The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 36, Milford, Kosciusko County, 18 October 1989 — Page 6

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., October 18,1989

Community corner

Nika Prather has people turning flips and cartwheels for her

I By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer Nika Prather has only lived in the Lakeland area for three years, but many people she comes in contact with are literally turning flips and cartwheels because she is here. Profile She moved here from Anderson with her husband. Mike, and two children, Brody. 13 and Tierny. 10, temporarily, or so they all thought. Her husband was hired to work at the new GM plant in Fort Wayne, and while they were looking for a place to stay they moved into a family owned trailer on Tippecanoe Lake for the summer. Well the summer soon passed, tells Nika, and they still had not moved so they ended up enrolling the kids in the North Webster schools. Nika says they liked the area so much, and the school system that, "we decided to stay here." "We'd much rather live here and drive to Fort Wayne," Nika explains. They now live in a home, that they are currently expanding, with a beautiful view of the lake. Assistant coach of the girl’s gymnastics team at Wawasee High School, gymnastics teacher at the Lakeland Youth Center, and former gymnastics teacher at the Warsaw Academy of Gymnastics. Nika has involved herself in a sport that she has enjoyed "forever. " Growing up in Anderson. Nika did gymnastics when she was attending dance classes. She says there really were not any strictly gymnastics classes, but that dance schools worked acrobats into their lessons. "Gymnastics didn't get big until after Olga Korbut in 1972." says Nika. Until that time, gymnastics really did not receive any attention Nika adds. Since the schools she attended were without a gymnastics team. Nika says she was a cheerleader in junior high, high school and col-

Meals for Older Americans

Meals for Older Americans are served each day at the following locations: The Scout Cabin. Syracuse. 457-2631; Pierceton Community Building. 594-5632: Mentone Community Room in the fire station. 353-7555; Retired Tigers Center. 320 W. Main. Warsaw. 269-3130; Free Methodist Church. Winona Lake. 269-6695; Church of the Brethren, North Webster, 834-7000, Silver Lake Lions Club Building. 352-3238. and Milford Community Building. 658-9702. Meals for Older Americans is for persons 60 years or older and is a chance to meet new friends and enjoy hot. nutritional meals The sites are opened several hours each day including noon for programs Meals for Older Americans is not associated with welfare but is for the promotion for better health for the older population. Donations are accepted for the meals. The site directors request all persons planning on attending the meals to make reservations by 1 p.m. the day prior to attending. Phone 457-2631 for Syracuse transportation and reservations October 19-25 THURSDAY — Prune juice, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, rye bread w/margarine. mixed melon pieces, milk. tea. and coffee FRIDAY — Pineapple juice, pork cutlet, baked beans, steamed cabbage, cracked wheat bread w/margarine. mixed fruit, milk, tea. and coffee MONDAY — Pineapple juice, seasoned tomato rice w/ground beef, cottage cheese w/chives.

The entire family feels the pain and frustration when a loved one is abusing alcohol or drugs. Generally, the-user does not know that he or she is progressively getting worse. They can't see that they have a problem with alcohol or drugs and they don't realize their families are experiencing pain because of their use. Without help, families break up, the alcoholic ordrug user will lose their job, and finacial problems will become a major concern. Med Park Center at Kosciusko Community Hospital can provide the alcohol or drug dependent person with counseling and inpatient care that is necessary to begin a life of recovery. Because family members are so deeply affected by the alcoholic or drug usersbehavior they, too, are actively involved in the recovery process. For a confidential, free, no obligation evaluation call: Med Park ■ ■ Center Treatment For Chemical Dependency BEGINNING' 269-PARK • 1 -800-446-7268

steamed spinach w/vinegar on side, whole wheat bread w/margarine, plums, milk. tea. and coffee TUESDAY — V-8 juice, beef and noodles,- carrot coin salad, cracked wheat bread w/margarine. ginger snaps, fresh apple, milk, tea. and coffee WEDNESDAY - Peach nectar. baked chicken w/paprika. au gratin potatoes, tossed salad w/sliced radishes, green onions and Thousand Island dressing, whole wheat bread w/margarine. white birthday cake w/orange icing. milk. tea. and coffee Mobile Meals Drivers Volunteer drivers for Syracuse Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: October 23-27 MONDAY — Donna Wolfe TUESDAY— Ken and Mary Jane Bowton WEDNESDAY — Kay Young THURSDAY — Joe and Marge Hogan FRIDAY — Jan Baumgartner Volunteer drivers for Milford Mobile Meals are: October 23-27 MONDAY — Ray Sorenson TUESDAY — Arlie Waggv WEDNESDAY - Jo Ellen Free THURSDAY — Jean Treesh FRIDAY — Bob and Marge Groves

' 'ft s '’’fiwsiik - IN THE DONUT — Nika Prather sits in one of the favorite pieces of equipment she takes to her "Romp and Roll" class at various area day care centers. Students sit or kneel in this ‘donut’ as Nika rolls it thereby making them crawl. This is just one of the activities in her preschool program that looks to improve a child's coordination. Nika lives with her husband. Mike, and two children. Brody and Tierny. in their home on Tippecanoe Lake. (Photo by Mary Jane Lorton)

f / «a» ’ - * ■HhKHHrmL ■ KIWANIANS EVALUATE PAST YEAR — At the Oct. 14 meeting of the Wawasee Kiwanians. the 1988-89 year was reviewed b> Larry Martindale, president, and Terry McDonald, secretary. An evaluation was given of projects conducted, services performed, and money given during the year from Oct. 1. 1988. through Sept. 3(1. 1989. Pictured are Martindale, now immediate past president. Greg Long, president-elect and program chairman; and Terry McDonald, immediate past secretary. Wawasee Kiwanians serve the people of Syracuse

Larry Martindale, president of Wawasee Kiwanians. and Terry McDonald, secretary, discussed the 1988-89 year, from Oct. 1.1988. through Sept 30. 1989, at the Saturday morning meeting. Oct 14. at Gropp's. Syracuse. The needy family project raised some $8,500 in food, clothing, and money for distribution to needy families at Christmas, with an additional $3,500 during the year going for utility bills and prescription medical expenses Approximately $20,000 was invested in the youth league program. and $750 in the scouting program and support of Riley Hospital. Three scholarships of S2OO each were given to Wawasee High School seniors for college expenses. Donations were given of S2OO to the Red Ribbon Campaign and SIOO to the DARE pro-

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gram. Various services were per formed, such as taking cancer patients for treatments, deliver ing meals oh w heels, and conducting a hot shot (basketball i con test for elementary kids. Three memorial services were conducted for deceased members with their families at the funeral home the evening before the funerals. Club members then at tended as a group Members spent approximately 5.000 man hours providing 41 ser vices, in addition to hours spent raising money by special pro jects. It was a great year due to the outstanding cooperation and sup port given by the businesses and professional people and all the other people of the community who helped. A

lege. Actually at Indiana State University, where Nika enrolled, the school did have a gymnastics team. However, when Nika was a freshman the team was ranked third nationally and she did not feel she had the experience necessary to be on the team. While at ISU, Nika says her cheerleading sponsor was approached by someone from the Indiana Pacers about having the squad cheer at the Pacers' home games. The squad voted to do it and she she says cheering in Market Square Arena was very exciting. It worked out well because ISU's colors were the same as the Pacers. In addition, they only had an “I” on their uniforms which could stand for Indiana. "It was an easy transition,” Nika comments. Nika majored in physical education with a concentration in coaching gymnastics. She took every course available about the sport and noted ISU had a strong curriculum in this field. Following graduation, Nika taught and coached gymnastics in a variety of schools and clubs prior to her moving to Tippecanoe Lake. “I had no idea gymnastics was as strong as it was up here,” says Nika, adding, "they have a representative to uphold because they are known for their strong gymnastics.” One year ago Nika started her own business which is a gymnastics program she calls "Romp and Roll." This program takes Nika to different day care centers where she helps kids with creative movements. She has a variety of equipment and teaches a range of mpvements that look to help with coordination. Teaching skills that improve coordination will increase a child’s ability to learn to read says Nika. They will more readily be “able to pick up academic skills," she adds. “I doubt if they will become gymnasts," says Nika, but they will be able to pick up other sports quicker with this background, she adds. "I like gymnastics because it is the ultimate sport," says Nika. It takes talent in so many areas, she says, listing “flexibility, strength, endurance, grace, balance . . ." “You have to be the ultimate athlete to be able to doit,” Nika adds. It is amazing to people how gymnasts can do the tricks they do Nika comments. Although not many people can do these tricks, almost everyone loves to watch them being performed. Nika says. "And it is very fulfilling for me to produce a good gymnast,” she reflects, adding. “I just really enjoy it .”

LOUISA’S LETTER J) ~

Dear Louisa. I have learned over the years that it is a waste of time to try to advise young people when it comes to getting married The only thing that a parent can do is to remain calm and do what they can do to prevent disaster I speak from experience I had always been a rather frail girl and was well taken care of and looked after by my family. After finishing college I taught school in a small town and fell in love w’ith a very nice boy who had a small farm. My mother was distressed when she found out that we were engaged to be married and tried to,tell me of the hard life ahead of me. We had a wood stove, a pump on the back porch and no conveniences. My husband died of a stroke two years ago but had been sick a long time. »

Serving our country

\ Jk 1 JASON T. SLABAUGH Jason T. Slabaugh. son of Sharon Slabaugh. Hiawatha Drive, Syracuse, and Bryce Slabaugh. Chesterton, is currently undergoing basic training at Great Lakes. 111., after joining the Navy on September 27. His address is: SR Jason T Slabaugh. 313-78-1068. Company 418 Division 12. Recruit Training Command. Great Lakes, 111. 60088-5300. Slabaugh is a 1989 graduate of Wawasee High School JASON HART Private Jason Hart, son of Harry and Shelly Hart, r 1 578, Syracuse, entered United States Marine Corps basic training on September 19.

I KYLE R. ■■ Cl FLUMBAUM 1 Year Old W 10/21/89 v Love, Dad

I have no regrets but life has been very hard and I can now understand what my mother said. I would hate for one of my daughters to undergo the hardships that w'ere my lot. But on the Other hand. I am a contented person today. I loved my husband, he loved me and I am proud of my children today. So who is to say if I should have been better off if I had married someone else. Grandmother — Ky. Answer: Our characters grow in the way we meet our problems —for better or for worse. You are probably a much stronger person today because of the hardships you suffered and the way they were met. Louisa Address your letter to Louisa. P.O. Box 532. Orangeburg, S.D 29115

His address is: Pvt. Jason Hart 324-58-5524, PLT 3086 “K" Company Third RTBN. MCRD, San Diego, Calif. 92140-5000. Hart is a 1989 graduate of Wawasee High School. Syracuse BPW learns about the Biblical Gardens The Syracuse Business and Professional Club held its monthly meeting Oct. 10, with John Sadler, Warsaw, presenting the program on the new Biblical Gardens, which are now in the process of development in Warsaw. This will be one of the largest of its kind in the country. After the program, a business meeting was held. A report was given of the standing committees, with Pat Veach and Pat Gammiere volunteering to head up the project for the coming year. Thank yous were read. One new name was presented for membership. A letter was discussed from the Syracuse Community Services, and it was decided to ask for additional information on their duties, preferably with a program for the group. Hostesses for the evening were Maggie Crouch, Pat Benson, and Cindi Flynn. Door prizes were given to Gloria Hodler, Judy Moser, and Charlotte Wells. Members are asked to take gifts for Riley Hospital to the November meeting.

CALENDAR Week Os October 18 To October 25 WEDNESDAY Syracuse PTO Noon, Syracuse School LRC North Webster Park Board 4 p.m.. North Webster Town Hall/Fire Station Syracuse Lions Club 6:30 p.m., Beacon Syracuse PTO 7 p.m., Syracuse School LRC Twilighters Bunco Club 7: 30 p. m. XjAW Psi lota XI QagJSSp 7:30 p.m. Syracuse Jaycees 7:30 p.m., Lakeland Eagles ■ Alanon 7:30 p.m., Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church, Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m., Episcopal Retreat House, South Shore Drive, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse. Closed meeting THURSDAY L.A.F.F. •]8:30-12 noon. Calvary United Methodist Church Ebenezer Ladies Aid 2 p.m. Wawasee Community Toughlove 7 p.m., Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Parent support group for parents troubled by their teenagers behavior Heart of Lakes Square Dance Club Lessons 7-9:30 p.m., Syracuse Scout Cabin Milford Volunteer Firemen 7 pSn., Milford Fire Station North Webster Lady Lions 7 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church - rPtfVH Adult Children of Alcoholics 7:30 p.m., Bowen Center, Warsaw North Webster American Legion Auxiliary 8 p.m., Legion Hall FRIDAY Milford Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous, Carl Sheperd Memorial Group I, 7:30p,m., C.A.R.S., Inc., SR 13. Syracuse. Open meeting S ATU R DAY Wawasee Kiwanis M < wß’ 7 a.m., Gropp’s, Syracuse Turkey Creek Senior Citizens Carry-in Dinner Noon, Syracuse Scout Cabin SUNDAY S.A.L.T. (Single Adults as Living Testimonies) 9:30 a m.. Mike's Soda Shop. North Webster. Sponsored by North Webster Church of God and Mike Kern Alcoholics Anonymous Fireball Group 10 a.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 a.m., North Webster Church of God meeting room FOE Men's Meeting. Aerie 3760 7 p.m., Lakeland Eagles. 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church. Milford. Closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous North Webster Group 7:30 p.m.. North Webster United Methodist Church. Open meeting. Columbian Reading 7:30p.m. TUESDAY Alanon Just for Today 9:30 a.m., St. Andrew's United Methodist Church Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Noon, Gropp’s Restaurant Alanon 7:30 p.m., Bowen Center, Outpatient Building. Warsaw Wawasee American Legion Auxiliary 223 7:30 p.m., Legion Hall WEDNESDAY Syracuse Fire Department Regular Meeting 7 p.m.. Fire Station Eagles Auxiliary Meeting Aerie 3760 7 p.m., Lakeland Eagles, 404 Sycamore St., Syracuse Alanon 7:30 p.m . Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church. Syracuse Alcoholics Anonymous Wawasee Group 7:30 p.m.. Episcopal Retreat House. South Shore Drive. Lake Wawasee, Syracuse. Closed meeting: i NOW PLAYING! j 1 • • The nation’s longest-running revival « J of the Broadway classic • "Plain &. Fancy” j • The delightful musical comedy • • oFAmish life and love. J • Evening Shows New sonp>, • J Wed &. Thurs 7 pm, Fn &. Sat 8 pm. New dances. • • Matinees New costumes and sets • a Wed, Thurs. Sat &. Sun, 3 pm. • Come enjoy a heartwarming love story told J • with songs, dance, smiles and tears. • • Now playing at the Amish Acres Playhouse, Nappanee, Indiana. • • Call 773-4188 for show information and reservations. • NEW! Amish Acres Grill open after the show for late dining. •