Glimpses of the Past

GLIMPSES OF THE PAST - FULTON

1982: River Bend school board votes to request tax increase

60 Years Nov. 14, 1962

Millions of motorists on Highways 30 and 80 will have their attention directed to Fidelity Life and Fulton in months to come with the placement of a large signboard at the heavily traveled in ters ect ion . The sig nb oa rd, which is located on the northwest corner of the intersection, measures 40 feet long and 12 feet in height. It is painted entirely in Scotch-Lite colors for night time illumination and is attractively landscaped.

A letter to the editor from Mrs. Grace Ven Huizen of Wimbledom, North Dakota, stated “I just want to tell you how much we all love and appreciate the column, Jane’s Jottings. If it happens it’s not in the Journal I have to look several times to be sure I haven’t overlooked it. The Journal here is passed on to several others, and we all enjoy it so much, so please let us have it each week.”

50 Years Nov. 15, 1972

Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Bowen of Albany received a plaque for their loyal support in following their sons, Randy and Gary, as they played for Bemidji State College football. The Bowens have traveled more than 50,000 miles during the past seven seasons in support of their sons.

Cottage Pastry advertised that they are offering a Thanksgiving special of pan rolls and tea biscuits for 33 cents a dozen. They also will prepare the traditional bakery pastries to your specifications.

40 Years Nov. 17, 1982

Tim Holl was presented an Award for Excellence in scholarship and athletics at the meeting of the River Bend Board of Education. Mrs. Joseph Keegan also won an Award for Excellence in recognition of her many years of faithful service as a secretary at the high school.

S u p e r i n t e n d en t M a r t i n K i n e r t sketched a grim picture of the future of the River Bend School District to members of the Board of Education. The board voted unanimously to request a tax increase of 78.7 cents per $100 of assessed valuation at the board’s meeting. The vote came after Dr. Kinert gave an exhaustive report on the district’s financial status and a projection for the next five years, which is equally serious.

30 Years Nov. 11, 1992

James Rhoades, a Fulton Police officer, has been trained to administer the D.A.R.E. program on drug abuse. He has been very successful in training youngsters in Fulton and Albany schools and was given permission by the City Council to administer the program to children in the Erie school. Erie had requested the Fulton officer after it was learned that Rhoades was the only officer trained for the program from this area.

The Unity Christian Drama Departm e n t w i l l p r e s e n t t h e p l a y , “ T h e Importance of Being Earnest.” Cast members include Andy Hoogheem, Todd Luchies, Derek Bajema, Amy Warren, Debbie Leiter, Beth Huisingh, Michelle Kampe and Nick Huizenga.

20 Years Nov. 13, 2002

Kendra James and Colleen Wilkin were invited to participate in the Tourney Sports USA Tournament action in Hawaii for the summer of 2003. Nominations are taken for outstanding junior volleyball athletes. Both girls have had outstanding seasons and are worthy of such honor.

Landstar System, Inc., a safety-first transportation capacity provider, has recognized Gary Siefken as a Million Mile Safe Driver. Siefken has driven more than 1 million accident-free miles. Siefken was one of 64 Landstar business capacity owners honored for their professionalism and safety at an awards banquet in Jacksonville, Florida.

10 Years Nov. 14, 2012

Jon and Vicki Lockhart were chosen as 2012 Kiwanians of the Year and were presented a plaque by Kiwanis President Tom Merchant.

As part of the Fulton Christmas Walk, the Chamber of Commerce sold 3-foot artificial trees for chamber members to decorate and donate to the Christmas Walk. More than 30 trees will be on display with a silent auction to be held in the evening with proceeds benefiting the Fulton Food Pantry and the Fulton Kiwanis Club Children’s Christmas Fund.

YOUR HEALTH

Techniques for better posture and well-being are discussed

By STEPHEN D. HARRISON, M.D.

Posture is not something that your mother invented to lecture you about. R a t h e r i t i s s o m e t h i n g t h a t m o s t ancient cultures applied naturally to assist the body in many natural functions. Walking and breathing are greatly assisted by proper posture. These concepts have been emphasized in yoga movements for thousands of years. Tai chi and related disciplines also emphasize these fundamental concepts.

More than 100 years ago, a man by the last name of Alexander developed techniques to help his own well-being that he eventually taught to others. These concepts have become a whole discipline or approach to better movement of the body. The basic concept of the Alexander technique is to be natural. Indeed, if we observe animals such as cats and many other species, we will see movements as nature designed. Yet humans were designed for these as well.

Indeed, young children often move freely before they develop bad habits or compensations from injuries or otherwise. Therefore, the Alexander techn i q u e b e g i n s w i t h o b s e r v a t i o n , although it is a self-observation and adjustment that we are interested in. Next, we look at what is inhibiting our movement. Finally, we look for direction. The YouTube channel has many excellent overviews of these techniques. The general overview of six minutes by Elia Nichols is quite good.

The Alexander technique focuses on several key body areas. First is the head and neck, where we envision a string running from our feet through the insides of our legs through our center of gravity to the crown or point of our head. The goal is for the body to be lengthened and feel as though it were loose like a puppet. To get the head in a favorable position, tilt the head backward with a yawn. Then bring the chin to a parallel position to the floor. Another image to envision is that the neck gets longer but not by going forward, but by going up.

Next, envision the trunk or torso being lengthened by allowing the ribs to elongate and expand like an accordion. With this, the core or abs are engaged and the hips are released by making sure the pelvis is neither thrust forward or backward. The goal is a neutral pelvis with freedom of movement along the string. Swinging the hips in all directions while in the lengthened torso position can be very freeing. To open up the chest, take the palms and bring them up to the front of the neck. Then turn them out and pull them apart. This will be felt in the shoulder blades and open up the chest. Finally, open the shoulder s by shrugging them excessively and relaxing the arms while turning out the palms and taking a deep breath. Then relax the shrug and the palms. Again, breathe freely in this position and experience more hip freedom as well. A full body squat keeping the weight centered over the feet and ankles is useful. Another helpful concept is to remember that the waist is not a joint and therefore we wish to bend with the ankles, knees and hips in a straight line.

The internet and YouTube channel will give many excellent examples of these concepts to visualize and put into practice.

Pete Egoscue is an individual who developed many techniques and exercises for various joints that he has elaborated on in several books. These are quite helpful.