Silver Creek Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is recycling and would like to help. They are recycling empty laser, fax, copier and inkjet cartridges as well as used cell phones, laptops, Palm Pilots, and iPods for two reasons. First, they are trying to preserve the environment by keeping these harmful items out of landfills, and secondly, to raise funds for the school.
    The recyclable items that are collected are returned to Cartridges for Kids (CFK). Silver Creek Elementary PTO is among more than 12,500 non-profit organizations nationwide that are helping the environment by recycling.
    You can turn your trash into their treasure and feel good about helping the environment all at the same time. Most people have used cell phones to dispose of and almost everyone uses cartridges, either at home or at work. They come from fax machines, copiers and printers. By donating these used items you can assist Silver Creek Elementary PTO with earning much needed funds.
    You may contact, Teresa O’Hara at 248-4058 to pick up your recyclables, or the items may be dropped off at the Silver Creek Elementary School office at 503 North Indiana Avenue in Sellersburg. Postage-paid, pre-printed shipping labels can be provided to any business supporter who wishes to mail the collected items directly to CFK on their behalf.
    For more information about Silver Creek Elementary PTO’s recycling program please contact O’Hara at 248-4058.

    The Pirates of Charlestown High School suited up last Friday night with the expectation of giving the senior members of the football team a victory on their Senior Night. The calendar on the wall showed it was Friday the 13^th. This close to Halloween talks about the superstitions of this day always seem to be brought up during casual conversations.
    The night proved to be damaging to the Pirates as several players were injured in the second half. Some of the players were able to play through their injury while other key players including quarterback Andrew Smith and wide receiver Steve Grayson did not return from their injuries.
    "We played the first half to play the second half," stated head coach Jeff Purichia. "We were in a nice position going into the second half and then boom! Kids started dropping. I’ve only been in one or two games where that many kids got banged up."
    Charlestown played with pure heart and determination to try to give the team their third win of the season throughout the ball game.
    The Pirates and the Panthers of Corydon Central battled evenly through the first half until Panther kicker Chad Saloman nailed a 34-yard field goal for the only points of the first half. The score came with just 49 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
    "We were ready to make some nice adjustments at the half until Andrew (Smith) went out. Andrew’s ankle has been a problem that he will deal with for the rest of his life," Purichia added.
    Late in the third quarter senior Kyle White scored the game’s first touchdown on a 27-yard scamper with 4:27 remaining. Saloman tacked on the extra point for the 10-0 advantage for the visiting Panthers.
    The Pirates came storming back just one minute later as sophomore Damon Vest sprinted 68-yards to the goal line pulling the Pirates within four, 10-6, with 3:27 remaining.
    The score would prove to be the only time the Pirates would find the endzone the remainder of the night.
    Early in the fourth quarter senior quarterback Josh Wendell hooked up with senior tight end Shawn Conway for a 32-yard touchdown strike. With 11:53 remaining in the ballgame Corydon Central held the 16-6 lead.
    Panther senior fullback Dustin Dones smashed the ball into the endzone from one yard out for the Corydon Central touchdown. Saloman again nailed the extra point for the 23-6 victory for the Panthers.
    "I am very proud of our whole team. They did a nice job," Purichia stated. "Our whole team stepped up and took steps forward tonight. I’m proud of everyone tonight," he added.
    Prior to the ballgame Charlestown honored the senior members of the football team. Five players including Justin Householder, Chris King, Derrick Eickholtz, Jimmy Hines and Matt Rhoten were recognized during a ceremony before kickoff.
    The senior members of the fall sports teams along with senior members of the Marching Pirates Band were recognized during a halftime ceremony. Also during halftime the Pirate Pride Booster Club recognized four area businesses for their continued support of Charlestown High School athletics. Plaques of appreciation were given to representatives of Dunn Orthodontics, Taco Bell, The New Washington State Bank and Saint Catherine Regional Hospital.
    "Now we are going on to focus on Providence. Starting tomorrow (Saturday) we are going to focus on Providence. We are going to take Monday off to heal up," Purichia concluded.
    The Pirates will travel to Providence High School on Friday night for the opening round of Sectional 31 play. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets will not be offered. All tickets for the sectional game may be purchased at the door.

by JANNA ROSS
Managing Editor
Green Banner Publications

    When one hears the word cancer everything changes in a blink of an eye. Many questions bombard the mind with very few answers.
    The month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink ribbon which is now famous for breast cancer awareness finds the spotlight during this month. While shopping it is very easy to come across pink ribbons and pink awareness products on many area shelves. The pink ribbon adorns t-shirts, purses, hats, socks and even umbrellas. While supporting the cause many local shoppers know they can purchase these items and portions of the proceeds go to help fight the disease.
    This Sunday, October 22, many of those same supporters will lace up their tennis shoes and participate in a national fund raiser to help with the fight against breast cancer.
    Pink will be the prevalent color as Louisville will host their edition of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the largest breast cancer fighting event held in the country.
    Clark County has many local teams that will participate in the walk.
    According to statistics released by the American Cancer Society, this year alone nearly 8,000 women in Kentucky and Indiana are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 1,500 Kentuckiana women will die of this disease.
    The walk is being held in hopes of changing these statistics. Three local women who plan to participate in the event shared their stories to help the public become aware of different situations, all with the same outcome, women who want to share their survival stories in hopes to touch their friends, family and neighbors, to take a few moments to become aware of the steps for personal health and safety.
    Dolly Bricker underwent a double mastectomy in 1994 after approximately five years of procedures.
    "It was after probably five years of needle biopsies to drain fluid and two or three surgical biopsies," the Pekin resident stated. "My surgeon kept saying the numbers were getting higher and higher. I didn’t really want to lose my breasts. I stopped drinking caffeine, started taking vitamins, trying everything before the decision was made."
    Bricker actually was never diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to undergo the double mastectomy after years of urging from her radiologist.
    "I was doing mammograms every six months. The deciding factor was when my radiologist asked me, ‘how important are they?’ He said his suggestion was to stop worrying myself and have them removed," Bricker added. "He said I could have cancer and he would never be able to find it. The surgeon talked for four years but I kept thinking it would go away."
    After this conversation Bricker made the appointment for the surgery before she changed her mind. The phone call to set up the procedure was made the following day.
    Bricker hopes women understand how important mammograms are and how easy the test actually is.
    "The test is so easy. There is no reason not to have it for piece of mind. The consequences are too devastating not to take the time for the mammogram.
    Bricker is excited about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and the unified effort that it represents.
    "I think the Making Strides for Breast Cancer shows unified women and families that have been affected by this wanting to make the world aware that research is the only thing that is going to help us," Bricker concluded.
    Carolyn Nunn is a Sellersburg resident who has fibrocystic disease. Due to this she found her breast cancer during a school physical as she is a bus driver.
    "I had a cluster of fibroid cysts that aspirated before. It was large and raised. They said I needed to go to the doctor and have it checked by ultrasound," Nunn stated.
    Nunn’s ultrasound found something else in the cluster and the doctor recommended a core biopsy. Five samples were taken from the cluster during the biopsy.
    "Two days later they called and told me on the phone. I didn’t like that aspect. But then if they call and tell you that you need to come in, then you know the results are not good either."
    Nunn underwent a mastectomy at Norton’s. After her surgery in May of 1998, she had her first encounter with a Reach to Recovery volunteer. The program is through the American Cancer Society and helps those taking their first steps to recovery by talking with a breast cancer survivor that has walked the path the new survivor is beginning to step onto.
    "The Reach to Recovery volunteer was quick to tell me that it was not a death sentence," Nunn added. "They said the moment I left the surgical room, you’re a survivor. I had to take control of my own health."
    Nunn’s path to recovery included four regular chemotherapy sessions and two doses of what then was an experimental drug.
    She also chose to have reconstruction surgery a year after her mastectomy.
    Nunn shared some advice about an American Cancer Society program she participated in.
    "The ACS had a program called ‘Tell a Friend.’ The program had you call six people who had never had a mammogram before. I chose a family that one had breast cancer including a mastectomy and reconstruction but they still had not had a mammogram. I told them I would go with them," Nunn explained. "Most people don’t want to know the results, is not really always the case. There are some that say they cannot afford it. They need to know that the American Cancer Society will help with the cost. It is not difficult."
    Nunn also encouraged women to do self exams along with yearly mammograms.
    "It is not hard to do self exams especially in the shower," Nunn stated.
    Nunn said she loves the camaraderie of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
    "I am planning to participate this year. I like the camaraderie of it. All of us are survivors. It shows to the public and others that it can be beat," Nunn added. "You’ll see pink wigs. I have one but I have not decided if I will wear it or not. I might wear it this time. It shows the world breast cancer can be beat and that you’re a survivor."
    Nunn also applauded the programs from the American Cancer Society.
    "I think we need to support the American Cancer Society. They have so many projects like the Reach to Recovery and the Road to Recovery and Feel Good...Look Better," Nunn stated. "They have literature they can provide as support."
    Nunn added, "If people do not know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they must have lived under a rock. I think we always need to remember the caregivers also. At the Relay for Life, we have the survivors lap and then the lap with survivors and caregivers as well."
    She concluded, "I think it is very important before you have surgery to do your research and talk to someone that has gone through it. They have already done it and can help in so many ways."
    Tisha Reynolds is a five year breast cancer survivor who resides in Clarksville.
    She actually found her breast cancer herself through a monthly self breast exam.
    "I was watching television and doing my self exam. I found the lump and knew right then that I had a problem," Reynolds stated. "Prior to that I had two cysts removed from my other breast and this lump felt totally different from both of those. I just knew then it was breast cancer. It was very hard to the touch and did not move."
    Reynolds contacted her doctor the next morning and asked for a mammogram to be performed. Her doctor agreed and wrote her the order for the mammogram.
    "I had my yearly mammogram done earlier that year in February but since I had found something it was not a problem to get the order for another one," Reynolds explained. "I had the mammogram the next day and it found a tumor that looked suspicious. A biopsy was then performed."
    Reynolds found out a few days later that her instincts were correct. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and wasted no time to take the next steps.
    "I found out it was breast cancer and immediately set up the surgery. I underwent a lumpectomy in early October," Reynolds stated.
    After her lumpectomy Reynolds was treated with six chemotherapy treatments and 35 radiation sessions.
    "I knew I was going to lose my hair and I know that a lot of people take that the hardest when they learn they must undergo chemotherapy. Personally that was the least of my worries. I have never been one to worry about what people are going to think when they see me," Reynolds added. "I went to my beautician, after some advice from other survivors, and had my hair buzzed off. That way, I did not have to go through the feelings left when your hair falls out in handfuls."
    Reynolds said her biggest asset was her family in helping her through.
    "I had taken my husband to get a hair cut. I always sit in the car and read a book while he gets his hair cut. He walked out of the barber shop just grinning and I did not think anything about it. Then he took off his hat, he had also buzzed his hair off," Reynolds stated.
    Reynolds’ treatment included 35 radiation treatments because she had underwent a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy.
    When asked what she would say to someone that was just diagnosed with breast cancer, Reynolds answered, "I would tell them that it is something not to be messed around with first of all. Then I would tell them that breast cancer is very treatable and beatable. They have much better medicine now than they had years ago. Many years ago, I can remember chemotherapy making patients very ill. That is not always the case now. During my chemotherapy I was tired but never became sick the way patients did years ago," Reynolds explained.
    Although Reynolds had her yearly mammogram in February and it was clear and in September found the lump herself, she still is very adamant about yearly mammograms.
    "I cannot imagine someone actually believing they are too busy or do not have the time for a mammogram. That is just crazy. The test is not that long and those few minutes that it takes could save their life," Reynolds added. "You have to take time for your own health. Once you turn 40 years old, I suggest you definitely make the time and the appointment for your mammogram. It could safe your life."
    The Making Strides Breast Cancer walk is a family-friendly noncompetitive 5K walk to raise funds for breast cancer research. The fund raiser also helps local programs and services. The walk will be held this Sunday on the Great Lawn of Waterfront Park in Louisville. It is scheduled to be a rolling start from 1 to 3 p.m.
    This year’s walk is the ninth year for the event in Louisville. The local walk has raised over $1.6 million and has featured over 43,000 walkers in the past eight years.
    The American Cancer Society’s goal for the 2006 Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk in the Louisville Metropolitan area is to host over 10,000 walkers and raise over $500,000 in the fight against breast cancer.
    Nunn spoke of some of the American Cancer Society programs that are available in the local area.
    The American Cancer Society in Louisville offers many programs for breast cancer survivors.
    One such program is the "Reach to Recovery" program. According to a press release from the American Cancer Society the program is, "a volunteer program in which trained breast cancer survivors provide one-on-one support and information to women who have a concern about breast cancer, or who have been diagnosed with breast cancer."
    The American Cancer Society has offered the Reach to Recovery program for over 30 years. Just in the last year over 16,000 volunteers made friends and contacts with over 72,000 women and men just experiencing or concerned about breast cancer.
    Another program offered by the American Cancer Society is "Look Good...Feel Better."
    The American Cancer Society explains this program as "a nationwide program offered at no cost to female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment and experiencing appearance-related side effects. Cancer patients are better able to cope with treatment when they feel confident about their appearance. They feel better because they look good."
    If you would like more information about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Louisville or for more information about one of the many programs offered by the American Cancer Society please call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their website at www.cancer.org.

 by JANNA ROSS
Managing Editor
Green Banner Publications

    The Christmas holiday season is just around the corner. With Christmas trees and yard decorations popping up in area stores, local children are working hard on their wish lists.
   A local police department is offering some advice to parents that a popular item may not need to end up under their Christmas tree.
   The Sellersburg Police Department has had several incidents in the past few months that have involved very realistic air guns.
   "We have seen an increase recently in the popularity of these realistic air guns," stated Sellersburg Deputy Chief of Police Donald Ross Jr. "We have confiscated over a half dozen in the last two months. We are getting calls from concerned citizens seeing what they believe are kids playing with real guns and we have confiscated some through traffic stops."
   The age range is very wide for those interested in the air guns. According to Ross the youngest person involved in an incident was 12 years old while the oldest person was in their mid-20's.
   The recent incidents are not new to the department as Ross recalled an earlier incident with the air guns.
   "I am not sure why we are seeing a sudden increase with kids playing with them. A few years ago Sgt. Huber and Officer Dietz found kids shooting out lights in Indian Oaks Trailer Park. There were a few incidents before where the replica air guns were misused," Ross stated. "They have definitely became more popular."
   Ross continued with a warning to parents, "Parents need to understand dangers children face when playing with these realistic looking toys and that concerned citizens call the police department to take action."
   The cost of the air guns may be a reason for their sudden popularity. The air guns may be purchased for as low as $19 but according to Ross prices can be in the hundreds for fully automatic versions of the air guns. In comparison, paint guns, range from approximately $80 to thousands of dollars for the more high-tech versions.
   Ross continued to verify his reasons for the importance of the public knowing of the recent increase in incidents of the air guns.
   "I know some readers may think this may be silly to report about but it is not unreasonable to think that children are incapable to get handguns from friends and relatives," Ross added. "We’ve just seen a recent rash of school shootings to back one up on that and the Sellersburg Police Department wants parents to be aware of what their kids are doing when they hand over these ‘so-called toys’."
   Ross explained how the air guns are so realistic that the department actually considered using them for training sessions.
   "We were considering to use Airsoft guns in training," Ross stated. "They fit in our holsters and they are basically the same weight as what we use."
   The Airsoft guns Ross is referring to are comparable to the guns Sellersburg Police officers carry on duty, Sigsauer 226.
   "Airsoft is single action and ours are double action unless gas operated and then basically they are the same, except one shoots plastic pellets and one shoots bullets," Ross continued with a tone of urgency in his voice.
   According to Ross the air guns can shoot projectiles at a minimum of 250 feet per second.
   "That is the minimum and that increases with the value of the gun," Ross added.
   Sellersburg Officer Darin Broady described a recent incident where he confiscated two of the air guns the department is warning about.
   Broady was working his normal shift about a month ago when he stopped a vehicle on U.S. 31 at Lake Drive.
   "I stopped the car and got consent to search. I found drug and weapon paraphernalia. Also under the seats I found two Airsoft pistols, a replica Glock 17, which is used by the Indiana State Police. The subject could not give me a reason for having the gun," Broady stated. "He said it was fun and he used it from time to time. However, the gun was broke and it wouldn’t shoot Airsoft BB’s."
   Broady continued, "Another one in the vehicle replicated a Walther P 99, which was found underneath the passenger seat. The subject was cited for drug paraphernalia and released. He voluntary released the weapons for destruction."
   Another incident Broady recalled was two juveniles playing paint ball.
   "One of the juveniles was wearing a trench coat. Under the trench coat he had a replica H & K pistol and replica M-16 rifle. These were confiscated and due to it being daylight hours and the placement of the weapons and mischief the parent was called and came and picked up the kids," Broady stated.
   Broady too was using a urgent tone when he concluded with a warning to the public, "These are very dangerous and pose many problems to officers on duty. Because of the public’s quickness to judge a police officer it poses a problem in a quick situation where you have to make a quick decision, a shoot or not to shoot decision," Broady concluded.
   Ross warned parents of purchasing the so-called toys as a special Christmas gift this holiday season.
   "If you’re considering buying these guns at Christmas, don’t, because if the Sellersburg Police Department gets our way, the Metropolitan Police Commissioners and the Town Board will ban these replicas. I would expect that ordinance to be passed by the end of the year. A fine for such violation and confiscation of replica guns being used would be the consequences."
   Ross was quick to assure the public that the department is not against the replica air guns.
   "We’re not against Airsoft guns. If parents are out playing with their children, target practicing with their children, and doing it responsibly, that’s great. That’s why we have the gun lock safety program," Ross added. "What we don’t want to see is when parents are at work, or kids are out a half day of school, and they have replica guns and acting like the guns are real."
   Ross continued, "Then neighbors call and we will respond to the call. Our officers must assume those weapons are real and we only have a few seconds to react."
   When the officers respond to the calls of concerned citizens Ross urged those using the air guns to comply to the following safety tips:
   "If you are confronted by the Sellersburg Police or by any police department, don’t make any sudden movements. Communicate with the police, state something like, ‘Officer, this gun isn’t real. What do you want me to do?’ At the officers discretion, immediately place your weapon on the ground but be very careful not to point it at the officer. Do not handle the weapon in any other way except to place it on the ground. Don’t unload it or do anything else," Ross stated. "Don’t argue with the officer, even if you think you are being mistreated. Listen to whatever the officer has to say. One the field while you are being detained is not the time to argue with the police. Your attitude can mean the difference between being released and arrested. If anything is taken from you, ask for a receipt and if you have permission to play on private property, make sure you have contact information with you for the person who gave you permission."
   The likeness of the air guns was proven again earlier this year when a local bank was burglarized in Sellersburg.
   "In May of this year we had an armed bank robbery where the suspect brandished what the tellers thought to be a black revolver. That suspect was apprehended later and we found that the revolver the tellers had seen was actually a toy gun and the suspect had broken off the orange tip," Ross added.
   He continued, "But you also need to keep in mind that suspects will often paint their weapons neon colors to often try to confuse officers into thinking that the weapon they have is a toy."
   The air guns are sold with orange tips to indicate they are replicas. The orange tips may be removed which pose yet another problem for local law enforcement officers who have only a few seconds to determine if the highly realistic air gun is a true weapon.
   "We just want the public to be aware of the dangerous situation that these air guns can produce. We want parents to be aware of the situations that have occurred in recent months," Ross concluded.