There are some especially neat basketball referees in our area — something I discovered Friday evening when our Special Olympics basketball director called in a panic telling me that the person from South Bend, who was to secure referees, had just called him and told him all but one had canceled.
Thirteen basketball games were scheduled at Wheeler High School for our sectional men’s tourney. Yikes! The phone wires were burning, and thanks to an email plea from Jeff Nix and a phone call to Tim Roeske, the athletes and coaches who came on Saturday had no idea of the almost-fiasco. Three games even went into overtime and were as exciting for the spectators as watching a close NCAA game.
The men who gave up their Saturday in an easy chair to run up and down basketball courts were our angels. Thank you so much to Edwin Bircher, Joe Bobrowski, Jim Flatt, Bob Gorincen, Steve Jovanovic, Mike Keyes, Jeremy Pratts and Greg Yergler. You are my pet persons of the week for making the day shine for all of us — and being as great as our kids. For the winning teams from our area, good luck at state this weekend, and be safe.
***
Most of us, when we think of “addiction,” think of drugs and alcohol. But another addiction, often hidden, can ruin lives and tear up families. It’s called gambling.
Many of us enjoy the fun of a slot machine, or a hand or two of blackjack, or maybe even a roll of the dice, but when the urge begins to be overpowering, and out of control, when money for bills is left at the casino, when you’re sure that this time you’ll win, when it disrupts your life and the lives of your loved ones, it’s called problem gambling. This kind of addiction sneaks up on its victims, and takes hold of the gambler’s entire life and well-being. How did it get this far, and how can it stop?
If you or someone you care about is a victim of problem gambling, mark 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, on your calendar and be at Porter Starke Services, 3176 Lancer St., in Portage hear Aaron Kochar, director of prevention and education, and a guest speaker to learn ways to combat the addiction and find resources and help.
The guest speaker, Julie, will share how her gambling problem impacted her life and the lives of her loved ones, along with her journey to recovery, which she is now celebrating after 18 months of freedom. The presentation is free and includes lunch. Call Aaron at 476-4556 or email him at [email protected]
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. And thank you to the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program for sponsoring this presentation. This hidden addiction is a battle that can be won.***
OK, where is spring? Who hid the warm weather? The poor little sprouts peaking their heads out of the ground, and the little birds trying to find a place to rest without freezing are sad. But we can’t let winter win. Spring will finally bring back the sun and warm our bones, so don’t give up hope. Instead, smile at someone every day, and then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist. Reach her at [email protected].