Letters to the Editor 11-04-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Saving The Oak - Blood Drives - 'Three Cs' Scholarship - Coat Drive - Special Olympics - Fighting For Freedom
Saving The Oak
Editor, Times-Union:The work continues to save "the mighty oak" tree located on the west play area of Akron Elementary School, next to Ind. 19. Estimated to be 150-200 years old, the Bur oak tree is the focus of the book, "The Story of a Mighty Oak," sponsored by Lois Baker, authored by Mary Montgomery, designed by Liz Montgomery and published by Acorn Press in 2002. Akron forester and longtime head of Akron's Pike Lumber Co., Dean Baker, became interested in the demise of the tree as a member of the community and the Akron School Improvement Team. Mr. Baker has been the driving force throughout the process to save "the mighty oak."
During the spring and summer of 2003, representatives of Purdue University's Department of Forestry - Dr. Harvey Holt (urban forest specialist), Rita McKenzie (extension specialist), Dr. William Chaney, Ryan Blaedow (graduate student) and Greg Dahle (graduate student and on-site adviser) - assessed the current condition of "the mighty oak" and created a plan to extend its life and bring it back to good health by restoring the root system to supply the tree with essential mineral nutrients, oxygen and water. The assessment of the tree's condition and the development of a plan to extend its life also involved soil testing done at no cost by Akron's Gordon Potter. The plan called for drilling approximately 50 holes 6 inches in diameter, 18"-24" deep, in a pattern surrounding the tree to the edge of the canopy. The holes were then filled with coarse gravel to allow the movement of oxygen and water to the soil below. The feeder roots surrounding the holes will begin to proliferate and colonize these areas to obtain the water needed to improve the tree's health. David Haynes Well Drilling provided an employee, Aaron Bolinger, and the machinery needed to auger the aeration holes. The chemical Paclobutrazol, a tree growth regulator that slows top growth while stimulating root growth, was recently applied around the base of the tree to allow the roots to catch up with the tree's crown. Randy Overmeyer, owner of Pro Tree Service, then provided the labor and machinery to remove the deadwood from "the mighty oak." Pike Lumber Co. has also been instrumental in the project by providing labor, machinery, gravel, mulch and $500 in funding to pay the on-site adviser from Purdue University.
The next step in the process to save "the mighty oak" is the installation of 200 feet of TuffTimbers edging material around the grassy area beneath the canopy of the tree. The edging material is made of recycled plastic and its purchase was made possible by a grant of $1,600 from the Fulton County Solid Waste District.
Finally, descendents of "the mighty oak" will soon be ready for planting. During the 2001-2002 school year, the students in Janet Morgan's second-grade class collected acorns from "the mighty oak" and gave them to Akron lumberman Chris Baker. The acorns were then delivered to Scott and Riley Heeren at the Hensler Nursery in Hamlet, where the acorns are being carefully grown into approximately 5,000 bur oak seedlings. When the seedlings are ready to be planted, many will return to Akron to be planted on school grounds and in the community.
On behalf of everyone at Akron Elementary School and the children who have played beneath "the mighty oak" for many, many years, I want to thank Dean Baker and all those who have contributed to the effort to save this Akron landmark. An unknown author once wrote, "The true meaning of life is to plant a tree under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Because of the efforts of several caring individuals, children will continue to play in the shade of "the mighty oak" for many years to come.
Brett R. Boggs
Principal
Akron Elementary School
Blood Drives
Editor, Times-Union:As we look ahead, it is a time to pause and reflect on the many wonderful things that people do throughout our county to help others in need! I am particularly thankful for those residents in Kosciusko County who volunteer to donate blood, and for those volunteers who host our Bloodmobiles each month at various locations around the county.
During the months of July, August and September, a total of 952 productive units of blood were donated across our county. During October, we have had several very successful blood drives, including drives held at Wawasee High School (where 125 productive units were donated ) and Warsaw Community High School (which had a grand total of 140 productive units). I am very proud and appreciative of the effort our young people put forward in taking the time to roll up their sleeves and provide the gift of life! In addition, the cooperation and support we receive from our county school staffs (including Tippecanoe Valley Schools also) is just magnificent! Indeed, we are thankful!
I want to encourage all eligible blood donors to consider participating in one of our upcoming blood drives during November. The following schedule lists three blood drives which are all open to the public:
n Nov. 11, Warsaw Center Lake Pavilion, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n Nov. 13, Syracuse United Methodist Church, 2-7 p.m.
n Nov. 25, North Webster American Legion, 3-7 p.m.
In conclusion, indeed, we have much to be thankful for in this great country! Please know how very grateful we are for all those who participate in the blood drives, and while we have seen success in having increased donations, the need for blood products continues to climb. Our national blood supply remains at a level between one and two days for most blood types. I strongly encourage you to call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) and schedule an appointment to participate during the month of November. Your donation will be a blessing to others, and you will be blessed for your gift!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director
Kosciusko County Chapter
American Red Cross
'Three Cs' Scholarship
Editor, Times-Union:Last Friday night, three volunteer statisticians for the Bremen High School football team were tragically killed when their truck was struck head-on by a truck on U.S. 6 in DeKalb County on their trip home following the Bremen-Eastside first-round sectional football playoff game.
Chad Beeson, 29, Carey Jones, 36, and Casey Miller, 33, died in the crash.
Beeson was a patrolman for the Bremen Police Department. He left behind a wife, Molly, as well a son, Beau, and daughter, Belle.
Jones taught psychology, sociology and social studies at South Bend Adams High School. He was head tennis coach and an assistant basketball coach at Adams. Jones had been a teacher and a basketball coach at Concord, Penn and Rochester high schools.
Miller worked for E.T. Products Co. Inc. in Bremen, a business his family owned. He left behind a wife, Dorian, three daughters - Lindsay, Lexi and Lauren - and a son, Dustyn.
To honor the memory of these three men, the "Three C's" Scholarship has been established. Character, courage and commitment are three words that describe Chad, Carey and Casey.
The scholarship will be used to help a northern Indiana high school senior who is associated with a school's athletic program (student-athlete, band, cheerleader, statistician, etc.) attend college.
Donations can be sent to: Three C's Scholarship, 1st Source Bank, 1409 W. Plymouth St., Bremen, IN 46506. Ron Zeltwanger is the contact person at 1st Source. He can be reached at [email protected] or call 574-546-3411.
Dean Huppert
South Bend
via e-mail
Coat Drive
Editor, Times-Union:The Fifth Annual Coat Drive to benefit people in our community who are in need of warm winter wear was a huge success. The response was overwhelming! We are so fortunate to live in a caring and giving community.
Kerlin Motor Company Inc. in Silver Lake was the coat drive and collection headquarters. The collection box was a 2004 Ford F150 truck in the showroom and the coats were piled high and overflowing onto the floor. There were 952 coats donated, and Combined Community Services was very appreciative.
I want to publicly thank all of the co-sponsors: Times-Union for advertising, WRSW AM/FM for advertising and being a collection site, Wildman Uniform and Linen and Peerless Cleaners for being collection sites and cleaning all of the coats.
A sincere thank-you to everyone who donated coats. I want to send a special thank-you to the people who purchased new items; your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Many of us have more coats than we need; what a glorious feeling to know someone will stay warm this winter because we shared something as simple as a coat.
Valerie Warner
Kerlin Motor Co. Inc.
Special Olympics
Editor, Times-Union:This is to whoever broke into Special Olympics Kosciusko County coordinators van last week while it was parked at Warsaw Bowl.
The money you stole was designated for the Special Olympic athletes to help offset the costs associated with assisting handicapped individuals enjoy many of the same benefits non-handicapped individuals enjoy
If you took this money to support a drug habit or drinking habit then perhaps you are more handicapped than the individuals we are trying to help. Please have a heart and return the money. Thank you.
Gene Hughes
On behalf of the Special Olympics Kosciusko County Board of Directors
Mentone
via e-mail
Fighting For Freedom
Editor, Times-Union:My name is MT3(SS) Ashley J. Pennington. I read the Times-Union on my computer every night. I am stationed on a nuclear missile submarine home-port in Kings Bay, Ga.
Teresa Lisenbee recently wrote a letter thanking soldiers and it was nice to read. Thank you to all of the Americans who stand behind us as we fight terrorism and fight for peace all over the world.
I get asked almost every day how I deal with people who seem to complain endlessly about the war and my Commander in Chief.
I reply the same way I do to most everything. I go to work everyday so they can complain. It's called defending freedom and freedom belongs to everyone.
So the next time you hear someone complaining about the war or President Bush, just remember me and smile, MT3 (SS) out under the Atlantic Ocean in a submarine going to work so you can do what you want. Hopefully that's live in peace.
Ashley Pennington
USS West Virginia
SSBN 736 King's Bay, Ga.
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- Saving The Oak - Blood Drives - 'Three Cs' Scholarship - Coat Drive - Special Olympics - Fighting For Freedom
Saving The Oak
Editor, Times-Union:The work continues to save "the mighty oak" tree located on the west play area of Akron Elementary School, next to Ind. 19. Estimated to be 150-200 years old, the Bur oak tree is the focus of the book, "The Story of a Mighty Oak," sponsored by Lois Baker, authored by Mary Montgomery, designed by Liz Montgomery and published by Acorn Press in 2002. Akron forester and longtime head of Akron's Pike Lumber Co., Dean Baker, became interested in the demise of the tree as a member of the community and the Akron School Improvement Team. Mr. Baker has been the driving force throughout the process to save "the mighty oak."
During the spring and summer of 2003, representatives of Purdue University's Department of Forestry - Dr. Harvey Holt (urban forest specialist), Rita McKenzie (extension specialist), Dr. William Chaney, Ryan Blaedow (graduate student) and Greg Dahle (graduate student and on-site adviser) - assessed the current condition of "the mighty oak" and created a plan to extend its life and bring it back to good health by restoring the root system to supply the tree with essential mineral nutrients, oxygen and water. The assessment of the tree's condition and the development of a plan to extend its life also involved soil testing done at no cost by Akron's Gordon Potter. The plan called for drilling approximately 50 holes 6 inches in diameter, 18"-24" deep, in a pattern surrounding the tree to the edge of the canopy. The holes were then filled with coarse gravel to allow the movement of oxygen and water to the soil below. The feeder roots surrounding the holes will begin to proliferate and colonize these areas to obtain the water needed to improve the tree's health. David Haynes Well Drilling provided an employee, Aaron Bolinger, and the machinery needed to auger the aeration holes. The chemical Paclobutrazol, a tree growth regulator that slows top growth while stimulating root growth, was recently applied around the base of the tree to allow the roots to catch up with the tree's crown. Randy Overmeyer, owner of Pro Tree Service, then provided the labor and machinery to remove the deadwood from "the mighty oak." Pike Lumber Co. has also been instrumental in the project by providing labor, machinery, gravel, mulch and $500 in funding to pay the on-site adviser from Purdue University.
The next step in the process to save "the mighty oak" is the installation of 200 feet of TuffTimbers edging material around the grassy area beneath the canopy of the tree. The edging material is made of recycled plastic and its purchase was made possible by a grant of $1,600 from the Fulton County Solid Waste District.
Finally, descendents of "the mighty oak" will soon be ready for planting. During the 2001-2002 school year, the students in Janet Morgan's second-grade class collected acorns from "the mighty oak" and gave them to Akron lumberman Chris Baker. The acorns were then delivered to Scott and Riley Heeren at the Hensler Nursery in Hamlet, where the acorns are being carefully grown into approximately 5,000 bur oak seedlings. When the seedlings are ready to be planted, many will return to Akron to be planted on school grounds and in the community.
On behalf of everyone at Akron Elementary School and the children who have played beneath "the mighty oak" for many, many years, I want to thank Dean Baker and all those who have contributed to the effort to save this Akron landmark. An unknown author once wrote, "The true meaning of life is to plant a tree under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Because of the efforts of several caring individuals, children will continue to play in the shade of "the mighty oak" for many years to come.
Brett R. Boggs
Principal
Akron Elementary School
Blood Drives
Editor, Times-Union:As we look ahead, it is a time to pause and reflect on the many wonderful things that people do throughout our county to help others in need! I am particularly thankful for those residents in Kosciusko County who volunteer to donate blood, and for those volunteers who host our Bloodmobiles each month at various locations around the county.
During the months of July, August and September, a total of 952 productive units of blood were donated across our county. During October, we have had several very successful blood drives, including drives held at Wawasee High School (where 125 productive units were donated ) and Warsaw Community High School (which had a grand total of 140 productive units). I am very proud and appreciative of the effort our young people put forward in taking the time to roll up their sleeves and provide the gift of life! In addition, the cooperation and support we receive from our county school staffs (including Tippecanoe Valley Schools also) is just magnificent! Indeed, we are thankful!
I want to encourage all eligible blood donors to consider participating in one of our upcoming blood drives during November. The following schedule lists three blood drives which are all open to the public:
n Nov. 11, Warsaw Center Lake Pavilion, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n Nov. 13, Syracuse United Methodist Church, 2-7 p.m.
n Nov. 25, North Webster American Legion, 3-7 p.m.
In conclusion, indeed, we have much to be thankful for in this great country! Please know how very grateful we are for all those who participate in the blood drives, and while we have seen success in having increased donations, the need for blood products continues to climb. Our national blood supply remains at a level between one and two days for most blood types. I strongly encourage you to call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) and schedule an appointment to participate during the month of November. Your donation will be a blessing to others, and you will be blessed for your gift!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director
Kosciusko County Chapter
American Red Cross
'Three Cs' Scholarship
Editor, Times-Union:Last Friday night, three volunteer statisticians for the Bremen High School football team were tragically killed when their truck was struck head-on by a truck on U.S. 6 in DeKalb County on their trip home following the Bremen-Eastside first-round sectional football playoff game.
Chad Beeson, 29, Carey Jones, 36, and Casey Miller, 33, died in the crash.
Beeson was a patrolman for the Bremen Police Department. He left behind a wife, Molly, as well a son, Beau, and daughter, Belle.
Jones taught psychology, sociology and social studies at South Bend Adams High School. He was head tennis coach and an assistant basketball coach at Adams. Jones had been a teacher and a basketball coach at Concord, Penn and Rochester high schools.
Miller worked for E.T. Products Co. Inc. in Bremen, a business his family owned. He left behind a wife, Dorian, three daughters - Lindsay, Lexi and Lauren - and a son, Dustyn.
To honor the memory of these three men, the "Three C's" Scholarship has been established. Character, courage and commitment are three words that describe Chad, Carey and Casey.
The scholarship will be used to help a northern Indiana high school senior who is associated with a school's athletic program (student-athlete, band, cheerleader, statistician, etc.) attend college.
Donations can be sent to: Three C's Scholarship, 1st Source Bank, 1409 W. Plymouth St., Bremen, IN 46506. Ron Zeltwanger is the contact person at 1st Source. He can be reached at [email protected] or call 574-546-3411.
Dean Huppert
South Bend
via e-mail
Coat Drive
Editor, Times-Union:The Fifth Annual Coat Drive to benefit people in our community who are in need of warm winter wear was a huge success. The response was overwhelming! We are so fortunate to live in a caring and giving community.
Kerlin Motor Company Inc. in Silver Lake was the coat drive and collection headquarters. The collection box was a 2004 Ford F150 truck in the showroom and the coats were piled high and overflowing onto the floor. There were 952 coats donated, and Combined Community Services was very appreciative.
I want to publicly thank all of the co-sponsors: Times-Union for advertising, WRSW AM/FM for advertising and being a collection site, Wildman Uniform and Linen and Peerless Cleaners for being collection sites and cleaning all of the coats.
A sincere thank-you to everyone who donated coats. I want to send a special thank-you to the people who purchased new items; your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Many of us have more coats than we need; what a glorious feeling to know someone will stay warm this winter because we shared something as simple as a coat.
Valerie Warner
Kerlin Motor Co. Inc.
Special Olympics
Editor, Times-Union:This is to whoever broke into Special Olympics Kosciusko County coordinators van last week while it was parked at Warsaw Bowl.
The money you stole was designated for the Special Olympic athletes to help offset the costs associated with assisting handicapped individuals enjoy many of the same benefits non-handicapped individuals enjoy
If you took this money to support a drug habit or drinking habit then perhaps you are more handicapped than the individuals we are trying to help. Please have a heart and return the money. Thank you.
Gene Hughes
On behalf of the Special Olympics Kosciusko County Board of Directors
Mentone
via e-mail
Fighting For Freedom
Editor, Times-Union:My name is MT3(SS) Ashley J. Pennington. I read the Times-Union on my computer every night. I am stationed on a nuclear missile submarine home-port in Kings Bay, Ga.
Teresa Lisenbee recently wrote a letter thanking soldiers and it was nice to read. Thank you to all of the Americans who stand behind us as we fight terrorism and fight for peace all over the world.
I get asked almost every day how I deal with people who seem to complain endlessly about the war and my Commander in Chief.
I reply the same way I do to most everything. I go to work everyday so they can complain. It's called defending freedom and freedom belongs to everyone.
So the next time you hear someone complaining about the war or President Bush, just remember me and smile, MT3 (SS) out under the Atlantic Ocean in a submarine going to work so you can do what you want. Hopefully that's live in peace.
Ashley Pennington
USS West Virginia
SSBN 736 King's Bay, Ga.
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