The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 16 March 1983 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., March 16,1983

Editorials

A growing celebration The theme for the 1983 Ag Day in Indiana is “A Growing Celebration.” Ag Day is Monday, March 21, and it is a day when everyone should take time out to thank the farmers in this area for all they do for us — our tables would be empty if it were not them. Indiana has celebrated Ag Day since the mid-1970s in order to create a greater awareness of the importance of agriculture and the impact it has on life. We can think of no better words to honor this day than those used by the Indiana Ag Day committee: “Growth ... we hear the word every day. Growth in business . . . Growth in profits . Growth in personal development. But no other industry has more growth to celebrate than that of agriculture. Its very nature is one of growth. “And what better way to pay tribute to that growth than to set aside a special day of celebration. Indiana Ag Day has grown from a single day event in Indianapolis into a statewide featival featuring public events and activities carried out by county Ag Day organizations. No state has generated more widespread public attention and genuine excitement for Agriculture Day than Indiana. The statewide recognition the program receives there comes about as a result of much hard work, comprehensive organization and careful cooperation on the part of many people and many organizations.’ — Allen Paul, president of the Agriculture Council of America. Indiana Ag Day ’B3 is going to be bigger and better than ever. After all it’s . . . A Growing /Celebration! Won’t you join us! ” March, 1983 Far-off , unseen Spring faintly cries; Bidding her earliest child arise, , March l ' • - —. Bayard Taylor March is a turning-point. Winter begins to give way to warmer weather and the first signs of spring appear. In early colonial days, the year began in March. The name of the month comes from Mars, which in ancient Italian meaning was the name of the God of War. Spring officially begins on the 21st this year. St. Patrick’s Day is the 17th. Maryland Day falls on March 25. Albany became the capital of New York on March 10,1797, and the United States Military Academy was established at West Point on March 16,1802. The so-called Boston Massacre took place in March of 1770. On March 2, 1836, while Santa Anna was besieging the Alamo, Texas was declared independent of Mexico. March 6 is Alamo Day in Texas, anniversary of the fall of the Alamo, in 1836. March 3 is the birth anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell. Saint Patrick's Day Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, died March 17,493. The anniversary of his death has been celebrated regularly in recent times by not only Irishmen but those of other races, and not only Catholics but those of other faiths. 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 order 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! There are those who believe several different versions, a great number celebrating the anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick in the middle of this month. Irishmen take pride in the remembrance and on some occasions have brought pieces of the “ould sod” from Ireland to observe the occasion. Spring, 1983 On the 21st, the hours of daylight will equal those of darkness 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 will soon be evident all around us; it brings Easter (April 3), symbol of new life, warmer weather, baseball, the approach of summer holidays, spring fever and taxes. The inexorable laws of nature’s growth cycle continue year after year as an inevitable process, inviting men and women to enjoy the experience. We also think about the fundamental cycle of life and death. From March 21 until September, six months hence, our days will be longer*, than nights. They will be the warmest of the year, at the end of which we’ll once again welcome cooler air and brisk days — and prepare again for what nature has in store — or go south. r What others say — Who's ahead? We can take some comfort, but not much, in the report that the United States leads the Soviet Union 15-1 in the basic technologies that “have the potential for significantly changing the military balance in the next 10 to 20 years. ” That assessment came in the annual report to Congress of Richard D. DeLauer, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering. Pentagon spokesmen often place our capability in a less optimistic light, particularly at budget time, and President Reagan took office saying the Russians were outdistancing us in military preparedness. If that is really true, and we are in a position to overtake them in 10 to 20 years, the next few years could be exceedingly dangerous. The report’s focus on basic technologies is also interesting. We have often been told that technological education in the Soviet Union, and several other industrial countries, puts ours to shame. People in these areas are those whose skills are vital to acquiring and maintaining a lead in basic technologies, both military and civilian. The Pentagon report claims the United States is ahead in so-called “stealth” techniques, the kind that are expected to lead to bombers, missiles and fighters that would be virtually invisible to Soviet radar. The only area where the Russians currently are ahead, according to the report, is in conventional warheads and ammunition. In competition between giants, it probably never will be clear who is ahead, unless a nuclear holocaust erupts. We cannot afford to let down our guard, and fears that we might be slipping behind will still be exploited, no matter how effective our preparedness. — South Bend Tribune

m j ■ m. X. ■jg: .4# L pr At \ m Jl .- What better way to express the 1983 Indiana Ag Day theme, "A Crowing Celebration,” than with a baby lamb and two young children . Karie Hotter is shown holding ”Lamb Chop” while Jessica Dallas, left, watches. Unsung hero —

w < H b DIANE LIKENS Diane Likens is sth member of family to become an EMT

Diane Likens, a trainee for North Webster-Tippecanoe Township’s Emergency Medical Service, will be the fifth of the Likens family to be on the EMS squads at North Webster. Her husband, James, although not an EMT, is a fireman. She began taking classes and training to be an emergency medical technician last fall. She is also training to be a driver for the ambulance. Classes for the EMT trainees are held at the North Webster School on Thursday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. The students study from books and also study “practicals," such as learning about backboards, bandages, mast trousers and suction. Linda Eastman is the teacher of the class, which has about 12 students. Two of the students in the present set of classes are attempting to become EMTs for North Webster-Tippecanoe Township. One of the students in the class is studying for his recertification. as his has expired, and at least one of the students is taking the class just for her own personal knowledge. Part of an EMTs training is done in service, when he or she actually becomes a part of the squad. Trainees respond to all calls for thier particular squad, learn from observation and help when they can. Diane, as a driver trainee, is learning that phase of the service by driving the vehicle on return trips, with an experienced driver’s instructions. She will be required to log a certain number of hours driving on these trips returning from calls before she will actually drive tp the emergency. EMTs also participate in several special training sessions. They are taken to specific locations to learn emergency work, such as farm extractions and auto extractions. Policemen teach special classes for the technicians to learn about the effects, symptoms and treatment

of drugs. In April someone from the State of Indiana will come to North Webster to give the trainees their test before they can receive state certification. Diane said she wants to be an EMT because “it's good to know you are helping someone." She said it would also be good to have the training to help her own family if the need arises. She said “I'm not afraid of things that may happen and I’m not very squemish.” She believes that being an EMT will be a rewarding experience in her life. Trained emergency service personnel are needed to volunteer their lime in Tippecanoe Township. According to Diane, most people could work it out with their work schedule and family life if they want to become an EMT EMT trainees for North Webster-Tippecanoe Township must be 18 years of age. live near the station, be in good health and be willing to give free time to help others. Diane is 24-years old and lives with her husband, James, in Willis Park, North Webster. She is a hair stylist at Designer’s Gallery in Syracuse. THE MAIL-JOURNAL UiPS 8401 Published by The Mail Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Otfice at Syracuse. Indiana 4*5*7. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 4*567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: SI4 per year in Kosciusko County; 514.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Indiana 4*542

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE”

THERE’S LOTS of writing talent around our community, something we’ve known for a long time. But were reminded each year about this time of the diverse happenings of the area when we invite citizens to fill in the Cruzin Around ‘Cuse column. Wf’rf surprised, too, of the willingness of those with whom we talk to take on the onerous task. . Regular readers of this column no doubt found something of local interest in columns written by Pastor Ross Ritchey, bank president James E. Caskey, former school superintendent and principal Lewis S. Immel. our regular sports reporter Gary Lewis and Georgia Buster, who regularly covers the senior citizen beat for us. Without exception we received notes and heard words of praise for each of these contributors. Rev Ritchey was pastor of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Syracuse when they found their little church on the corner of Harrison and Pearl Streets too small and opted to build a new church at the north edge of town. He saw this project through, and many remember the frustrations that were his during this period. Ross, the friendly type, went on to serve Methodist churches in Misha wakaf/bourbon and finally Leesburg, with considerable distinction. He had open heart surgery while at Leesburg, then suffered from failing eyesight, and is now legally blind and living with his wife Mary at 31 IS East Jackson 'Blvd. (SR 130). Elkhart. His article concerned itself with the travail of being blind, learning at an advanced age such complicated things as Braille. No challenge seems too great for Rev. Ross, and our thanks to him for his enlightening column. On February 16 Jim Caskey, president of the State Bank of Syracuse for the past seven years, wrote an excellent column, addressing a topic on the minds of most money savers at the present time. It had to do with the government’s move to have banks collect 10 per cent of the interest on savings and send it along to Uncle Sam. This is one of the truly hot issues of the times in financial circles. Jim’s article says there is now 96.7 per cent compliance in the matter, and that the new law will work an undue hardship on financial institutions. There is a broad move underfoot at the present time to have the law. which is slated to take effect July 1. repealed. If you’re a saver, it’s not a bad idea to re-read Jim’s column. Lewis Immel had misgivings about his ability to “write anything anyone would be interested in.” Os course, we knew better, have always held Lew in high regard for his ability and interest in the Lakeland school system. He showed himself as a good administrator as superintendent and later as principal of the Milford Junior High School, where he made many friends and had a real impact on the young minds being readied for highschool. Lew told the story of the four original bronze busts in the lobby of Wawasee High School — those of Chief Wawasee. William Henry Harrison. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The details of this story were new to most of us, or we had failed to remember it. His remarks have real historic value to the school and those interested in its brief history. His article should become a p£frt of the school’s archives, and we’re sure principal Hull will insist upon this. Gary Lewis, our young, bright and able sports reporter, jumped at the chance to fill in for our March 2 issue, while the regular one at this desk was searching the skies of Vero Beach. Florida, for a few rays of sunshine that he might bring home something of a tan to show the home folks. Gary is a native of Waveland, near Crawfordsville, Ind., and his forte is sports. He’s seen at sporting events in the area with camera in hand, pencil above his ear, constantly pounding coaches and players for their views and reactions. He is broadening his interests somewhat by doing front pages for a sister publication, ‘the paper.’ and its companion publications, and covering the Syracuse Town Board meetings. In an unguarded moment Gary said, “I didn't realize so much went on around a small town.’’ We’ll stack Gary up against any sports reporter in the area; and we hope he sticks around for some time to come. His March 2 column was a dandy. And finally Georgia Buster. She’s certainly one of the most active senior citizens we know of, and we felt her insight into the affairs of these valued citizens of our community was something all of us. both young and old. should hear more about. So much of the senior citizen affairs of the Syracuse community have had a marked degree of success due in no small part to the untiring efforts of Georgia Buster. She filled the Syracuse desk position for this publication for a period of time, and did it with talent and insight. She’s had a stint or two in the hospital, but her blithe spirit and apparent rebounding good health have put her back into the center of community activities. We love her facility for work and good humor and how she has handled the passing years. We are all finding ourselves in the aging process — and we should handle it so well ? Our special thanks to all the above substitute columnists. Knowing this column was in such good hands, we could walk the beach with a carefree attitude, kicking a sea shell here speaking to strangers there, each as our attitude of the moment dictated. ANOTHER YOUNG star to watch is Ronald D. Hanson of the Syracuse community, who recently earned membership in the Lutheran Brotherhood’s 1982 (insurance) President’s Club. The President’s Club is one of the fraternal insurance society’s top sales honors. Hanson

qualified for membership on the basis of the combined amount of life and health insurance, annuities and mutual funds he placed with Lutherans in his area. Hanson is a district representative associated with Lutheran Brotherhood’s Dale L Couture Agency, headquartered in Fort Wayne Lutheran Brotherhood has $11.3 billion of life insurance in force and more than $2 billion in assets. In addition to insurance and financial services, the Society operates a fraternal activities program, which in 1982 allocated more than sl3 million in support of its members, the Lutheran Church and society in general. ycS 1 I '' THE ABOVE photo had to freeze in time a proud moment for Jay Peffley and his wife Lucille. The girls in his NIPSCo office in Syracuse provided a surprise party centered around this large cake on his last day of duty as manager of the Syracuse District for the utility — Monday, February 28 Jay was caught by surprise by the friendly jest ure. That evening his fellow NIPSCo workers from this and several other company offices held a retirement party for Peffley, at the Maple Leaf Country Club in Goshen, which was one of the largest in the company ’s history. NATHANIEL C. Fick, formerly of Lake Wawasee but now a resident of Arlington, Virginia, sends us a letter to mail to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, in which he asks that Warsaw, Indiana, be considered for a first-day „ release of a Warsaw. Poland. Commemorative Stamp It will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dr L L Zamenhof of Warsaw, Poland. He wrote the committee: “I attended Kosciusko County grade and high schools and hold degrees from two Indiana Universities. During the 33 years that I have lived here in Arlington. Virginia, my wife and I have hosted high school groups from Kosciusko County. Indiana. Most have seen the great leader Thaddeus Kosciuzko on his horse here in Washington. Several tours have coincided with the Polish celebration that takes place each year at the foot of this statue. “Yes, we urge you to consider Warsaw, Indiana, 46580-9998 as the number 1 choice for first-day issue of this stamp —o— ANYONE HAVE any Campbell Soup labels they don’t want? The Syracuse elementary school just completed a label program during which they collected 30.387 labels, surpassing the 1982 total of 27,435. What for? you ask. The school will receive playground equipment from the well known soup company for turning in the labels, and the campaign went on to involve parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, like that. Mrs. Koble’s fifth grade was first with 2.367 labels, and Mr. Pletcher’s fourth grade was second with 2,177 labels, while Mrs. Vanderveer’s fifth grade came in with 2,176. —o— JOE TODD plans to put into action his Syracuse Lake condominium project sometime this spring with the first units to be completed this summer The entire 30-unit project could take years to complete, but if early interest is any indication the first four or five units should be sold and put together rather quickly. Todd has done no official advertising on the project but he already has several interested families on hold. No official list has been put together yet, but he is telling everyone to make their bids for the dwellings early to insure proper consideration. With this kind of response, Todd hopes the project will appeal to the area resident wanting to live on the lakeshore, but cannot afford a large home. Young couples and elderly are the prime target for the still unnamed project — o — SPEAKING OF the condo project at Syracuse Lake, area residents will get the opportunity to give a name to the newest residential development in town. Joe Todd plans to start a “Name The Syracuse Lake Condominiums” contest soon. Readers of The Mail-Journal will be able to submit their own name for the project, located at the old Syracuse Enterprises plant site. Information about the contest will be advertised in coming issues of the newspaper. JUST ABOUT everyone was a little shocked at the Elkhart basketball' Regional Saturday when Warsaw was easily handled by the defending state champions. Plymouth Fairfield gave the Tigers a rugged contest in the first-round Saturday morning before losing to the Pilgrims in the second game, for former J\ coach Rob Staley, who left the JV position at Wawasee to be assistant principal at HIS. the Fairfield-Warsaw match-up wjas cause for some prodding by the Fairfield students. Staley, who was an assistant for Wawasee coach John Wysong at Fairfield, graduated from Warsaw and was a (Continued on page 5)