Now this isn't from Carlisle, but this is an AWESOME video. This is the biggest snake found DEAD! Look for yourself. It will blow your mind.

Thanks to jakev36 on You Tube.

Written by Rick Amburgey: The city has rescheduled the Community Night Out, originally scheduled for last Saturday, for Aug. 1. It will be held this Saturday between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The event was cancelled last Saturday because it was raining heavily in the morning and the forecast called for rain throughout the day. The morning rain cleared off and it turned into a nice, sunny day - completely dry by the time the Community Night Out was to begin.

Mayor Tim Humphries said it's a major concern to him that the event was cancelled without letting anyone in the city know the decision was made. Humphries said he showed up to the event, unaware it was cancelled. City Manager Sherry Callahan was also notified. Members of council and the public also were unaware the cancellation had been made. According to Humphries, there wasn't even a sign at Roscoe Roof Park telling people it was cancelled.

This Saturday's event at Roscoe Roof Park will be a rain or shine event, unless it is thundering and lightening.

The event will have hot dogs and refreshments. It will also have fingerprinting for the kids and much, much more!! Come out for a wonderful community event!!

Image via Wikipedia

Written by Rick Amburgey: Some people have been inquiring with the city as to why there are people taking pictures of property in Carlisle.

The answer is simple. The city is updating their records. The city has ZonePro software that allows them to save pictures that correspond to the property information. City Manager Sherry Callahan said several shots are being taken of each property. She added that in some cases city officials may be able to use the photos to answer questions over the phone to give residents an immediate answer without having to physically go to the property.

The photo and records are public records, so residents are permitted to come in and obtain copies. Anyone with questions should call the city at 746-0555.

Image via Wikipedia

Come Celebrate the Grand Opening of the newly owned Dairy Queen on August 1st!!

Ribbon Cutting will begin the day's festivities at 10:30am. There will be drawings through out the day for local merchant gift certificates.

There will be balloons and DQ tattoos given out to the children and many activities for the kids the entire day.

Face Painting from 1-3pm
FREE Pony Rides from 4:30-7:00pm
DJ, Rick Riddell from 1-5pm
Karaoke from 6-8pm

There will also be a 25 cent corn hole toss benefiting the Childrens Miracle Network

Fun games all day for long for the kids!!

They will also be giving free samples of the famous DQ Ice Cream Cakes and discount coupon for one!

Special discounted Grand Opening menu items for the day are:
99 cent Cheeseburgers
99 cent strawberry shortcake
99 cent 44 oz. Coca Cola

Also, enter the Grand Prize Drawing for kids and adults. The kids can win 2 tickets to SPLASH MORAINE and adults can enter to win a brand new gas grill!!

Come and join in all the fun at DQ on Saturday, August 1st!!

Carlisle Dairy Queen
490 Central Ave.
Carlisle, Ohio 45005
937-743-2700

Following up on the article submitted last week concerning the new school lunch program (click here to read) there is news we want to add to the report.

Jerry Ellender is quoted in Middletown Journal, "Carlisle Local Schools already waives school fees for students on free lunch."

Call your school's principal's office for more information.

Carlisle Park and Recreation Board will once again be hosting its Railroad Days Baby Photo Contest.

Rules are:
1. Child must be under 24 months of age by August 1, 2009.
2. Entry form must be completely filled out.
3. $5.00 entry fee must be paid at time of photo drop off (or mailed with photo).
4. Photo must be dropped off by 4:00pm on August 10, 2009 (if sending through mail it must be received by August 10th, as well)
5. On back of photo list: Name of Child and Date of Birth.

Drop off mail entry form to: Flo Estes, Town Hall 760 Central Ave., Carlisle, Ohio 45005

Print this out for entry form information to submit:

Child's Name:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Phone #:
Parent/Guardian:
Name and Address of Person Entering Photo:



If you have any questions contact Flo Estes @ 746-0555 or Carry Branson @ 743-9192

It's just little league baseball...or is it? I was fortunate enough to witness a truly inspirational performance by a bunch of 7 or 8 year olds this weekend as our Carlisle "B" All-stars challenged Middletown's "A" team; the team that sent them to the consolation bracket the morning before. And if you think it doesn't matter to the kids, I think you're wrong.

One look into the face of Carson Bowling when he accidentally ran into a tag, or Drew Green when he ran down a runner from his short-stop cutoff position only to fall just inches short of foiling a home run, or Brandon Saylor when he barely got caught trying to stretch a double into a triple; Each look at these boys trying desperately to hold back the tears despite 7 coaches and countless parents telling them what a great job they are doing tells a story of a young man who knows what it means to want something fiercely and to know how it feels to fall short. To want something so badly he can actually taste it...feel it...hold it. To feel the pain of failure. The sting of knowing that this mistake may just have cost his team the game. And what about Jeremy Melton? Down three with two outs in the top of the sixth and he slides...two feet short of second base...if you watched Jeremy crawl and scratch his way to fingertip safety...you didn't doubt that this wasn't just a game to him.

It wasn't just a little league game to Ryan Neal or Nick Smith. Not to Jordan Sweeney or Jon Shepherd either. Nope...to Kaleb Carl, Austin Terry, Logan Gross, Michael Couch, and the others it was much more than that. It was an opportunity to face an obstacle and overcome it. And, down seven runs in the first inning, it was an opportunity to realize when the Giant is just too big. It was a chance to quit. These boys had a choice...and to the last one...they faced that Giant and resounded...WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT.

If you think this was "just a game" to those twelve boys, then you are missing something. Something very big. And what about the parents? Are you one of those who believes that the parents who sit on the sidelines and yell are trying somehow to live vicariously through their child? That they are pushing young boys into forced competition thus depriving them of precious opportunities to have fun in a healthy learning enriched environment? If that's you, then you weren't watching our game. These parents are the greatest. Always positive, always encouraging, and always supportive. Oh there's the occasional outburst from a parent who wants his or her son to do better...but until you've been there...until you've seen enough to know how that interaction works...cast no aspersions. No. These are not your typical overzealous, overeager, loud-mouthed hard cases. These are parents who make it a pure joy to share this memory with. Did I mention we won the game...would it have mattered?

I said it Sunday, and I'll say it again...I know it's just a game...and little league at that...but if I could do, in my day to day affairs, what these little men did that day, there is nothing I couldn't accomplish. What I witnessed was heart. It was teamwork personified. It was unbridled desire. It was everything that is good about little league sports. What I witnessed, however seemingly insignificant, will forever be etched into the fabric that makes me who I am...and I am better for having been a part of it.

Image via CrunchBase

Thanks to all of our readers and members who have joined the revolution of the hyperlocal site in Carlisle, CarlisleDaily.com. We have reached new heights becoming a HUGE fixture in Carlisle. Evidence has been overwhelming. We have reached 1,000 members/friends on Facebook where we send all articles and postings immediately so that traffic funnels back to the site. All advertisers, articles, posts, pictures, and videos hit the CarlisleDaily.com site and then is sent off into social network land of now 1,000 members!! That is fantastic!!

Also, since our launch on May 1st we not only have reached HUGE goals on Facebook but our traffic has been soaring!! We have averaged close to 1,000 visits each week and close to 2,000 page views each week. That may not make sense to everyone but in a little city of 5,000 or so that is HUGE. We are excited and want to thank each and everyone for their readership, participation with comments on articles, and feedback to us as we continue this journey of providing quality news and information to the community.

We have had a huge response from those of you that have grew up in Carlisle and check back often on what is going on in your old hometown! We appreciate all the residents of Carlisle and past residents living across the country for your loyalty to the site!!

If you have any stories, questions, criticism, feedback, pictures, or even want to post your own stories please email us at carlisledaily@gmail.com We would love to hear from you!!!

Thank you Carlisle!!

	Becky's "QUEST FOR THE BEST"
	Fund Raiser and Benefit for a Cancer Patient Becky Perkins!!!
	Let me introduce you to Rebecca Perkins or "BECKY" to her friends.
	Background Story Becky had been experiencing back pain for several weeks. She had gone to the ER and to her family doctor. They dismissed it as pulled muscles, etc. and prescribed pain relievers, anti-inflam matories and muscle relaxers. On Friday, Feb. 20, she was experiencin g a sharp, stabbing pain in her back. She went to the ER. The doctor noticed that Becky's liver area was very tender. They ran a CT-scan and discovered spots on her liver and a mass in her breast. She had noticed the mass a few months ago and thought she would take care of it later. She was most concerned with the back pain. After numerous tests, CT-scans, MRI's, x-ray's, they have diagnosed it as breast cancer that has spread to her liver, one lung, and her spine. The brain and heart are fine and the liver is functioning normally. There's one tumor on her spine very close to her spinal cord that they are very concerned about. The plan at this point is to treat that area with radiation and chemotherapy for the rest, which will begin early next week. I will continually post updates.
	Benefit to help raise money for medical bills.
	Fund raiser Benefit Saturday, July 25 3:00 - 10:00 pm Elks Lodge #257 6475 Trenton-Franklin Rd. Fishing derby, raffles, activities for kids, cornhole tournament, band, silent auction Please email perkmiller0 4@yahoo.com if you are interested in helping
	MORE DETAILS:
	Food just ($5 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under)
	Alcohol must be purchased from the ELKS
	Basket Raffle and Silent Auction
	Live music provided by -----INSIDE OUT-----
	Kids Water Activities (bring suits and towels)
	* Fishing Derby - Registration begins at 3, Derby 4:30 - 7:00 (bring poles and bait)
	* Corn Hole Tournament
	* Advanced registration recommended - Call 1-513-423-8234 Comedy Show just added!!!!!!!!
	Droopy Drew Donisi - Comedy show at (6:30)
	Visit this website http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/beckyperkins for updates on Becky's treatment, spirit and progress! Come out and have fun for a great cause!

Recently, we did an article titled, This will be one wild election year for Carlisle City Council (Click on link to read) and we discussed how wild of an election this will be in little ole Carlisle. Well, within the School Board petitions continue to roll into the Warren County Candidate site. Since our last article there have been two more petitions turned one by Bryan Dunkman and Duane Patrick. And sources say that Travis Dale Swain potentially will not run but we have not yet confirmed. The school board with the many seats open will be a wide open election for those looking to serve for next year. Carlisle Daily will soon be posting information hopefully directly from each candidate for School Board and City Council in August.

If you are running for any of the positions open in the City or School please contact us for advertising space and information that we can post in our upcoming articles on the election at carlisledaily@gmail.com.

With over 1500 visitors each week, and now 1,000 members/friends of Carlisle Daily on Facebook we will be sure to keep the election news coming!! Thanks for your readership.

Below is a current list of those that are running for Carlisle Local School Board.

Clay David 453 Sunset Dr Carlisle, OH 45005 7/10/09
Unexpired term Bryan Dunkman 8176 Meadowlark Dr Carlisle, OH 45005
Tammy Lainhart 6968 Miami View Dr Franklin, OH 45005
Unexpired term Joe Marinich 6025 9th Ave Miamisburg, OH 45342
Duane Patrick 5508 Glen Ct Carlisle, OH 45005
Unexpired term Travis Dale Swain 7771 Myrtle Dr Franklin, OH 45005

PUBLIC RELEASE

Carlisle Local Schools today announced its 2009-2010 program year policy free and reduced-price meals or free milk for students unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast, After School care Snack, or Special Milk Program. Local school officials have adopted the following income eligibility scale for free or reduced-priced meals or free milk.

The Income Eligibity Scale for free or reduced-price benefits effective for the 2009-2010 Program year is as follows.


Application forms are being distributed to all homes in a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free and reduced-price benefits, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the pricipal's office in each school. A complete application is required. Households which currently receive Food Assistance Program Benefits (SNAP, formally known as food stamps) or Ohio Workers First (OWF) funds for a child must provide the child's name, the SNAP or OWF case number, and of an adult household member on the application. Households which do not receive SNAP or OWF funds must provide the names of all household members, the Social Security Number of the adult signing the application or state "none" if the adult does not have a number, the amount and source of income received by each household member, (state the monthly income) and the signature of an adult household member. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application.

Additonal information provide in the Public release is as follows on Free Health Care for your Children.

Image via Wikipedia

Carlisle 2008 graduate Steven Profitt, whose majoring in Political Science was among 339 students named to Denison University's Spring Semester Dean's List by Provost Bradley Bateman.

To earn Dean's list Steven maintained a 3.7 or better for the semester.

Congratulations Steven!!



Pictured Steven Profitt (Left) and Christoper Wotta (Right)

These homes were built in the 1970's and were called Futuro homes. These two are only a handful left in the United States. Google them for more information. The fact that they look like UFO's is just a play on the Futuro homes not built to be disguised as. So now we have to call them the Futuro homes not the Spaceships anymore. So sad...

You are invited to join fellow Class of ’94 friends and classmates at our upcoming 15th Class Reunion. When: August 15th, Saturday Where: JD Legends Bar/Restaurant, 65 Millard Dr., Franklin, OH (Located inside the old Laynecrest Bowling Alley, which is now called StrikeZone) www.jdlegends.com *The VIP shelter has been reserved for classmates and spouses. NO CHILDREN Time: 6:30 Dress: Very informal / Casual Ticket Prices: $25.00 single / $40.00 couple TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE BY AUGUST 1ST. To purchase your tickets, use the Paypal link. The option is located on the right side of the page. We do realize it is listed as a “donation”. This is actually where you purchase the tickets. Once you have paid, you will need to print off the “receipt” and that is your ticket in the door. While you are in this program, take a minute and update your profile page so that you classmates can see what you are doing! Entertainment: 33 People (Band) www.33people.com Menu: Beef Skewers, Chicken Wings, Potato Skins, Veggies, and Chip’s and Salsa. *This is not a sit down dinner, only appetizers. Soft drinks will be free. Each person will receive one “drink ticket” to use towards a beverage from the bar. After the ticket has been used, it will be a Cash Bar Only. The committee members have received an overwhelming response to this reunion. We have been able to get in touch with almost everyone in our class, via email. We are anticipating a huge turn out for this event! We hope you join us for a night of catching up and fun!
• You’re invited to the Class of ’94s Family Picnic! When: August 15th Where: RoscoeRoofPark Carlisle, OH Time: 11:30 – 2:30 · Each family is responsible for providing their own lunch, place settings and drinks. · No alcohol permitted. · Restrooms are within a short walking distance. Activities will include, but may not be limited to (feel free to bring an activity): · Corn Hole (extras are needed) · Cards · Playground for the kids · Walking/Biking path for the kids The reunion committee is expecting a nice turnout for this event. Carlisle Railroad Days will also be going on during this time (Aug. 14-15). Watch the parade and come on over and enjoy catching up with classmates! PURCHASE YOUR REUNION TICKETS! Paypal is up and running! The option is located on the right side of the page. We realize it is listed as a "donation". This is actually where you will purchase the tickets. Tickets are $25.00 each or $40.00 per couple. If there is a problem with the log in you can input the email to send money: CarlisleHigh1994@Yahoo.com You must purchase your ticket(s) by August 1, 2009.
•

Dave Lamb of the Dayton Daily News just released his 2009 Lamber Awards and Carlisle earned two of his end of the season awards.

The first award mentioned in the article was given to Shortstop of the Carlisle Varsity Baseball Team, Alex Leach for "Best Future" Award. Lamb mentions Leach, "as one having a good baseball IQ and that is only going to get better as he gets stronger."

Alex led the Indians this past Spring in six offensive categories as their lead off hitter and was a phenomenal shortstop all season long.

The second award mentioned in the article was to the Carlisle Varsity Tennis team for the "Biggest Surprise" Award. This is a very deserveable award for the Tennis team. They are the only team that has not won a league championship in the past. They were so close the past few years with some tremendous tennis squads. And this year they set out their season with graduating six seniors off their fantastic squad of last year. This year was a remarkable year for the Tennis team and they truly earned their right for this award!! Simply amazing!!

To read all of the Lamber Awards visit Dave Lamb's article by clicking here.

Shepard Had the Right Stuff

By Jan Beedle

Seeing so much on the news lately about the 40th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing takes me back to earlier days, when my Thomas family was coming back from a rewarding auto trip to Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Nash Rambler Cross Country Wagon proved to be a comfortable travel vehicle for our family of four. We could lay the back seat flat and take turns relaxing on the inflated air mattress. On May 5, 1961, we left St. Pete while still dark to head for Ohio. Dad pulled to the side of the road, while we gazed in amazement at the lighted skyscraper slowly rise in the darkness. It was flat toward the east and not much over there that we knew about. Stranger yet, a blast of orange glowed as its tail. We had no idea what we were watching – perhaps a UFO?

Tests and experimentation of exploring outer space were secretive in the 1950s. Television and the media were not as involved with such exploits, as we know them to be today. We knew about the atom bomb explosions in Nevada, but the media was kept in the dark concerning most accomplishments, until afterwards.

By the time we stopped at Macon, Georgia, for the night, the event became obvious – we were not seeing things. The front page of the local paper spread the word. Alan Shepard was the first American in space.

Inducted into the Washington D.C. Academy of Achievement in 1981, Rear Admiral Shepard said, “I must admit, maybe I am a piece of history after all.” I know I’ll never forget that historical day.

Unlike Ohioans Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, Alan Shepard was born in East Derry, New Hampshire and raised on the family farm. At the age of ten, he pedaled ten miles to the nearest airport on Saturday mornings. He made himself handy by cleaning the planes and performing odd jobs. Alan tried to learn all he could about the planes. He worshipped Charles Lindbergh and built model planes until his early teens. His father, being retired military, lived long enough to see his son travel to the moon and back. He was only one of twelve to walk on the moon, which he claimed was starkly desolate.

Paralleling his life with the area and my life – Alan received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in 1971 from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. This date chronicled the birth of my youngest daughter and Miami was a school I earlier attended.

On July 21, 1998, Alan died from Leukemia at the age of seventy-four. This week recalls the anniversary of Shepard’s death. Alan, becoming a successful businessman, retired as a Rear Admiral from NASA on August 1, 1974.

More to come on Alan Shepard and his contribution to the space program...

NOTE: The clear pictures are part of my personal collection, sent to me by Hubby’s cousin, who worked for Cape Canaveral (later – Cape Kennedy) at one time and knew most of the astronauts.

You may contact Jan at RandJB@juno.com

The Carlisle All Stars are winning all over Miami Valley. The Carlisle Coach Pitch Red Team won the Springboro 4th of July tourney a few weeks ago. This past weekend the Carlisle Coach Pitch Red and Gray won the Monroe tournament in their divisions.

The Red Team breezed through Forest Park in the finals and the Gray team won a nailbiter against Middletown. The Gray team had to come from the losers bracket and beat Middletown twice on Sunday. They beat Middletown in the first game very easily but Middletown would not go down without a fight. Middletown jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning but the Gray team with a ton of heart rallied back and it was a back and forth battle to the very end.

Great job to both teams for their big wins this weekend.

In Valley View, the 9-10 year old Kid Pitch All Star Team earned 1st place in Valley View, as well. More details of their weekend coming tomorrow.

The T-Ball All Star Team battled in three games this past weekend but was ousted from the tourney early.

Carlisle Daily will post pictures of all this past weekends teams as early as tomorrow!!

GREAT JOB TEAMS!!

Image via Wikipedia

Sources tell us that this morning one of the picnic tables at Roscoe Roof Park had been burnt and was still smoldering as of this morning.

We are not sure if it was intentionally set on fire or was by accident but yet it still is damage to a park that is widely used by our residents for Birthday parties, family reunions, and other gatherings. The park is also used by many as a wonderful walk or jog on the walking path that goes around the entire perimeter of the park.

If this was indeed some vandalism, it is a shame. Why does it seem okay to even children or whoever to damage city property in this way. We commend the city and their effort to provide such a nice place for the residents. Yet, some seem not to care and cause damage.

Such a pity and hopefully the police department begins to patrol with more awareness with these types of acts and the breaking and entering of cars in neighborhoods, as reported last week, in our Lock your doors at night....article.

Are these incidents random? Are they from summer boredom with our youth? What do you think? Carlisle Daily would love to hear your comments. Click here to let us know.

Image via Wikipedia

Yappi.com is a blog for High School sports and it seems that things are getting heated up with chats and discussion back and forth about the upcoming football season for the Carlisle Indians.

The Indians are hopeful returning many players from last year to make a solid run to the playoffs. The offensive line is back and is sure to stabilize the offense for the Indians.

Here is some of the talk on Yappi.com


As you can see things are heating up for the upcoming season. We will begin our coverage next week as the Indians have been training in the offseason very hard to accomplish some incredible goals!!

Image via Wikipedia

The CHS Boys Soccer Team is now looking to add members to its squad! If you or someone you know is interested, contact head coach Brian Ruzzo at (937) 855-1132 or through email at brianruzzo@gmail.com.

GOOD LUCK INDIANS in your 2009 season!

Carlisle schools will see a drop in state aid of 1 percent the first year of the budget and 2 percent the second, according to state figures, which still must be signed by Gov. Ted Strickland. Strickland has been forced to reduce library funds and now school funds.

The kicker is that the stimulus money that schools will begin to see can not offset or be used in compensating for the loss of state aid. Jerry Ellender, School Treasurer had some significant quotes in the Middletown Journal about the current state funding.

“You’re not allowed to just supplant your expenses with that money. You’re supposed to spend that on new programs,” said Carlisle Local Schools Treasurer Jerry Ellender.

This will really cause Carlisle's whole accounting of these funds to be a struggle and major change to try to figure out where and how to use the stimulus money. It will put a pinch on how to start new programs with money that will run out and the lack of money from the state to sustain the new programs.

“It’s difficult to create a program and add teachers that you may have to turn around and then lay off again in two years,” Ellender said.

This is something of great significance for our schools and will be interesting to see how and what Carlisle will do first with the stimulus money and how they will handle the lack of state aid the next two years.

The Carlisle Coach Pitch All Stars have been in action all summer. The Red team has placed second in our home tournament in Carlisle, Ohio losing to Miamisburg's squad. The Gray team lost two games to two very strong "A" teams from Franklin and Kettering.

The Red team went on the road to Springboro, July 4th weekend, and earned 1st place in the holiday tournament.

Both Red and Gray teams were in action this past weekend on the road at the Madison All Star tournament. The Gray team run ruled two area "B" teams Middletown and Monroe last Friday night. On Saturday, the Gray team lost a heartbreaker to Monroe "A" team 9-4. On Sunday, they lost to Franklin in their final game going 2-2 in the tourney.

The Red team again went to new heights and won their second straight tourney barely being challenged by beating a Hunter All Star team from Franklin, Ohio 11-0 in the final game.


Carlisle Daily is looking for any parent of the All Star teams from the T-Ball team to the Kid Pitch teams to submit news and photos for posting in the Kid's Sports section.

If you would like to purchase any pictures seen in slideshow contact us at carlisledaily@gmail.com

“Come into My Beedle Beat”

By Jan Beedle

I believe in living life to the fullest potential. As you come to know me, you will see that my life as a historian, genealogist, organizer, poet, floral arranger, herbalist, musician, politician, leader, speaker, writer, and above all…wife, mother, and grandmother and inquisitive person does not mean I sit on my duff for long. Research and involvement in any direction are my forte`.

Presently, I am compiling three books of one hundred seven already-written poems, a non-fictional historical rendition, and a historical romantic epic. The novel spans from the 1600s in Massachusetts to post Civil War days in Texas. I settled down enough eight years ago to pen a human-interest column for Miller Newspapers. I have published a historical column for the Springboro Sun (Times Community Newspapers) and an ongoing column, highlighting outstanding volunteers from Warren County in the Warren County Community Services Newsletter. Taking fourteen classes in “Writing about Your Life and Times” (repeatedly) at Sinclair Community College for Seniors, now referred to as the Lifelong Learning Center, motivated me to write about twelve hundred words every other day. Most of the students took the class as often as me. Kay Berg is a charismatic instructor, and has proven to be helpful. I wish I had the self-discipline in my MHS or college days that I have now. I led the Schuster Tour and Lunch session two quarters a year and in the past have taught other classes. “Examining Your Life…What is Life, Really?” was a five-week winter course and “Jan’s Idiot Genealogy Guide” ran for a spring quarter. While presenting seminars/speaking engagements on “Expanding the Mind; Extending Life,” I become as enlightened and enthusiastic as my audience. I try to instill in everyone, young and old, that a person CAN DO or learn whatever or overcome insurmountable obstacles he or she wants to do, with discipline, study and perseverance. I know – I have been there, done that. A positive attitude does not hurt.

A strong political/musical background reigned on the “Utter” side of the family, starting with Grandma Utter-Thomas, who played organ and accordion by ear. Her brother, Leonard, played piano by ear and sang with an early Middletown Barbershop Quartet. Uncle Arba Thomas, Grandma’s son, played flute with The Armco Band, directed by Frank Simon (Sousa’s assistant director before he formed his own talented group). He also performed intermittently for The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Dad played accordion, piano, and harmonica by ear, but excelled on the latter. He kept up with Herb Shriner, a renowned harmonicat in the 1950s. Mother tickled the ivory keys, my two sisters played piano, with June also playing violin, and Jenni the clarinet. Jenni took vocal lessons from Helen Gerber Ramsdell, and so did I. I also played piano and violin.

Herman Copp conducted the Middletown Youth Symphony in the early 1950s and June said she was in it in the 1940s. I am sure many of you played along with me in the violin section. Music remained a vital staple in my life until the late 1980s. I no longer participate, but now I can sit back and enjoy the efforts of everyone else.

We continue history by recording it as we go. Erma Bombeck used her position as a wife and mother to write her witty comments about everyday life, because she knew it best. With humor splashed hither and yon, she made it seem far from ordinary. If I need a boost, my personal library holds her special works that inject me with joy. I hope my nostalgic jaunts from the past and beyond encourage your mind to wander and share, because history has helped to mold us into who we are, what we stand for today, and influence the future of our children’s children. Let your hearts join the Beedle Beat.