The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 October 1987 — Page 6

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., October 28,1987

Cortimunity Corner

Leßoy Diekman: Flying is an integral part of his life

By JUDY STECKLY | Staff Writer As a small boy Leßoy Diekman, an Elkhart resident and CTB employee, began assembling model airplanes. He lived in Centerville, Mich., then. He wasn’t content to make and fly the models, he wanted to fly real planes. He was ehcpuraged by a friend’s father who flew a B-17 during World War 11, and his sister who was dating a pilot. So before he was old enough to drive a car, Leßoy began taking flying lessons at Three Rivers. His mother usually drove him over, but a few times he walked the seven miles to the airport. \ Leßoy first soloed when he was 16; got a private pilot’s license at 17; a commercial flying license, instrument rating and multi-engine rating at 18; and by the time he was 20-years-old, he received a flight instructor rating. Airplane related activities took much of his time. He worked at the Three Rivers airport during his early high school years washing and refueling airplanes. He continued in similar work at the airport near Elkhart when he was a senior, then began full-time work there. Profile In December, 1975, Leßoy became a corporate pilot for a company until it sold the airplane in January, 1980. The next month Leßoy accepted a similar position at Chore-Time Brock (CTB) in Milford. Less than two years later, on Jan. 1,1982, Leßoy’s life was changed On that New Year s Day, Leßoy went tobogganing with some friends. As they boarded for the fateful ride down a steep hill, Leßoy was at the back of the toboggan. A big bump lifted Leßoy off the toboggan, and when he landed, he knew he was seriously injured. Acute pain was in his back, and he could not move his legs. Leßoy went through a spinal-fusion operation and then months of treatment at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. According to Leßoy, “They have a super staff. It was like being in school. They emphasized making the best of what you’ve got. I saw so many people who had injuries worse than mine, I couldn’t say ‘Why me? ’ ” Leßoy’s recovery took longer than anticipated. He was not

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Columbia Reading Circle to tour library

Phyllis Sorensen was hostess for the October 12 meeting of the Columbia Reading Circle of Milford. Seventeen members and two guests, Betty Bultemeier and Missy Sorensen, were present. Following the business meeting, it was announced the November 9 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Inez Beiswanger, Milford, to form car pools, then travel to Nappanee and tour the library.

i ■ I swt" FLYING HIGH — Leßoy Diekman coordinates all freight shipments in and out of the four CTB Companies in Milford and the one in Decatur, Ala. He soloed his first plane at the age 16 and received his pilot’s license at 17. (Photo by Judy Steckly) discharged until the end of July. During that time he often thought about his future and wondered if he would ever be able to fly again. He was determined to make the best of his situation. “I dealt with it as this is what happened.” Leßoy explained, “Some things you can change and some things you haveto adapt to." To prove to himself that he would be able to enjoy traveling as he

Eudora Hurd introduced associate member Dorothy Williams, who reviewed the book “Queen Dolly — The Life and Times of Dolly Madison,” a biographical novel by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. Dolly’s life compassed the terms of 12 presidents, ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED — Mr. and Mrs. James Tranter, 219 South Lake St., Syracuse, announce the engagement of their daughter, Tamara C., to Gregory L. Tindle, 2204 South Street, Rolling Meadows, 111. The bridegroom-elect is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lander H. Tindle, Rolling Meadows. The bride-elect is a 1984 graduate of Wawasee High School and attended Indiana University, Bloomington and Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Fla. She is employed as office/personnel manager for Tranter Graphics, Inc., Syracuse. The bridegroom-elect is a 1984 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School, Rolling Meadows, and attended Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Fla. He is a student at Harper Community College, Chicago, HL, and is employed by Fastex-Illinois Tool and Die Works, Chicago. The couple is planning a June 25 wedding in St. Martin de Porres Church, Syracuse.

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made an indelible impression on the manners and culture of an emerging nation, influenced its political history as few other women would ever do, and touched all hearts by her goodness, dignity and grace. Refreshments were served by the hostess at the close of the evening. Looney Bird Parade' entertains women The October 16 meeting of Tippecanoe Lake Women’s Association was held aft the home of Maxine Harreld, Bell Rohr Park, Leesburg, with Bev Braun assisting. There were 21 members and eight guests, Edna Flinn; Betty Anderson; Mary Murray; Betty Robison; Doloras Smith; Betty Shuff; Mildred Carmin, Marion; and Carolyn Uphas, Columbus, Ohio, who were welcomed by Alyce Long, president, who conducted a short business meeting. Entertainment was the Looney Bird Parade. Walking and controlling the birds were Phyllis Yoder, Judy Alfono, Juanita Helms, Mildred Carmin, and Ruth McNath. Organ music by , Mary Ullom enhanced the birds' movements. Ruth McNath and Sandy Sawyer will have the cookie exchange and November meeting in the Sawyer home. Bears own grandchildren JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — A 48-year-old woman gave birth to her daughter’s testtube triplets, becoming the world’s first surrogate mother of her own grandchildren. Pat Anthony and the triplets, two boys and a girl, were reported doing well - after the early morning deliveries by Caesarean section.

had before his accident, Leßoy took the first month following his release to get a car and take a vacation in which he drove 7,500 miles across the United States, all by himself. In September Leßoy returned to CTB. The president, Jim Evans, and the rest of the company, have been very supportive of him all along the way. They held a position for Leßoy with the company, even though he was absent for months after the job in the transportation department became open. When he got back to CTB, Leßoy was a clerk. About 2>/ 2 years ago, Leßoy was named the CTB Transportation Manager, coordinating all in-bound and out-bound freight. Leßoy never gave up hope that he would again pilot a plane. Through the Wheelchair Aviators Group in California, he found that a California facility installs modified controls for handicapped persons. They also gave him information about passing the flight physical necessary to maintain his pilot’s license. CTB bought a new Beechcraft Bonanza in 1983, and early in 1984 President Evans asked Leßoy if there was anyway the plane could be modified for him to fly it. Leßoy was pleasantly surprised by the inquiry. In fact he was still assembling information about the possibility of his flying again. When Evans learned of the possible adaptation, he volunteered to have the controls installed in the new plane. After passing all flight physicals and tests, and getting the modified controls in the Bonanza, Leßoy began flying the company plane again in January, 1985. Leßoy’s job keeps him very bus* He averages 1-2 flights per week delivering people and parts throughout the United States. He coordinates all freight shipments in and out of the four CTB Companies in Milford and one in Decatur, Ala. He dispatches the 12 vehicles of the CTB fleet and lines up carriers for other freight and less than truck load (LTL) runs. He is also responsible for the inner-company movement of materials between the five companies of CTB. “I don’t feel different than I did before,” Leßoy said. “I can accomplish what I hope to do, and that’s the same both and after the accident.” lie admits that the wheelchair is an inconvenience, but said that's more often true tor others than tor him. He lakes a portable ramp with him to help him get in and out of some homes and buildings. Sometimes friends just lift his chair for him. “I can accomplish about 98 percent of what I could do before the accident. I just need to plan ahead,” Leßoy said. At the end of a corporate flight, the passengers often say, “Thanks for the flight!” Leßojl responds, “Thanks for the opportunity!” He is very grateful that CTB has kept the door open for him to use his abilities and advance in the company.

KU I Il F At st - FUI ( |mJH] 55TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY — A 55th wedding anniversary open house will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, for Mr. and Mrs. Seth McFarren, Milford. The open house will be from 2-5 p.m. at the fellowship fall of the First Brethren Church at the corner of W. Catherine and N. Henry Streets in Milford. Hosting the open house will be Mr. and Mrs. Silas Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Berkey, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Niles, and Mr. and Mrs. Marv Chupp. McFarren, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. P. D. McFarren, formerly from Warsaw and Milford, and the former Bernice Zimmer, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Zimmer of Warsaw, were united in marriage on November 5, 1932, by Rev. C. S. Priest of Winona Lake. They moved to Milford in 1938. All family and friends of the couple are invited to join in the celebration of this special day. They request gifts be omitted.

LOUISA'S LETTER

Dear Louisa, I know it is early to be thinking about Christmas gifts but I have found out that it saves a lot of trouble and rushing around on the last few days if a person begins early to make up a list of the things they have to buy and be on the look out for them every time they have any shopping to do. There are many pieces of unusual handwork that can be done if we buy the kits and have the time to dothem. Also there are sales for many different things and if we can keep our list on our minds we can buy up things at various times and it is amazing how much this will help. It is not too early to stock up on canned goods that we will need by

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taking advantage of the specials. This is advice from a middle aged mother who has learned from experience. M — Tenn. Answer: Thanks for a very sensible letter and I am sure we could all be saved from a nervous rush during the holidays if we would take your advice. For the large families who like to get together for Christmas — or the week after — we would suggest that you make your plans now — where you will meet and what each of you will be responsible for. Louisa. Address letters: Louisa, Box 532, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115

CALENDAR Week Os October 28 To November 4 WEDNESDAY Halloween Carnival ’ 5:30-8:30 p.m., Syracuse Junior High gym Teen AA Under 20 Group 7 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Syracuse Fire Department Meeting 7 p.m., in the fire station Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., in Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse North Webster Park Board 7 p.m., in North Webster Town Hall/Fire Station Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, closed meeting Alanon * 7:30 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse _. THURSDAY Wawasee Community Toughlove N' 7 p.m., in Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenager’s behavior FRIDAY Milford Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., in Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous Carl Sheperd Memorial Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Dr., Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, open meeting SATURDAY Wawasee Kiwanis 'hM 7 am., in Gropp’s Syracuse SUNDAY Adult Singles 9:30-10:30 a.m., in Mike’s Soda Shop, North Webster, sponsored by the North Webster Church of God and Mike Kern Alcoholics Anonymous Fireball Group 10 am., in North Webster Fire Station, open meeting Alcoholics Anonymous, Sunday Night Recovery Group 8 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church, closed meeting Alanon Sunday Night Group 8 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church, closed meeting MONDAY Lakeland Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., in North Webster Church of God meeting room Syracuse Library Board _rrC7n>_ 5:15 p.m., in Syracuse Public Library jfjjSSgk Milford Lions Murk 7 p.m., in Milford Community Building Syracuse Primary Mothers Club 7 p.m. Milford Emergency Medical Service 7 p.m., in the EMS building Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., in Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30 p.m., in Milford United Methodist Church, closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous North Webster Group 7:30 p.m., in North Webster United Methodist Church Kosciusko County Fair Board 7:30 p.m., in the Shrine Building, Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw Wawasee High School Music Boosters 7:30p.m., in the choir room TUESDAY Alanon Just For Today Group 9:30 a.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary 12 noon, in the Beacon Restaurant For Fun Group Annual Thanksgiving Carry-In Dinner 12 noon, in Calvary United Methodist Church. Turkey will be furnished. The group is for those 50 years old and up to gather for lunch and a program of special interest to older adults. Milford Library Board 4:30 p.m., in Milford Public Librany"\ Adult Children of Alcoholics * ( 1 6:30 p.-m., ih North Webster Church Syracuse Park Board "T Zj 7 p.m., in Syracuse Town HalT Woman’s Fellowship 7 p.m., in Syracuse Church of the Brethren Kosciusko County Photo Philes Camera Club 7 p.m., in Kiwanis Room above Hull House and Hull Hardware, South Buffalo St., Warsaw Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club 7:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary, Ancil Geiger Unit 226 7:30 p.m.- z , WEDNESDAY Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce 7:45a.m., in State Bank of Syracuse Teen AA Under 20 Group 7 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Syracuse Lions Club 6:30 p.m., in the Beacon Restaurant Syracuse Jaycees 7:30p.m., in Lakeland Eagles yS Order of the Eastern Star 7:30 p.m., in Milford Masonic Lodge Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., in Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee Alanon 7:30 p.m., in St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse I O -sp ec j a | Care For Special People" A V Gene’s boutique 3 . I Jackets, sw»ats»Hi, Slack* V VI SPECIALIZING IN LARGE 1 JI 10SW. EMELINE WOMEN S & MISSY SIZES I V MILFORD Open Mon. Thru Frl. 10-S; Sat. 9-5 / Ipap LSft.Gl 77 Eo, y To Flnd Turn Eoa> A * The SR is stoplight y.— In Milford, Go 3 Block*