D.A.R.E. lesson helped save girl's life (07/20/06)

To the editor:

I was a long time resident of Portland. Recently, my husband and I decided to relocate to Hagerstown, Indiana.

I have never had much faith in Portland's Police Department. One officer has proven me wrong. I owe Michael Brewster a thank you.

Last week my daughter, who is 11, rose from her seat as we were seated at lunch. I asked her what she was doing and received no reply.

I then realized that she was choking. The next few minutes were a blur to me. As a mother, I froze in fear. She communicated through nodding that she was not O.K. while we tried desperately to dislodge the food in her throat.

Just as the cook was calling 911, my husband bravely performed the Heimlich maneuver on her and the food flew out.

After a few tears and hugs I asked her where she learned to rise and get my attention and to communicate through head movements and not try to breathe. She informed me that the DARE officer taught them at Bloomfield Elementary. This program's instructor is Michael Brewster. (And I thought it was merely about peer pressure!) Thank you for saving my daughter's life. I couldn't have survived without her!

Thanks also to my husband, Larry Hilbert for being calm, cool, and collected in a moment of horror. You are both heroes to me!

Thank you,

Jennifer Hilbert

Hagerstown

Great help

To the editor:

The Pennville Lions Club would like to thank the community volunteers that helped in the Lionburger stand at the Pennville Legion-Lion Fair last week. They are Phylis Upp, Janet Horn, Jenny Schisler, Norma Smitley, Dick and Betty Paxson, Marla Coleman, Kyle Coleman, Dave Lowe, Cindy Wolverton, Harley Geesaman, Ray and Grace Walter, Earl Dull and Teresa Teeple.

We would also like to thank the Jay County Soccer parents and youth that helped Saturday night. They are Sue Ann McLaughlin, Aaron McLaughlin, Laurette Horn, Karen Bartlett, Derek Bartlett, Sherry and Don Ainsworth and Toneta and Alan Bailey.

We could not have opened without your help. Please forgive us if we missed listing your name.

Steve and Betty Drinkut,

for the Pennville Lions Club[[In-content Ad]]