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PAGE 22-PLAINDEALER-WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 7. 1977 I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to one of your newest residents. His name is Andy, and he's six years old and likes to play football and swing on swings. Andy is staying with the Wiltberger family while he is in your community. You know Charles and Karen Wiltberger, don't you? They live on the south side of your community. They have five other children, but added Andy recently because...well, let's just say because the Wiltbergers are very special people. '•> They have to be special people, because Andy is a very special child. He hasn't been exposed to all the experiences of other six-year-olds because, right now, he isn't exactly like other six-year-olds. But maybe, with help from people like Charles and Karen, he'll wind up like other children. You see, Andy is what is called a "developmentally disabled" child. Before becoming a member of the Wiltberger family, he spent too much of his life in institutional care. My friends, institutional care is as bad as it sounds. Andy never learned how to play with other ehildren. He never cried and rarely laughed. Why, just five months ago he wouldn't even look at you if you talked to him. But already, in just the short time he's been in Spring Grove, he talks more, has learned to interact with children, he laughs, cries...just about everything any other six-year-old child does. Andy became a Wiltberger through the Central Baptist Family Services organization. Haven't heard of it? That's probably because it's a new group in the area. There's this real nice lady, Susan, who is sort of the leader of the organization. She is the (me who matched the Wiltbergers and Andy. Judging from the way Andy and his new family get along, Sue must know her job pretty well. One of the nicest things about Andy's new home is that, for probably the first time, he has playmates. Charles and Karen have a miniature 'army'. There's Margie, she's the oldest at 12, and Marty, who'se 10, and eight-year-old Melissa, and seven-year-old Susanne, and Timmy, who's just four, and who has been adopted by the Wiltbergers. Andy isn't adopted. Some day he will return to his 'other' parents. It's just that when you've been in institutional care, it takes a special kind of love and care to, let's say, 'return' to a normal life. As soon as Andy is able to cope with living in a family situation again, he will be leaving. I know I'll miss him, and any of you people who get to know him will miss him too. Of course, he's not leaving for awhile yet. And while he's in Spring Grove, I understand he's having a lot of fun. Of his new brothers and sisters, Melissa seems to be his favorite. But he gets along with every (Hie. Karen told me that he has fit right in with the other children. They all fight with one another, and they all {day with one another--just like you and me. I mentioned before that the Wiltbergers were special people. They really are. They've been parents to about six foster children so far. This is the first time they've taken in a developmentally disabled child. They tell me that in some ways it's different, and in some respects having Andy is similar to having 'normal' foster children. Charles tells me that when Andy first came to live in Spring Grove, everything was 'for Andy'. 'Andy' always came first. But his 'father' also says that it's the same way with regular foster care. I guess I really haven't told you what's wrong with Andy. That's because it's really hard to say. I do know that since he's come to your community, hie. has learned to make his bed, and he washes himself, and can play, and now.. .now he doesn't think of 'Andy' all the time. As to what Andy's eventual potential is, the sky may be the limit! I hope so. Sure, he still has to learn to share and work together with other children. But so far, living with the Wiltberger family has done miracles for Andy . Karen says Andy is just like one of the kids. In fact, Andy is so much like the other children that when they started back to school this fall, he went to school also. Andy attends SEDOM classes, which are like regular school classes, but for special children--like Andy. Charles tells me that Andy's pretty sharp and learns things fast. They say that if you show Andy something, he'll do it. His 'parents' expect him to become even more outgoing the longer he lives in Spring Grove. While I was visiting with Andy, Susan, from the Family Services group, came by. She said that Charles and Karen were ideal foster parents because they have interest in children, and they're flexible...willing to accept the child. You know, this type of foster care isn't for everybody. Even parents who love children might not be completely suited to working with a disabled child. Susan says that a lot of prospective parents eliminate themselves once they know what they have to do. Charles says, though, that you really don't know what it's like until you go through it. Charles and Karen said they had a four-week class in which all the various problems were discussed. Then there are lots of interviews before it is certain that the family and child will be compatible. Susan said that the worst thing a foster parent can do is overprotect the disabled child. She says it really stifles them. I guess the mo6t important thing is understanding the child and his or her limitations. The Wiltbergers have certainly done a fine job with Andy. The key to this whole Family Services program is to take these disabled children out of institutions, so that they can live a normal life. As I understand it, they are shooting for next summer as the time for Andy to return to his other parents. Charles says the way things have gone with Andy, he wouldn't be against fostering another disabled child. Well, have to run. It's certainly been nice visiting with you fine people and giving me the opportunity to tell you about Andy. If you see him on the street or at the playground, be sure to tell him 'hi' for me, will you. Thanx. Sincerely. fhu/vX' Meet the Wiltbergers. That's Charles and Karen in the back row. The children in front from left to right are: Andy, age 6; Susanne, 7; Timmy, 4; Margie, 12; Marty, 10; and Melissa. 8. The Wiltbergers have been foster parents for many years. Timmy was one foster child whom the family legally adopted. Parents and children all agree that Andy has fit in well with his new family.. ' I ' C w Sometimes Andy just can't get his little legs moving quickly enough, such as in the above photo, where the children are chasing after their pet dog. Short legs aren't a handicap when it comes to swinging on jt tire, as Andy takes his tun! on the homemade swing. Charles and Karen say that Andy will learn more from playing with the other children than he will from them. STAFF PHOTOS BY WAYNE GAYLORD Everyone needs that one special friend, and for Andy, he seems to have found one in Melissa. Of course. Andy plays well with all the Wiltbergers. At left, the children enjoy tossing a football around. Spring Grove Eva Freund 675-2135 Hold Luncheon Sept. 14 The Lotus Country Women's club will hold its annual card party and luncheon at St. Peter's hall, Sept. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Hie event is held for the benefit erf the community and local charities. Plans for luncheon and party were formulated at a recent lawn party for the women's club at the home of Ida Koberstine. A potluck luncheon was served amidst a beautiful scenic setting, bordered with flowers. At that same meeting, books were distributed which list the programs and meetings for the coming year. Members were sorry to hear of the hospitalization of Beulah Karls, and the illness of Dorothy Vlink. Joining the Lotus Country Women's club were two new members, Cathy Bonick and Clara Jensen. With the Sept. 14 luncheon set, the club designated Sept. 21 as the date for a bake sale, which will benefit the Head Start program. Another important club outing is the luncheon and theatre scheduled for Oct. 19. Members attending the Oct. 19 meeting are to assemble at the Town hall at 9:30 a.m. A the close of the perfect afternoon, Mrs. Koberstine invited everyone into her home to see all her lovely antiques Visiting Yours truly visited her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Freund in Evanston recently. While there, the time was found to make a side trip to Highland Park to see a musical, Chapeau. If anyone gets a chance to see it, be prepared to enjoy a rollicking farce with a lot of laughs. Card Party Mrs. Margaret Weber was hostess to the members of her club at her home in Fox Lake recently. Those attendiig enjoyed a delicious lunch and an afternoon of cards. The club will next meet at the home of Mrs. Catherine Johnsori in Woodstock. More Visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles Raeder of Kentucky visited friends in the area recently. They were guests in the homes of Mr and Mrs. Clarence Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Edward May. Coming Events The Lotus club card party and luncheon will be held Sept 14 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Peter's hall, 2206 Main street. Many prizes. All welcome. The Christian Mothers Rummage sale is being planned Dates are Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in St. Peter's hall. Lunch will be served. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The installation of officers for the Christian Mothers will be held at the Fox Lake Country club Sept. 22, 6:30 p m. For dinner reservations, call 675-2496 before Sept 19