[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REPORT FROM INDIANA--MISTY AND MYRA YOUNG

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                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 1997

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my report from 
Indiana
  In the Second Congressional District of Indiana there are so many 
good people. Good people doing good things. In my book, these special 
individuals are Hoosier Heroes. Hoosier Heroes because they have 
dedicated their lives to helping others. Mr. Speaker, Myra and Misty 
Young of Pendleton, IN, are Hoosier Heroes. They are proof that there 
is no age too young to make our community a better place.
  Myra and Misty bring joy and kindness to the seniors of the nursing 
homes in Pendleton, IN. These young girls share with seniors love and 
friendship. They put smiles on their faces. These Pendleton Elementary 
School students, and other kids from throughout Madison County, are no 
strangers to lending a helping hand where one is needed. After school 
and on weekends, they volunteer their time at Pet-a-Pal, an 
organization that livens the spirits in nursing homes throughout 
Pendleton. Dressed in costume, these wonderful girls and their canine 
friends entertain seniors with cheerful parades and dances.
  Twelve-year-old Myra is an excellent student. She volunteers her time 
to the nursing homes so she can share her youth with others. In her 
free time she enjoys playing volleyball. Today she is recovering from a 
debilitating ankle injury. When asked about the time spent at the 
senior homes, Myra will humbly confess that ``it's really fun, and neat 
to see the peoples' expressions when we bring the dogs in.''
  Misty, only 7 years old, is an honor student and a member of the 
Pendleton Garden Club in addition to her efforts with Pet-a-Pal. During 
Misty's first few times at Pet-a-Pal she was quiet and withdrawn during 
the parades, a bit fearful of her role in the events. One day, she and 
her canine companion both dressed as brides in wedding gowns and became 
the hit of the parade.
  During a silence in the event, Misty threw the leash over her head 
and danced in circles with her dog in sync not far behind. The audience 
erupted with pleasant laughter and were warmed by Misty's adorable 
youthfulness and innocence. Misty now tells her grandmother Julane 
Shepard that she wants to go everyday to entertain, make new friends, 
and laugh.
  Myra and Misty Young may not fully appreciate the benefits the senior 
and hospital patients reap as a result of their efforts. But in their 
hearts they must know that they are responsible for the smiles on faces 
and the dancing eyes of all the patients they so graciously entertain. 
As they ride to the parades on those special Tuesdays and Thursdays 
with their grandmother, Julane, the girls think not of the service they 
give to the Pendleton community, but the enjoyment they have in doing 
so. And for that reason, Myra and Misty Young of Pendleton, IN are 
Hoosier Heroes.
  Mr. Speaker that is my report from Indiana.

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