The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 March 1982 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., March 17,1982

4

Editorials

Agriculture Day Agriculture Day 1982 will be observed March 18 kicking off its ninth year of .celebration. The day marks a recognition and celebration of the achievements of the entire US food and agricultural economy, the world’s largest commercial industry, with assets exceeding $1 trillion. The theme for Ag Day is “Agriculture: It’s Your Heartbeat, America!” Ag Pay is directed nationally by the Agriculture Day Foundation and administered by the Agriculture Council of America. Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block, will serve as honorary national chairman of Ag Day 1982. “Every American should be proud of this nation’s tremendous record of agricultural achievement,” Block said. “It’s a vital part of what makes America the great country that it is.” Saint Patrick's Day ’ Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died on March 17, 493. The anniversary of his death has been celebrated for centuries not only by Irishmen but by those of other races, and not only by Catholics but by those of other faiths. In fact, the New York organization in memory of Saint Patrick, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, was organized by both Irish Catholics and Presbyterians, and its first president was a Presbyterian. The most famous tale about Saint Patrick is the one which tells of his banishment of snakes from Ireland. Yet Cardinal Moran, who some years ago wrote an article on Saint Patrick for the Catholic Encyclopedia, fails to mention it. He does mention the ordeal of Saint Patrick when he was surrounded by demons in the shape of vultures, and tells of the drowning of the demons in answer to his prayers. Whatever the tale, and there are those who believe several different versions, a great number of people enjoy celebrating the anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick, in the middle of this month, every year. Irishmen, particularly, take pride in the occasion, and on some occasions in the past they have even brought pieces of the “ould sod” from Ireland to observe theoccasion. Spring, 1982 On the 20th of March the hours of daylight will approximately equal those of night for the first time since September. Spring will begin in the northern hemisphere. It’s a season awaited eagerly through the winter by many, perhaps the loveliest exhibition of nature during the year. Spring means new life, which is evident all around us; it brings warmer weather, baseball, the approach of holidays, spring fever and taxes. As we witness the resurgence of nature’s vital forces around us, we seem to feel beauty and hope represented therein. Inexorable laws of nature continue their inevitable procession, year after year, inviting men and women to enjoy the delightful experience, to think about the fundamental purpose and cycle of life, death, and time. From the 20th of March until September 23, six months hence, our days will be longer than night. They will be the warmest of the year, at the end of which we will once again welcome cooler air and brisk days — and be ready again for what nature has in store — in its annual cycle. March presidents Four early American presidents were bom in March. James Madison, fourth US president, was born at Port Conway, Virginia, on the 16th in 1751. Madison steered the nation through the War of 1812 with England successfully (having been secretary of state before becoming president) and helped found the University of Virginia. Andrew Jackson, seventh president and known as Old Hickory, was bom near the South Carolina-North Carolina border March 15, 1767. He once threatened to use force if one or more states seceded. He was the hero of the victory at New Orleans over the British and when he took office a herd of common people moved into Washington, and some into the White House. He was a controversial (especially in financial affairs) but successful president. Grover Cleveland, the only president to serve two terms interspaced with four years out of office, was the 22nd and 24th president, being boro on the 18th in Caldwell, New Jersey, in 1837. Cleveland was a man of character and a statesman. Having opposed the free coinage of silver, he left office in 1897 somewhat unpopular but time vindicated his wisdom. John Tyler. 10th US president, was born at Greenway. Virginia, on the 29th in 1790. Tyler was the first Vice President to move into the White House because of the death of a president. William Henry Harrison, in 1841. He broke with the Whigs, however, and was not renominated by them in 1844. He voted for secession years later when Virginia seceded from the Union and was elected to the Confederate House but died before he took his seat, in 1862. Those whose values are based on money have lost their sense of values. What others say — Move I By the time this is read, most of us will be eyebrow-deep in debate as to whether we are entering, leaving or are permanently bogged in an “economic ajustment." Depending on one’s choice of authorities, and political leanings, the future (long term, short term — cross out one) will be red (stop for right now), yellow for caution or green as in full speed ahead. The trouble with such prognostications is that any of them may be correct for specific individuals or industries at a given time. The danger lies in attempting to apply them, broad brush style, as indications of conditions as a whole. The classic story of the man who heard a recession was coming, discontinued all promotion, and found the prediction correct, suggests that prophecy inevitably self-fulfills. We are what we think, and these days what we think often is influenced heavily by nightly newscasts which accentuate the negative. None of this is intended to suggest we can think our way out of admittedly muddy current conditions. The point, rather is that we can miss good bets by chewing our nails when we should be watching for opportunities which economic change creates. Our assumption is that the recession, where felt, will peter out by midSummer, being replaced by an upsurge which catches a lot of worry warts with their pants down. . . We are headed for an era where skilled help is even scarcer than usual. Right now, machine builders and vendors of supplies and materials are eager for new orders at reasonable prices. That will, change. Longer backlogs are coming, probably before most are ready to cope with them. It takes guts to move ahead when the majority is retreating, but nobody ever promised that success and profit were easy or risk-free. Our advice, as it has been in each of the previous “recessions” which didn’t come to pass, is to hang loose. Don’t be stampeded into hasty action. Watch for openings created by timidity or temporary financial problems of competitors and suppliers. And when the chance comes — move. What seems like trouble these next few months could turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. — Written by Donald E. Wood, Editor & Publisher, Automatic Machining

r A Special Time Z to salute the 3 5 i industry That \ \ \ Means so Much < \to Our Nation £ Agriculture Day ' x - Thursday, March 18,1982

Letter to the editor

We know who reads the paper

Dear Editor: Your “It Happened in Syracuse” has provided me with something of a mystery. I enclose, a clipping (50 years ago. March 9.1932).. In it, the item about the bank appears to be out of sequence. It is dated March 9,1932; it refers to President Roosevelt’s proclamation. Roosevelt was not elected president until

Unsung heroes —

V 2 —T

Ed Brown always wanted to be fireman

“I’ve always wanted to be a fireman and when I moved here it was just natural,” explained North Webster fireman Ed Brown "It s just one way of helping people." Brown and his wife, Lyn. moved to Irish Lake two years ago from Warsaw. They have an 18-month-old son. Peter Brown serves as training officer, fire and arson investigator and on the advisory board of the North Webster Fire Department. “I really enjoy it It's one of the most dangerous occupations there is. I like the challenge.” stated Brown “Every fire is different and you attack each fire differently," The Irish Lake fireman holds an associate degree in applied fire science He has also taken training in fire arson investigation in Chicago, fire and explosive investigation in South Bend and explosive and ordinance detection through the US Army in addition to participating in a number of seminars sponsored by the state fire marshal's office. Besides protecting Tippecanoe Township residents from fire, Brown also senes as the township’s civil defense director. During January's snow storms. Brown said he spent three consecutive week ends at the North Webster Fire Station, directing

November, 1932 and was not inaugurated until March 4,1933. What ’s going on? Was Syracuse in a time warp? Did they believe in 1932 that Roosevelt was president ano close the bank a year early? Am I in a time warp? Is it really 1983? I will be losing sleep in small (Continued on page 5)

ED BROWN

emergency operations Last week end. he helped out in Warsaw by sandbagging at Pike Lake Brown is employed at Kosko Manufacturing in Warsaw where he builds water softeners. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and trapping. About the North Webster Fire Department. Brown said. “We have a real good bunch of guys, a real good fire department. It’s one of the better fire departments inthearea." THt MAIL JOURNAL (U.S P S PvNnM by The Mail-Journal every j Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post OHice at Syracuse. Indiana s«S*7. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Steeet. Syracuse. Indiana UW and at apdihonal entry oNkos. Subscription SU per year in Kosciusko County. SM outside county . POSTMASTERS: Send change e« address terms to The Mad-Journal. P.O. Bex IM. MiHord. Indiana 4OSS2. I

"CRUZIN

AROUND CUSE"

AT LEAST one race for public office has been promised for the November election, with the announcement that North Webster Police Chief Charles Parker, 45, a Democrat, will seek the office. Incumbent Sheriff Al Rovenstine has announced he wil’ seek re-election to that office also, giving us the promise of a spirited run in November. Both candidates showed up last Monday morning at the Lakeland Kiwanis Club breakfast where two North Webster citizens were honored for their part in apprehending a thief. And both candidates sat side-by-side, chatting amiably away. Parker his a 20-year military career record, with 10 of these in the military police. He has been on duty at North Webster for four years which he feels gives him excellent experience for the job. While in the military, Parker served in Korea, Japan, Germany and Viet Nam. He was awarded the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Viet Nam service medal with four bronze stars. Republic of Viet Nam Campaign medals, five Good Conduct medals, three Army Commendation medals, two National Defense Service medals and an expert rifle and pistol medal. FORREST COLE, manager of the Augsburger Super Valu stores in Syracuse and North Webster, and his boss, John B. Augsburger, and their respective wives. Betty and Oweita, arrived home early last week from a week’s vacation trip to Acapulco, Mexico, guests of Food Marketing, a Fort Wayne food wholesaler. They stayed at the Hyatt Continental Hotel and made all the usual rounds of the exotic vacation spot, including the “must” ride on Acapulco Bay. Aside from Forrest’s becoming ill for a brief time, they reported “a good time was had by all.” LARRY TEGHTMEYER, Syracuse retail hardware dealer and member of the County Council (seeking re-election to his third term), has joined the list of area dedicated joggers. He quit smoking and has been taking to the road in serious fashion — getting in some 30 miles per week. ANOTHER CLOSET jogger is Lakeland School Corporation's assistant superintendent George Gilbert. Now in his fifth year, his goal is to run 1,000 miles per year! He admits to keeping accurate records of his runs, and can tell at any given time how he is climbing up that mile scale. REV. DAVE Hyndman, pastor of the All Saints Episcopal Church. David Robinson, Lakeland School Corporation psychologist, and Phyllis (Mrs. Jim) LeGro. a Lake Wawasee resident, are busy signing up members to the Kosciusko County Mental Health Association, of which they are members of the 21-member board of directors. Rev. Hyndman is vice chairman of the board (John Connolly of the Uniroyal Corp, in Warsaw is chairman) and a senior board member, while Robinson is a two-year member, with Phyllis a fairly new member. This is right down Dave Robinson's alley, and he can sing the praises of the KCMHA with authority. He says. “Its purpose is an interest in the concept of establishing and attaining good mental health of all people.” Dues: S 3 per annum. AN INTERESTING note this week from Mrs. Prentice E. Kindig of 11330 Califa Street, North Hollywood, Calif. 91601, in renewing her subscription to The Mail-Journal, and stating, “Although we left Syracuse 48 years ago, and are celebrating our 50th anniversary in November of this year, we still like to keep in touch with the area. Not many names we know anymore, but we did recognize pictures this week in your ‘Today and Tomorrow’ special supplement.” How’s that for old home town loyalty? We’ve learned Mrs. Kindig was a member of the Warstler family of the Milford-New Paris vicinity and that most of her and her husband’s contemparies are no longer living. ANOTHER CALIFORNIA subscriber sends along a note. Dale W. Sprague, former Syracuse lumber retailer, writes, kiddingly, “I don’t understand why pictures (in The M-J) of my old friends like Bill Hess, Bill Pipp and Lloyd Disher make them look old and fat and I look so young and thin.” If anyone of the above cares to respond to this. Dale’s address is 8781 Dewey Drive. Garden Grove. Calif. 92641. SYRACUSE POSTMASTER Tony Rudosics has only good things to say about local mail service, and thinks others should know about it, J too.

He said city mail delivery was missed only one day this winter, with foot soldier Gene Kitson surmounting all odds to get the mail through, and rural delivery was missed only two days. He did note that twice during the winter the mail truck failed to get through to Syracuse, but local deliveries were made none the less. The missed days all occured during January. TIM RINGLER, owner of Vintage Press, the quick print shop at 102 South Huntington Street, is moving to larger quarters in the Village, in the west portion- of the old Wawasee Electronics building. The larger quarters will give him an opportunity to expand his business, he claims. AND THAT leaves us with Joe Gray, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Development Company, who is being dispossessed with the move of Vintage Press to the Village. His office headquarters is on the second floor of the Ganshorn-Plummer building mentioned above. This week found genial Joe scurrying about looking for a new home sos his . struggling promotional enterprise, as Jerry and Jim have decided to close down their uptown building. “Trouble is." noted Gray, “we don’t have funds for rent, heat, lights, things like that, so some good Samaritan will have to come forward with the right kind of facilities for us to function further." AND THEN there was the fellow,*reading the death notices in a metropolitan paper, said he couldn’t understand how people always died in alphabetical order. CREDIT FOR a splendid performance by the Lakeland School Corporation's several music departments Friday night should be spread around evenly, so seemed to say David Blackwell, director of the high school's music department. True, but certainly a major portion of the credit should go to Dave and Steve Bailey, director of the high school’s choir. The Friday night program, exceedingly well attended, seemed to do well in including music departments from the corporation's schools. And it showed: for parents from all over the corporation were in attendance to pack the big gym to the rafters. And so a big “bravo” to Dave and Steve and their music crew. JANE NEERING of Lake Wawasee recently received a miniature reprint of a 1909 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue and has been showing it around. Prices in 190*. as viewed from 1982. provide a source of real amusement. A watch, for example, is advertised as low as 64 cents, with a good, first-class gold watch going for $2.50. A good, first-run kitchen cooking stove: $24. And a buggy: $29. !► J ,u., ; ■ - - NO LOGGER ffl HOAOR DIMER ' ifli ■ if THE REPERCUSSIONS of the coupon book scam are still being heard around the community, most of it from the merchants who were taken in by the slick scheme. One merchant, Paul Gilson of P-Js Pizza in the Village, put up a sign recently that his place of business would no longer honor the coupons. Other merchants are considering doing the same. The merchants involved feel they have been "ripped off" by the scheme, having been sold on the idea they were assisting the special Olympics and that their business would profit immensely by coupon book holders bringing in their family and friends as added customers. “It just didn’t work that way,” says Vince Leo of Maxwelton Country Club, who considers the scam a perfect rip-off of participating merchants. One who didn’t want to be quoted said. “The community and the merchants have been raped by this scheme.” We have an idea the last has not been heard of this. THIS COLUMN has heard that , former Syracuse industrialist Jerry Herbison underwent a back operation at Largo. Fla., but has not been able to confirm it. Isn’t this the town noted for the “Largo 8,” where the eight aged retirees were arrested for their afternoon poker games? We’re almost certain Jerry wasn’t among this unlucky octet. SALLY AND Buck Blakely are doing a real good job with their Crystal Flash service stationmini mart at the south edge of Ndrth Webster and are constantly adding to their store of merchandise. Working with them are Michelle Walls and Debbie Henry. » ' KEEP SATURDAY. April 17th open for the annual Kiwanis auction sale at the Youth Center. Anyone with items for sale should contact any Kiwanis member, so says O.A. Lambert, who will co-auctioneer the sale with son Jerry and Frank Christlieb of Ligonier. Proceeds from the auction will go to Kiwanissponsored community activities. (Continued on page 5)