Banner Graphic, Volume 21, Number 25, Greencastle, Putnam County, 2 October 1990 — Page 11

Banner Graphic Greencastle, Putnam County, Tuesday, October 2,1990 Vol. 5 No. 5 H

Operation Cookie: It’s a fine ‘mess’ and Ollie’s gotten us into it

By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Editor The Cookie Monster vs. Saddam Hussein. Sounds like the biggest mismatch since the Indianapolis Colts last took to the field, doesn’t it? And while the Cookie Monster may not be quite the secret weapon needed to restore peace in the Mideast, a little piece of the Midwest is what might brighten the days of U.S. troops in the Saudi desert. AND OLLIE REYNOLDS of Greencastle Packing and Shipping, 504 Bloomington St. (in the CulliganJ.B.R. Travel building), thinks he has the recipe for success. He’s cooked up a way for Greencastle residents to align themselves with Operation Cookie, an effort being coordinated in Palm Bay, Fla. Basically, in this field, his dream is this: If you bake it, he will ship. Reynolds is calling on anyone with a cookie sheet men, women, church groups; sororities, women’s group, DePauw University students, home ec classes, etc. to whip up a batch of cookies and bring them to his office. He’ll package them and ship them free of charge to Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, where Operation Cookie will see that they reach the right cookie jar in the Saudi desert. BUT IT WAS NO VOICE in the night that convin-

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SEN. ROBERT HELLMANN To speak Oct. 7 Hellmann to speak to NAACP The Greencastle branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will observe its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 7. The dinner, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be held in the ballroom of the DePauw University Union Building. State Sen. Robert F. Hellmann (D-Terre Haute) will be the guest speaker. A Terre Haute native, Hellmann is a graduate of Indiana State University and the St. Louis University School of Law. HELLMANN SERVES as assistant city attorney for the City of Terre Haute and maintains a private law practice. He was elected to the Indiana House in 1982 and re-elected in 1984. He served on the House committees for Educations, Elections, the Judiciary and Insurance and Corporations. During his first term in the House, Hellmann was chosen as Outstanding Freshman Democrat Representative by the membership. Since 1986, Hellmann has been a member of the State Senate and was also selected as Outstanding Freshman Democrat Senator. Sen. Hellmann serves on the Education, Judiciary and Labor and Pension Committees in the Senate. His district includes Parke County and portions of Putnam, Vigo and Vermillion. Reservations for the dinner may be made by calling Frances Miles (653-3060). Cost of the dinner is $12.50 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under.

ced Reynolds to adopt the cookie campaign. It was his better half, whispering in his ear. He and his wife were watching “Good Morning America” the other day when a report on Operation Cookie aired. “The truth is, I ignored it,” Reynolds laughed. “But Johnnye (Mrs. Reynolds) said, ‘Why can’t we get the ladies of Greencastle bake cookies for the boys.’” Mrs. Reynolds, who will help pack and ship whatever is brought to the office, is a little wary that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. She fears the outpouring of goodwill may exceed even optimist Ollie’s expectations. “I may be sorry I did,” she says of suggesting the idea “But those boys won’t be.” THERE ARE, HOWEVER, a few guidelines for this cookie invasion. First, each cookie should be individually wrapped, or they should be wrapped in twos, back to back, in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Secondly, when brought to Greencastle Packing and Shipping, they should be in a container that need not be returned. A zip-lock bag is considered an excellent choice. Other items needed, which can be sent via Operation Cookie are disposable razors, soap, toilet paper,

Demographically correct housing tops city issues

By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Editor Looking to the future, two of the most pressing needs for the City of Greencastle will be affordable housing and a northern bypass to rid the downtown of needless truck traffic. That is the consensus of the City Plan Commission, which Monday night focused on the transportation and land-use portions of die comprehensive city plan update. MICHAEL SHAVER, the Wabash Scientific expert hired to coordinate the year-long revision of the comprehensive plan, left no doubt as to his opinion at the conclusion of the two-hour meeting at City Hall. “Residential development is the single-most important issue facing you over the next five years,” he told the seven members of the Plan Commission in attendance at City Hall. Greencastle, he said, is in need of housing that matches the demographic profile of its community. Statistics show that 60 percent of city residents currently fall in the low- to moderate-income classifications. WHAT THAT means is that a subdivision of SBO,OOO-SIOO,OOO homes is probably not the answer locally. The Greencasde market, he suggested, is probably more suited for new homes in the $45,000$60,000 range. While the latter price range may be attractive to buyers, it is not as enticing to builders. The city, he said, may have to urge some creativity among builders and developers to attract the proper mix of housing. To help emphasis the situation, Shaver said he will invite some developers, including at least one associated with the manufactured housing industry, to a future meeting. He wants them to explain how they might remedy the housing affordability issue. MEANWHILE, the most notable deduction from the transportation issue capsule, Shaver said, is that a northern bypass from the industrial areas on the far east side to U.S. 231 would have the most impact in the future. The idea, he suggested, is to get the truck traffic off interior streets and taking it far enough north before connecting with U.S. 231 so that the northern bypass does not become another local shortcut. Bringing the northern bypass back to U.S. 231 too close to city limits, Shaver said, could adversely affect the downtown. “It’s a delicate balance,” the planner said, “But you don’t want to take local traffic out of the downtown.” Removing truck traffic, Shaver said, would increase available capacity for other downtown traffic, while raising the desirability

Cataract Water Corp. looking to the future

CLOVERDALE The Cataract Lake Water Corp. board of directors is looking to the future, but is asking its customers for patience in the process. The water company was formed in 1969, at which time the system was designed to handle 1,000 customers. That figure has been surpassed. THEREFORE, board members Reness Dumas, Tom Jonkers, Doris Loney, Larry Stanfield, Richard Gaddis and Charles Ross admit, the company has experienced some difficulty in providing service for new line extensions. The company has hired an en-

to drive in the downtown. Plan Commission Vice Chairman Warren Harlan, a long-time advocate of such a bypass to the north, said just such a road was on state planning maps about 20 years ago. It was on the drawing board before even the Big Walnut Reservoir project that reared its head in the mid-’7os. “IN FACT, THEY were worried that Big Walnut would kill the bypass,” Harlan said, noting, however, that one remedy to that was taking the proposed road over the dam. That may seem like water under the bridge now, but Harlan’s not ready to give up on the idea. He believes the state could still help with such a plan. “I don’t care how long it takes,” Harlan said. “Well, I do ... I wish it were next year ... but we need that highway to get the truck traffic out of the downtown.” While inner-city truck traffic was listed as a prime concern, problems associated with truck traffic on State Road 240 were also voiced. EVERYONE IS well aware of traffic problems in general along 240 (Indianpolis Road) from the “Y” intersection to the city limits. Some of those will be taken care of with the advent of the Southern Highway since traffic signals are planned for the new highway’s intersection with 240 at the Mallory entrance as well as 10th Street/Round Bam Road and 240. The 50- and 55-mph speed limits in the Putnam Plaza area will also be addressed by the City Council once the city assumes jurisdiction of the roadway, Mayor Mike Harmless said. However, he noted, “there is a lot of concern about 240 once it leaves Greencastle and continues

toothpaste and toothbrushes, com starch and lip balm. COOKIES SHOULD BE taken to the shipping office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. any day. However, Reynolds plans to ship on Tuesdays beginning this Tuesday, Oct. 2 and the UPS truck will leave his pick-up site at 5 p.m. Anyone with questions about the effort is invited to call Janice Johnson at 653-8474. As much as I hate to steal Heloise’s thunder, here’s a hint or two on the varieties suggested by Operation Cookie: Avoid the fragile, cmmbly kind, like chocolate chip (sigh) and peanut butter cookies. Avoid cookies made with butter or margarine. Cookies made with shortening are better suited for traveling to the Mideast hotbed, where desert temperatures reach the 120 s. Suggested varieties include ginger snaps and cherry winks (with maraschino cherries, nuts and dates). MEANWHILE, BAKERS will not be asked to cover any of the shipping costs, Reynolds said. “I don’t expect the cost to get out of hand,” he said. “We’ll box them up and send them out and see what happens. It only costs $9 to send a big box pounds down there (to Florida), so if I can’t afford

gineering firm to assess it for future expansion, including a new well, 150,000-gallon tank and increasing the size of water mains. The company is in the process of obtaining funds for those expansions, the board notes, but until the funds are obtained, there can be no line extensions. “WE SINCERELY hope,” the board said in a public statement to all parties interested in the Cataract Lake Water Corp., “that these funds can be obtained, and we can service the prospective customers who have requested service, or those who may in the future need water service.”

east.” The narrow nature of the road, numerous curves and the dangerous Chadd Valley area spawn more than their share of accidents. “WE DON’T HAVE accidents like that on 231 North or 231 South,” the mayor noted. Friday alone there were three accidents from the city limits east on State Road 240. ‘Things have actually gotten worse in that area,” the mayor conceded since we started this process a year ago.“ HARLAN AGREED. “There’s a lot more truck traffic out there than even when IBM was going full bore.” And Plan Commission member Jim Harris cautioned that it will be get worse once the Big Walnut Sports Park project nears completion. Traffic in and out of the sports park is usually mainly Edgewood Lake Road, which doesn’t offer the greatest visibility to motorists trying to pull out onto State Road 240. Slowing to turn onto that road is also difficult “with traffic behind you doing 70 miles an hour,” Harris said. ‘There’s going to be an accident,” he predicted. “It might be a bad one.” While attempting to address State Road 240 problems in the revised comprehensive plan, commission members also reached a number of conclusions about other thoroughfares: Albin Pond Road: All agreed it will probably be impossible to ever widen, thereby making it less attractive as a major collector for east-west traffic. Judson Drive: Once thought the panacea for all that ails eastCol. 4, Back Page, this section

that, we’re in trouble.” * * * The Banner-Graphic has received information on three more armed forces personnel who have been sent to the Mideast. ■ SSgt. Jeffrey L. Rushton: A 17-year active Marine currently stationed with HQ Co., 3rd LAI/BN. He is the son of Margaret A. Claxton, 1043 Avenue Greencastle, and Harry Rushton, Bloomington. He is the grandson of Effie Moore, Avenue C, Greencastle, and the late James G. (“Gib”) Chadd. Petty Officer 2nd Class John P. Martin: Deployed since Aug. 7 with the Saratoga Battle Group on board the USS Yellowstone in the Red Sea. A 1985 North Putnam High School graduate, he is married to the former Michele Lewis. They have two children, Amanda and Briana, and reside in Newport News, Va. His address is: DC2 John P. Martin, Eng./R Division, USS Yellowstone (AS/41), FPO New York, N.Y. 09512-2525. Navy Fireman Apprentice Kelly J. Bird: Deployed to the Mideast in support of Operation Desert Shield while serving aboard the destroyer tender USS Yellowstone, homeported in Norfolk, Va. A 1988 Cloverdale High School graduate, she joined the Navy in July 1988

o I G.R.E.LM. Greencastle Recycling efforts for Environmental needs Storm helps renew our appreciation for trees

In the aftermath of last month’s storm, residents of Greencastle have had a renewed appreciation of trees. Many area residents will not have as much windbreak this winter or as much shade next summer because of the damage and destruction to surrounding trees. CAN YOU THINK of anything besides trees that gives us paper, fruit, nuts, lumber, places for birds and animals to live, protection from cold wind and hot sun, places for kids to climb and also helps keep our air clean? Nothing can take the place of trees that is why they are so important. We need to keep the world full of trees, and you can help make this happen. You can plant a tree. Before planting a tree, however, do a little research, go to a nursery or gardening center and talk with the people there to determine what kind of tree would be best for your location. Consider the amount of space available, the soil conditions and the amount of sunlight, how close the tree will be to underground and above-ground utilities, and what you expect from the tree. If you want a tree to beautify your property, perhaps a flowering tree would be suitable for you. Some trees provide better windbreak than others. Maybe you want a tree that produces fruit your family would enjoy. BE AWARE THAT some trees attract particular species of insects you may not want. Others may increase yard maintenance by dropping nuts, inedible fruits or excessive amounts of twigs. A little research before planting will prevent surprises after planting. Greencastle city residents should contact City Hall (6533100) or Street Commissioner Jim Wright (653-3391) before planting a tree in city limits. A city employee will check the area where you plan to plant to be certain the species of tree selected will not interfere with

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Greencastle, In Boxholder Permit No. 256

utilities, sidewalks, drainage, etc. Information on trees compatible to area climate can also be provided. Locally, the Greencastle Civic League is working on planting lots of new trees in Greencastle. Their planting program is expected to help replace many trees lost in recent years to wind and ice storms, road and curb construction, disease and/or age. As well as beautifying Greencastle, these new dees will aid in the energy efficiency of nearby homes and businesses and help keep our air clean. To contribute finances to the effort, persons are asked to send checks to the Putnam County Foundation, Attention: Planting Program, P.O. Box 367, Greencastle 46135. To assist with labor aspects, persons may contact Street Commissioner Wright (653-3391). * * * CHECK BOOKS available at the local libraries and bookstores for information on tree planting or write the following sources: The American Forestry Association. It has a “Global Re-Leaf’ program designed to plant 100 million trees by 1992. For information, persons may write to P.O. Box 2000, Washington, D.C. 20013 or phone 202-667-3300. Tree People. A non-profit group started by a high school student with the goal of planting a million trees by the 1984 Olympics, it publishes one of the best guides to planting trees in urban area. The book, “A Planter’s Guide to the Urban Forest,” is available by sending $lO to Tree People, 12601 Mullholland Drive, Beverly Hill, CA 90210. * * * REMEMBER TO be resourceful in your use of paper products. The Greencastle Recycling Center accepts newspapers bundled with string or in paper grocery sacks, as well as computer paper, file paper and corrugated cardboard.