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Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article. Mr. Baute has moved to a facility in Columbus. Those wishing to contact him are encouraged to use the following address: Joe (Chopper) Baute, Independence Village, Room 205, 3660 Central Ave., Columbus, IN 47203.

By now, I suspect most, if not all, of the Hope Community is aware that Joe (Chopper) Baute was in a serious tractor accident and lifelined to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He fractured his pelvis, ribs, and an eye socket and is on the mend even though it likely will be a slow process. Recently, Joe was moved to a rehab center at Compass Park in Franklin. I have had several phone conversations with him since the accident.

I recall having Joe in a physical education class at the old Hope gym when he was in sixth grade many years ago. He was a jolly soul then and has remained jolly throughout his life. We have had several conversations over the years with Joe typically inserting a joke of some type. During our chats, I have become aware of how Joe has a wonderful giving heart and how he has helped numerous people and organizations. I can recall several times Joe asking me how he could be of help for a family after losing a loved one and how he could help “HSJ Online” without attending our yearly benefit. And I know he very much cares about the eyes of others while being a member of the Hope Lion's Club.

It is not surprising when Joe, with emotion, asked if I might recognize some young people for doing a lemonade stand on his behalf. Apparently, the lemonade brought a golden response with lots of money being collected. Michael Dean was there, and stated, “I was happy to see so many vehicles lining the driveway with people wanting to show Chopper how much they care about him. It was good to be able to help him, like he has helped so many others over the years. No one seemed to be in a rush, with people signing his tractor magazine and groups of people talking.” I suspect there were many Chopper stories!

So, on behalf of Chopper and others, I wish to recognize Brody Zollman, Logan Zollman, Charlie Swope, and Cline Swope.

Brody said, “Chopper gave us pedal tractors, so I wanted to do the lemonade stand to do something nice for him.”

Charlie said, “I wanted to have a lemonade stand for Chopper to make his heart happy.”

Logan said, “He makes me laugh.”

You are to be commended for thinking of others! Your visit to Chopper in the hospital with the announcement about the power of your lemonade stand will always be cherished by him. You have found out something that Chopper has known for years that giving results in more giving which keeps the Circle of Giving going. And, money continues to come in even without lemonade being served. Why? Well, Joe Baute has made a lot of connections over the years, and there are not many people known any better in Hope.

Below, you will find Chopper's address if wishing to send a card or make a visit:

Joe Baute
Compass Park Indiana Masonic Home
Skilled Care Room 1178
800 Freemason Parkway
Franklin, IN 46131