senior scribes
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Another Apology, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I owe an apology to Company 7 Barbecue/1001 S. Main St./Englewood, Ohio. I'm getting practice at saying "I'm sorry!" I've written to you all concerning a woman I know who was caught in a Meth Lab Bust. She got her kiddie back and had another one in the meantime. She said she was returning to the "pot-smoking scene" the day she was holding her "Freedom Papers" in her hand from the courts. She told me she's returned to it - earlier than the papers... read more
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May 16… Wear Purple for Peace Day, From a CNO reader
You'd think that this day originated in protest of a particular war or conflict. Or, perhaps it should have been conceived by the UN, or another peacemaking or peace-keeping group. Our extensive research found no evidence supporting the origin of this holiday stemming from these sources. Rather, we found this day to be a stellar event. It seems some of you out there fear that aliens from outer space consider earthlings to be too hostile (you've got that right)... read more
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Eclectic, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Eclectic is defined as "deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Now the definition does not fit exactly. But, see if you find any common ideas from the following. I thought they were disjointed thoughts. But, maybe they are not as disjointed as I thought. They are all from conversations I've had with people - who do not know each other. This one puzzles and troubles me the most. I actually saw all of this. The ad... read more
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"She" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I normally do not write columns "ver-batim" - word-for-word when people talk to me. But, this one just made so much sense - I wrote it the way it was said. "Mona, you need to write this. Whether anyone listens or not." She told me she'd "been there." There are so many nuances to this that I can not possibly look at them all. She told me she could not be sorry enough for her bad decisions. And they rarely had to do with alcohol or drugs! They were born of... read more
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"Imperfections" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! My dog is roughly 10 and a half years old. She has "hot spots." The skin will turn red - she'll itch and dig - the hair falls out sometimes - it's a chore, to be sure. Her owner could not care for her. I got her when she was a year old. The hot spots came in the last 3 years. She has been a joy to me through it all. You know - aside from the fact that she physically can not lie to me - I do not think she would if she could - she asks little of me. She only wants... read more
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Starts With "R", By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been listening to people talk about the "Police Beat." I hear how they do not like it - at all...it's too "blow-by-blow." You faithful readers (thanks, again!) know how my mind works. From my readings of the "author" of the Police Beat - he has always shown you a path and given you the first step or two. You get to do the "math" - if you like. On this particular one - I'll do the math. Remember reading about the kid (25?) who took off... read more
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Only One Way, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've turned this over in my mind for some time now. And there is only one way to say this… only one way to look at it. And that is to look at the truth of it. Concerning the drug problem - here's how to make a dent (a huge one) in it: Common drug scenario - "Jiles, man you really came through for us this time!! Just when we thought there was no heroin (pills, pot, crack, cocaine, etc.), you went to Bubba. Man, I know you don't like him at all. (See how Jiles is... read more
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Hmm! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This could only be in my mind! But - I thought I'd share this idea with you. I was speaking to a girlfriend the other day. Our conversation turned to this: Have you ever noticed that (by and large) - almost by some cosmic (higher-up?) design - people from other countries (cultures?) are living and working here? Before I continue on, I'll put a parameter on this..There are good people and bad people in every culture (color,sex,etc.). And another parameter is... read more
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People and Money, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He was a very young man for the job. He was inexperienced. But, he had a smile. He wore the right clothes - white shirt and black suit. He had a petite, lovely wife. She smiled, was poised, and spoke of the children. I'm speaking of John F. Kennedy - or, am I? He had the right family connections. He had political backers who knew their places - mostly silent ones. He came on strong - always with that charm and smile. A few good things seemed to happen... read more
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Probably Just Me, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Maybe it's just me - it probably is - just me. But - everyone - well; most people, agree that "everything is made in China." And that China is our enemy...that China owns us." But - I think we are paying China to be our enemy - to own us!! And here's how I come to that conclusion. Every year "'long 'bout school time" (August) - China ships stuff over here to us - to be "in style" when the kiddies return to school for another year of learnin'. Granted - someone... read more
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The Ride, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! How many of you remember going to the Fair and riding the biggest, tallest ride there  - The SkyDiver? It sat catty-corner from the Speed Office on the south end of the Fairgrounds. From the top-most car you could see all the way up to the Grand Stand! Remember the anticipation - how your heart beat faster? You were on the ride - it moved and stopped to load more people - "Come on" - "Hurry it up, already!" Then it started - slowly at first and picked... read more
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Lexophile: Love this stuff!, From a CNO reader
"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those that love using words in rather unique ways, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition to see who can come up with the best one is held every year. This year's winning submission is posted at the very end. When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months... read more
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Answering the Call, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! There has been so much to write about - I wanted to take a few sentences to tell you the following before I stat the column - or maybe it is the column - in a way. Friday, January 31, 2014 - on CountyNewsOnline - a headline read - "Boehner Hosts Ohio Job Creators at the State of the Union."  I had sent an e.mail to John's DC Office - to his secretary. That was last December - before Christmas. I sent it "From Darke County." I made a few phone calls to... read more
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Valentines Day verse for CNO readers, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time its Valentines Day. Wilson offers four different thoughts about the annual tribute to romance. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help a local... read more
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Getting to Know Hope, From Senior Scribe Marianne Clark
Another assortment of odds and ends from Marianne’s poet friend out west. I found the first one most amusing… I believe you will as well. They are all worth a read; I can identify with her perspective in the Clothes Horse. Editor. HERE COMES HOPE - I get up in the morning a shower to take. And sometimes I’m only half awake. Then the scented body wash starts a war with the shampoo, But I let them battle wouldn’t you? After... read more
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A Time For Everything, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is sort of a "part two." I did not mean it that way - it just turned out that way. I knew last week about a gross child abuse situation in our county. Now that it made the headlines in a local paper - I will speak. I have spoken with a number of powerful people and organizations locally. I have asked them to start telling the kiddies and our young people to "Just Say No" to sex. They are told to say that to drugs. Imagine my surprise and... read more
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Jammin' Me, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Buy this insurance! If you are happy where you are; you can stay there! Now I have health insurance with a $2,000 deductible - for one person  My new insurance does not cover half of what the new policy does. (True Darke County story). We (the city) need to improve the street. It needs widened. We're taking some of your property for the sidewalk (oh, and you get to sweep it, wash it, shovel snow off of it, and if someone falls and breaks a... read more
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Watchin' the Money, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been listening to the conversations lately. It seems very few people are truly happy. "More money"  is what I hear. "If I had more money I could do this, that or, the other." I've watched "more money" appear - then another "problem" occurs - sickness sometimes. Usually something breaks. Somehow, the "needful broken object" is a television or computer. Now and again, it's a vehicle or appliance. For all the "needful" of the telly or computer - I've... read more
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How long is winter? By Sharon Hopper
This has already been the longest year I can ever remember and it is only January. The 18th of January to be specific. Already we have had more snow that has kept us housebound than in many a year. We have had a rainstorm that closed our road for two days. And we have had the coldest temperatures in a century and there seems to be no relief according to the forecast. My electric meter has been spinning for days and I am very thankful for that and my pipes... read more
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A-maze-ing!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all! "Betty Grable was always into drugs. She deserved to die."  "Hugh Heffner bandied about with girls young enough to be his granddaughters. He'll probably get a disease. (He can afford it, though.)"  "Those girls are gold diggers. They should get a real job like the rest of us."  "He's had six DUIs so far. And I heard he was into drugs....lock up your stuff. "Those people" steal to get their drugs"  "I won't go to his funeral - he's a child molester."  "She won't listen... read more
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For My Shipmate Jim Pope, By Al Bliss
The other day, I thought of my old shipmate and friend Jim Pope and considered only proper to share some of the unique times and experiences that we had together. In 1951, when I reported to Fire Control Class A school in Washington D.C. at the old Anacostia Naval Base, I met this guy named Pope. He was in the class ahead of me, so we were not in class together, but he did possess the most unusual walk/stride... read more
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Is It Really True? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I trust you all survived our little "Arctic Blast!" As I write this, it is 9 degrees at the Versailles Airport. And it seems so much warmer now that the wind has mostly settled and we're on the plus side of zero - kinda hard to believe! I'd like to take credit for the following, but; I can't. Red Skelton (one of my all-time personal favorites) of Vincennes, Indiana; credits a teacher of his - a Mr. Lasser... read more
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Just a Thought, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking again. Wow that can lead to some trouble. Wonder what people did in the old days to keep ahead of the weather we are having January 6 2014. They could not just listen to the weather forcast and run to the grocery store for bread and milk and a few comfort foods. They certainly did not have electric and just turn on a switch and it would get warm in the house. And the roads were not opened within hours of a snowstorm or plowed drifting snow... read more
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The Magi, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! As usual - my brain started thinking "out of the box." With Christmas and it's usual display of the Manger Scene (Bees to whomever stole the Baby Jesus from the Greenville display!) and the Three Wise Men - I did a little checking and a lot of thinking. First - I could not find anywhere that there were 3 Wise Men - only "some Wise Men" or "The Wise Men." Perhaps three came from the gifts they brought - gold... read more
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Prosperity: A happy rewarding life, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking about time. Does it go to fast or does it go to slow. I think it depends on what one is doing and what one wants to do. If you are doing things that you truly enjoy then time seems to go by fast. By the same token if you are doing something or nothing that is productive then time seems to inch by slower and slower. Since I have retired time seems to drag a good bit of the time. However, I really don’t seem to... read more
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Our "Lady Liberty", By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been thinking lately - with all of the bad hype about the current president, the senators, and such - Why are people still coming here (the USA) to live? Why do they risk crossing the Mexican Border to get here? And that got me to thinking of the Statue of Liberty. So - with Wikipedia's help (God bless that public funded site!), I found - The Statue of Liberty is really "Liberty Enlightening the World." The French gave... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Come - Let Us Reason, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! So - I've been doing some research. In the state of Ohio - you do not have to have auto insurance. You need to prove financial responsibility. Land you own is not listed..however you can use "assets." And the usual bond stuff is listed. But; suppose you have a lot of acreage - 100's of it. And it's prime, producing land. (In Darke County, six months ago, a stream between two fields, with trees around the stream; sold for a reported $300,000. The stream... read more
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A Christmas Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
TIME TO EAT By Hope Louise Edwards Wills Gary Goat was thinking, “It’s almost Christmas, my, oh my. The farmer’s wife will make an apple cinnamon pie. Snicker doodles, Gingerbread and then my favorite thing for goodness sake, A three layered cream filled, chocolate cake.” Harry Hound came by and said,” Gary, what are you thinking about? It must be food, I have no doubt.” “Yes,” said Gary, “It’s the Christmas season, And that gives me a very good... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe…Open Letters By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Open Letter to a Daughter In-Law: You do not have to call me Mom or Ma'am. You can if you wish; but it is not necessary You see - I was once like you - young - in love - and the world was full of hope and promise. And, in many ways it still is full of promise. I have age on my side. I've learned a few things the hard way. I've learned not to take anything or anyone for granted. I've learned that people can and will let you down - whether they mean to or... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…A Time For..., By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been reading, from various sources, about the insurance problems. And, it's curious to me - we are all saying the same thing. There are people who have said that they had a "near death experience." They survived and are going to spend this "new lease on life" doing worthwhile things - in some cases this has to do with advocating for the upholding of our constitutional rights - again theright to buy or not buy insurance. Much blood was ... read more
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A Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
READY FOR FALL IN THE FARMHOUSE Summer was winding down. It was almost fall. Fall on the farm was never dull. The farmhouse was in a real tizzy. Fruits and veggies to can kept Fannie Farmer slightly dizzy. Some things would be frozen as well, Warm peach pie was a favorite of the Farmer in the Dell. On a cold winter night he would ask, oh so nice, For just another little slice. Fannie thought blueberry crunch cake was just right For a cold winter... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scibe…To Tell The Truth, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I have a girlfriend from the hills of Kentucky. Whenever she had something she just had to say; she'd say it was "on her tongue" and it had to come off her tongue. Awhile back I wrote about the 14 year old girl and her 13 year old boyfriend - they had a spat - he gave her a beautiful bracelet - they swore their undying love for each other - life was good - he gave her a ring - life was great. Two weeks ago she sent me a text - they were through - she's single..."I'm... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe...Whaddaya Think?? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been listening to people tell me that Thanksgiving this year is going to be lean - really lean. Some are really upset that they cannot celebrate in their usual style. From long ago reading I've done, I remember story. This is set back in the days of Kings and Queens - of Court Jesters - of pillaging and the "spoils of war." There was this guy named Danny? - Dan? - Daniel. He and some friends were caught up in the spoils of war. The Kings always... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe...I Am Impressed!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I stared at the carpet in my family room in disbelief - how had it gotten in this condition? My mind scrolled back the 8 or 9 years I've had it. Over there was Buster's favorite place to pee when he figured he had whimpered and you let too much time pass before letting him out the door. I cleaned it with my steam cleaner every time. Rish had her spots, too - whatever her reasons were. But, I had cleaned them - I did, I did!! There were other spots I had... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe...Reader's: Thanks Much!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I usually take this time of the year to thank you readers...I could not do these columns without all of you. All of you that tell me your stories of triumphs, defeats, and the like; you all have a part in this joint effort. I try to make this a place of hope and help. I hope to give you a word of encouragement - or at least a chuckle. And to the Vets - "Thanks" does not seem to be enough...all of your training - physical and mental...the many missed birthdays... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe…Humongous National Debt, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the ‘season’ with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s politics. Wilson offers two poems, each addressing a different look at what we leave our heirs… and promises. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help a local youngster attend
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Musings of a Senior Scribe... Virginia's Question, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! For you faithful readers (thanks, again!); you'll remember me introducing Virginia to you. For you new readers - Virginia was really sick when I first met her. She is much better now - she has a few more hurdles to clear. She has this uncanny way of appearing when I least expect her. Her visits are always most welcome - public or private. This last one was public. As we walked and talked in a local store, she touched my arm to slow me. A couple of people... read more
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About Gordon, © By Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born in Gordon, Ohio in 1934. Just over 69 years ago Abe and 22 students from all eight grades posed for a school picture with their teacher, Beatrice Brown. In August of 1994, “Abe” noticed the date of his picture “1944” and wondered what had happened to the kids from Gordon school over the last half century. He spent a lot of time and money sending letters and making phone calls to former Gordon school students and asking... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…The Heart of the Matter, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been working with my poodle. She is 11.5 years old. A couple of months ago I learned she had Lymphoma. I chose an alternative treatment option. It is a more detailed method. I started calling her "Miss Q2H" For those of you knowledgeable of the medical lingo - Q2H means "every 2 hours." A prescription of this type is usually associated with one-on-one care - like "turn the patient Q2H" - every 2 hours. Or; "walk the patient Q6H" - every 6 hours... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Rx For Success, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the issues with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s the demise of teaching “cursive” in school. Wilson offers three poems, each addressing a different look at the trend away from handwriting to a more computer-generated look.  Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund... read more
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Speaking my mind on entitlements, By Sharon Hopper
It is not often when I speak what is on my mind to the public, but I feel that the time is right for this thought. I am a senior citizen and even though I have a rather good pension compared to many I still need my social security to live a modest lifestyle that can afford me a few pleasures, like going to the theatre, or out to dinner occasionally with friends. I do not consider my Social Security an entitlement, however I do feel that the word entitlement should be considered... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe… Attention Young Ladies, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! It seems a number of young ladies have spoken to me recently. One 14 year old girl made me "Pinkie Swear" to keep her secret. I did. And, I'll keep her secret. (WOW.  Pinkie Swear is alive and well!! I would have thought it would be replaced by some trendier moniker.). The basic gist here is the girl has a boyfriend - 14, I believe. He brought some girls with him to her house - then left with them. She was upset - and; rightfully so, I believe. He showed up... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…What Profiteth a Man? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! You all know that words swirl in my head - forming themselves into my columns. I've wondered about this column for awhile now. Then I decided the worst that could happen would be a) my Editor says he will not print it - b) my Editor says to go away and never return - c) you readers quit reading the column entirely - which would put me back to option "b." So - here goes - I've been hearing about "The Wall" that our Government closed. I mean no... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Our Miss Brown, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Johnny awoke and looked out of the window. Yup - it was cold. And it looked like snow. He'd better hurry. He had to carry coal into the school and start a fire. It was his turn. He'd have to clean out the stove first. You could just know that Bobby did not do it. Bobby took every chance he could to make him feel stupid. It wouldn't be so bad if he did not already feel stupid. He tried - he really did. He grabbed the lard sandwich off of the table and walked out... read more
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Tobacco ©, By Abraham Lincoln
When I was a little boy, I used to go to George Myers’ Gordon Coal Office and listen to the men tell stories. My mother didn’t want me to even go there but I did. Old wooden chairs were lined up against the wall and a tobacco spittoon was located between the chairs. Some spittoons were once brass, that still shined, but now most were a brownish black where the tobacco juices and spittle had dried. I was careful not to bump those spittoons because they ... read more
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Hunting Arrowheads, © By Abraham Lincoln
http://www.flintridgeohio.org/ - When I go hunting for arrowheads I know what I am looking for and I expect to find something. I will stop and examine a piece of flint; a mere chip from an arrowhead that is several thousand years old and has been on the ground on this spot for ages. Finding a chip is the first clue that most beginners miss. I always look for a unique color when I go onto an old cornfield or a one that was plowed and rained on. The... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe… Tradition of Homecoming, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back the alumni of a school. It can include student and alumni activities and a parade through the town. Usually, Homecoming consists of a football game played on the school's home field. The parade features the school's Marching Band and the Coronation or Crowning of the Homecoming Queen and sometimes a King. When Homecoming is attached to a football game, Homecoming... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe… Lost Arts, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I sat writing out thank you notes and addressing envelopes - by hand. My mind drifted - as usual - to my teen years. That's 40+ years ago, now. There's a tattered book on my book shelf. The back cover is gone, too. It's roughly the size of a post card. In it are signatures - many who signed it are gone as well. I was 11. I handed this book to everyone I knew in school, at home, or around the neighborhood. I handed it to my Uncle Bobby. He asked me if I... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…In Memory, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He said, "Tell the One who leads you to stop. We are dying. We can't take this. We can't work and deal with all of this trouble and strife." The citizens banded together for strength, moral support and the "helping hand." The "One" listened and stopped causing the trouble. It did not take long for the people to forget how bad the trouble really had been. Somehow - Time dulled the memory of those who had died. It dulled how much of a threat to life - on a... read more
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Introducing Billy… Grandpa’s Chemo, By Delbert Blickenstaff
I haven’t written anything recently because we’ve all been worried about Grandpa, and I didn’t know what to say.  But I’ve heard a lot of new words recently, and Grandpa and Dad have explained them to me, so I think that I can tell the story.  Words like chemotherapy, which means treatment with chemicals for a serious illness.  And that’s what is happening to Grandpa now. Grandpa was in the hospital because he felt weak and he lost weight. There... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… An Afternoon with Sharon Hopper
On September 15th at 3:30 PM Sharon Hopper will present a combination concert of gospel,  show tunes, and testimony. Sharon has performed for many years where she used to live and since moving here has not played publicly till now. Because of health issues and other reason this may be the last and only time to hear this talented person. Sharon will be playing the Roland Digital Piano with orchestrated backups, which promises to be a total experience in the... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…OOPS!!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I want to apologize to the D.A. Nealeigh Family...most especially to Luke. I had said I'd get my article about them in my column 8/24/'13. I did not do that. When I was raising my son, I realized that if I expected the truth from him all of the time - I'd have to tell the truth, too - all of the time. In the beginning it's easy - yes is always yes and no is always no. As the years rolled by I realized I would need to change a few ideas. First - I had to realize, admit... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…To Give or Not To Give, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been listening to people talk - it amazes me!! There are more words in our spoken language to NOT tell the truth. Lie, embellish, mis-speak (this can be a real accident having to do with saying the wrong word like "prostate from the heat" when it should be "prostrate from the heat"), noble lie, polite lie, etc. Credence is defined as - "acceptance or belief, especially with regard to the truth of the evidence of others - I can not give credence to ... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… My battle with El Toro, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
In May of this year I started losing my appetite and generally feeling weak.  I did feel a lump in my abdomen which was mildly tender.  A CAT scan suggested that the mass was a lymphoma, and a needle biopsy on May 31st confirmed the diagnosis: Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma. My weakness gradually increased, and on June 7th I called my family physician, Dr. Menendez, and asked to be hospitalized. It was then that I decided that any lump causing that much... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe... What a Wonderful World, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The ending of the Great Darke County Fair has always been the "unofficial end" to summer. As a kid, I remember making bean bags with my cousins - old sheets cut into little squares, stuffed with Navy Beans (dried ones), and sewn shut. We'd stack washed out soup cans partially filled with stones and practice knocking them over - "The Fair was coming." We used to practice target shooting with the old pump-up air rifles. They shot out little metal... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe… Of Milk and Honey, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been trying to figure a way to make these words come out rightly - to make them convey what I want to say without it being slanted one way or the other. I've always wondered why anyone would want to come to the US to live and work. I mean - we have no language of our own. Piqua (Ohio) is a shortened form of a Shawnee Indian word. While sitting around a council fire, an apparition rose from the flames...and our Piqua, Ohio was born. Our use ... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe…Funn at the Fair and More, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. Once again it’s the Great Darke County Fair! This time with two fun limericks. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help a local youngster attend college. For additional information, contact ... read more
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WOW! What a summer, By Sharon Hopper
I live out here in the county and it is amazing what I see all about me. The tallest corn in several years and soy beans thick and tall waving in the fields like green water in a lake. The wheat and oats were pretty good and hay has been made three times by my neighbors. But the gardens……….full of big beautiful vegetables and the grass in the yard has been green all summer. The downside was all my flowers bloomed so early and they are looking a bit haggard ... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… The Great Darke County Fair – 2013, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s the Great Darke County Fair! Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help a local youngster attend college. For additional information, contact editor@countynewsonline.org... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…An Interesting Concept, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following is in my August, Darke County Right to Life newsletter. I draw your attention to phrases like "attuned to and respecting body signs", "learns self-control", "working within the body's (God's) design", and "material happiness is short-lived." My husband Gregg and I were married 10 years ago. With the upcoming wedding, we looked into Natural Family Planning (NFP) as a way to space children. NFP is working to understand the ... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Nothing New Under The Sun, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! In 1917, a soldier was drafted into our US Army. He wrote letters to his family from "across the big pond." In this case, it was Germany..WW1. In one of his letters to a brother, he writes that he is in the infirmary - a hospital. He tells of 600 guys being brought in minus arms or legs or "just insane." The "insane" part intrigues me. I'll explain. From WW1, the "insane" went through some name changes - to our modern day "Post Traumatic Stress. ... read more
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When Children were Children…Something to Ponder, By Sharon Hopper
7/30/13–I have really been thinking and that in and above itself is a real surprising feat for me. Lately I have been just lopping along in hopes that a miracle will come to me and I can once again be the happy go lucky person that I always believed myself to be, but I have finally concluded that the miracle is going to have to be generated from me. The truth is that I have had a pretty wonderful life full of seeing wonderful places, working with great people, and never... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Virginia and the US Army, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Virginia surprised me with a visit last weekend. I noticed that I start to breathe shallowly when she appears. Don't get me wrong - Virginia is most welcome - where ever I am - publicly or privately. She just has this way of showing me things that I should have seen - or, I think I should have seen. We ended up watching her neighbor spray weed killer on piles of tree clippings laying on the ground. With the wind blowing, he sprayed weeds that were ... read more
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LA CUCHARACHA, By Delbert Blickenstaff
I asked Louise what she wanted for Christmas and she said “A poem for me.” So I’ll tell you what I wrote but first I have to tell you a story. When Louise was born on December 31, 1922 her parents had not picked a name for this baby, the fifth child in their family. So the attending doctor wrote “Jane” on the birth certificate. But Louise didn’t know about that until she went to the Darke County Recorder’s Office and asked for a copy of her birth certificate. She needed it to get... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Open Letter to a Granddaughter, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Consider the following letter. My Dearest Granddaughter: You are 14 years old today. A long time ago, age and birthdays would have been a big affair. 13 was the age when a girl started wearing nylons instead of the bobby socks. Long before the age of 13 - a girl started planning her life - husband or college? - children? - pets? - home? - car? Her girlfriends would pay attention to her choices - favorite color, china patterns, laces, silver service, and the ... read more
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Senior Scribes... Summer's Weekend, By Sally Amspaugh
Editor’s note: Sally was a founding member of the Senior group. She passed away July 21, 2011. This is being published in her memory. Ah, some of the happiest days of my life Fat roosters crowed long ‘fore the sun Just “one more weekend’ at Grandpa’s house Before the new school year begun At Grandpa’s house we gathered brown eggs And “helped” to milk the cows I’d begged for a tin cup of frothy warm milk Fed corn to pink pigs and fat sows... read more
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Senior Scribes... PASO DE OVEJAS, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Paso de Ovejas (pass of the sheep) is the name of a town of about three thousand people in southern Mexico, between Mexico City and Vera Cruz.  The American Friends Service Committee, Quakers, developed a public health work camp in the surrounding area doing malaria and hookworm control.  I became involved in the project in 1942, spending five ½ months in Mexico. My twin brother, Bob, went down first, and then Glen Fisher and I went two weeks later... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Meet Virginia, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! I've known Virginia for the last 5 years or so. The last conversation I had with her was pretty interesting - so I thought I'd share some of her wisdom - hard earned by her. When I met her, Virginia was very ill. Her husband started cheating on her with the neighbor woman. Virginia knew the truth - she told me at the time. Now the cheating is finished. Virginia and her husband are trying to get back on track. The neighbor woman had a child out of... read more
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The Frenchman I Never Knew, © By Abraham Lincoln
In the early days, finding one new calligrapher was quite a task. This was a long time before personal computers were available so telephones or personal letters were used to locate people. I was looking for calligraphers — people whose reputation in handwriting was on levels beyond ordinary handwriting. Raymond Franklin DaBoll, the author of Recollections of the Lyceum and Chautauqua Circuits, lived in Batesville, Arkansas. His book introduced me to... read more
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President, Senior Scribes... Joys and Concerns, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Pastor:  Now is the time in our service for joys and concerns, and we ask that you keep your comments brief. Please come up to the mike. Mother:  Our son had his appendix removed yesterday and we ask for your prayers for a speedy recovery.  Thank you. Pastor:  We’ll pray for your son. Young person:  Grandpa has some heart trouble and will be going into the hospital for evaluation.  Please pray for him. Pastor:  Your grandfather is in our prayers... read more
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Around GreenVille, © By Abraham Lincoln
Around the bend and far away, the sound of tapping made my day. I knew what it meant and where it was but I had no idea this time was what it was. There was a sound. Men wrenched as if in pain. They had seen people who screamed before, and while it was not a pretty sight, it was, the time forgotten. Flintstone pierce flesh and stick in bones, with shrieks of misery wafting over the forest still. Sounds, like morning smoke, glides over the canopy ... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…An Old Man and a Ticket Stub, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! The elderly gentleman asked me for a ride on my golf cart. "Get in", I responded. He told me about things that happened in the past - the high jinx with his friends and the like. Things like that looked bad then. Now, after a serious health issue - "It's all good" - his words. He said he'd like to be able to do them all again, but the friends are gone on to their reward. He said that looking backwards - they are all good memories. People are people ...good... read more
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President, Senior Scribes… THE SEMI DUDE AND ME, By Delbert Blickenstaff
One day I was driving home on a familiar street, following a large semi.  I soon realized that something was falling out of the tail end of the semi, and that it was soy beans.  What to do?  They weren’t my beans.  But if someone doesn’t alert that semi  driver soon, he’s going to lose all of his load.  However, I wasn’t eager to tangle with a semi dude (driver). I noticed a stop sign coming up two blocks away.  Maybe if I sped around him after he stops I can get him... read more
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The Big City, © By Abraham Lincoln
There are lots of places to eat in Brookville, Ohio — not to be confused with Brookville, Indiana with the big lake. Our biggest lake is in Golden Gate Park and while you wouldn't want to go skinny-dipping there with big snapping turtles, it is nice to sit and look. The place to go downtown for a meal or a cup of coffee is Market Street Cafe. Then for the big sandwiches, give O'Riley's across from the icehouse, a try. You can locate Singer's, still in the basement... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Archie and the Wright Brothers, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! As I write this, the area is buzzing with anticipation - this weekend is another "Dayton Air Show." I've stared at the little brown, cardboard box for days. I summoned up the courage today to open it. Inside is my replacement router box. I need this to make my laptop work. I've used a desk computer - it's not the same - not my familiar homepage. I opened the box. I hooked up the router. I used the desk computer. I followed the directions - there were two of them. I... read more
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President, Senior Scribes… B L O O M I N G T O N, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Living in Grasscreek, Indiana, in 1933 was about as far removed from the big city as you can get without being in the middle of a cornfield.  I think that there were ninety-nine residents, on a good day.  So when Dad told us that we were moving to Bloomington for the summer so that he could attend Indiana University, we kids yelled for joy.  Dad was the principal of the Grasscreek school, but he wanted to earn his Master’s Degree so that he could move to a... read more
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Feather Ticks, © By Abraham Lincoln
Sometimes when I woke up, there was snow on my quilt. It blew under the window and settled on the window sill and on my bed covers. My bedroom was on the west side of the house, under a tin roof. Rain on that roof was so nice to hear—I still long for that sound (I hope Heaven has tin roofs). My bed was an iron frame with wire springs holding up a latticework of wires. A mattress was laid on top of this and that was my bed—depending on the age of the ... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Subliminal or Not? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been watching for the last 20 years or so and I think I'll share this with you. I find this rather unique. Admittedly - I've partaken of the following scenarios to see what would happen. Wikipedia defines "subliminal" as - "Below the threshold of conscious perception - stimuli inadequate to produce conscious awareness but, able to evoke a response (subliminal message). Fred is dead sure that Wilma is cheating on him. The neighbors report what looks like... read more
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President, Senior Scribes… Pig Farmer… Not! By Delbert Blickenstaff
At the time of this story Louise and I were living on our farm with our horses. No pigs.  In fact the only contact I had had with pigs was when Louise’s dad took his only vacation and we stayed on his farm and fed the animals. When I was invited to relieve Jim and Carlotta of their pig feeding duties one weekend so they could attend a Marriage Encounter Session, I was again introduced to pigs.  Louise and I had attended a session and found it helpful.  So, why not? Jim... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…The Dad, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! There's so much to write about, some days I don't know what to leave for another column. As I write this, the Whittaker family is gearing up for another "Sara Poker Run." I've written of this in other columns. My reason is that to qualify for a scholarship you must be in FFA and can not have over a B average. Sara was an avid FFA student and struggled to get a B. I've said this before and I'll say it again - and again. Grades are ... read more
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Two Moons, © By Abraham Lincoln
“With nearer tinkle through the dust of long ago Creep the Pennsylvania wagons up the twilight—white and slow.” There were bands of Shawnees, Delawares, Munseys, Pottawatomies, Kickapoos, Miamis and Seneccas in and around this area. Among them was the small band whose chief was named, “Two Moons.” They had been peaceful and were trusted but the continued influx of settlers accounted for random killings. Two Moons lived just east of ... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribes… Senior Scribes plan for GOBA event, 2014 awards banquet
The Darke County Senior Scribes discussed plans for the June 19 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA). The group will be hosting breakfast items for the bicyclists in the Greenville High School cafeteria. Plans also began to prepare for the 2014 Senior Scribes Scholarship Banquet. Eight scholarships were handed out this year with 36 students, family members, Senior Scribes and supporters attending at The Bistro Off Broadway. Senior Scribes... read more
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President, Senior Scribes… Blough Work Camp, By Delbert Blickenstaff
It was the summer of 1940, and I was not yet nineteen years old.  I was living in Chicago, working in the tabulating department of Sears, and taking classes at the American Academy of Art because I wanted to be a commercial artist.  Living next door was the family of Alvin Brightbill who had a daughter named Becky, about seventeen. In fact I had one date with Becky, but when she refused my invitation to a good night kiss, I decided enough of that.  However... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…Where Does Time Go? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! So - I finally found a point I agree on with Bill Clinton. It really does get easier saying "I'm sorry" - the more you say it. So, for you readers who get a chuckle or bit of wisdom from my writings - I am sorry I did not submit a column last week. The week flew by me. Have you ever noticed how time is relative? The seconds, minutes, and hours remain the same ...a constant in our busy world - tick, tick, tick. Seemingly though, when the situation is negative, or... read more
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A Visit to the Dentist, © By Abraham Lincoln
Just when you think your body parts are all working together to push your next birthday to 79, something goes haywire and you can’t fix it. It happens to me all the time. I think it is a sure sign that I am aging—getting old—my ball of string is running out. Whatever you might choose to call it; my secret goal in life is to cheat the undertaker out of another payday. How does one chew softly? Well, I have been chewing on a back jaw took lightly, like a ballerina tiptoes ... read more
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When Children were Children… Today a child’s life is another story, By Sharon Hopper
Wow! School is out and summer fun is supposed to begin. I say supposed to begin because today children have to be watched constantly to avoid the maniacs that are out there. I am so glad that I grew up in a much calmer atmosphere. To begin with many days I left home in the late morning, went to the beach and came home at suppertime. No one with me but my friends and other beach bums. That was how we referred to the people who came and laid out in the ... read more
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Introducing Billy… FLYING, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Did you ever fly?  I don’t mean fly like a bird.  I mean fly in a plane.  Our family took its first plane ride a few weeks ago when we went on a vacation to Hawaii.  Of course Dad and Mom had been on a plane before but us kids hadn’t. Before I tell you about that I want to tell you about a new word that Grandpa taught me.  It’s rumble seat.  I was showing him some of the drawings of cars that I had made and he asked me if any of them had a rumble seat in them... read more
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President, Senior Scribes… Humor, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Why do we elderly people often laugh when we refer to ourselves as “getting old?”  There is nothing funny about falling down, getting lost, forgetting why we walked into the kitchen, and the hundreds of aches and pains.  In fact, one has to be tough to tolerate old age.  Of course, some tolerate it better than others, but that’s no different than other stages in life.  A friend reminds me that laughing is better than crying, and she’s right.  But I still ask why do people laugh... read more
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Introducing Billy… Hitch-Hiking, By Delbert Blickenstaff
One day Grandpa was talking about being in college and he mentioned hitch-hiking.  I didn’t know what he was talking about so I asked him.  He said that he didn’t have a car and when he wanted to go somewhere he had to ride with one of his friends or hitch-hike. Grandpa said it was common for guys his age to stand along the side of the road and ask for a ride by sticking their thumbs out.  A few girls would “thumb” a ride but only when they were with... read more
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President, Senior Scribes…Hip-Hip-Hooray, By Delbert Blickenstaff
It is very unusual for anyone to cheer for a hip fracture, but I will try. Monday morning started out normal for us. We got up around 6 AM and got ready to go swimming at the “Y.” The Greenville High School swim team works out from 6 AM to 7 AM and we try to get there as they exit. We enjoyed our usual swim and then went to one of our favorite eateries and ate breakfast with Helen, one of our swimming buddies. We came home and rested a bit before our next trip ... read more


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