Some thoughts and observations since I last wrote my publisher’s letter under extreme duress by my staff. This time, I am an entire day early.
I can’t tell you how pleased I am for Evansville’s latest NFL player, Branson Combs. The 2019 Reitz Memorial High School graduate had considerable success at wide receiver and linebacker while teaming with Memorial quarterback, his cousin Michael Lindauer. A three-sport athlete in high school from a very talented athletic family, Branson went on to play five years at Southern Illinois University and then finished his college career at Wake Forest University. After being signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in April, he was relegated to the practice squad. Then, on Nov. 15, he advanced to the active roster and now is playing on Sundays. I ran into Branson earlier this year, lifting weights during one of his visits to his hometown, and he was ever so humble. (I don’t believe we were using the same weight stack.) Raise a glass on Sundays to No. 50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Branson Combs!
My wife and I recently attended a University of Evansville Department of Theatre performance of the Alanis Morissette musical “Jagged Little Pill.” Due to circumstances, I had not been able to attend a show for a few years. Wow! Talk about impressive! If you haven’t been to a UE Theatre production for a while — or at all — do yourself a favor and go. How fortunate that we have this level of talent on display locally.
Speaking of the stage, Evansville’s “Mr. Theater,” Dick Engbers, passed away Nov. 8. If you were out and around Downtown or at House of Como very much, he was quite the familiar figure. A longtime director of the Evansville Civic Theatre, Dick was the kind of man who makes up part of the framework of true community. Known and loved by many for his kindness and laughter, he will be missed.
I’ll recount how a recent weightlifting workout went with my younger son, Jackson, on a well-known piece of equipment called a Smith Machine. I was attempting to do an exercise called “rows” that involves keeping your back straight and sticking your butt out. (Too bad it isn’t the stomach … no problem there.) I was trying my best, which makes the following even worse. After instructing me it went like this:
ROUND 1: “Dad, what are you doing? Put the weight down!”
ROUND 2: “Put the weight down! That’s not even remotely close. Again — did you not even listen? I just showed you.”
ROUND 3: “OK, this is not gonna happen. Go get on the seated rower. Don’t try this again. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
I believe that I gave Jackson the same look my 13-year-old dog, Jed, gives me when he has an occasional accident. Honestly, I am sure something must have been wrong with the equipment.
The special section featured in this issue is more than traditional advertising. Please read the stories beginning on page 35 of the people and families behind the businesses. These are folks who care deeply about their community and serving others with integrity. Small businesses make up the fabric of a town, city, or region. Enjoy their stories, and be glad they are your neighbors.
On the cover is the new University of Southern Indiana president, Steven “Steve” Bridges. He is universally liked; I have heard compliments such as “terrific choice,” “down to earth,” “man of the people,” and “just a regular guy who succeeded.” He’s not an academic but a businessman who rose all the way up to become president of his alma mater. Congratulations to you, Steve.
As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.
Todd A. Tucker, President
