Banner Graphic, Volume 21, Number 25, Greencastle, Putnam County, 2 October 1990 — Page 4

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THE BANNERGRAPHIC October 2,1990

Dear Abby Infant’s sudden death leaves parents searching for answers

DEAR ABBY: Last November, my husband and I went to awaken our 3 1/2-month-old son, only to find him dead in his crib! The cause: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), more commonly known as “crib death.” There are no symptoms. Almost as devastating as the loss of our son was the confusion and frustration that followed. Because so little is known about SIDS, parents are often left to face cruel questions from well-meaning but unenlightened friends and family. It is difficult to understand how a child who appears to be perfectly healthy and normal could die so suddenly for no apparent reason. It can lead to false accusations and unnecessary guilt for people who have already suffered enough. Abby, will you please print the following facts to enlighten your readers: 1. SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant; the cause remains unexplained, even after an autopsy.

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The Putnam County Hospital Guild elected new officers during its recent membership brunch at the hospital. Newly elected officers of the Guild are board members at-large Mona Harlan and Norma Hurst, president Dr. James Johnson,

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2. SIDS is the No. 1 cause of death among infants between the ages of 1 week and 1 year, although it is most likely to occur between the ages of 2 to 4 months. 3. An average of 7,000 babies die of SIDS every year. 4. SIDS is not caused by suffocation, aspiration or regurgitation. Most SIDS victims appear to be healthy before death, although a few may show symptoms of a slight cold shortly before death.

DENNIS O’HAIR Republican Candidate for Commissioner Second District Your vote will be appreciated Paid f«r by Committee to Elect Dennia O’Hair, R. 1, Greencastle

5. SIDS is not caused by child abuse or an immunization; it’s neither contagious nor hereditary; and it occurs in families of all social and economic levels. 6. SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented. While the chilling question, “Why did your baby die?” still cannot be answered, SIDS experts today believe that some subtle abnormality in infant development occurring in the fetal stages predisposes some babies to SIDS. Our only hope in learning more about this tragic death lies in research. Parents who experience this tragedy have special needs. The best advice I can offer to their families and friends is -.Don’t say, “You’ll have more children.” Don’t set limits on how long the parents should grieve. And, above all, don’t try to substitute other children in the family to “replace” the one they’ve lost. Each child is irreplaceable. The best advice I can offer parents is: Please become better educated about SIDS. Had I known more

Abigail Van Buren

treasurer Mabel Vermillion and secretary Marian Maloney, who has just finished two years as Guild president. Not pictured is board member at-large Mildred Sandy. (Photo by Mary Rector)

Heloise Beware of blood storage promises

Dear Readers: Because of modem techniques, the danger of disease transmission through blood transfusions is less threatening than before; however, many people are so fearful that they try to store their own blood in case it’s needed in the future. The Harvard Medical School

about it, I wouldn’t have tortured myself with guilt and blame for my baby’s death. Sign me ... MISSING MY BABY IN ASHLAND, KY. DEAR MISSING: Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved son. Your letter is both helpful and informative, and I’m printing it to alert other parents, their friends and families. Those who are interested in learning more about SIDS can obtain a free booklet titled “Facts About SIDS.” Send your name and address to: The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance, 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 420, Columbia, Md. 21044. The toll-free national SIDS hotline number is (800) 221-7437. October is National SIDS Awareness Month. And since the only hope for learning more about this tragic problem lies in research, voluntary contributions are gratefully accepted. Delta Zeta to have Province Day at Purdue The annual “Province Day” for the 400 collegian and alumnae members of Delta Zeta sorority is set for Sunday, Oct. 28 at Purdue University. Activities for the day will include collegiate and alumnae workshops, award presentations, collegiate skit and song sessions and a luncheon featuring a special recognition of 50-year “Golden Rose” members. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at Purdue’s Delta Zeta sorority house, 825 Hilltop Ave., West Lafayette. For reservation information, members can contact the state advisor by Oct. 20 at (317) 2518924.

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Heloise

Newsletter warns that some commercial ventures are taking advantage of public anxiety by storing blood for a hefty price for emergencies. In an emergency, such blood would probably be useless because of the time required to locate it and get it out of storage and thaw it, they say. If you are concerned, talk it over with your own doctor. If you are contacted by one of these companies, discuss the pros and cons with a medical expert before accepting such an offer and for heaven’s sake check out the company. Heloise SHOULDER PADS Dear Heloise: This is for anyone in a hurry who needs shoulder pads in a dress or blouse and doesn’t have the time to sew them in just put them in place under your bra straps. They work great and prevent dents in your shoulders. Mildred Medvin, Union, N.J. What a great hint! Thanks for sharing your idea with us. Heloise BLANCHING Q. I am besieged with vegetables from my garden and am attempting to freeze many of them. My question is this: What is blanching and why is it required? Doris T., Napa Valley, Calif. A. Blanching is a process of scalding food quickly and then dipping it into ice water to kill the enzyme action in preparation for freezing. The time for each “dip” varies with the vegetable. It is also a wonderful way to prepare fresh vegetables for healthy eating. Heloise NO SPILLED PINS Dear Heloise: I enjoy sewing and it seemed every time I took out the straight-pin box, I would spill some if not all of the pins all over the carpet. The pick-up process was a nightmare! To solve this problem I bought a package of magnetic strips and cut one to fit the inside bottom of the pin box and now the pins stay put. Jennie Coan, Baltimore, Md. BALLOON CURTAINS Dear Heloise: Here’s a helpful hint I use when hanging the new balloon curtains. Instead of using tissue paper to puff the curtains, I use nylon net. It gives the curtains the fullness they need and is about the same cost as tissue paper. Lillian Miller, Little Rock, Ark. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

Calendar of events Tuesday The regular meeting of William Knight Chapter, S.A.R., will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Double Decker. Members and guests meet for support preceding the meeting. Anyone interested is invited. Women’s Aglow fellowship of Greencastle will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Vicki’s Restaurant. The meeting at 7 p.m. will feature Jeannine Christian. All area women invited to attend. A last-minute opportunity to meet the candidates of the upcoming general election is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Fairgrounds Community Building. All candidates will be introduced and allowed time to answer questions. Meredith Kincaid, Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. administrative assistant will preside. The Cloverdale Church of the Nazarene, 52 Water St., will have a revival at 7 p.m. nightly from Tuesday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 7. The evangelist will be the Rev. R.A. Vanlandingham and the program includes worship, priase and southern gospel music. Everyone is wel- ; come. ; The Putnam County Computer Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at GMI Satellites and Computers, 604 N. Jackson St., Greencastle. Kappa Delta Phil sorority will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 in the GTE meeting room, Greencastle. Officers will be installed follow- . ing the business meeting. Beta Psi chapter of Tri-Kappa will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the home of Mary Frances Snyder. Theta Chapter, Delta Theta Tau sorority, will meet at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the home of Mary Jane Black. Wednesday : Tots Time free child care, designed for a parents’ morning oui, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at Roachdale Christian Church on Ind. 236 at Roachdale. It is held each Wednesday, unless otherwise announced. All children under age five are eligible for the ; free service. The Bible Class meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings at the Heritage House Convalescent Center in the activies room. The title of the new series is “How We Got the Bible.” There will be film-strips shown along with this study, taught by Evangelist Rick Christian of the Church of Christ in Greencastle. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 653-2602. Associate Tri Kappa will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 for a luncheon at the Almost Home Tea Room. The Greencastle Women’s Club will meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the home of Mrs. Ruth Gooch, 711 Highwood Ave. The Cresent Club will meet at the home of Mrs. Eugene Akers at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3. Mrs. Roy Sutherlin will have the program. Greencastle Chapter 255 Order of Eastern Star will have a stated : meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Masonic Temple. The district deputy will be present for instructional visit. Refreshments will be furnished. Thursday Larrabee Lodge 131 F&AM, Stilesville, will have its regular stated meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. All members urged to attend. All visiting master masons are welcome. The Putnam County Heritage Preservation Society will hear David Powers, architect who designed the Walden Inn and several other Greencastle projects, at a 6 p.m. dinner meeting Thursday, Oct. 4 in the Terrace Room of DePauw University’s Student Union Building. Dinner will be $9 per person. Reservations should be made with Gordon Sayers, 653-3345, by Monday, Oct. 1. The speech will be in Room 107 of East College at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Women’s Support Group meets from 7-9 p.m. each Thursday at Family Support Services office, 122 W. Washington St. Call 653-4820 for more information. Friday The women of St. Paul’s Catholic Church will have their fall rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. Saturday A church bazaar is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Peace Lutheran Church, 218 Bloomington St., Greencastle. The bazaar will feature a giant yard sale, cake bake and free pony rides for children. “A Quilters Delight” quilt show and judged contest is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Cascade High School. It is sponsored by the Mill Creek Zeta Tau chapter of Tri Kappa. Join the “Cruisin’ Back to the ’sos Dance” with Singles at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 in the GTE community room featuring music with a disc jockey and ’sos style dress. The gathering is for people who are divorced, widowed or never-married. Bring $1 donation for refreshments. Call 653-6655 or 795-6650 for more information. An old fashioned square dance is set for 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Roachdale Lions Hall. Admission is $4 per person. Everyone welcome. The Cloverdale Area Chamber of Commerce will have bingo from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Cloverdale Holiday Inn, Interstate 70 and U.S. 231. A S3OO jackpot must go at midnight if not won. Special games paying minimum of $75. Regular games paying minimum of $25. Sunday The Greencastle Branch of the NAACP will have its 27th annual Freedom Fund Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 in the ballroom of the DePauw University Student Union Building. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $6 for children. Sen. Robert Heilman is the speaker. This is a major fundraiser for the NAACP branch. Everyone is invited to attend. Monday The National Association of Retired Federal Employees will meet for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8. Business will follow lunch. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 573, Greencastle, meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 802 Crown St. Those wishing to attend or in need of information may call 653-9015 or 653-4879. A stated meeting and Friends Night is set for 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8 at the Roachdale O.E.S. 247. Officers should dress formal. Carry-in salad bar. Visitors welcome. Tuesday TOPS Tuesday morning group now meets at 8:30 a.m. at the GTE meeting room, 201 E. Washington St., Greencastle. Everyone is invited to attend. TOPS Ind. Chapter 998, Cloverdale, meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Conservation Club on Jim Street Road. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Faye at 672-8303. The Putnam County Retired Teachers Association will meet at noon Tuesday, Oct 9 in the Putnam Inn. The speaker will be Dr. Donald B. Brattain. For reservations call Bernice Steward at 522-6727, Mary Mable Morris at 795-4907, Margaret Curd at 653-3486, or Madonna Balay at 653-5801. Cloverdale Junior-Senior High School Back to School Night for parents is set for 6:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 9 at the school. It is an opportunity for parents to come to school to follow their student’s schedule, meet teachers, administration and view the school’s facility. A reception for high school substitute teachers is set for 6:30 p.m. in the home ec. room Women’s Support Group meets in the Castlebury Clubhouse from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday. Call 653-4820 for child care information. Sponsored by Family Support Services. Four Leaf Clovers will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 with Helen Mason. Devotions will be given by Christine Michael and the lesson by Esther Friend. The Bainbridge Community Service Home Extension Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 in the home of Thursa Evans with a lesson to teach people how to be responsible to their families and the environment in “Household Hazardous Waste.” Call Donna Tippin at 522-1373 for information and directions.