The Independent-News, Volume 101, Number 43, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 1 April 1976 — Page 8

APRIL I, 1976 - THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

How To Multiply Yourself

Angry about something in your community or country? Don't pick up a bat — pick up a pen. Add to it paper. Then sit down and take out sour frustration constructively, in a letter to your mayor or congressman — or a letter to the editor. Democracy is not a spectatoi sport. Yet too many Americans for \arious reasons tune out when they ought to tune in; on election day, when the city council meets, or when an important issue affecting their lives is being debated by the powers that be. You may be intimidated by the thought of writing lor public consumption. But you needn't be if sou follow some simple suggestions lor writing letter that can have an impact. One prolific writer, who has had over 1.500 letters published in American newspapers and magazines, offers these tips: I. “Be timely: Head at once, hot on the heels of the news. Then let vour letter simmer at least three hours before mailing. (Your subconscious may feed second thoughts.) 2. “Be brief: If you can't sell 'em in 3 paragraphs, you won't in 20. 3. “Limit yourself: One subject per letter. 4. “Organize: State your points in logical sequence. Communicate! 5. “Be factual: Avoid vague generalizations and label-hanging. 6. “Be simple: Most readers don't dig fancy talk. Keep sentences and paragraphs short. Use punchy verbs. 7. “Be constructive: If you condemn, suggest a better way. N. “Mechanics: Type doublespaced on one side of plain white paper. Leave wide margins. Mail first class. 9. “Sign your name: All publications must know your name and address, (although) some permit pseudonyms." •

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These rules apply equally well whether you’re writing a letter to an editor or to a public official. One caution regarding the latter: elected officials — expecially those in Washington — get loads of mail daily. Most of it falls into two categories: (1) form letters which obviously have been stimulated by a third party; and (2) personally motivated and written correspondence. The form letters usually get short shrift and have relatively little impact. It is the personally motivated letters — those truly reflecting the w ritcr’s ow n opinion — that make a public official sit up and take notice. (Editor's Note: We welcome all Letters to the Editor and would at this time invite each and everyone to feel free to use this means of communications whenever possible. The Editor must know who is writing as mentioned above, but if vou desire to have your name omitted from the published article please indicate this to the Editor.) BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN MEET The opening of the Walkerton Business and Professional Women's Club was conducted by vice president. Mrs. William Elkin, as she read a poem entitled "Thoughts In A Garden,” on Lhursday evening. March 25, in the First United Presbyterian Church. Following the meal served by the ladies of the church, reports were heard including the local flower bed committee headed by Mrs. Velma Barden. She stated that the committee has chosen a bell shaped design and are in hopes of having the form made and ready to go in the near future. Miss Linda Huhnke said that pecans are still available at Dad & Lad’s, Karn TV A: Appliance and from her. Nominations for the Women of the award, presented annually by the club, were made. Those nominated were Mrs. Bess Gindelberger. Mrs. Mickey Hunt. Mrs.

Verda Karn and Mrs. Martha Mull. The birthday song was sung to Sue Shields. Bess Gindelberger, Bonnie Sullivan and Ocelia Bailey. Bonnie Sullivan won the prize. The door prize was won by Miss Denise Sullivan. The committee for the month for entertainment had written several half-minute segments of 200 years ago and produced by Swell Company. written by Mrs. Mickey Hunt. The first skit was entitled. "The Big Rip-Off.” and parts were played by Donna Tenncyson, Ocelia Bailey and Sue Shields. The second skit was about Betsy Ross played by Ann Miller followed by "The Birthday Song" played by Myrna Daube and Iva Clark. The fourth skit was entitled, "Paul Revere and His Ma." played by Irene Whitteberry and Karen Johnson. "The Boston Tea Party,” followed with Vi Masterman and Martha Mull taking part. The finale was "The Life of a Politician,” with Darlene Pontius and Martha Elkin. The meeting adjourned with all thanking the committee for the evening for a most enjoyable time. Assisting Mrs. Hunt as hostesses were Mrs. Jasper Elkin, Mrs. David Bella. Mrs. Ed Cole. Mrs. Paul Jones. Mrs. Bonnie Sullivan and Mrs. Karen Johnson. Table decor was in the St. Patrick theme. EVENING STAR REBEKAH LODGE 465 MEETS At a recent meeting of the Evening Star Rebekah Lodge 465. the Charter was draped for Brother Newton Williams in a very impressive ceremony by Noble Grand, Elizabeth Hess; Vice Grand, Velma Shores; Past Noble Grand, Bernice Mann; Chaplin, Maude Kellogg; Warden. Byrdie Searfoss; and Conductor. Vera w illiams. Plans arc being made to have a bake sale and Chicken-Noodle Lunch on April 10, proceeds to go as votes for Colonial Lady, Doris DePoy, who will be competing at the District meeting in May to be held at Briston, Indiana. All of this is to help pay off the mortgage on our new Home at Greensburg, Indiana.

Several of our members are planning to attend Friends Night at Fidelity Rebekah Lodge 22 at Mishawaka on April 7. ATHLETIC BOOSTERS TO MEET APRIL 5 The Greene-Liberty Township parents and high school students are invited to attend the North Liberty High School Athletic Boosters Club meeting set for April 5 in the high school cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. President Harry Griffey state that the goals of this recently organized club are to promote better athletics and to provide a vehicle of communication between the coaches, the school administration and the boosters. The speaker for the meeting will be Mr. Keith Davis, principal of North Liberty High School and the subject to be discussed will be the new outdoor athletic facility and the new girls' athletic program. The new facility will include an allweather track, five new tennis courts, two football fields and a baseball and softball field. JHGS To Be Evaluated By North Central John Glenn High School will be evaluated during the week of April 5 through 9 by a group of educators represnting the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. John Glenn High School is a member of NCA and goes through a complete evaluation once every seven years in addition to submit-

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ting an annual self-evaluation, the North Central Association is made up of colleges and schools in 19 states in the North Central Part of the United States. The administration, faculty, students and parents have been preparing for this evaluation since early last spring. Each faculty member, each department, and various committees on general areas have completed a self evaluation. The curriculum guide has been completely revised and updated for each department in the school. The 13-member visiting committee will be meeting with faculty members, administration, students, staff, and parents to discuss the self evaluation and programs at John Glenn High School. They will observe classes in session, study the curriculum and course offerings and take a complete look at the facilities to make sure John Glenn High School meets the standards and criteria set forth by the North Central Association for the approval of secondary schools. The visiting committee will return to the school a complete written report of the strenghts, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvements of John Glenn High School. Everyone has worked hard for the past year in preparation for this evaluation and is looking forward to the visit of the North Central evaluation team. "Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows oM" Kafka The little ads that bring big results — Our classified ads!