The Independent-News, Volume 118, Number 18, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 24 September 1992 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - SEPTEMBER 24, 1992

EDITORIALS

REGISTRATION DEADLINE This is a national election year with a presidential election highlighting the scene come November 3. The presidential race this year has been a strange one from the start. At one time it was all Bush, the incumbent. His stock was at an alltime high due to the American involvement in the Middle East crisis or war or whatever one wants to call it. However, the year that followed has been something else. The economy of the United States has been down for a long time. On an economic picture, things have not looked good and continue to struggle. Bush's popularity dropped tremendously to new lows and for sometime now he has been trailing in the opinion polls behind Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. What spiced up the race even more was the entrance of H. Ross Perot some months back. The Texas billionaire put a different light on the race, not only making a third major contender, but with his critical attitude of the incumbent and the challenger, his stock quickly rose to the top with many people, it was a different approach, a different type of man, an independent that many were willing to fall in behind even though he had basically not taken a stand on anything other than “change”. It put a different element into the race for the top spot in the world’s leading nation. A lot has happened since. The parties both had their conventions which provided no surprises, just renewed spirit in the parties and served more as a cheerleading camp than a political convention. And along the way, Perot pulled out of the election, throwing still another aspect into the race, what was going to happen to those sworn to and so faithful to this new idea and candidate. Now with time running down, Perot may again be a candidate as legally he is on all 50 states ballots. If he does reenter the race at this last moment, it will again cause for a lot of speculation and possibly confusion for many voters. Regardless of who you support, what you believe in, whether you are strictly a party person or a person who supports the individual, one thing is certain at this late date. You must be registered to vote. And October 5 is the final day a person can register at their registration office to be eligible to vote November 3. Over the more recent years, voters have very often stayed away from the polls, out of disgust of the candidates, issues or for whatever reason. Now a lot of these same voters, should they want to vote this year, will have to be registered. For some reason there hasn’t been the local drives to register voters we have seen in the past and it is now too late for a person to be registered out in the field. Now, until the deadline October sth, one must register at the voter registration office. We encourage all to vote. Voting for or against, however you look at it, is more than just a privilege, it is an opportunity that you should be proud to have and one that you should lake advantage of. For many years there were millions upon millions of people in this world that did not have the right to vote. Many would have given much to have this right, but here in the United States, where it is taken for granted, too many people didn’t exercise this freedom and opportunity. If you are not registered, or if there is a question of your registration for any reason, moving, marriage, divorce, etc., you still have time to check and you still have lime to get the job done. Be sure you are registered to vote and then on November 3, exercise this great opportunity we too often take for granted.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE “Research Yow Fact* ” In regard to the “Voice of the People” letter in the September 17 issue (Friends and Patrons of John Glenn School Corp.). Isn’t it wonderful to have freedom of speech and voice our opinions? But, please research your facts. Your dinner table chatter should be full of positiveness for your child’s ears. Negative parents produce negative children. I have three children enrolled in the John Glenn School Corporation. All three received the Gesell Kindergarten Testing. I certainly don’t see them as being imprisoned in a tracking system. One child moved from slow to average by second grade, another average to gifted in third grade. My last child has attended speech classes twice a week for two years. We have seen improvement in our children's academics each year. Our school provide many programs that are designed to your child’s advantage. The people who direct these programs keep abreast of all new ideas and information through seminars and con-

ferences. Some of which are attended at their own personal costs. Our schools give you Special Education teachers, cournselors, speech therapists, Gifted/Talented teachers, a registered nurse, afterschool tutoring to help with homework, teachers’ aides to help with one-on-one, active P.T.A.’s, principals and a superintendent who have open doors and listening ears. If you are truly concerned about politics, volunteer! Join your PT. A., sit in a classroom, have lunch with your child, go in and offer to read with a child. Once inside you will see that these people are not politicians, but, caring parents and grandparents who chose their professions because they care about children and education. Remember, learning begins at home. Be a positive parent. Listen to your child and ask about his or her day. Be available for homework. Children are interesting people who will grow into productive adults when they have proper role models. An Involved Parent “In Reapooae To A Concerned Parent” Due to the fact that our group’s

name was mentioned on your column we wish to clarify our stand. We as a group of parents known as J.G.S.C.P.A.L. (John Glenn School Corporation Parents Advocacy League), have been in con- ’ tact with the Walkerton Elementary School and the superintendent’s office working together for the benefit of our children. Some of our concerns have been worked out along with some that have not. We also are concerned about the “politics” in our school. We hope there is room for improvement, and will work for the betterment of children's education. We don't want to be a threat or to scare anyone, but to work with the school corporation about any concerns parents might have. Please contact any member of our group if you are concerned about your child's education. J.G.S.C.P.A.L. “Should You Be Part Os J.G.S.C.P.A.L.?” (John Glenn School Corporation Parent Addvocate League) Ask yourself the following: 1. Was my child placed in PreKindergarten based on the results of the Gesell test which was first used in 1925? As of 1992 the Gesell Institute denounced the use of its test as a school readiness test, and many states have outlawed its use. 2. What group or track has my child been placed in? 3. Is my child a participant in Chapter 1 ? 4. Is my child's report card a true indicator of his or her progress? 5. Does my honor roll student have to attend summer school for remedial help? Does my child or their entire class have to attend summer school? 6. Is there a lack of communication between the school and the parents? These are the questions we, as members of J.G.S.C.P.A.L. have asked ourselves and the answers are frightening! We want what is best for our children. We want them to enjoy school, enjoy learning and do well, but without parental concerns being voiced and parental support shown, this may not be possible. We need your input and support. If you are interested in learning more about our group or in becoming part of our group, please attend our next meeting. It will be Monday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. at Tyner Community Building. We should all note the importance of our children’s education and realize the only way to insure the best education is for the school and the parents to communicate openly and cooperate with each other. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, we are bound, as parents and a school system, to work together! J.G.S.C.P.A.L. “Fan Time* Are Coming” Boy, am I looking forward to the Great Pumpkin Festival on October 2nd, 3rd and 4th! Many craft and food booths are coming to Walkerton on those dates. There will be a street dance on Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Church services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday with Pastor Van Dyne at the bank parking lot. There will be a quilt given away by the committee. So if you don’t have your tickets yet, hit us up to sell you some. WKVI from Knox, will be broadcasting live from downtown Walkerton Saturday morning. A tractor pull and beach volleyball are on the agenda. For you food lovers, there will be elephant ears, apple dumplings, pumpkin pies and much more! So mark those dates, October 2, 3 and 4 for a great time in good old Walkerton. More from the dog front. Last evening 1 attended the Town Board to ask a favor of Walkerton.

1 was almost forgotten in the rush to begin hearings on the Dog Ordinance. Fortunately for the Board they finally saw me jumping up and down to gain their attention. It’s a good thing too, or I would have taken the Great Pumpkin pencils away from them. They listened to our request and told me where to go. Pun intended. Thanks Town Board for helping us! After my request was ended, the hearing began. With TV cameras rolling different views were given from the Post Office, County Health Officer, Humane Society, Police Department and local citizens. I was rather surprised to hear that several of the dog owners had five dogs or multiple dogs. We have two dogs in the country and sometimes I think that’s two too many. Especially when I try to harass my husband and they try to bite me. I bet Roy has been teaching them that. The people with the pit bulls seem to think they are being singled out in regards to the ordinance. In reality, all dog owners would be included in some form. It can be rather dangerous in some areas to deliver mail or other services. 1 remember delivering flowers several years ago. Everytime I delivered to a certain house, a Pomeranian came charging out the door and bit me on the shin. Getting the tetnus shot was worse than the bite. It seems that the greatest objection that the dog owners have is the caging of the pets. The meeting was fine until one of the dog owners, uttering vulgarities, left the meeting angrily. The Town Board needs to calmly convince these dog owners that the ordinance is not just against them. The dog owners need to realize that the Town Board is acting to help everyone. In any and everything we do, we need to work together. I’m going on a trip! Our School Task Force group is going to visit other schools to observe their middle school programs. I’ll do anything to get a day away . Seriously, I have been very pleased when I have asked your feelings about middle or junior high preferences. A lot of you are thinking about the issues and the impact on our students. Well it’s off to the garden. Finally the tomatoes are here. I pulled the beans and cucumber vines. The cows are having a feast. I’ll be looking for you at the Great Pumpkin Festival. Sincerely, Nedra Williams WALKERTON Forty-six relatives gathered Sunday to wish John Cowger greetings on his 80th birthday “You’re How Old?” party. Son Patrick, Indianapolis, went to many relatives who wouldn't be attending to get their picture and messages on tape. Son John, Jr., and Joyce Cowger brought a huge cake with 80 candles all around it. John didn’t get all the candles out with one breath. Relatives were from Wheatfield, Francesville, Portage, Chesterton, Tippecanoe, Plymouth, Argos, Mishawaka, Indianapolis, South Bend, LaPorte and Walkerton. Everyone signed a huge card and many cards brought lots of laughter. Phone calls received during the day were from relatives in Orlanda, Florida, Long Island, New York, Lebanon, Conn., and New Haven, Ind. Bob Urbin joined 11 family members Saturday night for dinner at the Elks Lodge, in Logansport. The relatives came from Granger, South Bend, Rochester, Kewanna and Logansport. Alice Dipert will be the hostess for the Saturday night carry-in dinner at the Koontz Lake Conservation Club at 6:00 p.m. Bring your own table service and a dish to pass. You are welcome and invited to join us.

HELP! SAVE THOSE GOLD RECEIPTS! Heads, Hearts, and Health is a program that is returning to John Glenn this year. Formerly known as Computers for Classrooms. We need your help. In the last two years we have raised over $70,000 in register tapes which translates to approximately S3OO worth of computer equipment. This year we have set a goal of SIOO,OOO in receipts. All you have to do is bring in your gold Martin’s Supermarket register tapes to the John Glenn High School office. It’s that simple. Think of the educational possibilities your bringing to a child in your community. We greatly appreciate your support. WOMAN’S COMMUNITY CLUB HEARS BOOK REVIEW The member of the GFWC Walkerton Woman’s Community Club met at the Walkerton Community Building on Friday, September 18. Vice president Carol Knop presided since president Barbara Simpson was unable to attend. Mildred McKesson introduced her volunteer hostesses, Neoma Personette, Mary Jane Beaty and Nadine Keiper. Mildred also gave the opening prayer. Alfreda Onika gave a lovely devotions article. The vice president announced that there is a need for a for a drive for new members since Evelyn Sobat, Lucille Dickson, Margaret Moravek and Elaine Bouse have all recently resigned because they are moving out of the community. Mary Omiecinski has also sent in her resignation. It was suggested by the vice president that we each bring a guest to the October 16th meeting. She also said that she would welcome suggestions for a program for the November 6th meeting. The club is planning to make up a cookbook and members are asked to bring their favorite recipe to the next meeting. There will be GFWC regioinal conference on October 11, 12 and 13, in Itasca. Dlinois. Those members interested in attending can contact Martha Poling of the Great Lakes Region. Her address is 11488 Spangler Road, Circleville, Ohio 43113. The program was a book review by Nadine Keiper. She gave a review of Lewis Grizzard's very humorous and slightly outrageous "You Can’t Put No Boogie-Woogie On The King Os Rock And Roll”. The meeting was adjourned after a reading aloud of The Prayer Os Federated Women by all members present. FAN BUS FOR FRIDAY GAME AT SOUTH CENTRAL The fan bus for the varsity footbal game at South Central on Friday, September 25, will leave Tyner and North Liberty at 6:00 p.m. and Glenn at 6:15 p.m. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Adults and students, SI.OO. 7TH GRADE TEAM LOSES TO BREMEN 28-6 The 7th Grade football team lost to an undefeated Bremen team by a score of 28-6. The lone Falcon score by Ronnie Myers from Jake Neiswender was set up by a 55 yard pass from Brian Snell to A. J. Lubelski. This was the first touchdown scored on the Bremen team all year. Playing well for the Falcons on defense was Scott Ruby, Wes Roush, Brandon Groves and Jonathan Rundle. 7TH GRADE VOLLEYBALL TEAM LOSSES TO KESUNG The 7th grade girls volleyball team lost their match to LaPorte Kesling in two games. A good serving effort was given by Kristen Miller. The whole team made a good defensive effort and played well throughout the match. Good try team and good luck in your next match.