April 2001                                                            The Megaphone                                                                 Page 6

by Sharon (Benedict) Hurst

   It is catching! Civic responsibility and volunteerism.

   Students at the Elwood Community Middle School's Star Fleet group applied for and received a $1,000.00 grant to place a bronze historical marker honoring Wendell L. Willkie at the Elwood City Park where Willkie gave his famous acceptance speech for his candidacy in the presidential race of 1942.  The marker will cost these students $1700.00, so they are planning a walk-a-thon on April 27, 2001.  Talk about positive thinking . . . they have stated all proceeds left over will go to benefit the Elwood Community Middle School library.  This project is also being written up in a national school publication to encourage students in schools throughout the country to also learn about the grant process and how it will benefit the communities where the live.

   The marker will be dedicated in October, 2001 and channel 59 will be covering the event.  The family of Mr. Willkie will be invited to attend as will this community and all other interested people. The TV station wants to use the videos that the Preservation Group has of the historic "Willkie Day" also.

   This is an big accomplishment for these kids and they are very excited about it. Their sponsors for both this project and the publication are teachers in the Star Fleet Group, Kenny Brown and Tom Stone.  Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Stone are to be commended for showing these kids that they can accomplish what it takes for this kind of project.

   It isn't the marker or the name that will be on the marker that is important in this lesson these students have learned. It is having PRIDE in doing something for the community in which they live. We can only imagine how this will give them the confidence, throughout their lives, that they can do anything they choose to make a difference wherever they are residing. Hopefully these are the future adults that will be right here in Elwood, our good ol' home town.

   Thank you Star Fleet Group, Mr. Brown and Mr. Stone. Your efforts are applauded.

Nan aka Angel #2
Sharon (Benedict) Hurst '53
Now in Elwood, Indiana

   Someone once suggested a "Cook's Corner" and we've seen a few recipes pop up on our list from time to time. So here we go . . . ???

  But somehow, I feel the timing is off for this first offering . . . and I can't imagine anyone . . . even suggesting this recipe at this particular time of the year. You'll need to supply the Editor with your recipes for upcoming editions to prevent this from happening again.

  Cut an elephant into bite size pieces.  Add enough brown gravy to cover.  Cook over kerosene fire about 4 weeks at 485 degrees. This will serve about 3800 people.  If more are expected, rabbits may be added, but do this only in case of emergency. Most people don't like hare in their stew.
     

  This cook (?) much prefers to remain anonymous.                            :  )