South Bend, Indiana; April 21, 2008

Uncle Ron’s Ramblings

Regis Gets to visit South Bend’s University: After numerous visits to South Bend Regis Philbin finally got a chance to visit South Bend’s only university Saturday.

Regis did graduate from a university north of South Bend at Notre Dame, IN. but his appearance at the initial (hopefully) annual Dance for the Homeless Dance Marathon was his first visit to Indiana University-South Bend.

Regis opened the festivities at noon, Saturday, along with Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea (who is not up for reelection this year) and Second District U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly (who is). He returned at 6 p.m. with CFH Executive Director Steve Camilleri (Steve accompanied Regis on both visits). He was presented with an IUSB hat and Dance Marathon t-shirts for himself, Kelly Ripa, and “Live with Regis and Kelly” director Gellman.

He was told that the two dancers on the t-shirt were modeled after himself and Kelly.

I also left Regis a complimentary copy of the Homeless Herald but I don’t know if he got it. Regis showed the t-shirt and a copy of the IUSB Preface—which mentioned his visit to the campus—on “Live” this morning.

A small group of dedicated dancers stayed for the entire affair which included live music and a disc jockey.

According to Steve, the choice of “Dance Evolution” as one of the contests was appropriate because the event took seven months of evolution. He thanked everyone associated with the event, but singled out IUSB student coordinator Aleah Wilburn for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Steve said it will take about three weeks to figure out how much money was raised at the Marathon.

(We tried blogging live from the Dance Marathon but lost the wireless internet signal. You can read John Nelson’s blog from stage-side at www.homelessherald.blogspot.com.)

.Announcements

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India Travel: Katherine Dick spent three weeks in India and will present on her trip Wednesday, April 23, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the CFH Community Room. Everyone is invited.

Think You’ve Got What it Takes to Be a Star: Drumming and dancing classes are coming to CFH and you’re invited to participate.

Professional drummers and dancers are coming to offer fun, music, and expertise on the following days: Thursday, March 13, 7:30-9 p.m.; Thursday, March 20, 7:30-9 p.m.; Thursday, March 27, 7:30-9 p.m.; Sunday, March 30, 2-4 p.m.; Thursday, April 10, 7:30-9 p.m.; Sunday, April 20, 2-4 p.m.; Thursday, May 1, 7:30-9 p.m.

Classes will be held in the third floor Community Room. See Juanetta for more details.

Artistic Newsletter: Are you an artist, poet or writer? Place submissions for the Artistic Newsletter in Emily Pickerill’s box. Express your talents and ideas by participating. Start submitting as soon as possible.

VA Hospital Van: To schedule a ride to the VA Hospital in Ft. Wayne, St. Joseph County veterans can call Doug Davis (USMC, retired) at (574) 243-VETS (8387) The van service also provides connecting rides to the VA hospitals in Marion and Indianapolis.

Homeless Veterans: If you are disabled and cannot work full-time (or are over 65), you may be entitled to a disability pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information and complete eligibility requirements, call 1-800-827-1000.

You can also contact: Dianne W. Brown, Homeless Veterans Coordinator by calling 317-554-0000, extension 82589 or direct dial 317-988-2589 at Indianapolis VAMC, Room C-2065. Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-3:45 p.m.

ABE

. ▪Poetry Jam: Tuesday, 7-8 p.m. Share your own work; read a favorite poem; or listen, relax, and enjoy.

▪The Write Stuff: Are you the only person who can read your handwriting? Come join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. to learn writing that will look great on job applications, love letters, and everything else. Class starts May 6. Sign up in ABE.

▪Dead Poets Society: Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., ABE Room. All are welcome.

We will discuss short stories and poems.

▪Writing: Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., ABE. Improve your basic writing skills under the guidance of a trained instructor.

▪Creative Writing: Thursdays, 8-9 p.m. Develop your creative writing skills. You don’t have to sign up, just show up. Volunteers from Notre Dame will be there.

Herald Sports

Silver Hawks Swept at Home Again: The Silver Hawks are still looking for their first home win of the season after losing a three-game series to the Cedar Rapids Kernels by scores of 9-1, 2-1, and 5-2.

The Hawks (2-14) begin a three-game series at the Cove tonight against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Sunday NBA Playoff Scores: Celtics 104, Hawks 81 (Celtics lead 1-0); Magic 114, Raptors 100 (Magic lead 1-0); 76ers 90, Pistons 86 (76ers lead 1-0); Lakers 128, Nuggets 114 (Lakers lead 1-0).

Sunday NHL Playoff Scores: Red Wings 3, Predators 0 (Red Wings win series 4-2); Flames 2, Sharks 0 (Series tied 3-3); Stars 4, Ducks 1 (Stars win series 4-2).

Sunday MLB National League: Cubs 13, Pirates 6; Marlins 6, Nationals 1; Reds 4, Brewers 3 (10); Braves 6, Dodgers 1; Astros 6, Rockies 4; Giants 8, Cardinals 2; Padres 9, Diamondbacks 4; Phillies 5, Mets 4.

Sunday MLB American League: White Sox, Devil Rays 0; Boston 6, Rangers 5; Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3; Yankees 7, Orioles 1; Twins 2, Indians 1 (10); Mariners 4, Angels 2; A’s 7, Royals 1.

MLS Scores: Saturday—New York Red Bulls 1, New England 1; San Jose 2, Colorado 0; Houston 2, Los Angeles 2; Toronto FC 1, Real Salt Lake 0; Sunday—Kansas City 1, Fire 0; FC Dallas 2, Chivas USA 0.

Danica Gets First IRL Win: Danica Patrick won her first IRL race Sunday, capturing the Indy Japan 300 at Motegi, Japan, in her 50^th career start.

Danica finished 5.8594 seconds ahead of Helio Castroneves on the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval.

Her best finish last year was second in the race at Detroit’s Belle Isle; she finished a career-best seventh in the season standings.

At the 2005 Indy 500, Danica nearly won the pole and became the first female drive the lead the race. She wound up fourth, the best finish by a woman at Indy and a result that helped her claim rookie of the year honors.

Boo Scares Field at Verizon Heritage: Boo Weekly successfully defended his Verizon Heritage victory at Hilton Head Island with an even-par 71 for a three-stroke victory over Anthony Kim (71) and Aaron Baddeley (71).

Last year, Weekley needed chip-ins on the 71^st and 72^nd holes to beat Ernie Els by a stroke on a Monday morning for his first PGA Tour victory.

On Sunday, Weekley strode up the 18^th fairway with the win very much in hand and the gallery chanting, “Boooo! Boooo!

The 34-year-old tour veteran did get his nickname from a cartoon character, but it was not Casper, the friendly ghost. It was Yogi Bear’s sidekick, Boo Boo.

Ochoa Streak at Four: Lorena Ochoa became the first LPGA Tour player in 45 years to win four tournaments in consecutive weeks with a three-stroke victory over Yani Tseng in the Ginn Open at Reunion, FL., Sunday.

The world’s number-one female player shot a 3-under 69 in the final round for her fifth victory in six starts this year. She has already clinched her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame at the age of 26.

“Big Hurt” Released by Blue Jays: Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday after lashing out at management.

Thomas, who has 516 homers and a career .302 average, was upset after being taken out of a game. He is one of only four players with at least a .300 average, 500 homers, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs, and 1,500 walks.

He hit .277 with 26 home runs and 95 RBIs with Toronto last season—his 19^th in the majors—but was in the midst of a 4-35 slump.

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