The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 33, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 September 1989 — Page 6

6

THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., September 27,1989

Community corner

Laurie Smith has traced her family back to the year 400

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

Although Laurie Smith of North Webster says that one's “interest in genealogy usually comes later in life." she claims her own personal interest in this study probably came at birth. “I’ve always been interested in it," Laurie reflects. adding, "from the stories handed down from my grandparents." t<s today. Originally from Chicago. Laurie moved to North Webster when she married her husband. Greg. Tve lived here for 18 years," she notes, and has raised seven kids with the last child leaving home just last week. Profile Even though Laurie quips that interest in genealogy was something she was born with, she really got her start during the snowstorm of 1978 "I found a paperback magazine on ’how to’ do genealogy and that’s when it started." she notes, adding, "I was literally snowed in for four days with the book." Since that time. Laurie has worked on tracing the roots of her own family, her husband’s family and others. In her office. Laurie has a huge poster with their lineages detailed. Her own family goes back to the year 400 which she admits is a rarity. Usually one can only trace back to around 1400 or 1500 because that is when the written records stop, unless "there is royalty." adds Laurie. And that is the case in the , line that dates back to 400. In her research of her own family. Laurie has learned that she is a descendant of an accused witch that was hung at Salem during the witch trials. "I have a complete transcript of her trial,” Laurie says. From the transcript Laurie has been able to discern this relative’s temperament, intellect and personality. "She was accused because she showed up at a neighbor s house in inclement weather with clean clothes on." Laurie explains.

? ' " Wfe/ -< l&w f Jr i FINDING A HEARTBEAT — As a part of the Milford Public Library’s Enchanted Forest Preschool, story hour, children were introduced to local veterinarian Richard Brungardt, DVM. Dr. Brungardt is a veterinarian at the Lakeland Animal Clinic, south of Syracuse. t The theme for the fall program is "Getting to Know You.” The children .will be introduced to community helpers such as a veterinarian, nurse, dentist, grocer and a butcher. The story hour will also include short movies, stories, art activities and help build children's pre-reading skills. In the photo. Ben Schlipf, son of Kathy and Richard Schlipf of Milford, listens carefully for the cat's heartbeat while Dr. Brungardt holds the cat. Laura Bowerman, daughter of Bob and Sue Bowerman of Milford, patienth awaits her turn with the stethoscope. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton i

Latch Key Children Is There 4 Better Way? Lakeland Loving Care Says, Yes! By Offering: Before And After School Care Including: • Breakfast And An After School Snack • Transportation To And From Milford Schools • Safe, Supervised Environment • Planned Activities, A Few Os Which Are With Residents Os The Adjoining Health Care Facility • Hours 6 A M -6P.M. * Ages 3-12 Yrs. • Nutritious Meals Served * Pre-Registration Required m LAKELAND Lit J LOVING CADE Kafl CENTER. INC. Where Ifeqrte Come leather' Corner Os 4th &E Im iro AAAA' MILFORD, IN O JB-T44U

“I also learned of an ancestor that died at age 103 while running a trapline in New Hampshire," she tells, adding, "I wish I’d known him.” Files, computer discs, microfilm, books, and binders in Laurie’s office are filled with information about her families, as well as other w JI Ad? 1 Jf Jiff/ . l( - r MlsaS INVIGORATING ESCAPE — Sitting behind the computer trying to come up with more information about her family’s lineage is not only an escape for Laurie Smith, but it is "invigorating mentally." A graduate of DePauw University with a major in art and history. Laurie's interest now rests in genealogy. Laurie and her husband, Greg, live in North Webster. (Photo by .Mary Jane Lorton >

Wildlife artists in state exhibit

Syracuse watercolorist Bar bara Fuson, pencil artist Laura Hill of North Webster, and Jeffrey Klinefelter. Etna Green oil painter, are among the award winning artists submitting entries to be included in the sixth annual Exhibit of Indiana Wildlife Artists. This showing of wildlife art will be displayed at the American United Life Building at Indianapolis from October 2 through October 6 The exhibit will be on view in the lobby at the main entrance from Illinois and Ohio Streets The public is invited to attend a preview’ showing on October 1 between 2 and 4 p.m. to meet the artists. The exhibit may include, two and three-dimensional artwork in a variety of media and styles. A wide range of subjects will be represented. All pieces displayed are the original concepts and design of the artist and have not appeared in a previous IWA exhibit Judging for the event will be the responsibility of a panel which includes one artist and one naturalist. The judges for 1989 are: Mina Boebel. professional artist and art educator from Peru, and Vic Hesher. wildlife biologist and property manager

Ruth Mench hostess for Bunco Club

The Twilighters Bunco Club met Wednesday evening. Sept. 20. in the home of Ruth Mench'. Lorree Mench was co-hostess. Guests were Betty Broekers. Mary Boger. Pat Bitner. Dorothy Kitson, and Joan Stoelting. High prize went to Nancy Searfoss; low, Joan Stoelting; door prize, Jean NileS; and travel, Joan Stoelting A birthday gift

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for IDNR at Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area in New Castle. All major awards will be presented on the basis of both artistic presentation and realistic depiction of wildlife and habitat Following the opening at In dianapolis, many of the award w inning works and other selected pieces will "go on tour" to the Michigan City. Public Library and Valparaiso University Art Gallery in northwest Indiana. Indiana Wildlife Aftists was organized in 1982,-Among its aims are the advancement of wildlife art within the state. The merhbers believe the preservation of natural resources contributes to the quality of life and that their artistic efforts may help define the needs of wildlife to the people of Indiana. There are several categories of membership which allow any resident of Indiana to participate in the activities of the organization. IWA encourages anyone interested in knowing more to attend the annual meeting from 2-4 p.m. on Sept 30 at the Carmel Public Library or visit the opening reception on October 1 Information may also be obtained by writing to P.O. Box 382. North Webster, Ind . 46555.

was received by Bessie Grimes Next month's meeting will be at the home of Donna Moser White elephant sale at nutrition site A white elephant sale will be held this Thursday from 10 a m.-2 p m. at the Nutrition Site w hich is held in the Boy Scout Cabin, Syracuse All proceeds will be used to buy stamps, birthday and anniversary cards, etc. Those wishing to stay for dinner the day of the sale should make a reservation Wednesday before 1 p.m. by calling 457-2631; however, it is not necessary to stay for dinner in order to attend the sale.

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families in Kosciusko County. All of this information has taught Laurie that "life goes on . . . people surmount thgir problems.” Work in genealogy “has blown sky high,” since the onset of Roots, explains Laurie. After the book by Alex Haley came out, Laurie says that interest in one’s own roots “grew enormously.” Along with this interest came services and publications to make it easier to find information. “You don’t have to go to the National Archives or to the county where they lived to find information,” she says. The second largest collection of genealogical material under one roof in the United States is in Fort Wayne, making Laqrie’s job a lot easier. Laurie’s work in the commercial art field for 20 years has also aided her work. “It’s helped me do a lot of maps, charts," she explains, adding, “I’m a visual person, I visualize in my mind and do a lot of drawings.” In addition, “knowledge of publishing has also been helpful." she says. Laurie has worked for some printers and her expertise in this field has had an impact on her own work in genealogy. She has produced seven books, and has been editor of the Kosciusko County quarterly. Our Missing Links, for nine years. Laurie has shared her interest and knowledge of genealogy by teaching a beginning class to various local groups andorganizations. She is a member of the Indiana Genealogy Society, Indiana Historical Society. Ohio Genealogy Society, Ontario and Quebec Genealogy Societies, as well as other county organizations. Besides activities related to her work in genealogy, Laurie is also very active in her church. A member of the congregation at North Webster United Methodist Church, Laurie teaches Sunday school to kindergartners. In addition, Laurie serves on the North Webster Daycare board, North Webster Library board, is a new member of the Kiwanis, and enjoys “sewing, painting and doing other crafty stuff. " Laurie's work uncovering her family’s past will continue as she “doesn’t see any place to stop. It keeps growing." She looks forward to being able to visit the places where her family lived. "Just to see the land gives you a feeling of closeness," Laurie shares. This feeling of closeness or "connected” as Laurie explains it is very important, especially with a generation of movers like there is now "This is the 15th home that I have lived in," explains Laurie. This can really make one feel disconnected. In addition, family reunions and family communication have broken down. "Those days where entire families lived under the same roof are gone," she says. Hence the need for researching one’s family. “Besides which it's fascinating." beams Laurie, "it’s like a mystery that's never finished."

■ : ■ t 1 * ' a* 'toil ■K. " h."TI .i ' I « - - X MJfe. B BRb?' B i BBK\ ‘ jp. \ \ w COUPLE TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY — Mr. and Mrs. Archie Hoffert, r 1, Pierceton, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. in Calvary Baptist Church. Oswego. The open house will be hosted by their children and grandchildren. Hoffert and the former Edith Hoppas were married October 7. 1939. in Warsaw. They have two sons, Douglas and Thomas Hoffert, both of the North Webster area. They also have five grandchildren. The couple requests no gifts.

Jr. Moms hold dinner

The opening meeting for the 1989-90 season of the Syracuse Junior Mothers Club was held at Vera Hall’s' on Sept 18 at 6:30 p.m. with Mary Jane Knudsen as co-hostess. Eleven members attended the dinner, salad and dessert potluck Jan Maher, president presided over the business meeting. Dues and calendar sales money were collected Jay Hughes reported that 30 calendars remain to be sold. Evie Kirkdorfer was recognized for the sale of 109 calendars. Program books were distributed by Mary Jane Knudsen and Lois Allen, program co-chairmen. Jan Maher encouraged members to attend the

OPENING SOON "CELEBRATIONS" 212 N. Henry knj Milford \y

Fort Wayne Philharmonic concert. which benefited the Syracuse Friends of the Library. Lois Allen thanked members who contributed baked goods for the Music in the Park concerts. The next meeting will be held Oct. 16 in the home of MaryPrescott, at 7:45 p.m. Co-hostess will be Barbara Boerger. Sally Maish will tell of her work with the Single Parent Program. Guests are welcome. Ships out of gulf MANAMA, Bahrain — Three U.S. minesweepers and a support vessel steamed out of the Persian Gulf in the biggest pullout of American warships from the region since the Iran Iraq cease fire 7'j months ago

CALENDAR Week Os September 27 To October 4 WEDNESDAY Syracuse Fire Department Meeting 7 p.m., Fire Station Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m.. Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m.. Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee. Closed meeting Alanon 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Syracuse THURSDAY L.A.F.F. 8:30 a m.-12 noon, Calvary United Methodist Church Wawasee Community Toughlove 7 p.m.. Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenager’s behavior. Heart of Lakes Square Dance Club Lessons 7- p.m.. Scout Cabin, Syracuse North Webster Lions Club 7 p.m., Don and Dee’s Family Restaurant Kappa Omicron Chapter Beta Sigma Phi Sorority — 7:30p.m. I Adult Children of Alcoholics 7:30p.m., Bowen Center, Warsaw ullJlM j Lakeside VFW Post 1342, Syracuse 8 p.m. FRIDAY Milford Kiwanis 6:45a.m., Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous Carl Sheperd Memorial Group 7:30 p.m., now meeting at C.A.R.S., Inc., SR 13, Syracuse. Open meeting Heart of Lakes Squares 8- p.m.. Syracuse Elementary SATURDAY Wawasee Kiwanis 7 a m , Gropp’s, Syracuse SUNDAY S.A.L.T. (Single Adults as Living Testimonies) 9:30a.m.. Mike's Soda Shop, North Webster Alcoholics Anonymous Fireball Group 10a.m.. North Webster Fire Station. Open meeting ’ Alcoholics Anonymous, Sunday Night Recovery Group 8 p.m.. North Webster United Methodist Church. Closed meeting Alanon Sunday Night Group 8 p.m . North Webster United Methodist Church. Closed meeting MONDAY Lakeland Kiwanis 6: 45 am , North Webster Church of God meeting room Syracuse Library Board 5:15 p.m . Syracuse Public Library Milford E.MS . .... 7 p.m . EMS Building Syracuse Primary Mothers 7pm Milford Lions 7 p.m., Milford Community Building Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30 p.m.. Milford United Methodist Church. Closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous North Webster Group 7:30 p.m.. North Webster United Methodist Church. Open Kosciusko County Fair Board 7:30 p.m.. Shrine Building, Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw Wawasee High School Music Boosters 7:30 p.m., Wawasee High School choir room TUESDAY Alanon Just For Today Group 9:30a.m., St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary 12 noon. Gropp’s Restaurant For Fun Group 12 noon. Calvary United Methodist Church SjjryTcsiiK? Milford Library Board 4:30 p in., Milford Public Library tSvy Women’s Fellowship 7 p.m., Syracuse Church of the Brethren iztra'-* Kosciusko County Photo Philes Camera Club 7 p.m., Kiwanis Room above Hull house and Hull Hardware, South Buffalo St.. Warsaw Syracuse Park Board 7 p.m., Syracuse Town Hall. Open to public Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club 7:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Ancil Geiger Unit 226 7:30 pm. Milford Alanon , 7:30p.m., Bowen Center, outpatient building, Warsaw WEDNESDAY Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce 7:45 a.m., Town Hall Syracuse Lions Club 6:3opm. Beacon Restaurant Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m.. Episcopal Retreat House. South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee. Closed meeting Alanon 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew s United Methodist Church, SR 13N. Syracuse Order Os The Eastern Star 7:30 p.m . Milford Masonic Lodge Syracuse Jaycees 7:30p m . Lakeland Eagles

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