The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 43, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 19 March 1992 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS - MARCH 19. 1992

“For Emergency Call 586-3511” As a dispatcher for the police, fire and ambulance services in Walkerton, I feel a great need to make the citizens in our area aware of a situation that seems to have many persons confused. To call 911 in this area only delays the response time for our getting an emergency service unit to your home. If you call 911, it win go into a central dispatch in South Bend and then have to be transferred to the department assigned to cover your area. If you have a 586 prefix phone number or live close enough to Walkerton that you use our emergency services, please call 586-3511 direct and do not use the 911 number. We are trying to cut down on any delay you might have when you need emergency service. It would be helpful if you would write down directions to your home before any emergency occurs, and place this information close to your telephone so that when you call in an emergency, you will have directions to your location at your fingertips. We want to assist you in the fastest way possible, and accuate, concise directions to your location will aid in our endeavor. Written directions would also aid children and elderly persons who have to call in emergency situations. I know from experience how confusing it can be to try to remember precise directions when you have an emergency in your home. If you have any questions, feel free to call for our assistance at 586-3511. Mickey Wolfenbarger “Good Education” Blame this on Nedra's letter to the editor (Feb. 26th). “Shucks”, she wrote, “everyone might as well get in the battle”. So here are my thoughts on the school controversary. This will probably be long, but heck, I never did learn how to condense my thoughts. I do not mean to be critical (Oh, alright,

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maybe a little at times), but 1 do not wish to put anyone or any group down. First let me state that while I doubt we are the envy of surrounding school districts we do in the John Glenn School System have much to be proud of. Various awards to students and teachers alike make a very positive statement about our efforts. We've had in the past some outstanding graduates who are now making their mark in the world. We should be proud that the Indiana State Legislature considers ours to be a very fine school. Whose responsibility to educate the children? Well, first the parents who, for obvious reasons, early on were ordered to establish schools. Ah, yes, public education! The obligation to support our schools should include everyone, for education has opened many doors and benefits us all. I believe, especially in a rural community, the present method of funding our schools to be flawed. Given the fickle nature of farming today it seems the height of folly to depend on such a tenuous source of support. I have no doubt many property tax bill was paid with Government farm subsidy money. (Does tend to spread the costs a bit doesn’t it?). We need look no further than Mishawaka to see the results of lost revenue, in their case the Uni-Royal closing. We must look for and find alternative funding for our schools. Do not be fooled into believing that because State and Federal funds-may be used to help fund education your taxes will be less. Where do you think they get their money? (Again it would help spread the costs a bit.). Remember too that we almost always get back less than we send to state and federal coffers. I honestly do not know if we need to build. Assuming we all exercised our right to vote we surely elected a board whom we felt would be capable of performing the duties demanded of it. We certainly want the best possible education for our children we can afford. 1 would hope the Board explored all the options (upgradding, school year

round, multiple use of space, etc.). Some recent exchanges in “The Independent-News" give me cause for alarm. Personality clashes, inflexible stands taken and who pays the most taxes do nothing for education and should never be debated in public by a school board member. Such activity serves no useful purpose, tends to cloud the issues and certainly is out of their realm of responsibility. Let’s get back and do the job you were elected to do — education. The mentality that equates cost per pupil with quality education disburbs me. We have only to look at spending for education the last few years and test scores for the period to dispel that notion. Can we do better? The successes that we have enjoyed in our school have come about largely through the child who is motivated and adapts easily to the structured classroom curriculum. He or she may or may not be of above average intelligence but is open to instruction and takes advantage of every opportunity. More time may be spent with such a child for teachers can count on results and if such a one reaches his potential we all benefit. This is good, but what are we doing for those not so motivated, those with the low test scores or maybe those who just simply don’t have the mental capacity to master some of the required three R’s? They, too. have the right to benefit from public education, the right to learn to be self supporting, to improve their quality of life and reach their potential. A little public school assistance now may well save us the obligation of lifetime public welfare assistance later. Head Start does not address the problem. One of the candidates for the Board talks of cooperation between parents and teaching staff. Problems with support at either end can be devastating to a child. We should demand much more from our teachers than “well informed and motivated”. The time spent with and the influence thev should have can inspire a child to greatness, or, if the home (marital, drugs, alcohol, money, time, attitude, abuse, moral, etc.) can be equally devastating, conversely

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ideal home support can be, oh, so beneficial. So, we need to know the child and where he came from if we are to do our best for him. Pre-school home visits to assess the child and his environment are an absolute must. His problems and interests must be identified and set aside in school tailored to his specific needs. Competent, trained teaching personnel must be hired to implement this program but 1 believe the rewards well worth the effort. However, 1 am not so naive to say we will help every child. Lastly, a few words to you now in school for it is your responsibility what you make of your life. Remember that God put you here just as surely as He made the rivers and mountains and you have every bit as much right to be here. Feel good about and respect your mind and bodv for life is such a precious gift. It may be necessary to rebel a little at times for vou cannot live your life as your parents did — times and the world change. Know the importance of religious, moral and ethnic values, traditions handed down for generations — things that got your family this far. Whatever your job, do it well, for there is honor and dignity in even the lowest job well done. Every walk of life is important so beware of your worth as a member of the human race irregardless of your place in society. Take full advantage of our fine schools — you'll live a richer fuller life for having done so. Oops, got to stop, Helen says I’m preaching. Bernie Westhues R.E.A.L. SERVICES NUTRITION PROGRAM N. L. United Methodist Church Phone 656-3132 the day prior for reservations. Walkerton Youth Building Phone 586-7600 the day prior for reservations. MARCH 23 - 27 MONDAY Peach nectar Sweet and sour meatballs Scalloped potatoes Steamed broccoli Whole wheat bread with margarine Butterscotch pudding Milk, tea, coffee 30 grams fat/133 miligrams cholestorel TUESDAY. MARCH 24 Tomato juice Cream of potato soup with saltines Sloppy joe on bun Dill pickle spear Mixed fruit Milk, tea, coffee 26 grams fat/131 miligrams cholesterol WEDNESDAY

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Apple juice Breaded oven fried chicken quarter Mashed potatoes with gravy Harvard beets Whole wheat bread and margarine Pineapple Milk, tea, coffee 28 grams fat/108 milligrams cholesterol THURSDAY Orange juice Ham and beans Spinach with vinegar on side Combread with margarine Plums Milk, tea, coffee 21 grams fat/103 milligrams cholesterol FRIDAY Pineapple juice Salmon pattie with white sauce on side Parsleyed potatoes Layered salad Whole wheat bread and margarine Plain cake donut Milk, tea, coffee 39 grams fat/100 milligrams cholesterol I would like to thank all of our friends who attended the “Citizen of the Year ” dinner, held on Saturday evening at the North Liberty Community Center. Special thanks to the Lions Club for setting up the dinner and to those who took part in the program. It is an honor to be named Citizen of the Year. Robert Overmyer The families of Marion Groves would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the words of comfort and acts of kindness extended to us during the recent loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. Also for the food that was prepared and brought it on Monday, it was truly appreciated. A special thanks to St. Patrick's Women for the meal that was served at the American Legion. A special thanks to Nusbaum-Elkin Funeral Home and Father “Gene” of St. Patrick’s Church. The care and attention from Miller’s Merry Manor was greatly appreciated. Your kindess will always be remembered. Gene and Mary Ellen Reiff Lorraine Tebav Norbert and Marilyn Groves Tom and Gwen Groves Jerry and Marge Groves Dennis and Doris Groves Dante and Joan Pola Ora and Dorothy Harder People believe if you catch a falling leaf, you will have a good and happy life.