SoIn 11032016

BROTHERS IN ARMS Clarksville library hosts monthly World War II Roundtable

A News and Tribune Publication

NOVEMBER 3, 2016 — Issue 137

TOP THREE: Elsby Building tours

SHOW:

'Miracle on 34th Street' at Clarksville theater

2 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 | SOIN follow us on TWITTER @newsandtribune FACEBOOK/YourSoInWeekly Got a story you're just dying to see in SoIn? Tweet or Facebook us and your idea could be our next SoIn feature. For the latest SoIn content, follow/like us online.

EDITOR

Jason Thomas

DESIGN

Claire White

STORY

Jenna Esarey

PHOTOGRAPHY Tyler Stewart

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ON THE COVER: Cliff Burnstein draws a boat diagram at the Clarksville Public Library during the World War II Roundtable. | STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER STEWART

NEXT SOIN:

More interesting stories around Southern Indiana.

Veterans represent greatest generations

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very month a group of folks gathers at the live in Indiana. Nationally, they’re expected to Clarksville branch of the Jeffersonville be gone by 2038.

Township Public Library — “The Greatest That’s why today’s centerpiece tells the Generation,” in Tom Brokaw’s words — discussveterans’ story through the eyes of the Round ing things that most of us have only read about in Table, which counts veterans of other wars and history books or have seen re-enacted on movie conflicts among its members. Veterans of all screens. wars, even those who served during peacetime, The World War II Roundtable first got together deserve our respect and attention. Their stories JASON THOMAS 10 years ago to talk about elements of the war are our stories.

SoIn Editor that shaped a generation and saved a country.

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. You can find a list Last week’s topic happened to be Pearl Harbor, of events inside these pages. How often do we which will be recognized Dec. 7 with Pearl Harbor Day. take for granted those who served, how quickly do we Their stories — our American narrative — are fading forget those who willingly sacrificed their souls so that to time. According to U.S. Department of Veterans Afwe might live free? fairs statistics, only 620,000 of the 16 million Americans Each month a group in Clarksville tells its story. who served in World War II were alive in 2016, as cited All we have to do is listen.

by The National WWII Museum.

The Department of Veterans Affairs statistics reveal — Jason Thomas is the editor of SoIn. He can be reached by that 372 WWII veterans die every day. Of the approxiphone at 812-206-2127 or email at jason.thomas@newsandtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopThomas. mately 620,000 WWII veterans alive today, about 12,600

And God bless us, everyone SOIN THE KNOW

• WHAT: ‘A Christmas Carol’ • WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 23

• WHERE: Pamela Brown Auditorium, Actors Theatre

• COSTS: Tickets priced from $25.

• INFO: Call 502-584-1205; go online to actorstheatre.org

LOUISVILLE — Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Kevin E. Moore announce Fifth Third Bank’s “A Christmas Carol,” based on the book by Charles Dickens, adapted by Barbara Field and directed by Drew Fracher. Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption finds extraordinary new life in Actors Theatre’s joyous staging. Celebrate the splendor of the holidays with this spectacular production brimming with festive fun, soaring ghosts

and cheerful carols that will charm audiences of all ages. “A Christmas Carol” will preview Nov. 22 and 23, open Nov. 25 and run through Dec. 23 in the Pamela Brown Auditorium.

Actors Theatre has celebrated the holidays with this treasured classic for more than 40 seasons, making this the second longest continuouslyrunning production of “A Christmas Carol” in the country, a news release

stated. Locally, it’s been cherished by generations of families who attend each season, creating holiday memories that last a lifetime.

Actors Theatre is delighted to welcome Drew Fracher back to direct Dickens’ tale for the sixth consecutive year. Former resident company member William McNulty returns as Scrooge in what will now be his 15th consecutive season in the role.

SOIN | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016

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3 TO GO

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Where to go and be seen in Southern Indiana

ELSBY EXCITEMENT • WHAT: Elsby building free tours • WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

• WHERE: Elsby building, Pearl and

Spring streets The Elsby Building turns 100 this year. Come see the historic safe and view an exhibit about Samuel J. Elsby and his lifetime achievements. Joseph & Joseph Architects of Louisville designed the Elsby Building in 1915.

Construction was completed by November 1916. The ground floor to the right of the main entrance was occupied by the German-American Bank & Trust Company founded by Samuel J. Elsby.

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VIEW SOME ART

HANG IT UP

• WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 • WHERE: Chestnuts and Pearls gallery, 157 E

Main St., New Albany • COST: Free The Southern Indiana Guild of Artisans (SIGA) will hold its first annual show from 5 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 4, in the Chestnuts and Pearls gallery located at 157 E Main St., New Albany. Several of the artists will be present and works include paintings, photography, vintage jewelry and metal jewelry. In addition there will be antiques and Christmas decor. The gallery also houses a café which will be open serving food and alcohol.

• WHAT: ‘Dial ‘M’ for Murder’ • WHEN: Through Nov. 13 • WHERE: Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville

• INFO: Call 812-288-8281 or visit www.der-

bydinner.com Tony’s plot to murder his cheating wife Margot for her money goes awry when Margot kills her would-be assailant in self-defense. Now Tony has to improvise his plan and schemes to frame his wife for premeditated murder. Can Margot’s ex-lover Max solve the mystery and discover the truth before she is hanged for the crime? “

GOTTA GO: Interested in seeing your event in our 3 To Go? Email SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@newsandtribune.com

HONORING LEGACIES Veterans, historians share stories at World War II Roundtable meetings

BY JENNA ESAREY newsroom@newsandtribune.com

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LARKSVILLE — Three-hundred, seventy-two World War II veterans are dying each day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Of 16 million Americans who served in the war, only 620,000 were alive in 2016.

Across the country, and even the world, people seem to have a fascination with the war. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is the number one tourist attraction in that city, and the third most popular museum in the United States, according to Trip Advisor.

The museum collects memorabilia and presents history in dramatic fashion, but one of its significant roles is chronicling firsthand accounts and stories from those who were there.

A unique local opportunity to learn from those who served in WWII exists, as the Clarksville branch of the Jeffersonville Township Public Library on Eastern Boulevard hosts a monthly World War II Roundtable, where history buffs mingle with military veterans to discuss a specific aspect of the war.

THE ROUNDTABLE EXPERIENCE

Twenty-one turned out for the October Roundtable meeting, where retired Army veteran Cliff Burnstein spoke about the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, which led to the United States’ entry into the war.

“December 7 will be the National Remembrance Day for Pearl Harbor’s 75th anniversary,” he said. “I hope to give this same presentation for the 100th — with the same audience.”

Burnstein, who served in Vietnam and the first Gulf War, used photographs to talk about the

Wally Blankenship, 93, shares a laugh during the World War II Roundtable at the Clarksville Public Library. attack from the perspective of what people on the ground saw.

Bill Martin, 92, donned his U.S. Army Air Corps uniform for the October meeting. His sharp shout of “Attention!” called the meeting to order and the crowd to its feet for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The roundtables are informal affairs. There is no official membership and all are welcome to

the monthly meetings. In fact, very few attendees are actually WWII vets.

At the October meeting, only Martin and Wally Blankenship, 93, represented the remaining local World War II veterans, although others come on occasion.

Other guests included Mike Stock, a Vietnam

SEE ROUNDTABLE, PAGE 8

Terry Toomer, left, of the Ar

rmy’s 82nd Airborne, signs into the World War II Roundtable at the Clarksville Public Library with Army veteran Bill Martin, dressed in uniform. | STAFF PHOTOS BY TYLER STEWART

6 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016 | SoIn

ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIES: NOV. 4

é “Doctor Strange”

The Clarksville Little Theatre will stage “Miracle on 34th Street.” | PHOTO PROVIDED

“Hacksaw Ridge” “Trolls”

This week's entertainment releases

T.V. PREMIERES: NOV. 4

é “The Crown” (Netflix)

NOV. 6 “2016 MTV EMAs”

I believe ... I believe CLARKSVILLE — Based on the 1947 classic film starring Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn and John Payne, Clarksville Little Theatre’s “Miracle on 34th Street” revolves around an elderly gentleman who believes he is the real Santa and a little girl who learns to have faith in the magic of the Christmas season.

In this Christmas classic, Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, a Clarksville Little Theatre news release stated. Kringle soon gains both popularity and love with children and adults alike at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When he insists, however, that he really is Santa Claus, a competency hearing is held to determine Kringle’s sanity and on whether he could possibly be who he says he is.

Rachel Allen plays Doris Walker; Kara Marchant plays her daughter, Susan Walker.

James Ballard plays the defense attorney, Fred Gayley; Richard Seng plays the psychiatrist, Mr. Sawyer, and Tom Morton plays the lovable Kris Kringle.

Directed by Rita Hight the cast ensemble also includes

SOIN THE KNOW

• WHAT: ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

• WHEN: Nov. 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.

• WHERE: Clarksville Little Theatre, 301 E. Montgomery Ave., Clarksville • INFO: Call 812-283-6522

Lynda Arkwright, Denver Bays, Adelaide Bingham, Kearstie Burke. Kinsley Carter, Gary Crockett, Grace Cummins, Brylee Deuser, Shannon Frazier, Amber Gillenwater, Alice Haynes, Owen Kane, Dashiel Leonard, Kinsey McClure, Joyce Miller, Mike Miller, Evelyn Minton, Richard Seng, Aiden Singleton, Sophia Singleton, Autumn Smith, Debbie Smith, Charles Swarens, Terrence Thomas, Alan Weller, and Caitlin Wheat.

Shows are Nov. 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for children, $15 for teens and seniors, and $18 for adults. Tickets can be reserved by calling 812283-6522 and are also available at the door, 301 E. Montgomery Ave., Clarksville.

BOOKS: NOV. 8 é “Heartless” by Marissa Meyer “The Chemist” by Stephenie Meyer

Your chance to be in a parade SOIN THE KNOW

• WHAT: Pegasus Parade participation

• WHEN: Application deadline is Jan. 31

• INFO: KDF.org LOUISVILLE — The Kentucky Derby Festival is looking for participants for next year’s Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. Next year marks the 62nd annual parade, which will march down Broadway on Thursday, May 4. Registration for the parade is now open online. The Festival is looking for participants in the following categories: Equestrian, Specialty Unit, Marching Band, Inflatable and Float. Parade Participation Guidelines and Applications can be downloaded at KDF.org. The application deadline is Jan. 31.

Republic Bank, title sponsor of the event since 2002, returns in 2017.

“For the 16th year, Republic Bank is delighted to be the sponsor of the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade and Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party,” said Republic Bank

Chairman and CEO, Steve Trager.

“We are very appreciative of our local communities that have helped us grow to become Kentucky’s largest locally owned community bank and honored to bring the Derby Festival’s oldest event to hundreds of thousands of spectators annually.”

Linkin’ Bridge, finalists on season 11 of America’s Got Talent, will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of the 2017 parade, as well as open the event with a live performance on Broadway. The annual spectacle steps off at 5 p.m. and marches west

on Broadway from Campbell to Ninth Street.

The Pegasus Parade — the Derby Festival’s founding event — is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring and provides an estimated economic impact of more than $22 million.

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.

SoIn | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016

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LOCAL SOIN HAPPENINGS Feeling left out? Send your establishment’s and/or organization’s upcoming events/new features/entertainment information to SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@ newsandtribune.com

LIVE MUSIC

WHERE: Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards WHEN/WHO: 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29: South Upland; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30: Me and You

LIVE MUSIC AT WICK’S

WHAT: Live on State WHERE: Wick’s, 225 State St., New Albany Friday, Nov. 4: Paul Kaszubski and Friends; Saturday, Nov. 5: Kentuckiana; Saturday, Nov. 12: Full Contact Karaoke; Saturday, Nov. 19: Goldylocks; Saturday, Nov. 26: R-Prophet’s Birthday Bash

JAM ON AT THE LEGION

WHAT: Entertainment at the American Legion WHERE: Bonnie Sloan American Legion, 1930 McDonald Lane, New Albany WHEN/WHO: 7 to 10 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Nov. 3: Karaoke, hosted by Bob and Charlene Wilkerson; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 5: Burning Bridges OTHER EVENTS: • noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6: Traditional Thanksgiving dinner, $7.50 • 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10: Line Dancing Lessons Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 7:15 to 10:15 p.m., Bingo

CORYDON LIVE

WHAT: Live country music WHERE: 220 Hurst Lane, Corydon INFO: Admission, adults $12; children 6-12, $7; under 6, free.

For tickets call 812-734-6288.

Saturday, Oct. 29: Tiffany Puckett, Jeremy Puckett, Donnie Lee Strickland, Natalie Berry: Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

GOBBLE UP SOME FOOD

WHAT: Thanksgiving Day at the Bristol Bar & Grille WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 WHERE: The Bristol Bar & Grille, 700 Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville INFO: 812-218-1995; bristolbarandgrille.com The Bristol Bar & Grille is opening its doors Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, at all four locations including Highlands, East, Downtown and Jeffersonville. Each restaurant will serve food from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy Thanksgiving favorites, served buffet-style, sourced locally from Bristol’s farming partners, like Fern Creek’s Hillerich Family Farm. Cost is $25.95 per adult or $7.95 for children ages 4 to 11, not including tax gratuity, or beverages. Alcoholic beverages, including Bristol’s unique wine selection hand-picked by Master Sommelier Scott Harper, will be available for purchase. Reservations can

and we’ll treat you to a

FREE GAS CARD

be made by calling each respective restaurant.

CONCERT AT CHURCH

WHAT: Top Brass Quintet WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 WHERE: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 321 E. Market St., Jeffersonville Top Brass reminiscent of the Canadian Brass or Empire Brass ensembles. The first portion of the concert will be road tunes and the second half a tribute to the big bands. All concert proceeds benefit the new Clark County Museum. This concert is free, but a free will offering will be received.

INK SOME PAGES

WHAT: Book signing event WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 WHERE: The Charlestown-Clark County Public Library TO REGISTER: Call 812-256-3337 Authors: Chuck E. Ledbetter Sr.: Author of “Pirates of the Hardwood”, the local history of Charlestown High School Pirate Basketball. Copies may be purchased at the Charlestown Public Library. Joanna Foreman: Author of “Ghostly Hauntings of Interstate-65” and “The Know-It-All Girl”, a memoir of growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness. Her books may be found at Amazon.com Grace Click: Author of adult fiction “Higher Ground” set in a scenic Southern Indiana valley. The book and eBook can be found at Amazon.com. Brenda Drexler: Author of novella “Gracie and Marge: Kicking the Bucket Together”, book of short stories “Life in Its Own Frame of Reference”, and short stories published in Indian Creek Anthology 2015. Her books may be found at Amazon.com. Angela McPherson: Author of paranormal fiction including “A Bequest of Blood”, “Immortal Moonlight”, “A Girl’s Guide to Purgatory”, and “Immortal Crusade”. eBooks and paperbacks may be found at Amazon.com, Create Space, and Barnes & Noble. Scott Spoonmore: Author of children’s books “Seymour the Semi: Snow Days” and “Seymour the Semi: Space Truckin.’” His books may be found at Amazon.com.

BRING A HANDBAG

WHAT: ‘Holiday Handbag Wednesdays’ WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30 WHERE: Varanese Restaurant, 2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville INFO: 502-899-9904; www.varanese.com Varanese will partner with various local boutiques to host Holiday Handbag Wednesdays for five Wednesdays in November beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night. Guests will enjoy a tableside fashion show featuring one-of-a-kind holiday ensembles and accessories, as well as half-priced bottles of wine, appetizer and entree specials, and live jazz music during each of the shows. Participating boutiques include Margaret’s Consignments (23rd), The Mysterious Rack (9th), Blush Boutique (16th), and Modern Elegance (30th). Vicki Rogers from 100.5 MyFM will be broadcasting live during all five shows.

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ROUNDTABLE: World War II Roundtable officially started in 1996 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 veteran, Charlie Arrington, a retired school teacher who did not serve in the military, and Terry Coomer, whose father fought in WWII. Coomer also served in the military. “From 1971 to 1975, I jumped out of perfectly good airplanes,” he joked. “I’ve always been a history buff, though, so that’s why I started coming to these meetings about two years ago.”

The roundtable grew from Civil War Roundtable meetings. “When they had the 50th anniversary of World War II, they had a few special meetings for that,” Martin said. “We said, ‘we need to start a roundtable.’”

The World War II Roundtable officially began in 1996 and, as far as Martin knows, is one of only a very few in the region. “I think there’s one in Indy, and one in central Kentucky. Other than that, I don’t know of any others.”

Some bring memorabilia to share with others during the social time before the presentation. A few pointed out photos of people they knew in books they brought with them, while others brought family photos or handwritten letters from relatives who served.

Martin brought some newspaper clippings about his time in the service. “I got out of high school in ‘43 and got on the train (to boot camp) July 2,” he said. “I never left the country, but I’ve got stories.”

Blankenship will happily share his story of spending his 21st birthday on a bombing mission over Japan with anyone who asks. “This is a good group,” he said of his fellow WWII vets. “We all grew up together. We went in the military together. I dearly love to be a part of it.”

A LEGACY

WWII vets, even those who have passed on, continue to inspire a new generation of military recruits.

Paul Miller, 17, is a sophomore at Jeffersonville High School and a cadet first class in the school’s AFROTC program. “World War II veterans are my favorites,” he said. “My grandpa was a World War II vet. He’s one of the reasons I wanted to go into the military. He inspired me to be a better person.”

Seventeen-year-old New Albany High School junior Elisha Donan is a cadet petty officer second class in the NROTC with plans to join the Marines after graduation.

“My great grandfather was in World War II in the Army.

He was one of my inspirations.”

For him, “honoring our veterans is more than just saying thank you. It’s respecting them for what they did overseas.”

IF YOU GO • WHAT: World War II Roundtable • WHERE: 1312 Eastern Blvd., Clarksville • WHEN: 9 a.m.

Nov. 25: Show and Tell Jan. 27: Tokyo Rose, Axis Sally and radio propaganda

TOP: Cliff Burnstein speaks at the Clarksville Public Library during the World War II Roundtable.

LEFT: Hollis Carroll, middle, looks at a World War II photograph with Vietnam Army veteran Norman Howler, left, at the Clarksville Public Library. | STAFF PHOTOS

BY TYLER STEWART