The Gettysburg Times from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania • Page 6

THE GETTYSBURG TIMES, MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1985 These Times These Times Editor Sharon R. Duttera Erma Bombeck mi 'ft just happened; I became a fashion trend-setter I didn't start out to be a fashion It just happened. Fifteen years ago (when I knew how to thread a sewing machine), I used to 4iuy material by the bolt. With the jsame material I'd make shirts for the a dress for my daughter, bath- for the family, shower curtains, throw pillows for the living room, a tablecloth, bedspreads and matching 'valances for the bedroom. Sometimes the kids had to smile before I knew they were in a room.

Now I see where big-name designers tire using home furnishing fabrics for 'coats and dresses for the fall. I never throw anything away. If dresses made out of lined, water- stained draperies "ever come back, I've got two 90-inch panels just waiting. If T-shirts made out of faded beach towels with a picture of the Partridge family are ever resurrected, I've got the towels for it. One time I did the entire house in Early Percale.

My husband called it the sheet experience. I used sheets to slipcover the sofa, throw over a table, fashion a headboard for the bed, cover cookbooks and I even stuck one to the kitchen wall in lieu of wallpaper. There is a reason for this. I was sired by two depression babies. Depression babies never throw anything away.

My earliest memories of my mother were, "You're not going to throw away the tops of those radishes, are you?" She saved lids for jars that had broken, warranties for appliances that were buried in the back yard and wine corks with holes in them. I followed her example. I saved earrings that matched nothing, rubber bands on every doorknob, and for 15 years I had a pair of rubber fishing waders by the back door with a hole in the toe. Every item of clothes that was discarded first was stripped of snaps, buttons, zippers and elastic. They were then classified and Tiled as "Paint Rags." Actually, this was responsible for a career move by my husband who taught school in the winter and needed a summer job.

"Why don't you paint houses?" I asked. "You've got the rags for it." I don't think I'll ever forget the sight of him on a ladder with my bra wrapped around his waist and the cups filled with caulking if I live to be a hundred. No doubt about it. This fall, I'm going to be the best-dressed woman on my block. I'll make a vest out of that throw rug on the back porch with WELCOME running across my chest.

The old slipcovers from the wicker porch furniture will make a great shirt. And the rosebud shower curtains will make a terrific windbreaker. Remember Scarlett O'Hara when she had nothing to wear to meet Rhett? Her mother was a depression baby. (c) 1985, Los Angeles Times Syndicate Ann Landers Because of herpes' fear, he stopped having sex Ann Landers: I am a 26-year-old 'certified public accountant who used Tto date three and four women at a time. I kissed them all and took most of them to bed.

But that was before so much had been said and written about genit- herpes. When I learned, after researching Hhe subject carefully (I even telephoned the Centers for Disease Con- 'jtrol in Atlanta), that this sexually Hfransmitted disease is indeed I became much more selective the women I became intimate 'with. Four months ago another fellow I work with confided that he picked up a isevere case of herpes from his so- yalled "steady." (She is vice president Hjf a bank.) I almost went into shock. It as then that I decided nobody is safe I stopped having sex. Three weeks ago another co-worker JJB our office came down with AIDS.

2te is gay.) Although I am straight I JOT now afraid to kiss a woman. In I have pretty much stopped dat- 3ng altogether because every woman I 3Kive explained my position to has told Sliel antoff my rocfcer. Am Sfe" In Ohio Dear Bemie: I wouldn't say you are off your rocker, but I strongly recommend counseling. Your fear of venereal disease has turned into a phobia that is crippling your relationships. Reasonable caution should be exercised at all times, but your decision to refrain from kissing a woman for fear of getting AIDS borders on the hysterical.

Dear Ann Landers: These days, when so many farmers all over our beloved country are losing their land, it would be a great comfort if you would rerun a column my husband and I (Kansas wheat farmers) cut out several years ago. It is attached to this letter. The D's From Hutchinson Dear D's: I am happy to oblige. Here it is, with credit to the Arkansas State Plant Board News: A FARMER'S PRAYER As farmers and ranchers, Dear God, please give us the wisdom and patience to understand why a pound of T- bone steak at $7.50 is considered high but a 3-ounce cocktail at $1.75 is not. And nobody complains about paying $1 for a son drink at the ballpark but a glass of milk for breakfast is Reunions Wotring Family Reunion -LAKE HERITAGE The annual Wotring family reunion was recently held at ifie home of Roland and Agnes Wotring Stemple at Lake Heritage.

The Wotring family ancestors first landed in Philadelphia on Sept. 28, 1733. members of the family arrived early in the Gettysburg area to tour the ifettysburg battlefield. The afternoon meal was catered by Hillcrest In Littlestown. the business meeting portion of the reunion, an addendum about the Wotring genealogy and a listing of past hosts for reunions since 1964 were distributed.

Correspondence was read from families not attending and "thinking of you" cards were signed by all and mailed to the three families unable to attend. A discussion about the family crest followed. After the meeting a craft time and sweet and recipe swap was held. Bingo was played and prizes given. Many participated in water sports such as swimming, water skiing, boating and water tobogganing.

Children's games were held for the younger members of the families and the children were awarded prizes. A surprise 80th birthday celebration for Thomas James Wotring was held. Barbara Kingsley of Orrtanna, dressed in a "sexy" outfit, sang a humorous song about his life that she had composed. Following the birthday celebration, a movie video of the day's events were enjoyed. The next Wotring reunion will be held on the second Saturday of August 1986 at the home of Rick and Susan (Stemple) Zuerlein in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sell Family Reunion LITTLESTOWN Plans were initiated to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Abraham Sell, the first Sell to come to America from Germany in 1686, at the 40th annual reunion of the Sell family held at St. John's Lutheran Church woods near Littlestown. To soearhead the tricentennial observance, the family elected Herbert J. Sell, Littlestown, and the Rev. Kenneth Sell, Salisbury, N.C as co-presidents of the 41st reunion.

They are the sons John N. Sell and Stanley R. Sell who pioneered the familv reunion in 1946. Plans include the preparation of a mini-history, a review of the 40 reunions, a collection of memorabilia for display and a tour of Sell properties. The following entertained the group: Tricia Bechtell, piano solo; Heather Walton and Veronica Myers, vocal duet Mary Altoff, readings from The Trea- Chest "Anna Mae Sell Gobrecht and Anna May Sell Mickley, jitter-bug of the 1946 reunion; AnnaMay Sell Gobrecht, "Hello Dolly;" Mr.

and Mrs. Richard Sell and son, Michael from Kent, traveling the longest distance to the reunion; Veronnica Myers, youngest girl; Joshua Mummert, youngest boy; Curvtn Greenhol oldest man; Anna Slagle, 83, oldest woman; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bechtel, Tear mos recently married; Mr. and Mrs.

Curvn Greenholt, 61 years, tonaat married; Dean Gobrecht, family with most children present; Mervin Myfrs and James Bechtel, guessing game prize; and Veronica Myers, Laurie Myers Joshua Mummert, Heather Walton, Wilbert Haare and Anna Mae Gob- that Anna Mae Gobrecht will replace Lorri Bechtel as J-n-Tarv Herbert Sell will be in charge of the program and Nadme Greenholt Anna Slaele will be charge of the prizes for the next family reunion. Slagle. Names 'n' Notes Senior citizens meet for covered dish picnic EAST BERLIN The East Berlin Senior Citizens Club recently met in the Fast Berlin firehall for a covered dish picnic. The Swing August birthdays were celebrated: Cora Melchers, Pauline BeVkheSrGrace Miller, Florence Forry, Kathryn Racer, Helen Reiser, Cora SmUh Catherine Becker, Miriam Wagner, Nora Pohlman, Mary Ida Brown, S'Haar Minnie Sager, Artemis Stover, C.L. Millhimes, Harvey Myers, wniiam Black Clark Frly, Glenn Haar, C.L.

Seidenstricker, Miles Bushey and announced that the following trips are fully booked Penn National Race Track trio Sept. 16, and mystery bus trip, Sept. 25. Entertainment was presented by the Soonseller Dance Studio in Hanover. Robert Crone, Esther Crone and Lauretta McMaster were welcomed as new members.

inflationary. And, Lord, help me to understand why $5 for a ticket to a movie is a bargain, but $3.35 for a 60- pound bushel of wheat is unthinkable. Cotton is too high at 60 cents a pound, but a $20 cotton shirt is on sale for $18.50. And corn is too steep at 2 cents worth in a box of flakes, but folks don't bat an eye when they're charged 50 cents for a bowl of cornflakes in a restaurant. And also, Lord, help me to comprehend why I have to give an easement to the gas company so they can cross my property with their gas lines and then double my price for their gas.

And, dear God, please help me to understand the consumer who drives by my field and scoffs at me for spending $7,000 on a piece of equipment that he built, so he could make money and drive down that right-of-way they took from me to construct a road so he could go hunting and skiing. Thank you, God, for your past guidance and help. And now will you please help me to make sense out of it all? Dear Ann Landers: Will you print this letterT.Itwas written to the editor ottheMinifciolis believe it could heljj a great many people. -Burnsville; Minn. Dear Burnsville: I shall indeed.

The young man who wrote it has wisdom beyond his years. How much lighter life's burdens would be if we could all remember that problems are only temporary. My own motto in time of trouble has been "This, too, shall pass." Here's the letter: To the editor: My name is Kris Penner. I am a senior at Burnsville Senior High School. I am writing to you in regard to the article written by Eva Michejda on teen suicide.

I feel this is an extremely important issue that needs great attention and serious thought. Already this year in our school, I know of two people who tried to commit suicide. I know of a third person who succeeded. These aren't students who have bad grades, poor reputations and no Mends. I'm talking about well- respected kids with high grade point averages who are admired greatly in our school.

I believe the pressures we teenagers go through seem unending, but as my soc and fam teacher once said, "Problems are only temporary." This is a motto I believe all students as well as adults should live by and remember. Suicide is a permanent solution for what seems to be the answer to one's problems. I'feel it is becoming necessary for the student body to recognize and acknowledge the problem is there. When our close friends need help we must learn to recognize the signs and reach out to them. Life is too precious and valuable to waste.

Remember are only temporary." -Kris Penner, Burnsville Dear Ann Landers: Recently I received a catalogue in the mail advertising sex gadgets and pornographic films. Accompanying the junk was a letter saying, "We have not heard from you in a year." Actually they had NEVER heard from me. I have been happily married for 40 years, and my wife and I don't go in for that weirdo stuff. Last year you printed an address people could write to and complain about unwanted mail. Will you repeat it, please? We'd die if the grandkids got hold of that mail.

Readers In Madison, Wis. Dear Madison: I checked with J.T. Weeker, of Madison, Wis. He said anyone wishing to stop this kind of mailing should go to the post office and ask for a 2201 form. (All post offices have them.) Fill it out and you will receive no sexually oriented mailings for five years after turning in the form.

Dear Ann Landers: My husband and I (both retired) bought a German shepherd because we feel the need for a guard dog. (This neighborhood is not the best.) We were told that if the dog bites a neighbor's child or the paper boy we would not be liable if we posted a sign saying, "Beware of Dog." Is this true? South Bend, Ind. Dear S.B.: The sign would provide no legal protection. In fact, it could work against you since it is an admission that you knew the dog was "unfriendly." EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to lack of space in Saturday's edition of the paper, the Ann Landers did not run. Saturday's column has been combined with today's column.

WANTED "GOODIE VENDORS" "CRAFTS PEOPLE" DOWNTOWN HANOVER MERCHANTS ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL OCT. 5 9am-6pm Want Call the Hanover Chamber of Commerce 637-6130 for more info! Consumer Reports New hand-held sewing aids may help the inadequate sewer By the Editors of Consumer Reports Keeping your clothes in good repair is no problem if you're handy with needle and thread. But if you're not so handy, you might be attracted by two new sewing aids Stitch-Me-Quick and Match-A-Patch from Singer. Consumer Reports' home economist tested both the hand-held sewing aids. She wanted to see if the devices could handle different sewing and mending chores faster than she could do them with more conventional tailoring.

The Stitch-Me-Quick, $35, is designed to tack hems, drooping coat linings and separated seams, rather than to sew them in one continuous stitch. The device has a clamp to hold the fabric in place, and a lever that operates the needle. To make the individual tacks, you squeeze the lever several times, forcing the needle through the fabric to build up a layer of small stitches. Tests showed that tacks made in cotton, jersey, wool and coat-lining fabric usually held, and survived several launderings. But the home economist found that the tacks were not "almost invisible," as Singer promises.

Nor was the gadget more efficient than making the repairs by hand. The home economist said that on small jobs, the Stitch-Me-Quick was tedious and time-consuming. A big job, such as re-hemming curtains, is a task better suited to a sewing machine than to the little hand-operated lacker. Seams are best fixed with continuous stitches, not a row of tacks. The home economist found the Match-A-Patch, $35, a bit more useful than the Stitch-Me-Quick.

It combines a cutting device with a small iron To repair a tear or burn, you use the Match-A-Patch's cutter to punch out a Vi-inch hole from the damaged area, and then to cut a replacement circle of fabric from a hidden seam or facing. You then use the iron portion of the device to bond the replacement fabric into place against an adhesive backing. The home economist tested the Match-A-Patch on wool, cotton and a polyester-cotton blend. She generally had better success repairing holes with the device than she did using inexpensive iron-on mending tapes or patches. For instance, she couldn't cut the holes or patches of most fabrics as crisply with scissors as she could with the Match-A-Patch.

For tears, the repair was simply a matter of using the patcher's iron to bond an adhesive patch to the torn fabric's underside. (But you can do that with a regular iron and iron-on tape.) Although the Match-A-Patch is a very limited-use device, when used carefully it could repair small holes in some fabrics (expecially wool) rather well Consumer Reports' home economist cautions that neither device should be considered a toy. Both should be kept away from children. The Match-A-Patch's iron reached 280 degrees hot enough to cause a serious burn. (For a special reprint of Consumers Union's evaluation of diswasner detergents send $1 for each copy to Consumers, P.O.

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