The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 March 1980 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., March 19,1980

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Editorials

Agriculture Day

The nation has set aside March 20 as Agriculture Day and with all of the farmers in the area we would be amiss if we did not recognize such a day. The role that agriculture plays in this nation’s economy is one of vital importance. Agriculture is Indiana’s largest industry. /A' Agriculture is the science or art of cultivating the soil, producifighrops and raising livestock and in different degrees the preparation for use by human beings. f \ Farming began about 10,000 BC. Before that time people spent almost every minute of every day searching for food. They could eat such items as bear, buffalo or reindeer but these large animals were hard to catch and kill. Often the men came home empty-handed. Youngsters would search for berries, mushrooms, nuts and seeds. They also caught squirrels, turtles and snakes and, of course, fish. Without farming it was difficult, sometimes impossible, to find enough food to eat. Few people ever reached the age of 25. No one knows for sure how farming first began but it probably got its start in the Middle East in what is now Lebanon and Iraq. Like many great inventions it probably happened by accident. At any rate, life for the prehistoric people began to change after farming was discovered. Farming soon spread or developed on its own in other parts of the world and with it came developments and tools of all kinds, shapes and sizes. Grain was the basic crop of the first farmer. Grain is still the basic crop. While farming skills and machinery have improved the importance of grain has not changed. Indiana ranks eighth nationally in receipts from agricultural product sales. This state is first in popcorn production; third in hogs, seed corn and tomatoes; and fifth in corn and soybeans. The sale of farm products adds more than $3.4 billion to Indiana’s economy with cash for livestock amounting to well over $1 billion in this state. We take this opportunity to salute the farmers of the Lakeland area as they observe Agriculture Day on March 20.

Olympic politics

Despite denials, the Olympic Games are used each four years by the communist world to exhibit their superior athletes. And they are superior. In the recent winter games at Lake Placid, two communist countries won more than half the gold medals. Russia and East Germany won nineteen between them. The United States won six, five of them by one ice skater, which won’t happen often. No other nation won more than three, only two accomplishing that, Sweden and Austria. In total medals, Russia and East Germany won 22 and 23 respectively. The U.S. won 12, next highest. The Russia-East German total was a whopping forty percent of all medals awarded to all nations. Just as we did in the thirties and early post-war years, the communist nations today stress their top showing for public relations purposes. They point to it as proof that the communist system is better, more productive. The U.S. press stressed, of course, the victories of U.S. athletes and teams. But the world saw the Russian and East German dominance quite clearly. And East Gernjany, a country with only 16 million citizens, did relatively far better than any other nation. (West Germany, .with 62,000,000 people, won no gold medals.) How do the communist nations manage to outdo us? Sports are a government business. There are special sports schools, and many state-run regional sports meets. The best athletes are sent to the special schools and virtually give their lives to their coaches, not their parents. Parents accept it because it means special attention from the state and special privileges, in short, a better life. There’s nothing so totally state controlled, and operated in sports, in the West. The question, then, is whether free societies should continue to compete against countries where sports programs are a state-operated, centralized government program. Is it fair competition, in the original spirit of the Olympic Games? Is it wise to allow communist dictatorships to exploit the games for public relations and propaganda purposes? There are serious questions which should be answered in the next few years.

Drive defensively

Recent studies indicate there is more reason to cultivate the art of driving defensively than has been realized. These studies show many alcoholics are bent on self destruction, and some are inclined to destroy others in the process. There are other indications some seek sympathy and attention in automobile accidents. Another large percentage of accidents is caused, of course, by stupid or careless driving. Whatever the cause or motivation of the driver at fault, it is becoming clear that drivers who wish to avoid accidents must practice the art of defensive driving — seeking to avoid situations in which another driver can involve them in an accident. It’s not possible to avoid all such situations. But an alert defensive attitude, foresight and precaution can avoid a surprising percentage of these situations — and perhaps save your life.

Soak the seeds

One can get a jump on spring, and help insure germination, by soaking seeds before planting a spring garden. It’s very helpful to let many soaking seeds sprout before planting. A 24 or 48-hour warm water soak does wonders; even after planting, if the ground is cold, a soaking with warm water in the mornings continues the process. Put potato eyes in a south window for a week before planting. Peas — in a shallow soup bowl barely covered with water — will be ready for planting in 24 hours. So will onions, beans, cucumbers, squash, beets, chard, and turnips — all of which should be handled carefully while planting. Now is the time to plan a 1980 garden and buy seeds. Next month — in most areas of the country — planting can begin.

What others say —

Coming March 28

If you are among those who like to receive mail, we can almost guarantee that you will receive some mail on March 28 of this year. This is the date you will receive your questionnaire for the 1980 census. Operating on a mail out /mail back basis, an estimated 222 million people will receive the census form in the mail this year. In 90 per cent of the nation’s households, people will be asked to take their own census in the privacy of their homes, and then return the questionnaire on April 1. The remaining 10 per cent, will receive instructions to hold the completed form until census takers pick them up. This will be primarily in sparsely settled areas in the Western half of the nation. Although many people will probably feel.the questions might be too personal, the census law protects the right to privacy. In the 50-year history of the confidentiality law, not once has the Bureau of Census or one of its employees been formally charged with releasing census information about any individual. Historically, the original purpose of the census, as stated in the Constitution, has not changed. It is to provide the population totals needed to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. ; Federal law requires everyone to answer the census, so don’t take the census questionnaire lightly. Just remember to look in your mailbox on March 28, and then follow instructions. — Danville Gazette - -

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These calves, found on the Larry Snider farm near New Paris, don't seem to care about the fact that tomorrow is Agriculture Day.

Voice of the people

A column on the opinions of the people of the Lakeland area...

QUESTION "What do you value most in life?"

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HAL WATKINS 18134 Wagon Wheel Dr., Goshen (manager at Jimnick Seed Farm, Syracuse)

“The freedoms provided by our country’s constitution my family. I’ve seen how the other half lives in East and West Berlin and that removes all doubt from my mind.” CHARONE ("CHARLIE”) BROWN Ogden Island, P.O. Box 7 Ligonier (shoe clerk) “My freedom. It’s important to my preservation as a person.”

BHL mH* ■■

ED ALLEN Milford i(road service man)

“I guess I value most my kids and wife.”

Court news

The following claims have been filed in Kosciusko County Court, James Jarrette, judge: SMALL CLAIMS Complaint Betty Meyers, r 1 Syracuse vs Mr. and Mrs. John Deremiah, r 1 box 39 Syracuse. The plaintiff demands judgment against the defendants in the amount of $250, for the costs of the action and all other relief proper in the premises. E. Newcomer and Sons, Nappanee vs Steve Solina, r 4 box 256 Syracuse. The plaintiff demands judgment against the defendant in the amount of $410.25, for the costs of the action and all other relief proper in the, premises. Violations Speeding — R. C. Smith, 37, Milford, S4O; Mary Alice Park, 23, Leesburg, $35 Contributing to the delinquency of a minor — Steve Frantz, Milford, S9O Expired snowmobile registration — Kevin Marks, 15, Syracuse,s3s Improper snowmobile registration — Richard Maresh, 49, Syracuse; $35 Driving while suspended — Steven Lomasney, 27, Milford, SIOO No snowmobile registration — Linda Novelli, 29, North Webster, $35 Operating while intoxicated — John Avery, 25, Syracuse, $242.50 Disregarding railroad crossing signal — Vincent Williams, 18, Syracuse, $57 Deception — Karen Hire, Syracuse, S3B, ordered to make restitution GOSHEN CITY COURT Violations The following fines have been assessed in Goshen City Court:

JODYHORNBACK Syracuse (sales secretary) “My kid. He’s the only thing I’ve got that’s mine.”

DEAN TROUP Milford (supervisor)

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“I’d say my family.”

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ELDON BEER Milford (state highway dept.)

“Why that would be Jesus Christ as my Savior. That’s what I value most in my life.” ED SHIRK Milford (Chore-Time) “For me personally, probably a good upbringing and home life and religious freedom.”

Speeding — Ronn E. Mikel, 17, Milford, $36 Disregarded automatic signal — Irene C. Gerard, 81, North Webster, $34 No operator’s license — Hector Martinez, 21, Milford, s4l, five days in jail suspended MARRIAGE LICENSES J The following couples have filed for a marriage license in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk, Jean Messmore: Miller-Gingrich Lonnie J. Miller, 22, r 2 Milford and Cora Sue Gingrich, 19, r 4 Nappanee Ditmore-Hougey John Ditmore, Jr., 55, r 2 box 36 North Webster and Joyce Hougey, 44, r 2 North Webster. Johnson-Rhodes Jeffrey Wynn Johnson, 26, r 3 box 51 Syracuse and Beverly Jeanne Rhodes, 28, 1011 Country Club, Warsaw THE MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P S. 325-840) Published by The Mail-Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse, Indiana 46567. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: Sil per year in Kosciusko County; sl3 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of add ress forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 46542.

taiziN AROUND CUJtz

THE LONG line begins to gather at about 9 a.m. each Friday and Saturday morning in front of the United Methodist Thrift Shop on South Huntington Street. Those gathering are eager early-bird customers after the bargains offered each Friday and Saturday in way of wearing apparel, books, sundries, the like. This push for a good buy in our in-flation-minded society has been going on since February 16, 1962, when the ladies of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church began searching for ways to finance a large number of improvements at their ch'urch and parsonage located at the north edge of Syracuse. The Thrift Shop was first located in a small room on East Pearl Street, then moved to its present location in 1974, in the building that formerly housed the Sinclair Service Station. A SIO,OOO mortgage was assumed on the building, which has since been paid off from receipts from their weekly sales. The building is now owned by the church and is only partially tax-free. The St. Andrews United Methodist Church was built in late 1961 and early 1962, and a considerable amount of improvements were necessary since that time at the church and its parsonage which was built sometime later. Credit for the idea of a Thrift Shop to raise funds was given to Martha (Mrs. Clifford K.) Kinder by those ladies on duty Friday. The Kinders are now residents of Naples, Fla., but were for years active in the local church. The Thrift Shop is open from 10 to 4 on Friday and from 10 to 1 on Saturdays. Anyone who has witnessed one of those bargain-basement sales knows it isn’t long before the real buys are snapped up. This is the obvious reason for the long line before the doors open. We were told spring merchandise went on sale Friday, thus the large crowd waiting in front of the shop prior to its 10 o’clock opening. And the ladies are all volunteer workers, according to Jean Jones, chairman of the Thrift Shop committee. One of the faithful, Catherine Sims, puts it this way: “You never get fired if you’ve never been hired! ” Others working with Mrs. Jones on her committee are Barbara Caple, secretary; Theda Cutter, treasurer; Lucille Peffley, chairman of the marking committee; Marjorie Thornburg, chairman of the scheduling committee; and Thelma Brinkman, Lois Allen, Gloria Frew, Esther Weaver and Mary Fisher. Other loyal workers include Mary Willard, Cleo Stetler, Esther Brice, Maxine Roland, Eleanor and Sharon Bales, Nedra Jones, Louise Byland. Celia Beckman, Mary Benson, Ann Karesh, Dorothy Vanderford, Leona Hogue, and others. It would appear that the Thrift Shop is a permanent fixture, and will be around for some years to come. JACK MASON, the Lake Wawasee developer and Honduras gambler, has won another ''(his third) battle with the State of Indiana and its Department of Natural Resources, in the ongoing feud over the development of a small tract of land in the Ogden Island area. A ruling was handed down last week by special judge Myron Hack of South Bend, finding for Mason in what is known as Cause 42389, allowing Mason to continue to build a seawall on the strip of land. v The case was filed in Kosciusko circuit court, then venued to Elkhart County circuit court and subsequently given to Special Judge Hack of South Bend. Mason’s case has been handled by attorney Tom Singer of South Bend. Mason was stopped in a fill operation that in his mind was the development of a strip of land he owned. But neighbors didn’t see it that way. They contended he was altering the shoreline. And they complained to the DNR which sought to restrain Mason from further filling and developing the tract of land. Three workmen were arrested by the county sheriff John Hammersley on warrant, and in a subsequent suit they were exonerated. (Note: The arrest caused Mason, a Democrat, to fall out with sheriff Hammersley, also a Democrat, who had enjoyed

Mason’s support in his bid for the sheriff's job four years earlier. R aders will recall that Mason supported Hammersley’s opponent in Hammersley’s reelection bid, and when Al Rovenstine won that contest. Mason dumped some $2,700-odd dollars on Rovenstine’s Atwood rest- > aurant counter — to the continuing consternation of the Republican county central committee.) Now Mason telephones friends from his Honduras hideaway that he is planning several suits against the State of Indiana to recover damages and legal expenses. And the beat goes on. WHAT’S THIS we see. NIPSCo man John Nemeth crossing Main Street in uptown Syracuse Friday morning in his running shoes, heavy snow not withstanding. STATE REPRESENTATIVE Thames Mauzy of Warsaw is the Kosciusko County Reagan-for-President chairman, and is drumming up support for the former California Governor. Rep. Mauzy was a close personal friend of former Indiana Governor Ed Whitcomb who was a close friend of Reagan's, and the three were dinner partners on a number of occasions. Reagan has considerable support in Indiana, having won the Hoosier delegates to the national convention over incumbent president Gerald R. Ford four years ago. PREDICTION: Reagan will do well in Indiana this time around. MARY VAN DYKE last week reported seeing four low-flying Canadian geese as she drove into Goshen on SR 33 from her Syracuse home. She called it a “fantastic sight,” adding, “they were beautiful and 1 had no one to share the view with.” TIM DARR, well known Syracuse resident (424 Dolan Drive) and Legionnaire, is a candidate for Second District Commander, the election to be held at Logansport June 23. At the time, he has no opposition. Tim, who will turn 62 March 28. was Commander of Post 223, Syracuse, in 1951 and County Council Commander in 1978. He < served in the European Theater of Action in World War II in the Third Armored Division. “GREAT!” THAT was Larry Cook’s comment on public response to the grand opening of

ANOTHER VIEW . . .

Bv DAVID W. ROBINSON

Several years ago Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-ross identified five attitudes that persons experience in their anticipation of death. It may seem strange for one who works with young persons to give attention to this subject. However, I have observed the very same stages with youngsters and young adults when they experience unanticipated tragedies, serious injuries, or family losses. Examples of the injuries could be the loss of an eye, or the use of a limb. It could be the unexpected but serious family problem such as the divorce of their parents especially when, from the child’s point of view, the divorce was unanticipated. Adults with similiar severe unhappy occurances experience the same stages. Dr. Kubler-Ross wrote that the first stage or reaction that the person has is one of denial. In essence they say “it isn’t true,” “it must be something else,” “no, not me” or in other ways reject that the eventuality has happened or that it is going to happen. This is followed by the second or anger stage. It is best described by statements of “why me,” “why now” or “I am just downright mad that I have to experience it.” In the third stage, called bargaining, the suffering person seeks to make all kinds of propositions with himself, his deity or for that matter anyone or anything. He does this either to keep the eventuality from happening, to immediately correct what has happened or at best to postpone the inevitability of it. The person will secretly or openly bargain with God or for that matter, even bargain with his interpretation of Satan. He is willing to make all sorts of propositions and can go to extremes to fulfill his bargaining offers. The fourth stage is depression and occurs generally when the person realizes the inevitability of the trauma. This stage is difficult to work with. It probably is necessary as a preparatory stage for the final

his business. Cook’s Rare Coins in Pickwick Place over the week end. "I’ll bet we had over 500 people in the store over the week end," he noted. “People are buying as well as selling coins now. We’ve seen a lot of interest from residents in this area.” Larry is one of the lucky people who has turned a hobby into a profitable business. LAST TUESDAY was “operations day" for employees of the Ben Franklin store. Manager Bob Marion had an operation on his neck at the St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, and check-out girl Ellen Savoy was operated on at the Goshen Hospital. Both are reported to be doing very well, thank you. IN A sort of “Where Are They Now” update on the Wawasee High School track team that was state champions in 1976, Barbara Brouwer (’76 WHS) is a senior at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich.; Barbara Yoder (’77, WHS) is living with her parents in Wawasee Heights and is teaching gymnastics to youngsters at Lakeland Youth Center and the Warsaw “Y”; Lorene Spearman (’7B. WHS) is a sophomore at lowa State University, Ames Iowa; and Kathy Bice ('79, WHS) a Purdue University freshman. Barb Yoder, soon to join her folks briefly at Deerfield; Fla., is teaching two classes of preschoolers in gymnastics (about 20 students) at the Lakeland Youth Center, and some 70 to 80, ages 6 to 15 at the Warsaw YMCA. Barb and Lorene Spearman excellent in gymnastics as well as track when they were WHS students. All this bodes well for some real gymnastic talent coming out of the Wawasee and Warsaw schools in years to come —o— OCTOGENARIAN JIM Hammon says that he met the Devil at the well pit and the Devil lost, he's happy to report. Evidently .Jim was helping prime a pump last w eek w hen he fell into the pit, cracking a couple of ribs. But then later in the week, he sneezed and the EMS had to take him to Goshen Hospital because he further damaged the ribs. With all that pain, though, one has to wonder who really won — Jim or the Devil. This long-time Syracuse resident had nothing but good things to say for the EMS and the nurses and aides at the hospital. But then. Jim always did favor pretty girls!

attitude which is acceptance. In this fifth and last stage, the patient tends to wean himself away from his world. He desires less contact with society and then, only contact with a small number of very close persons. The journalist, Stuart Alsop, wrote “a dying man needs to die as a sleeping man needs to sleep, and there comes a time when it is wrong, as well as useless, to resist.” That generally is the attitude of this stage. The purpose of my writing on this subject is not to be maudlin. There are many who agree with Emerson who wrote, “those who celebrate at birth and weep at death may not know what it’s all about.” The purpose is to offer suggestions which all of us might use while we live with the impending passing of a dear, old relative; while we live or work with one who has had a debilitating accident; when we are needed by a friend or neighbor who has had a trauma, to understand their feelings and to relate to them with knowledgable sensitivity. I am very opposed to visitors, as well as family, trying to be the jolly, happy-go-lucky visitors of the dying patient; who attempt to “cheer her up” with great plans of what can be done after recovery. This especially, is wrong if the visitor as well as the patient realizes that such words are sham if not a downright untruth. It is probably best to discuss the subject of death openly with those who know they are dying and to share with them your opinions, expressed through your faith. They seek to gain strength and succorance from you — not be entertained by you. The use of the Kubler-Ross five stages of dying is valuable in working with younger persons who, as noted above, are not anticipating death but have had an unexpected severe change in their life because of an accident or divorce or severe financial destitution. The person who has suffered a tragedy can be worked with intelligently by loving friends and members of the family who understand these stages.