Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

Fall - but still on Daylight Savings Time in a lot of the states in the USA. Arizona is one that ignores such stipulations, but it seems that the sun shines there nearly all the time anyway. Somehow, with the clocks not being reset, it seems as though summer thinks it must keep on keeping on. The heat has barely abated in western Texas, but there is always a breath of air (read wind and sandstorm) around the corner.

Speaking of wind, the first segment of "Mail Bag" answers some questions we've all been pondering about how the energy of wind can actually be harnessed in sufficient quantity to matter to our economy. Thanks to your editor's son in law Ruben Olgin, the amazing presentation designed and created by A. Gene Dole can now be appreciated. This email arrived in gmail form, and it soon became apparent that would not work for readers unless they also used gmail. Our webmaster Mike Craner was the next to step up so that the featured presentation could be seen. Although the download message warned it would take approximately two hours it was on the screen in less than 4 minutes. Thanks, Mike.

The second "Mail Bag" segment brings to mind that Elections will be held next month and asks the question Why do many of us not vote at all? The story was sent around again this year which was immortalized by the movie "Iron Jawed Angels" of the struggles by women advocates to win the privilege of voting.

Yes, privilege, is the right word. Your editor shudders to think what her own paternal great grandmother Flutie Creek Alexander Kendrick would say if this soul shirked voting. She marched with the suffragettes and when they formed a State league in Missouri, she, with a hundred or more ladies all dressed in their Gibson Girl style white dresses, posed on the steps of the capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri. She was one of the officers of the organization, and upheld their ideals as well as marching to abolish liquor. Ah! what energy was packed into her tiny 5'1" frame! But then, she was of strong minded stock, with cousins who were the Younger boys, and the Younger daughter who became the mother of the Dalton boys.

One of the articles, an informative one by Eric Shackle that could be the wave of the future, shows a model of an electric vehicle. LC Van Savage's article, "Under the Sea" is totally enthusiastic, so be sure to check it out. Another article provides the 23d chapter of Helmer's "Great Jobs" series - "Expanding."

LC Van Savage's column "Consider This," may surprise you as she reveals her true feelings concerning Sports, particularly when they preempt her favorite shows on TV. Eric Shackle reports on Bear news in "Eric Shackle's Column." No this isn't the Chicago variety, LC, so you can read the column too.

"Introspective" by Thomas F. O'Neill, continues the report of the ongoing shock in his hometown of Pennsylvania, and tells how healing has begun. "Thinking Out Loud" by Gerard Meister will have you chuckling as he updates us on Florida's voting process.

Leo C. Helmer who is the cook in "Cookin' With Leo" offers an understated recipe, Grilled Marinated Pork Chops. Understated because it doesn't even hint at the ease of preparation and what fabulous results await the cook who chooses it for dinner.

Mattie Lennon's "Irish Eyes," reveals quite an astonishing feat.. or should we say, feed. An undertaking to serve 1500 fellow countrymen and women, we will add, a simple concoction for their blissful delight. Don't miss "Colcannon" this issue.

Mattie Lennon, himself, will be in the US of A during October to cheer on the champion Gaels as they answer the challenge of the American team. He has been so inspired by the members of that team he composed a ballad to honor them. "Transport Gaels" can be found in the poetry section.

John Blair's work turns to Fall with "Early November," "Mockingbird," "Hummingbird" plus a trio of raptor poems, "Hawk," "The Hawk," and "The Hawk Ascendant." Bruce Clifford's October poetry is "Voice of Reason," "Walk With Me," and "Sitting Here Surprised."

This issue is running a bit late because your editor spent the last few days of September celebrating her 55th Class Reunion, and then basking and recuperating over Sunday and Monday. October blindsided her today, but, wow! what a wonderful time we had for the Home Coming pep rally, parade, and game - all of which all of us relished. The plans are always a big part of any reunion, and our class leaders out-did themselves. Dedicated to those we've lost from our roll call, we celebrated on their behalf. There is also the addition of a story by Hollis Long, who came all the way from Denver, Colorado, to attend this year's gathering. "Roger and Bigfoot" can be found in the Stories section.

Our class has always been close to each other and to our teachers and administrators. This year a former teacher Mary Elizabeth Smith, "Muggs" as she prefers, visited with the class. Though up in her 90's she is still spry, walks better than most of us and without a cane either. She taught physical education and Health and has adhered to her own admonishments to keep good posture and stay trim and active. Known during school as "P.E. Smith" or simply "Smitty" she is dear to our hearts and the visit was a bonus for each of us.

Enjoy this glimpse of our 55th Class Reunion slideshow, and to go to the album (where you can view the individual pics larger and even copy the ones you wish to keep) use this link by clicking on the picture below.

Class of 1953 Reunion

Because of the loss of so many of the class members through the years, this poem, sent the class by Wayne Crowson, one of those now gone, is being carried here:

Names in My Book

I have a list of folks I know...all written in a book
and every now and then...I go and take a look.
That is when I realize these names...they are a part
not of the book they're written in...but taken from the heart.
For each name stands for someone...who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become...the reason and the rhyme.
Although it sounds fantastic...for me to make this claim.
I really am composed...of each remembered name.
Although you're not aware...of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped my life...more than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting...as just a mere routine,
your name was not...forgotten in between.
For when I send a greeting...that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list...of folks I'm indebted to.
So whether I have known you...for many days or few,
in some ways you have a part...in shaping things I do.
I am but a total...of many folks I've met,
you are a friend I would prefer...never to forget.
Thank you for being my Friend!!!

--Anonymous