The Mail-Journal, Volume 28, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 October 1989 — Page 6

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., October 25,1989

6

Community corner

Michael Lea's home is filled with his creative handiwork

By MARY JANE LORTON Staff Writer

There is a great story west of Milford according to Donna Fisher. She says this story has remained a secret for a long time and it is high time for it to be revealed. That secret is Michael Lea. Model maker, lego builder, and artist, this 19-year-old lives with his mother, Deborah, and father, Larry, just down the road from the Milford school. His home could be deemed his studio as it is filled with his handiwork which includes everything from drawings of dinosaurs to models of semi-trucks.

Profile

Michael was born in Germany in 1970. The Leas were living in Germany at this time because Larry was in the Army and he was stationed there from 1967 to 1970. Michael had only spent the first six months of his life in Germany when his family was then transferred to South Carolina. They lived there for six months and were once again sent back to Germany for another three years. Following this European stay, the Leas once again made it back to the states where they made a home in Oklahoma. It was time for Michael to begin school in this Sooner state so Deborah says she took him for his pre-kindergarten physical exam. Although these exams are usually routine, the results of tests presented to the Leas were more significant. Michael was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Deborah says this form of MD is called duchene which means Michael "had it at birth.” She is uncertain as to why the doctors in Germany did not discover this noncontagious disease. After about four years in Oklahoma, the Leas were on the move

Big Brothers / Big Sisters 'Bowl for Kids' Sake'

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kosciusko County has set the date for its "Bowl for Kids' Sake" fund-raiser at Wawasee Bowl in Syracuse. League bowlers will be signing up during the week of October 28 through November 4 to bowl during their regular league time the week of November 11 through November 18. Bowlers who participate will receive complimentary gifts and will be eligible to win grand prizes. Prize levels have also been established for bowlers who obtain one or more pages of sponsors to pledge so much money per pin on their games Prizes include a weekend getaway trip; a bowling ball, bag and shoes; free

POUNDS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS JOIN NOW FOR ONLY $lO YOU SAVE sls | TWO WEEKS ONLY | OCT29TH - NOV 11 TH CALL FOR MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS NEAR YOU INDIANAPOLIS 875-SLIM (7546) FORT WAYNE 744-3321 ALL OTHER AREAS TOLL FREE 1 -800-669-SLIM (7546)

bowling games, bowling shirts and T-shirts; gold umbrellas: embroidered blankets; tote bags and glass mugs sets. Non-league bowlers will also have a chance to bowl “for the kids” on Alley Rally Sunday. Oct. 29. from 1-4 p.m. at Wawasee Bowl. Anyone wishing to participate should form a team of two to four bowlers and contact the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 267-2256 for entry forms and pledge sheets Non-league Female genius There are three things a woman can make out of nothing —a hat. a salad and a quarrel.

.1 YOUNG MODEL MAKER — Unbeknownst to almost everyone, there is a model maker, lego builder and artist living just west of Milford. Michael Lea is that creative secret. Son of Deborah and Larry Lea. Michael has been working on these hobbies for the past.three years. (Mary Jane Lorton)

bowlers will participate by bowling one free game on Alley Rally Sunday and will also be eligible for grand and level prizes. The top money raiser at the “Alley Rally” will receive a getaway trip for two to Union Station in Indianapolis and the runner-up will receive a Nintendo video action game set. Participants must find one or more people to sponsor them by pledging so much money per pin. There will be door prizes awarded and refreshments will be served. “Bowl for Kids' Sake” is the major fund-raiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and has not been held in Syracuse since the fall of 1987. This year the agency hopes for a successful event as it TO WED IN JUNE — Tamara Leigh Boyer. 206-27 York Dr., Middlebury, and Martin Herbert Hofer, 110 E. Main. Millersburg, have set June 30. 1990. as their wedding date. The bride-elect is the daughter of Nancy Boyer. 206-27 York Dr., Middlebury, and the late Stanley Boyer. She is a 19X6 graduate of Northridge High School and will complete her studies at Valparaiso University in May 1990. She is a member of Phi Beta Chi Sorority. The groom-elect is the son of John and Wendy Hofer. 119 E. Main, Millersburg. A 1984 graduate of Fairfield High School, he received a bachelor of science degree in 1989 from Valparaiso University, where he was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Lumina Honors. He is a teacher at Wawasee High School.

GRAND OPENING "CELEBRATIONS" FLORAL & GIH SHOPPE 212N.Henry ' ~ MILFORD W - NOVEMBER 4 - 9 A.M.-2 P.M. 658-3131

is hoping to increase its services to the Syracuse/North Webster/Milford area. All proceeds will go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, which has recently begun working with the Wawasee High School Key Club students to coordinate a high school volunteer program. Big Brothers/Big Sisters matches adult volunteers to school-age children who come from primarily single-parent homes within Kosciusko County. The adults form a one-on-one relationship with the children and offer them the support of a positive role model as well as guidance and companionship. The need for volunteers continues to grow as a waiting list of children from Warsaw, Syracuse, North Webster. Milford and other areas within the county increases. fl B i COUPLE TO WED — James L. and Darlene Johnson, 1003 So. Martin St., Ligonier, announce the engagement of their daughter, Elsie M. Johnson, to Robert A. Weldy, r 1 box 178, Milford. He is the son of William (Bill) Anderson, Williamsburg, Ky., and Karen Young, North Webster. The bride-elect is a graduate of West Noble High School, Ligonier. She is employed at Family Fare Grocery, Ligonier. The groom-elect is a graduate of Wawasee High School and MTA Truck Driving School, Garrett. He is employed at Kidd & Company, Ligonier. The couple will be married Nov. 10, 1989, in the Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, Syracuse.

once again making Fort Knox, Ky., their new hometown. After 10 or so years in this southern state, Larry retired from the Army and the Leas moved back to Milford. (Deborah is originally from Milford and Lqrry is from Syracuse.) Michael had quit school at age 16 when MD put him in a wheelchair. Since he could no longer do some of the things “other kids his age could do,” he looked fbr some other form of activity to take up his time. And that is when he turned to his creativity. Model trucks, cars, airplanes, futuristic Vehicles — they have all been put together by this Milford artist. He says he has no particular favorite, but by merely observing his creations it would appear that he has a strong liking for futuristic vehicles and airplanes. All of his models include decals and are painted with amazing precision. As eyes are directed at one small helicopter covered with splashes of camouflage, Michael downplays the accuracy of his painting by stating, “I just put marks on it.” “I just get them and put them together,” comments Michael. He has worked consistently for the past year on a variety of models and Michael shares he is hanging up this hobby for awhile. “I finally got tired of them (the models),” he says. Drawing subjects he enjoys is another interest Michael shares. He has made stationery for friends and they are awed by his unique pencil drawings on each sheet of paper. Another pastime Michael still enjoys involves remote control vehicles. He has put several of these models together and he takes pleasure in watching them speed around outside. The models are so fast, the Leas laugh, they often keep up with and chase Michael’s grandmother’s unsuspecting animals. ..Michael says he has never shown his models or drawings to anyone aside from his family. Instead, he seems to have a quiet pride for the work he has done. While Michael is taking a break from his work right now, he says he will get back to his models. And from the looks of his list of items to be put together, this hiatus could be a short one.

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 l . 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 26-November 1 THURSDAY — Apple juice, smoked Polish sausage, mashed potatoes, sweet-sour cabbage, rye bread w/margarine, cherry crisp, milk, tea, and coffee

LOUISA’S LETTER

Dear Louisa, I read your letter in the West Side Courier about the man who is lonesome. I am a widow also in my early 70’s. My husband died two and a half years ago. We put the home for sale before he died. The home was big, eight rooms, and he didn’t want me to live in it alone. I am now living in a four room apartment but I wish I had my home back. So please tell “TiD. — Ga.” not to sell his home. He may not be lonesome but he may be sick like I am. I wish I had my 8 room house back. I lived with my husband over 49 years. V.E. — Minn. Answer: Unless a person is unable to care for themselves or can move into an apartment house that has congenial neighbors, she will usually be happier in the house and locality in which she has spent most of her life It is much better when a person loses a mate and had a large house to convert a part of it into an apartment for

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY F - MELANIE " ALWAYS, * WITH LOVE

FRIDAY — Orange juice, minestrone soup w/saltines, breaded fish square on bun w/cheese slice and tartar sauce, pineapple, milk, tea, and coffee MONDAY — Orange juice, cream of potato soup w/saltines, hamburger on bun w/ketchup, mustard and onions, dill pickle spear, mixed fruit, milk, tea. and coffee TUESDAY — Apple cider, barbecued meatballs, scalloped potatoes, steamed peas, whole wheat bread w/margarine, raspberry applesauce gelatin dessert, milk, tea, and coffee WEDNESDAY — Cranberry juice cocktail, turkey manhattan: sliced baked turkey on slice of white bread w/gravy, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, chocolate chip cookie, milk, tea, and coffee. Wholesale prices fall Wholesale prices, driven downward by new car discounts and cheaper gasoline, fell 0.4 percent in July, their biggest drop in three years, the labor Department said.

rent or to a room to nurse or teacher or to some good young man or woman. Os course, there are some people who are glad to get rid of a big house and the work such a one requires to keep it up. but it is very hard when one lives in a place for fifty years to pull up roots and go to some other place with strange neighbors. I agree with you, V.E., that you would probably have been happier to have stayed in your own home but stop feeling sorry for yourself and get out among other people and help those who are not as fortunate as you are. There is so much to be done in your church, for the mentally ill, for retarded children, etc., etc. The happiest people are those who are so busy helping others that they haven't the time to be lonesome. Louisa Address your letter to Louisa, P.O. Box 532 Orangeburg. S.C. 29115

CALENDAR Week Os October 25 To November 1 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 “Ways to Cope with Life’s Stress” 6:30-8 p.m., tape series through Nov. 16, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, SR 13 north, Syracuse. No admission, attend one series or all 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 7:30 p.m. Adult Children of Alcoholics 7: 30 p. m., Bowen Center, Warsaw 5 W/SeOlS Lakeside VFW Post 1342, Syracuse 8 p.m. FRIDAY. Milford Kiwanis 6:45 a.m., Milford Community Building Alcoholics Anonymous Carl Sheperd Memorial Group 7:30 p.m., C.A.R.S., Inc., SR 13, Syracuse. Open meeting Heart of Lakes Squares 8- p.m., Syracuse Elementary SATURDAY Wawasee Kiwanis 7 am., Gropp’s, Syracuse SUNDAY S.A.L.T. (Single Adults as Living Testimonies) 9:30 a.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 1 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 Alanon Milford Family Group 7:30 p.m., Milford United Methodist Church Alcoholics Anonymous Milford Group 7:30p.m., Milford United Methodist Church. Closed meeting Alcoholics Anonymous North Webster Group 7:30 p.m., North Webster United Methodist Church. Open meeting 'TUESDAY Alanon Just For Today Group 9:30a.m., St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Noon, Gropp’s Restaurant Alanon 7:30 p.m., Bowen Center, outpatient building, Warsaw WEDNESDAY Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce 7:4sa.m.,TownHall Syracuse Lions Club 6:30p.m., 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 7:30p.m., Milford Masonic Lodge Syracuse Jaycees 7:30p.m., Lakeland Eagles Wawasee Interiors Furniture — Wall Accessories Lamps — Gifts — Dolls Upholstering Draperies Made In Cur Own Workroom Many Items V 2 Price RT. BOX 215 — SYRACUSE 856-2145