The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 34, Milford, Kosciusko County, 7 September 1983 — Page 4

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., September 7,1983

Editorials

Grandparents offer lessons Recently added to our calendars of holidays and special observances is Grandparents’ Day set this year for Sunday, Sept. 11. While the new observance may have been a financial ploy by a greeting card conglomerate, reserving a special day for grandparents has merit. The Oriental cultures have long recognized the value elders add to the family structure. In their extended families, the grandparents are ruling entities in Oriental homes. Americans across the seas have long been accused of ignoring their senior citizens by brushing them off as old and useless. While that may be the case in some instances, there are still plenty of good relationships between grandparents and their descendants. For those who have suffered the loss of a grandparent, some classified advertisements call for “grandma” babysitters and many area youth have adopted grandparents in health care centers. Grandparents have a lot to offer, and if you don’t believe that, try to find a better babysitter than grandma or grandpa. Grandparents are experienced in life and are the best teachers of math, organizational skills and history for our young. If it wouldn’t be for grandparents, who could tell anecdotes about “the way things were,” teach us why kites need tails to fly or show us how to play “kick the can.” Having a Grandparents’ Day is commendable, but let’s not forget their worthiness on the other 364 days of the year. 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. i is ■t • ...., • Which are you? Often we encounter individuals completely absorbed in pessimism. The pessimist is convinced the world is growing much worse, that few people can be trusted. On the other hand, one often encounters those who have an optimistic, rosy outlook on the world, and toward those who surround them. It’s always refreshing to greet such individuals; they’re usually those with a genuine interest in others. ’ln' names Names have away of being in — and going out of fashion. It’s more true of girls’ name than boys’. Maude, Bertha and Emma, which were the berries in the last century, haven’t been popular in this century. Nor are George, Henry and Albert any longer popular for males. Early in this century Mary and Betty were highly popular for girls. Now they’re far down the list. In the last several years Michael, for boys, and Jennifer for girls, are very much “in.” Believe it or not, many people are influenced by films and television soap operas in naming their children. And, say students of the name game, fewer parents are naming babies after themselves. History and knowledge Americans are often inclined to learn their history and add to their knowledge (or misinformation) with novels, films and features. Good non-fiction books, by respected authorities, are not sought by most of us. We listen to those completely unqualified to discuss various issues and questions; gain a semblance of historical background from sex novels, ask gossip and advice columnists to expound on serious issues and questions, and get a manipulated; or slanted idea of US history through television. Accurate knowledge can’t be gained so loosely, so effortlessly. Rather, the individual who puts his mind in the hands of unqualified and specially-motivated sources will never be fully informed on the past or issues of the day. He’ll believe what propagandists want him to believe. That is, in effect, shirking the responsibility of citizenship — vital to the successful functioning of democracy.

What others say — "Dear Constituent.. SIOO million mail bill The following letter appeared in The Bath County (Kentucky) News-Outlook. It conveys our sentiments about the growing use of “newsletters” from elected officials under the guise of official business. Dear Congressman Hornblower: I am the person named Resident whom you write so often. It was just reported in the news that the cost of the “free” congressional mailing privilege has now risen past SIOO million a year. Inasmuch as the federal government is running almost S2OO billion in the red, I would like you to remove my name from your mailing list so the printing and postage bill can be reduced. The law says you are only supposed to use your mailing privilege for “official business.” I have been reading your newsletters for some years now, and I find it hard to distinguish between them and the kind of campaign brochures that are circulated at election time. If you insist on writing again, please include an explanation of why you are able to mail out newsletters about yourself at the expense of taxpayers, while candidates running against you have to pay for mailing the same kind of publicity material about themselves. Is this fair? Sincerely, A Resident - LAGRANGE STANDARD

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REMEMBER GRANDPARENTS — Mary and Wilbur Rensberger, Milford, are grandparents in the truest sense, able to boast nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. All grandparents should be remembered this Sunday, Sept. 11, on Grandparents' Day. Great-grandchildren from Nappanee pictured with the Rensbergers from the left are Benji and Micki Bowman; and lan and Lindsay Reed. k/i i n i 457-3666 Or M-J rUISe Ca 11658-4111, Ext. 17

QUESTION OF THE WEEK : If you were one of President Reagan’s advisers, what what you tell him should be done to show the Russians that the United States objects to its shooting down the Korean passenger flight? Results of last week’s question: Now that the children are back in school, how will your life change? It will be quieter until they get home from school. It takes some getting used to ... Our children are all grown, so it doesn’t affect our lives that much. I guess the only thing would be that the grandkids won’t be here during the day... I don’t have any children, so it doesn’t change my life. I now wave at the school crossing guard every day on the way to work ... I have no children... I can’t believe they’ve grown up so fast. I have so much more time on my hands... It’s a lot quieter now ... I spend more time listening than entertaining. My whole daily schedule is changed... I don’t have anybody to swim with during the day.

Rev. Richey —

"Character Marks"

In 1973, the Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart gave us a farewell to end all farewells. It was a grand evening, as only Trinity can do, topped off with the presentation by the church of a beautiful new 17-foot Grumman canoe! I had come to see the Grumman as the "Cadillac*’ of aluminum canoes. The junior and senior high youth groups each presented me with one of the most beautiful and pratical wodden paddles I have ever seen anywhere! It was the fall of ’73 before we had an opportunity to put the new craft in the water and we chose Sugar Creek, downstream from Crawfordsville, Ind., where we had gone on our youth outing in the spring. It was not at all as we remembered it. The creek was low, and we even had to got downstream away to put the canoe in. Rocks were everywhere! You know how you feel about the first

Court news

MARRIAGE DISSOLUTIONS The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Circuit and Superior Courts: Johnson — Amber C. Johnson vs Robert Dean Johnson, r 5 box 67 Syracuse. The couple was married September 9, 1978, and separated August 23,1983. There is one minor child. CIRCUIT COURT The following claims have been filed in Kosciusko Circuit Court, Richard Sand, judge: Reciprocal Support Karen Witherwax vs Gary T. Eaton, r 2 North Webster. The plaintiff is seeking a judgment against the defendant for reciprocal support. MARRIAGE LICENSES The following couples have filed for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk Jean Messmore: Norman-Patton John Patrick Norman, 25, r 5

TH! MAIL-JOURNAL (U.S.P.S. 325 840) Published by The Mall-Journal every Wednesday and entered as Second Class matter at the Post Office at Syracuse. Indiana 44547. Second class postage paid at 103 E. Main Street, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 and at additional entry offices. Subscription: Sl4 per year in Kosciusko County. 16.50 outside county. POSTMASTERS: Send change of address forms to The Mall Journal. po. Box 188. Milford. Indiana 46542. 10l /HI

dent in a new car? Well, then you know how I felt when we hit the first rock, the second, the third, and so forth. I tried to sit lighter, but it was impossible. All 230 pounds caused scratch after unwelcomed , scratch on our new canoe. It hurt. ) After finishing that memorable trip, and after returning home, my Very good friend — Walt — did see the canoe, and I could have shrivelled up and blown away. Walt knew how I felt, but his quick reaction was: "Ross, look at it like this, those are only character marks! Wow, “only” character marks! When life bangs us up a bit, and tosses us around some, but we survive, wouldn’t it be nice for friends to see the damage done as only character marks? I’m for that. In fact, I’m experiencing that very thing!

box 93 Syracuse and Karen Denise Patton, 21, r 5 box 93 Syracuse Singleton-Karesh Lawrence E. Singleton, 75, 37 Wawasee Circle, Cromwell and Anna Lena Karesh, 72, r 1 box 3 Syracuse Miles-Hartman Shayne Erron Miles, 20, 2602 Westside Drive, Warsaw and Sherri Lee Hartman, 18, P.O. Box 221 Leesburg Parker-Murphy Jerry Lynn Parker, 20, r 1 box 283 Leesburg and Stephanie Rae Murphy, 18, r 2 box 210 Warsaw CITY COURT The following fines have been levied and paid in the Goshen City Court: Speeding — Jeff D. Bridgford, 24, Syracuse, S3B; Kelli J. Diemer, 23, Syracuse, $43 Expired plate — Jeff D. Bridgford, 24, Syracuse, $34 COUNTY COURT The following fine was assessed in Elkhart County Court, .Goshen Division: Driving while intoxicated — Reese A. Small, 45, Syracuse, 107, 90 days jail suspension on condition not come back in this court on any alcohol or drug related offense within on eyar, driver’s license suspended 60 days Dirt bike taken, found Rodney Coy, 118 Allen St., Syracuse, reported to authorities on Saturday that his dirt bike had been stolen. The vehicle was later recovered by Syracuse police.

"CRUZIN AROUND 'CUSE"

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DAVID BROEKERS, WHS FRESHMAN, AT HIS COMPUTER

IT SEEMS a “computer panic” of sorts has hit the Lakeland area with the addition of computers to each of our corporation’s junior high and elementary schools. Syracuse, Milford and North Webster junior highs have all been granted two computers for use in their respective math classes and each of the elementary schools have received four computers through corporation funds and two additional machines through federal title monies. As the nation becomes more computerized, parents are concerned about little "Johnny's** opportunity to use the beasts. (And for those who haven’t had experience in trying to use or train someone in the use of a computer, believe that the newest technological development takes quite a bit of taming.) The Lakeland corporation is limited (as are all Indiana schools) in funds and trained personnel, preventing the availability of a perfect stu-dent-computer ratio. Some critics believe more computers should be purchased for the high school while those distributed in the junior high schools should be handed out according to the student population. Foremost in preventing the corporation from offering such opportunities is the availability of trained personnel. Mastering a computer is a job in itself, not to mention trying to train students in the various uses of the machines. Several elementary and junior high teachers are presently enrolled in computer courses to aid in the instructional process. And then, of course, is the obvious financial limitations. For the first year of use, it would be uneconomical for the school corporation to purchase computers for placement in a classroom such as are available in a typing class (by the way, a computer costs considerably more than a typewriter) because while one teacher was learning how to operate them, the roomfull of computers would sit idle, The LCSC administration assures there is a place for computers in the system, but where that place for instructional purposes is, is yet to be determined. All three communities have expressed an interest in developing a computer program and their efforts should be commended Two computers have been given to Syracuse Junior High by an anonymous donor in addition to the two allotted by the corporation. Due to faculty efforts in Milford, an additional computer has been purchased for the junior high, and the North Webster PTO is working towards a fund-raiser for additional computers there. —o— WHILE ON the subject of computers, let’s not forget the importance of teaching other basics to our children. Television has already been credited with brain-washing America’s youth, but by encouraging imagination, creativity and self-ex-pression, parents and adults can prevent similar claims against the computers. THE BIG political guns were being primed on Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Lake Wawasee home of Jack Feighner in an effort to carry Charles ("Bud”) Meeks into the Fort Wayne mayor’s chair.

PLAN DRIVING RANGE — A large driving range is being planned at South Shore Goll Course, according to owner/manager Tom Tuttle. Already over 100 large trees have come down, with many hundreds of smaller trees facing the axe to make room for the range on the south end of the present golf course. Tuttle said the 16th tee will be relocated and made into a tough par 3 hole instead of a par four. The entire course will go from a par 72 to a par 71 course. All of this should be ready for the next golfing season, he said. More, a 12-foot satellite dish has been installed on the roof of the main building, which reaches all 17 satellites. The dining room and bar will remain open at' least until December 21, with special meals being offered between the closing of the golf course until late in December.

Among the notables present to lend his considerable presence to the effort was no less a personage than Hoosier Governor Robert D. Orr. Meeks is a well known Allen County Republican, former sheriff, and is pitting himself against the current mayor, Winfield Moses, whose meteoric rise to prominence came with his handling of the recent Fort Wayne flood that drew national attention. It will be a real horse race, since both Moses and Meeks are well known and well respected. Anyway, Governor Orr flew into the tiny Nappanee Airport in a helicopter and was accompanied to the North Shore Feighner residence by two state troopers in an unmarked car. On duty to handle the traffic were Terry McCarty and Joe Thornburg of the Wawasee Sheriff s Boat Patrol. Thornburg, a seasoned officer, motioned the unmarked car to park across the road in a vacant lot, and was quite discomfited when he saw the slumped frame of Governor Orr alight from the back seat. Officer Joe's apologies were profuse, but needn’t have been, since the governor said, "this has happened to me a lot of times before." Feighner maintains homes in Marion and Lake Wawasee and is a longtime personal friend of Governor Orr’s. He. incidentally, is the agent for a considerable amount of state insurance, and is well known as a power in Grant County Politics. —o— SYLVIA (FREESE) Duncan recently resigned as a volunteer worker at the Syracuse Nutritional Site, and in her letter to director Marilyn. Taylor she made a strong appeal to others with time on their hands to assist in this worthy senior citizen program, Mrs. Duncan and her husband recently started a publishing program which they hope to develop into a full occupation, and it commands all her and her husband’s time. She called her Fridays ”a special time” since she enjoyed the work at the Site so much. She wrote, "It certainly is a job’ that is more fun than work, and only takes three hours a week.” She added. "After my eight months of contact with the program I strongly believe that it is one which the community should support.” At 33 years of age, Sylvia gave the program three hours of her time each Friday, was its youngest worker, and said she would like to see others get involved in this effort. She and Tom live on County Road 650 East, r 3 Syracuse. —o— ONE OF the local senior citizens (who wishes to remain anonymous) is seen quit often cleaning up around the old school memorial, located across from the public library in uptown Syracuse. It was over 90 degrees the particular afternoon she was seen working near the memorial. When asked why she was doing it, she said she couldn't stand seeing all the litter laying around the streets and especially around the school memorial. She was picking up even the tiniest pieces of metal, glass and other particles left behind by those who couldn’t reach the trash barrel just a few feet from the memorial. Her lips began to tremble as she told about talking to a group of young fellows who were milling around the memorial one evening. She asked (Continued on page 5>