Photo: Doug Hunt, Crawfordsville (IN) Journal Review

Keeping a Tradition Alive

Michael Adams, 13, carries on a tradition his late grandfather, Luther Lofland, started decades ago for the Montgomery Co. (Indiana) CROP Hunger Walk. Adams, a seventh grader, sets up the familiar fresh apple and water rest stop in Milligan Park for more than 100 people who participate in the CROP Walk.

Lofland, who died this past June at age 81, was treasurer for 40 years, first for the CROP Canvass, then for the CROP Hunger Walk. He was the recipient of the 2004 Mishler Lifetime Service Award, and was previously named to the CROP Honor Roll, both presented by the Indiana-Kentucky Regional Office.

Michael was about five when he first started helping with the rest stop. Upon Lofland’s passing, it became Michael’s personal mission to continue his grandfather’s work. In addition, he and his grandmother, Sandy Lofland, collect Walk pledges, raising $265 last year — keeping the tradition alive.