June’s “In This Issue” Column by Robert A. DeLena

 

Each month I begin this column hoping not to sound like a broken record.  Then I realize that term, “broken record,” might be antiquated for our younger readers who grew up listening to MP3s, digital sound, and tablets.

Thinking further, I realize that the reason I sound like a broken record is that this column is typically one of gratitude for all the creative people who ply their skills to bring you a community paper you can trust.

And that exercise in gratitude is what keeps me going.  This month I battled pneumonia while putting up 8 to ten articles a day for the Genesee Sun and ensuring this month’s issue is the same masterpiece as the last.

The reason?  It is a lot of fun interacting with all these creative folks and us collectively delivering to you a superior product.  These publications are my way of coping with the adversaries brought on by COVID-19 and my somewhat miserable but improving health.

Where else can a person’s life be so enriched by the contributors I am about to mention – and that is only some of them because many volunteers are behind the scenes because they also believe strongly in community.

Behind the scenes but coming out this month is everyone’s favorite piano person, Geoff Clough who, with the help of Cecile Dunkleberg put together a special treat that will bring you down memory lane – that is if you are over 130 years old!  Cecile also has contributed her regular column, “Mullings,” and put together at the end of this paper various contributions from our volunteers who range in age from 19 to 96.

Five of our people are over 90!  That includes the inspiring Hildegarde Turk who calls me a few times a week because … get this… she is worried about me!  Shessh!

And what would our paper be without a contribution from the great Elnora Teed.  Not only do we have her but also poetry from our oldest contributor Evelyn Shoots.

Reverse that coin and welcome back our senior from Geneseo College, Brock Nahalka.  Plus, a return visit from fabled Jordan Griffen (go to the back of the paper where he is playing with tigers!) who wrote that great series back when he was still a student.  Also become breathless with the artwork of Roxanne Columbia.  Keep this issue for a while.  This is her first appearance and there will be more to come.   Within the next five years, she will be the pride of Livingston County when it comes to art.

Meanwhile we got a lot of great feedback from some of our newest contributors.  Karen Fries comes back with another exotic animal tale.  Ed Rouse returns to speak about his childhood growing up in this area.  George Harvey conjures up the beginnings of great woodworking projects.  After reading Mr.  Harvey’s column I cannot wait to be able to walk again so I can set up a shop in my barn and begin, with his wise counsel, starting some woodworking projects of my own.

And speaking of experts we have our own “Bandit” with his well enjoyed fishing column.

There’s also everyone’s favorite “farm girl,” Valerie Moss-Deegan.  This past month Valarie’s mom died so please remember her in your prayers.  While you are praying be sure to include our own Rich Englebrecht who is scheduled for shoulder surgery.  His articles are also contained within these pages.

Please don’t forget to read Lima’s Town Supervisor, Mike Falk as he continues to fulfill his promises to his town by not only working hard but smart.  And when it comes to working hard, who is better known then our Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, whose article, “Candles in The Darkness” is a must read.

Speaking of lighting a candle, try on for size our long-time contributor, Jerry Thompson who enlightens us about the “dark, deep” web on the internet.  More expert knowledge within this small paper is Linda McGory’s piece of real estate with her “Market Insights.”

And there is so much more.  Spellini updates us on the Conesus Fire Department.

Lovelace writes about “Endless Beaches”, while Susan Adamson waxes poetically about a butter dish!

Of course, if poetry is your thing or you just enjoy innovative writing, check out our offerings by Mike Bunce, Joe Teahan, Diane Shirley, Fred Harrington, and Evelyn Shoots.

The great Susan Hefner is back.  Not only did we use her picture for our cover this month but she was kind enough to write an article about the COVID-19 graduating classes.

Meanwhile, Anna Burdett keeps us singing with her “Country Roads Part II,” piece.   While listening to her selections be sure to enjoy the recipes put out by writers Margaret King and ever popular Chelsea Wiggins.

New to these pages give Steven Weider’s “From Rosebud to Roses,” a read.

And lastly, with sadness but also great gratitude we say good-bye to Brian Ambor, our printer.  Because of his company’s merger with Ganett, the Canandaigua printing plant will be closed.

My relationship with Mr. Amber has been excellent throughout the years.  His leaving is probably going to result in, not only our paper looking different, but administrative changes, increases in our transportation costs, and doubling our printing bill.  But the most painful of woes is losing a trusted friend.  On behalf of all of us at Lake Country Echo, thank you Brian.