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Model Of NomineeTTiis metal model of a praying mantis, con- Joseph Mozick of Martinsville- The Bicenten-sidered for designation as Virginia’s official nlal stiver dollar indicates the year it wasinsect, was made for the state’s governor by made. (AP Wirephoto?Praying Mantis Backer Sends Gift To GovernorRICHMOND, Va. (AP)-The praying-mantis* butterfly battle may be over for this session of Ibe Virginia General Assemly, but the praying mantis lobby got in one last blow Wednesday for its candidate for state insect.A praying mantis, safely crated in a box with air holes, arrived at the State Capitol forthe governor.This particular bug didn’t really need the air holes — its body was a railroad spike and its wings were made of gold-colored metal.Joseph Mozick of Martinsville made the insect for the governor, to show his support for thepraying mantis.“Personally, I prefer the praying mantis rather than the butterfly, not only gardenwise, but for his exalted characteristics.’’ Mozick said in a letter to Gov. Mills Godwin.“God’s creation of the mantis was intended to be honored,” the letter said. “Hopefully. Vir-ginia will do so.The House of Delegates championed the praying mantis for the official insect of the Commonwealth, but the.Senate favored the tiger swallowtail butterfly.With both houses refusing to budge from their choices, the sponsors of both insects decided to let the controversy rest untilnext vear.Mozick’spraying mantis held a silver dollar in its front legs — to commemorate the Bicentennial, he said.A Du Pont employe who is almost ready to retire. Mozick makes the praying mantis as a hobby in a small shop in his basement.“Since the rivalry over thedesignation of the state insect. he said, “I was prompted by my neighbors and other people to make a praying mantis and to send you one, he wrote the governor.Moziek's letter was placed in ibe “pro-praying mantis” file in the governor's office to await another battle next vear.•i
Newspaper Details
Danville Bee
Danville, Virginia, US
Thu, Mar 11, 1976
Page 23
Full Page
Clipped by
Boyd C.
KY, USA 18 Oct 2021
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