The Independent-News, Volume 103, Number 15, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 15 September 1977 — Page 4

SEPTEMBER 15, 1977 — THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

PLAYGROUND COMPLETED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS As iaraßiiOßg fix i 1 1 |y l’lim i 4 yy „ i r ?

Local residents during August 5 to the 20th were in Asheville, North Carolina, where they built a play area for inner-city youngsters. Those participating in the project sponsored by the United Methodist Church, Walkerton, and others from Plymouth and Tyner United Methodist Churches and the Koontz Lake Missionary Church, were Ray, Marian and Linda Chapman; Sherrill and Mark Kickbush; Annette Peterson; Cindy Krick; Mitzi Knepper; Mary. Catherine and Gerald Hahn; Jerry Smith; Ricky Florian; Mr. and Mrs. William Cranmer; Lucille Gardner; David Fenstermacher; Robert Relos; Herald Hostetler 111 and Bob Muncie. First the group had to clear and develop the park area which was named "Hoosier Happy Hollow." They opened up an area of 300 feet by 120 feet in a 24 foot deep ravine making three entries into the area with 62 four foot logs which were donated. In constructing the 47 steps down to the area they purchased and moved two loads of gravel and five loads of fill dirt and rented a front loader for one day to level, the group removing an existing bank to also use for the fill dirt. They built a "Stanley Back Yard Fitness Center," pictured above and an eight by four foot hillside slide; painted 11 utility stools, five lor tables and six to play on; constructed and painted three benches and two seats; painted a tether ball set; made three signs for the playground and planted grass. A grand opening of the facility was held on a rainy day but the attendance was excellent according to the 11 gallons of Kook-Aid and 400 cookies that were consumed. There was more to the mission than just building the beautiful play area for the youngsters. They studies and were actively involved in the mission of the Church in Action. They saw how the facilities of the former Allen High Sch<x)l are being used to meet the needs of the community through many different services. Rev. Gilbert, Director of Allen Center, met with the group in study and discussion of the Mission of the Church and he helped each of the group to

feel they should be in Mission wherever they are. Seven of the youths helped Paula Ericson, US-2 coordinator, with a Girl Scout Troop by helping with murals that were hung in “Hoosier Happy Hollow,” and also taught the girls to sing. "Father Abraham.” Several of the boys were also involved with the boys at the Boys Cub by playing games, basketball and wrestling. Also, Margaret Johnson, secretary at Allen Center, met with the group and told of the history of Allen High School and how much she appreciated the opportunity for a quality education from the church. They also had daily Bible study using as a guide, "To Tell A Mystery.” They attended Berry United Methodist Church the first Sunday. This church is a congregation of predominately black and most of the white attending are retired missionaries living in the retirement home in Asheville. The second Sunday they attended a country church. Snow Hill United Methodist Church where they were guests of Mr. Bill Hiatt, a former Walkerton UMYF president, son of Mr. and Mrs. Branson Hiatt, Walkerton. They were guests at Bill s club where all enjoved a picnic and swim and some tennis on Friday evening. Following the church service they drove 18 miles further and had a picnic at Lake Junaluska. a campground owned by the S. E. Jurisdiction and they received permission to eat supper in the cafeteria and to attend the evening worship from the dean of the Youth Camp. The group was very impressed by the Junaluska singers and they returned the next evening for the Christmas Concert in August. They also saw the World Methodist Building. Experiencing a different culture in a southern urban bi-racial community, the group attended the "Shindig on the Green” in downtown Asheville with blue grass music and dogg dancing. Saturday evening they visited Mt. Mitchel, the highest point in eastern America and on another evening trip they went to Sliding Rock w-here 15 of the group from the

ages of 67 to 15, slid down a mountain steam in their swim suits which was quite refreshing on such a hot day and after a hard day of work. The mission received $450 from the Youth Service Fund of the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church to pay for the construction of the new play area in Asheville. On the return trip home several places in the Smoky Mountains were visited and they spent two nights in the Leganon United Methodist Church and then visited King's Island.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 FROM 7:00 — 11:00 P.M. DURING MOONLIGHT MADNESS 10” SAUSAGE & /I AC CHEESE PIZZA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 CHICKEN OO^ BASKET JF > JU restaurant Downtown Walkerton Phone 586-7267

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WORLD HUNGER PROGRAM TO BE HELD SEPT. 19 Are you concerned about world hunger — and what one person can do to help the situation? A short seminar on living a simple lifestyle will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, September 19, in the United Methodist Church, Walkerton, for all interested residents in this area. Gerald L. Wilson, of Indianapolis, regional director of CROP (the Community Hunger Appeal so Church World Service), will be the featured speaker. Wilson will discuss the problem of world hunger and will suggest ways in which concerned persons can gradually simplify their own living patterns. The session is sponsored by the "Monday Morning Group,” an ecumenical spiritual growth group comprised of women from Walkerton and North Liberty. ENJOY LANCASTER REUNION The Lancaster reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Lancaster and son and friend Chris, Riley Road. North Liberty. The birthday of Mrs. Bertha Williams was celebrated also with all her children present. Children are Mrs. Elinor Ballentine, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Mr. and Mrs. John Ottman. Mr. and Mrs. Austin Johnson. Dan. Mike and friend Barbara, of South Bend; Ms. Carol Heil and Mr. and Mrs. Greg Fassett, of Mishawaka; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Purvis, Becky and Rodney, of Lakeville; Mr. and Mrs. Russ Schmidt and Tim,Tammie and David and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ogle and Randy, of Walkerton. In the afternoon volleyball, horse shoes, darts and motorcycle rides were enjoyed by all. The first American college of pharmacy was established in Philadelphia in 1821.