Giving Thanks To Indiana Senator Evan Bayh

Senator Evan Bayh has dedicated his life to improving the standard of living for us Hoosiers. He did it as Indiana's Governor. He's doing it now as one of our State's two Senators. And, today, he did it again. And, I got to experience it in person!

Earlier this morning, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with and present With Wings and a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana to David Rozmanich, Senator Bayh's State Director. The meeting took place in the Federal Plaza Building in Hammond, Indiana, just 15 miles east of Chicago. Road trip! After my presentation, Mr. Rozmanich informed me that he was confident Senator Bayh would be pleased to endorse R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana.

Please show your appreciation and contact Senator Bayh, thanking him not only for helping us to help Indiana's first-responders to put a smile on the face of a Hoosier child in a time of need, but also for all that the Senator's done on behalf of the State of Indiana.

UPDATE: I just received Senator Evan Bayh's letter of support. Again, I'd like to thank him for both his time and his support. And, once again, I urge you to thank him for not only endorsing With Wings & a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana, but also for all that he's doing in Washington to help Hoosiers.

There's More Than One Way to Get Children's Books Into Police Cars (This Might Be the Worst)

So, I had just left the Mayor of Mishawaka's office; Mayor Rea had graciously proclaimed October 2009 as "R.E.A.C.H. a Child Month In the City of Mishawaka." Anyway, I'm driving down Grape Road, when I realized that I was traveling a little too fast. Unfortunately, I came to that realization just seconds after a Mishawaka Police Officer had come to the same conclusion. My first thought, of course, was "Should I tell the Officer that I had just left the Mayor's office, and show him the proclamation?" I decided, no.

The Officer informed me that he had clocked me going 42 in a 30. Following standard procedure, he asked to see my driver's license, as well as proof of insurance. I complied. We then talked a bit about my car - 1979 MGB - as well as, its top speed (120). He was very professional and, ultimately, kind, as I was let off with just a warning.

Now, I've spent the last week or so trying to present With Wings and a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana to the Mishawaka Police Department. So...

"Mind if I step out of the car to talk to you about something, Officer?"

He didn't. So, I did it. I presented R.E.A.C.H. a Child! to him right there on the shoulder of the busy road. Of course, he loved it! We traded business cards, and he requested that I email him, so he can get me in touch with the right people in the department.

Is it better to be good or lucky? Best to be both. Today, though, I'm just thankful for the chance encounter... and for not being issued a ticket.