The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/616296
C-8 Opinion Wednesday, December 16, 2015 The Press-Dispatch Sweet's column SOMETHING NEWSWORTHY? Call us–812-354-8500 By Barbara Sweet Hi stars and welcome to this big stage lit up in color- ful bright lights for the hol- iday and decorated to help celebrate with all our stars who will have a birthday or anniversary in the week of Dec. 16 -22, so come on up to this big stage and take a bow. We have a new star by the name of Jake Michael Sherman, born on Dec. 9, 2015, their first child, a son, weighing 8 lbs. and 9 ozs. and measuring 21 in. long, to Laura and Kyle (Mess- mer) Sherman, of Jasper. First time grandparents are Mark and Kim Mess- mer. Kim shares her birth- day with their son Eric and now with their grandson, Jake Michael. Great-grand- parents are Jerry and Linda Messmer. Welcome Jake Michael Sherman from Sweet's Column. Dec. 18 – Mallory Kay Tooley will be 9, and Frank Heuring will be 85. Dec. 19 – Xavier Glen Shelton will be 4. Dec. 20 – Makayla Tra- vis will be 11, Jessica Mei- er, Travis McCandless, Sta- cey Williams will be 39. Dec. 21 – Chance Crane will be 14, Harry and Jan Nelson will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary. Dec. 22 – Morgan Schnarr. May all our stars have a really grand day and may all your wishes come true throughout the year to come. Keep in your heart and your prayers all our stars all over this world. Many of us are ailing from life and the way things happen through the years, many are still holding onto those sniffles and coughs. Cards, visits, phone calls and those dai- ly thoughts come in handy when needed. Events coming up in Win- slow and the surrounding ar- eas: Christmas in the Park at Hornady Park in Peters- burg will continue through Dec. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., do- nations accepted. Dec. 17 – Winslow Lions Club at 7 p.m. at The Trad- ing Post. Dec. 21 – Winslow Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. – Of- ficers for 2016 are sworn in for Town Council and Clerk- Treasurer. Dec. 22 – Winter begins. Dec. 25 – Christ- mas Day – Fam- ily get-togeth- ers, presents for the youngsters to open and see their smiling faces and watch them play with the big box it came in. Dec. 31 – New Year's Eve – Last day to finish up those proj- ects you were suppose to do in 2015. Winslow Seniors meet on Monday and Tuesday at the Community Center. Peters- burg Seniors meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the courthouse basement. No postcards this week. I'm checking the mailbox daily for your wishes and trip to somewhere special. Points of interest is a let- ter with a note to every- one. The note is a Christ- mas card (made on paper) with a border on top of Holly berries and a card that says Merry Christmas. Under that is printed Merry Christ- mas and Happy New Year to you and all your family. May you have a healthy and pros- perous New Year. Written is Hi Sweets enjoy the article. – Janie Tormohlen. The article sent to us is the story On the Trail by Rosa Yearout who was at a Pinkham reunion where the older W W II veteran Al- ex "Mike" Pinkmah, Jr., ago 90, the last living Nez Perce veteran. He is pictured with his sister Lonnie who presented him with a red Pendleton blanket. She al- so talked about how the na- tive Americans honor their veterans of all wars since the Nez Perce War of 1877 and the sweat lodges for the cleaning ceremonies. Janie, we hope your Christmas and the New Year are also healthy and prosperous for you and yours and I like to read the articles, thanks. In Winslow, the temper- ature was quite nice last week and into the weekend you could shed the coat and wear a sweater. The rain is to come Sunday night to bring the temp into the 40s, but it hasn't come as yet on this Sunday. Winslow finally found the Christmas spirit. On the Main Street of Winslow, there are poles wrapped in gar- land with white lights and oth- er poles with a wreath with white lights and a red bow. We were in town Friday night when we saw that the poles were lit up for the Christmas season. They do look good! A big thank you from the citizens of Winslow. There are more yards in the Brownstown part of Win- slow, on Main Street, Bren- ton Street, First Street, and Third Street, most have lights and blowup decora- tions, but some have the none lit decorations, but they all look real good for ev- eryone to enjoy as they walk or drive through the areas. Kyana was so proud to share her story and we are planning to frame her sto- ry so she can hang it in her room or she can put it in a scrapbook or with her pho- tos. Norm had a birthday last Tuesday and over the inter- net he got several Happy Birthday wishes and he was taken out for a fish dinner in Evansville by Laura, Daniel and Kyana. No cake, but a donut in the morning and at different times through the day he was sung to by Lau- ra, Kyana and me. Everyone is going "to and fro" for that special present but take some time out and rest a while. Stay in a happy spirit and the day will go the way you want it to. Christ- mas is in one week plus a couple of days and if you are on the roadways at Christ- mas Day, slow down and keep an eye open for other people and the animals that dart out from the woods. Talk to your loved ones and tell them you love them very much. It's time to dim the lights for this week's rambling. Keep an eye on family and friends, slow down and en- joy life. Look around when the sun sets and enjoy God's beauty for our pleasure. Al- ways smile, wave and say "hi" to everyone you see this week. Letters to the Editor It takes a community to raise a child Dear Editor: When I learned this past summer of the Pike Coun- ty School Corporation's plan to close Otwell Elementary School I was deeply sad- dened. The Otwell School and community, along with my parents, Andy and Joan- na Anderson, are responsi- ble for the positive influenc- es in my young life that have made me a better parent, ed- ucator, and citizen. In 1960 my parents and I moved to Otwell. We lived there until my graduation from high school in 1977. I am thankful a man by the name of Paul Hollis hired my Dad to teach and coach at Otwell High School. To this day I maintain my friendship and keep in con- tact with the Hollis family. I would not trade the seven- teen years in which I lived and grew up in Otwell for anything. The saying, "It takes a community to raise a child," is one I truly believe. Not only were the teachers and staff at the Otwell School positive role models, but al- so many neighbors and fel- low church members, too numerous to name, were al- so. The teachers made sure we were not only academ- ically prepared, but were ready for the world ahead of us. Our neighbors and other folks in the commu- nity, along with the teach- ers, taught us valuable life lessons. My wonderful Sun- day School teachers at the Otwell United Methodist Church guided us in faith. Growing up in a small community and attend- ing a small school gave me a sense of security and a wonderful learning environ- ment. You could say I prac- tically grew up inside the school. Since Dad taught, coached at all grade lev- els, and was the principal the last four years of OHS school was like a second home. I saw first hand how my parents influenced and impacted the lives of numer- ous young people through their work as educators. They taught and lead by ex- ample by becoming part of the community. Their teach- ing did not end at 3 pm dai- ly during the school year. They taught and worked with young people 365 days of the year. Only in a small school and community will you find such dedication and devotion to young people. Attending school in which all twelve grades were in one building was special. Teach- ers and older students pos- itively influenced my life at an early age. I looked up to them and wanted to be just like them. You cannot find this closeness in a large school. My Otwell class- mates and friends will al- ways be special to me. This small school has had many successful graduates that have included physi- cians, lawyers, educators including a university pres- ident, career military per- sonnel, business owners, and corporate leaders. Al- though most have moved from the area, they are lead- ers in other communities due to the lessons and val- ues learned while attending the Otwell School. There are also many successful graduates who remained in the community. Some came back to teach, while others stayed and worked locally influencing the youth and being positive role models. Most parents had to leave the community daily in or- der to make a living when I was growing up there. They did not have to worry about their children while at school. Parents knew their children were safe, receiv- ing a good education, and being prepared to become valuable citizens. This is still true today. Parents must leave the communi- ty daily to make a living. If the Otwell School is closed, the students will be travel- ing farther to attend another larger school. Parents and students will be stressed with the worry of longer travel time and larger class- es. Will the students be giv- en the same or needed atten- tion and assistance? Some students already travel more than 10 miles one way to reach the Otwell School. Is it fair for these young stu- dents to have to travel twice the distance? What will hap- pen to the Otwell communi- ty if the school is completely closed? The closing of OHS 40 years ago had a major im- pact on the town. Business- es eventually closed and folks moved. The school is the center of activity in a small town. The lessons I learned, along with the values of working hard, honesty, in- tegrity, and respect instilled in me by my parents, my Otwell teachers and neigh- bors, and folks at the Otwell United Methodist Church, I have tried to instill in my two sons. As I teach young students today, I also try to be a positive role model, in- still a good work ethic and values, and prepare them academically. The world has changed greatly in the past 40 years. However, I feel children still need what my grade school friends and I needed and received– a good education, positive role models, a feeling of se- curity and closeness, op- portunity to be challenged, and to develop academically and socially as only a small school can provide. My hope is for the Otwell School to remain open, al- lowing current staff to con- tinue to nurture and pre- pare the Otwell area chil- dren for bright futures. So again, thank you Paul Hol- lis for bringing me to the Otwell community. Thank you to my former teach- ers for providing a positive learning environment, chal- lenging us, and holding us to accountability. Thank you friends and neighbors for your sharing, caring, and life lessons. Thank you fellow classmates and stu- dents for lifelong friend- ships. Most of all, thank you Mom and Dad for your ded- ication to teaching and be- ing positive role models to not only Angie and I, but to students in Pike County for over five decades. Your giv- ing still continues today in Pike County. I will always be an Ot- well Miller. I am very proud of that. Kim Anderson Elliott Church news Continued from page 3 HOUSE OF MERCY CHURCH A church with a family at- mosphere and God's love. Sunday morning service at 10 a.m. with Sunday school classes at 11 a.m.; Thursday night services at 7 p.m. Each month on the fourth Sunday at 2 p.m. at Amber Manor, ministry in music and the Word. Intercessory prayer De- cember 15 at 7 p.m. at House of Mercy. On December 20, chil- dren's Christmas program at 6 p.m. It is totally amazing when you walk in faith, truly trust- ing the precious Holy Spirit. When we decide to get our- selves out of the way, the Ho- ly Spirit will begin to move and touch lives in a way that none of our preaching can ac- complish. We need the Word for nur- turing our lives to be what is pleasing to God. But it is when the Spirit begins to move that change in the atmosphere be- gins to occur and lost, hurt- ing, and hopeless people be- gin to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May your life be challenged and changed this week to the glory of God. May you find peace and joy in your life in the week ahead. Our prayers are for our country, government leaders (federal, state, county and lo- cal), soldiers and their fami- lies, those in nursing homes and hospitals, loved ones and friends that are sick and af- flicted, churches and pastors. Take time each day to pray and read the Word of God. Visit those in need and be- come a friend to someone who needs lifted up. Your days will be blessed and your life more pleasant. What is missing in Ch_ _ ch? Think about it. George Bruce, Pastor JESUS CHRIST OUR FIRM FOUNDATION On the corner of sixth and Walnut Sunday morning fellow- ship 10 a.m.; church 10 :20 a.m.; Bible study Thursday night at 7 p.m.; Home Bi- ble study Tuesday night, call for time and location. A fter church on Sunday Dec. 20, we will eat and at 1:30 p.m., we will be carol- ing at Amber Manor. "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And be- hold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus'" (Luke 1:30 - 31 ESV ). How would things be for us now if Mary had changed her mind and "chose" abortion? For information, call 812-354-4424 or 812-582- 0240. Denny Wiscaver, Pastor Pam Nutter, Reporter ST. PETER LUTHER AN CHURCH Stendal Bible verse for the week: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" ( John 14:6). Sunday school at 9 a.m.; worship 10 :15 a.m.; Church Council. On Thursday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., Christmas Eve wor- ship service. Edwin H. Wicks, Pastor ZOAR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 8818 W. Old Rd. 64 Holland 812-536-6862 Sunday morning worship service 8:30 a.m.; Sunday school classes 9:30 a.m.; Adult program practice 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study 10 a.m.; Wednesday, Christmas pro- gram practice 7 p.m.; Thurs- day, Christmas program 7 p.m. Keith Chanley, Pastor FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1400 E. Main Street Petersburg 812-354-8591 Sunday school 9:30 a.m. and worship 10 :30 a.m. Jeff Powers began his pastorate on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015.No evening services at this time. Everyone welcome. Jeff Powers, Pastor FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 801 E. Walnut, Petersburg "Making Disciples of Je- sus Christ for the Transfor- mation of the World" Sunday morning wor- ship 9:30 ; Fellowship 10 :25 -10 :40 ; Sunday school 10 :40 -11:30. Everyone welcome. Leon Pomeroy, Pastor GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 210 W. Harrison Street, Oakland City Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship service 10 :30 a.m.; youth group meetings the last Sunday of each month 6 -7 p.m.; community luncheons the third Tuesday of each month 10 a.m.-noon CST. The community of Good Shepherd United Method- ist Church exists to glorify God through Jesus Christ our Lord. As a body of be- lievers, we pledge our- selves to allow the Holy Spirit to develop within us maturity of spirit, unity of faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, so that we may be prepared to share His love, mercy and grace through our words and ac- tions, to a needy world. We extend an invitation to the public to come and worship with us. The Good Shepherd takes care of His sheep. Douglas Low, Minister May your home be blessed this Christmas season. 701 W. 6th St., Jasper "at the Y" 812-482-1155 For the peace of mind that comes with quiet, dependable warmth and energy efficiency that can save you money, discover Comfortmaker ® systems. Bringing comfort to your home. © 2014 International Comfort Products Air Conditioning & Heating LIMITED ™ S ee w a rr an t y ce rti ca t e f o r de t a il s . 10 Timely registration required. 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