seeing no activity. The bar was once a house, and it was my family’s home from the time I was 3 until about 17.
It reopened Monday under the same name with Elaina “E” Power and Lonetta “Loni” Cooper as the new proprietors. I got to know the ladies while having a great lunch there. They were still in the process of getting everything up and running smoothly. They have been working almost nonstop getting the place ready
I was told that they will open every day at 11 a.m. for lunch, and there will be some drink specials.
The gals enjoy motorcycle riding and the company of other riders. I’m fairly sure they will host a weekly biker night. to be back in business.
I’m so happy the bar is open again for business.
Welcome to the Southside, ladies.