The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 23, Milford, Kosciusko County, 22 June 1983 — Page 4

THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., June 22.1983

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Editorials

A salute to the Mermaid Festival Once again it’s time to salute the North Webster Lions and others in that Lakeland Community who have been working behind the scenes to insure the success of the 38th annual Mermaid Festival underway in North Webster. Each year the festival draws a bevy of beauties who vie for the “Queen of Lakes” title; and strong, dashing gents who compete for the Tournament of Knights championship. To the winners of these and other festival events go thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. And, if pretty girls or sports isn’t enough, there is something for everyone — tonight will find the younger set at North Webster for their own parade and cutie king and queen competition; and there will be a square dance at the Camelot parking lot, immediately following the parade. Other events taking place later in the week include a pony pull, talent contest, youth league events, specials on the midway, the band festival, ski shows and the annual Mermaid Parade. * Each of these events, and those not named, has required hours of planning and work. We point with pride to the community of North Webster, the 38th annual Mermaid Festival and to each and every man, woman and child who has played a part in its becoming a reality. Happy birthday Leesburg Happy birthday wishes go to the citizens of the town of Leesburg as they celebrate their sesquicentennial this year with special events scheduled throughout the coming week. The celebration gets underway Sunday, June 26, and will continue through July 2. Markers will be dedicated at the town hall at 4 p.m. on Sunday and events will climax on Saturday, July 2. We send birthday greetings to Leesburg and urge all our readers to visit that community and help celebrate the sesquicentennial. Summer, 1983 The summer solstice arrives midway between spring and fall equinoxes. The first day of summer, 1983, is June 21. Summer lasts until September 23, the first day of autumn. The hottest days will come — if weather follows the traditional pattern — after the longest day of the year (June 21). This is because the earth stores heat in the days when the sun shines longest. By July and August, the earth has stored great quantities. Summer means vacations for students and most adults. To make 1983 different, drive safely and reduce the death rate; it might include you. On Stress The latest research reveals a new health danger for Americans, until now not generally recognized as such. It’s addiction to stress. American Institute of Stress director Dr. Paul Rosch (Yonkers, N.Y.) says one may be hooked on stress if he: schedules work time as tight as possible, prides himself on how fast he gets things done, leaves work for the last minute and takes on more than one can do in a certain period of time. This kind of stress syndrome produces a “high” all its own, and people sometimes thrive on it. The chemical adrenaline produced by stress gives these addicts their “high,” motivates them, and produces a sense of satisfaction. But the cost can be high, for risks include heart disease and high blood pressure, from the pressure associated with a fast-lane life style. Not all stress addicts suffer adverse consequences. But some do. If, then, you’re hooked on the stress syndrome, be aware of it and watch for the possible side effects. The Salvation Army K Os all humanitarian organizations dedicated to the relief of suffering, the Salvation Army is high on almost everyone’s list of most deserving. Those who have traveled the world know well the familiar sight of bluesuited men and women, often on street corners with musical instruments, doing what they can to guide and help the needy and destitute. It’s a hard job, with little financial compensation and often carried out in “field” conditions. The Army goes out to find the needy; it’s not one of those charity organizations with lush offices and nice salaries, which does its work through the mails primarily, and through grants. The Salvation Army operates today in many countries — and usually where conditions are worst, among the forgotten and the most forlorn. It deserves the support of all citizens; when you next see the blue suiters standing on the street tooting their horns (or have another chance to give) be reassured in knowing these Christian workers have something to toot their horns about.

What others say — Let them hear bells Let’s not replace school bells with sirens! Hoosier 7 !schools are now on summer vacation and motorists are reminded to be on the lookout for children playing. Parents should also emphasize to their children to obey all traffic laws, whether on foot or on bikes and trikes. “Children can be so engrossed in play that they forget the pedestrian safety rule that they have learned,” says James W. Parks, president and CEO of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club. Scurrying from behind parked cars, darting across streets looking for adventure or playing in or near the streets can be dangerous for children and motorists alike. Every year, more than 3,000 children are killed nationally playing in their own driveway. Motorists should be especially cautious near curves and driveways which can become blind spots for drivers. Caution is also advised near recreational sites, urban and suburban residential areas. It’s up to the driver to be aware of children enjoying their summer vacation. Being cautious can help insure that every child will return to school this fall- to hear school bells, instead of sirens this summer. — AVON-DANVILLE GAZETTE

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Rides on the midway are just one of the many attractions at North Webster this week as the annual Mermaid Festival is in full swing. M I Piika 457-3666 Or IVI-J rUISe Ca 11658-4111, Ext. 17 QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What do you think of the proposd merit pay for teachers? Results of last week's question: How will you occupy your children this summer? I don’t have any children of that age. . .My thinking on that would be to sue parental guidance. . .I’d rather not suggest anything since I don’t have any children, living at home, anyway.. .I’m sorry. I don’t have any children. . My children are grown but we have grandchildren who visit us. Swimming, skiing, fishing and seeing some of the highlights here in the area. . We re retired, so we don’t have any children at home, no sir.. .I’m not interested at all. . My children are all grown, but I’m watching two little girls right now. They have toys that they can play with. It depends on how old they are. . They could go to the camps they have for them.

Rev. Ritchie—'How do you go blind?'

NOTE: Rev. Ross Ritchie is a well-known member of the Lakeland area, serving as pastor of Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church from 1969 to 1964. His most recent pastorate was the Leesburg United Methodist Church. 1975-1982, and he has previously been pastor at Bourbon Methodist Church. 1954-1969. Mishawaka United Methodist Church 1973-1978 and currently resides in Elkhart. Now. if you know the answer to that, you know a lot! However, after a few weeks of association with the visually impaired, I find there is a great variety of ways through which we achieve blindness, if you can call it an achievement! — Some are blind from birth. That’s what we call congenitally blind. — Some arrive at blindness through an accident, industrial or playfulness, etc. The implication of this is that it is probably quite sudden. — Some come to blindness through diabetes or some other debilitating disease. — Some of us have high blood pressure for years, and as a result of this there is finally a small stroke in the area of the optic nerve, and without blood supply the optic nerve begins to

Court news

MARRIAGE LICENSES The following couples have filed for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jean Messmore: Vermillion-Brock Robert Scott Vermillion, 20 r 1 box 625 North Webster and Kathy Darlene Brock, 25, r 1 box 625 North Webster Raab-Schultz Howard J. Haab, 63, r 2 box 8-B Milford and Jane M. Schultz, 66, P.O. Box 277 Milford Caskey-McKinney James Edwyn Caskey, 44, 160 Letter to the editor Well publicized Dear Editor; Regarding Sagebrush Days there is one more special thank you that is due to the following for advertising “Sagebrush Days” and the date on their outdoor signs. They are My Store, Anchor Man, Logan-Rogers Realty, First Federal Savings and Loan, Star Store, Calvary United Methodist Church, The Living Quarters, Augsburger’s, the youth center, the Spinal Care Center and the Laundry Basket. We’re sure this made our event well publicized Jeanne Gardener Jim StiUson Barbara Scantlin *

“atrophe” and to the degree that this death process advances in the optic nerve, just to that degree vision lessens, and to the degree that loss of sight is due to optic nerve death, there is no hope of return of sight. The only hope is that this deterioration may be retarded or stopped. This is where I am. I do not presume to know all the avenues which lead ultimately to blindness, but I do know that the possibility and actuality of the condition is not funny! However, there are some funny things which happen along the way. If one can bring himself to see these things in light of a humorous context, it just may be that it will not hurt quite so much!! If that is a possibility, it’s worth a try. Some of the things in this column are an attempt on my part to try to catch some of the humorous side of life as it goes by. Going blind is not funny, nor to be laughed at. So, we re not laughing at “going blind.” I’m just trying to be honest as we try to pick up are life and remain useful if not because of it, then “in spite of it,” OK?, OK! (Rev. Ritchie will be sharing his experiences with blindness every week on this page of The Mail-Journal).

Northshore Drive, Syracuse and Julia Kay McKinney, 44, r 3 box 70C Syracuse MARRIAGE DISSOLUTIONS The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Circuit and Superior Courts: Corl —Dennis E. Corl vs Rosetta F Corl, box 76G Milford. The couple was married June 14,1966 and separated June 1,1983. They have two minor children. Brown — Wanda Lou Brown vs Scott Alan Brown, Portland Street. Syracuse. The couple was married September 23, 1978 and separated April 8,1983. There are no minor children. THE MAU JOURNAL (uses. 125.&40) 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 t. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: »H per year in Kosciusko County; Si 6.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS. Send Change 0* address forms to The Mail-Journal, P.O. Box lOS, Milford, Indiana 46542.

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE”

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THE BETS are up. It’s That Sailboat Place running against Todd Realty in the Flotilla Road Race on Monday, July 4, stepping off at the Lakeside Park. In a practice pose, the contenders suited up for what we see here. In front are Joe Todd and his colleague Clare Baumgardt for Todd's Realty. In the center is That Sailboat Place “cheerleader” Nikki Edwards. And behind are runners and supporters of that latter team: From left Brook Sefton, Larry Baumgardt. Debby and Steve Gabrielsen and Jeff Schmahl. Their release says, Larry (Lightfoot) Baumgardt issued the challenge to Joe (Dorian Gray) Todd, intimating that Todd found it difficult to walk from the bank’s parking lot to the drive-up window. It challenged, “Todd knew his realtors were a flabby bunch, interested only in running after a dollar.” It goes on: “In addition to Todd, Clare (the Creeper) Baumgardt, will be running for Team Todd. Team Place includes Steve (the Streak) Gabrielsen and his child-bride, lovely Debby Gabrielsen. Jeff (the Kid) Schmahl (who was frightened as a child by a Realtor) will also run for Team Place. Team trainer Brook (Whip) Sefton, may be seen following the team on his bicycle. Brook is best known for his unconventional use of a whip in training and his inspirational cry of run, you suckers. Team mascot. Steve (Bear) Anderson, is required to hum the theme from Chariots of Fire at all races.” Well, if that isn’t enough to stir their competitive blood, we don't know what is. And so it's off to the race — Monday. July 4. at 9 a.m. THE RESIGNATION of John Kroh from the Lakeland school board, following 12 years of faithful service to that board, is indeed the end of a tradition, as pointed out in this publication last week. There has been a Kroh on the school board ever since the Metropolitan School District of Turkey Creek Township was formed and through the brief history of the Lakeland School Corporation. Both father and son have served the school system diligently and well. This might be a good opportunity to say “Well Done" to John and other school board members (as well as town board members who serve our small communities). The time they put in for so little pay has to be out of community spirit... it could hardly be for anything else. As Kroh pointed out. “The rewards outweight the liabilities.” If one thinks there is all that much prestige in holding one of these (public service) jobs, all he has to do is feel the slings and arrows for a time from those he’s trying his best to serve, and massive deflation quickly sets in. In reality, the decisions school board and town board members are asked to make usually fall into a gray area — there's little that is truly black and white — enough to insure plenty of opposition. It's the board member who can suffer this with a casual equanimity that is the good board member. We feel John Kroh has done this. John has served 12 years on the Lakeland school board, and as he says, “1 think 12 years is enough for anybody.” We can only add. “Well done. John.” “MAC” McKINLEY. resident humorist, claims they have “cured the fish disease on Lake Wawasee. ” Then adds, smiling, “The fish all had lockjaw, but now they’re biting again. ” —QrAN AREA business has tentatively changed hands, but actual signing of the contract must await a 39-day period during which inventory of equipment and merchandise will take place. Three Syracuse area men are involved in the transaction. —O--LAST WEEK we spoke in this column about a sluggish start of normal summertime business due to unseasonably cool weather. Tom Tuttle claims business at the South Shore Golf Course and restaurant is off 35 per cent for this very reason. He said there were over 29 week ends oil “poor weather” which account for it. It is reasonable to expect the same to be true at the other two major golf courses in the area.

“HELLO DOLLY J” played to a full house opening night at the Enchanted Hills Playhouse. Among the guests introduced by Jill Stover, owner/manager of the Playhouse, were such dignitaries as State Senator and Mrs. John B. Augsburger. State Senator and Mrs. Gene Snowden, representatives from Congressman John Hiler's district staff. Mayor and Mrs. Robert Callendar of Nappanee, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Darwin of Channel 28’s “Bill Darwin Show;” Dr. Harriman, Dean of Faculty at IUSB; Dr. Les Lamon, Chairman of the Division of Arte and Sciences at IUSB; Bobbi Wilson, Republican candidate for city office in Nappanee; and Judy Schmahl, president of the Enchanted Hills Playhouse board of directors Following a standing ovation for Darlene William's performance as Dolly Levi, the theater-goers retired to the lobby area for a gala opening night champagne party. —o--RALPH BUSHONG. Syracuse -elementary teacher and runner of considerable note, slipped up on this one. He is being credited with knowing about all races being run in the wide area where he could be considered a participant. But Saturday morning, he showed up at the International Palace of Sports at North Webster to tune a piano (another of his avocations) and found well over 150 joggers and racers suited up for their annual three- mile race. “1 completely forgot about this race,” Bushong confessed, a little shame-faced. His regular friends on the open road had to step off without him. * --O--SPEAKLNG OF that Saturday morning race, eight-year-old Angie Garner ran the full course with her dad and mother. Jim and Denise Garner, of Syracuse. Diminutive Angie did the full course beside her mother, with this writer gradually losing ground to the young sprinter. --o--OUR SPECULATION some weeks ago that Dr. Wendel R. Shank, well known Syracuse optometrist, might build a new office on South Huntington Street, on his lot just north of the fire station, might be on the mark. At that time he was tearing down an old house and leveling the lot. Now Dr. Shank tells us he has had discussions with various suppliers and has contracted for a modular office be located on that lot. The building should be manufactured in July and could be ready for occupancy in September. The Phoenix Company in Nappanee is supplying the Heckaman modular office building to Dr. Shank's specifications. Dr. Shank has had his office in the Huntington Building for a number of years, moving there from his original office on the second floor of the bank building. A TRUCK driver we know claims to have 255 air conditioning in his vehicle -two windows open and 55 miles per hour! --OrROBERT WESTFALL, manager of the Syracuse office of Northern Indiana Public Service Company, left Sunday morning by auto for Hartford. Conn., where he will attend the national convention of the Jaycees. He hopes to return home this week end. Westfall is outgoing vice president of Indiana Jaycees for community development, and was recently named an International Jaycee Senator, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Jaycee. AT MID-WEEK next week the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce hopes to issue its Syracuse-W awasee Lakes Aren Map. a large color piece that should serve as a guide fur tourists to resident services. There are some 80 local advertisers on the colorful, rather inexpensive piece that should enjoy wide local distribution. Each advertiser is given a number, corresponding to a number on the large map. Credit for putting the package together should go to Joe Gray. Jim Caskey. Jeanne Gardiner and Ric Schaekel. More on this later. THE PLEASANT smiling face of Marty Konopinski will not be seen around Three Flags in the Village after July X The reason; She tegethM married on that date. (Continuedon page 5)