I’m Springfield Township

One of the ballfields at Harlan Community Park.

I was returning from celebrating my granddaughter’s first birthday with my daughter and son-in-law in Nebraska the other day, and I thought about how much of my life runs through this township.

I’m Springfield Township when I order the all-you-can-eat fish dinner at Harlan Cafe.

I’m Springfield Township buying a roll of stamps at the Harlan Post Office, working through our accounts at First Merchants Bank, and, more recently, picking up ice cream at Old Ridge.

I’m Springfield Township when I stop at Springfield Machine for repairs and supplies from Elmer Zehr and his son-in-law, Joe Schmucker.

I’m Springfield Township when I pick up groceries from Amos and Mary Etta at A&M Grocery.

I was Springfield Township when I was an assistant coach for my son’s baseball team at Harlan Park, and when I chipped in to rebuild the baseball storage shed after it was vandalized.

Most of all, I’m Springfield Township when I lend my vehicles and my time to help Amish neighbors prepare for a wedding or, sadly, lay someone to rest.

Just past the line, I’m a regular with Claude and Len at Grabill Hardware. Dan is on speed dial at NAPA for auto and farm parts. A little south, I’m part of the community at the John Deere in Woodburn, where I recently bought a piece of farm equipment and regularly buy parts.

This is home, not just the address on my mailbox. I care about the people of Springfield Township because I live here.

An evening fire in the backyard before harvest starts.