People often ask me where we find the story ideas for our publications. The best ideas come from me, of course, with the “occasional” good idea coming from my wife, Editor Kristen. This issue’s feature, “A Revival in Jacobsville,” about the neighborhood north of Downtown known as Jacobsville, was brought to me over breakfast by CRS OneSource Vice President Derek Clark and his son, Andrew. As the Assistant Director of Donor Engagement at the Dream Center, Andrew sees the surrounding neighborhood’s triumphs and struggles every day. Beginning on page 24, Senior Writer John Martin explores the longstanding economic issues that continue to plague Jacobsville. While the obstacles are substantial, city officials remain committed to the neighborhood. After reading the story, I have a much better understanding of the impressive work by the Dream Center and others, as well as the challenges still existing in the neighborhood. I appreciate Andrew educating me, and I enjoyed sticking Derek with the bill for breakfast.
While recently running in Wesselman Park, and listening to my running partner ramble on, it was impossible not to notice the high level of activity from runners, walkers, and cyclists. But what really struck me was that every single pickleball court was filled — and, despite all of those courts and the number of people playing, I could barely hear them from 100 yards away. Many local residents fought against the courts, saying they would disturb wildlife in the 310-acre woods. From what I can tell, the only thing the 16 courts have done since opening in late May 2024 is bring much-needed life and rehabilitation to an aging park. In the future, let’s look for reasons to say “yes” to quality-of-life initiatives in our community, Evansville.
Speaking of Wesselman Park, sometimes I feel the need to use this space for a good, ol’ fashioned shoutout. Kim Poynter and Anna Hazlett just finished the 27th edition of The Women’s Hospital Classic tennis tournament. It was the Classic’s second year being an ITF W100 event on the World Tennis Tour, which carries a lot of prestige and prize money. Evansville gets to see some of the best players here before they go on to the highest levels of tennis. The tournament is a huge undertaking — as Evansville Living covered in its July/August 2023 issue — and significant logistical challenges all are handled gracefully by Kim, Anna, and many, many volunteers. I also appreciate that The Women’s Hospital stepped up in 2009 and has been a terrific sponsor. Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., has supported the Classic by producing the tournament’s program for many years. (Try saying “no” to Anna, the Tess Grimm of local tennis.) Thank you, ladies, for all the hours, blood, sweat, and tears. It is greatly appreciated!
As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.
Todd A. Tucker, President
