The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 29, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 July 1985 — Page 6

6

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., July 17,1985

Community Corner

Tom Gilbert: His knowledge of the area is a big help

By JIM BRODERICK Staff Writer Tom Gilbert is the perfect example of a public servant. For more than 30 years, Gilbert has worked for the Town of Syracuse, first in the street department, then in the police department as an officer and now a dispatcher. “Not too many people around here don’t know me,” said Gilbert, who claims his knowledge of the area aids him as a dispatcher. “I know the area well, including most of the back roads,” Gilbert said. “I even know the nick-names some of the ‘old-timers’ still use, which in my job is important. Profile As a dispatcher, Gilbert is responsible for handling all police, fire, and ambulance calls. “There’s something different every day,” Gilbert said. “A lot of the people who call just have questions, or need information. Hopefully, I can tell them what they need to know.” Born in North Webster, Gilbert has spent his entire life in the area, moving to Syracuse when he was in the fifth grade. Gilbert clearly recalls the memory of growing up on the family farm. “I liked living on a farm, but I don’t really miss it too much. It was a lot of hard work,” said Gilbert, who maintains an active, work-filled life even when he’s off duty. Gilbert spends many of his free hours doing work at the Greenhaus Apartments in Syracuse, where his wife of 28 years, Ginny, is manager. “I couldn’t handle all the work around here by myself,” said Mrs. Gilbert. “Tom really helps me out.” a

LOUISA'S LETTER S g S

Dear Louisa, I have been living with my “ daughter who is married and has two children. Her husband has been nice to me — in fact, all of them have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. I know that I interfere with their style of life — the friends are not in and out as much as before I came and when the older one’s entertain they feel that they must include me among the guests. I have only one room and have had to store most of my things because I was not sure that this way pf life would suit me. I am financially able to rent an apartment but I hate to hurt my daughter’s feelings by telling her that such a plan would suit me better. I What do you think I should do: Grandpa — Ind.

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Answer: If the lot on which they live is large enough and you are financially able to do so, it seems to me that a good solution would be to build an apartment in their yard. These can be quite attractive and convenient and would allow * both you and your family to have the privacy that makes life so much simpler when different generations live close together. If that is not possible there are many homes for olde/ people where meals can be served and where you can keep your car. You could spend weekends with your daughter but be close enough to help them or get help when it is needed. Louisa Address: Louisa, Box 532, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115

Gilbert started his public service career in the Syracuse street department, where he worked for one year before making the transition to police work. “I enjoyed the work at the time,” said Gilbert of his six years as an officer, adding “but I wouldn’t want to do it now. Things have changed quite a bit around here. I think police work is tougher today.” One of the changes Gilbert has noticed is the growth of Syracuse. “This town has really grown over the years,” he said. “Many lake people are staying here the year round.” Despite that fact, Gilbert says he handles far fewer calls as a dispatcher in the winter than in the summer. “It really drops off considerably around here in the winter,” he said, admitting he tries to find things to occupy his time at work. “Some of the dispatchers do things like watch TV, or read, or even do some typing. I used to make potholders,” Gilbert said. Gilbert is one of four dispatchers for the Town of Syracuse. Between them, they are able to rotate shifts, enabling someone to be at work 24 hours a day. “It used to be that one person would work for 24 hours, and then he’d be off for 48 hours. You could sleep, as long as you could still hear the telephone.” Working in shifts allows Gilbert the opportunity to spend more time with his two daughters, as well as his grandchildren, all of whom are still in the area. “I get to see my grandkids just about every day,” Gilbert said. One of Gilbert’s additional duties as a dispatcher is the training of new dispatchers. “I’ve trained the last dispatcher we hired. I didn’t volunteer to do it, but I was asked, and I didn’t mind. I know the job pretty well,” he said. Gilbert has also served as the head of the Syracuse Civil Defense, a job he no longer performs, or misses. “It was a thankless job,” he said. “We didn’t get paid for it, and we’d get calls all hours of the night.” Still, Gilbert claims he’s enjoyed serving the people of Syracuse in his service as a public official. “I

Deborah Haab becomes bride of Darren Miller

Deborah Haab, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. .Terry Haab of Syracuse, and Darren Miller, son of Sarah Lee Jesse of Nappanee and Jon Miller of Warsaw, were united in a double-ring marriage ceremony on Saturday, June 15, at 4 p.m. in the Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse. Earl Naegeles to celebrate 60th anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Earl Naegele, r 5 Syracuse, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house at Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. Earl and Kathleen (Sparks) Naegele were married on August 17, 1925, in Lawrenceburg. Their son, Jay, his wife and their three children will be visiting from Twin Falls, Idaho, during the open house. f ** W jk W it If ■I ■St"! OCTOBER WEDDING — Robert and Jean Owen, 198 North Shore Dr., Syracuse, announce the engagement and October 5 wedding of their daughter, Renita, 818 W. Riverside E-4, Muncie, to Grant de la Garza, CR 350 N 750 W Box 480, Muncie. The bridegroom-elect is _the son of Charles and Mona de la Garza, 7149 Mikesell Dr., Indianapolis. The bride-elect is a 1978 graduate of Wawasee High School, 1980 graduate of Vincennes University and Ball State University in 1985 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. She is employed with the Ball State University Police Department. The bridegroom-elect is a 1978 graduate of North Central High School, Indianapolis, and 1985 Ball State University graduate. He also has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and employed with the Ball State University Police Department. The wedding will be conducted in the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse.

wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t like it,” he said. Gilbert has no plans to retire. “I’m too young to retire,” he said. “As long as my health keeps up, I’ll be on the job.” 'lai ak — A PUBLIC SERVANT — Tom Gilbert, dispatcher for the town of Syracuse, has been involved in public service for more than 30 years. Gilbert, who has no plans to retire, says his position has brought him town-wide recognition. (Photo by Jim Broderick)

The bride wore a white gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and elbow-length sleeves. Accenting the gown around the neckline and puffed satin sleeves was a lace trim. The base of her gown, which had a long train, was also trimmed with ruffled lace. She carried a bouquet of pink and white carnations with baby’s breath and lilies of the valley. Acting as matron of honor was Robin Stiffler of Syracuse. Bridesmaids were Beth Hathaway of Warsaw, Julie

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McDaniel and Barbara Foyle, both of Syracuse. Pink dresses were worn by all. Steve Smith of Nappanee served as best man. Groomsmen were Mike Patty of Syracuse, Rod Stump of Nappanee, and Mark Miller of Goshen. The bride is employed at Doggone Beautiful Dog Grooming in Nappanee and the bridegroom is employed at Ebby’s Body Shop in Bremen. The couple is currently residing in Nappanee.

Hex School reunion on July 28 The Hex School reunion will be Saturday, July 28, at 12:30 p.m., in the Hex Grange Hall, at the corner of U.S. 6 and CR 35, northeast of Syracuse. All those attending Hex School are invited to attend. The meat and drink for the carry-in dinner will be furnished. Home from California Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Knisley, Syracuse, returned home Wednesday, July 10, from Milpitas, Calif., where they spent a week with their son, Dana, and his family, Florence, and three-week-old daughter, Kassandra. On Saturday, July 7, the Knisley family visited with Mrs. Kenneth Knisley’s sister, Mrs. William (Wanda Huey) Patrick, in Corona, Calif. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Prough, Rowland Heights, Calif., a stepbrother to Mrs. Knisley and Mrs. Patrick. The Syracuse couple flew out of O’Hare Airport,* Chicago, on Thursday, July 4, landing in San Francisco. Use the freezer Labels will peel off plastic bowls or lids easily when placed in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Use colorful printed sheets Use colorful printed sheets instead of heavy bedspreads during the summer months. This is especially effective in children’s rooms.

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