Echoes of the Past support American Legion Honor Guard

One of the greatest services a man or woman can do in their lifetime is to serve their country. Thousands of those servants are buried right here in Kosciusko County. American Legion Post 49 is taking on the monumental task of making sure all of those veterans are recognized by placing flags at their graves.

The Legion is beginning a threeyear project of identifying, recording and organizing the burial sites of veterans in the 83 cemeteries throughout Kosciusko County. By doing so, this also makes their project of marking each veteran grave with a flag for Memorial Day an easier task as the project progresses.

The Echoes of the Past recently donated to this worthwhile project. On March 21, a check for $1,000 to Post Commander John Mort. The funds will be used to purchase flags for the Memorial Day project marking the graves in the county of those who so proudly served in the armed services.

The funds will also support the needs of the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard performs 60 to 70 funerals per year at no cost to the families of the fallen service member. The Echoes of the Past, through their events and soybean planting project, raise funds to give back to the community. When approached about this deserving project, they were honored to contribute and help Post 49 try to reach their goal.

John Mort, post commander of American Legion Post 49, stated this three-year project will be quite the undertaking. They currently place flags at Oakwood Cemetery, Palestine, Wooden Cemetery and Union Cemetery and this past Memorial Day they fell short about 200 flags.

The Legion also places bronze markers at the grave of a veteran if it is not already marked with one provided by the VA. Taking on all 83 identified area cemeteries will require funding and volunteers. If you would like to contribute financially or volunteer your time, con- tact John Mort at johnmortusn@ yahoo.com , (574) 265-7147 or the American Legion at Al49warsaw@ gmail.com, (574) 267-5549.

Elkhart Extension offering Dining with Diabetes educational series

Diabetes is a very serious and costly health condition, but research has shown those who learn to manage their blood glucose levels, exercise regularly, and eat healthy can lower their risks of complications and lead a healthier and more productive life.

Purdue Extension Elkhart County is offering the statewide Dining with Diabetes series in May. Dining with Diabetes is a weekly class that runs for four weeks. The four classes will be offered Monday, May 1, 8, 15 and 22. Classes will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Nappanee Public Library. A follow-up session will take place on Monday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m.

The class is open to those with diabetes, their family members, and caretakers. The series costs $40 per person or $65 per couple and includes a notebook and printed materials. Couples will share a notebook. Pre-registration is required

State Sen. Blake Doriot honored for organ donation legislation

State Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Goshen) was recently honored as a Champion for Donation for his legislation regarding organ donations.

Doriot was recognized for authoring a law in 2020 requiring the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to ask all hunters, anglers and trappers applying for their licenses if they wish to become organ donors.

Doriot continued his work to expand avenues for Hoosiers to commit to organ donation in 2022 when he authored a law that requires the Professional Licensing Agency to maintain a system that allows an individual applying for or renewing a license or certificate to become an organ donor.

“I’ve always dedicated myself to supporting organ donation, and I am extremely grateful to be honored as a Champion for Donation,” Doriot said. “Organ donation is something I have a personal connection with, and I’m always looking for ways to raise awareness and make it more accessible for the average Hoosier.” and participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions.

Doriot was recognized at the Angel Fund Gala, a fundraiser hosted by the Indiana Donor Network to raise awareness and funds for the Angel Fund.

The Angel Fund provides assistance to transplant recipients who could not otherwise afford their medications. The fund has expanded to include grief support to the families, specifically children, of organ donors.

Participants will learn up-todate information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes related medical tests as well as how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and tasty. Recipes will be demonstrated and samples will be available to participants.

Register online at cvent.me/ ErmdAP by April 21. For more information, contact Emily Christ at (574) 533-0554 or email ewitters@ purdue.edu. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call the office at (574) 533-0554 by April 15.