PLATTER PERSPECTIVE – Actor: Dana Andrews; Conductor: Arturo Toscanini

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Dana Andrews

Dana Andrews

Actor Dana Andrews (1909-1992) had considerable screen presence in such classic 1940s films as The Ox-Bow Incident, Laura, State Fair, The Best Years of Our Lives and, a special favorite of mine more for Susan Hayward (1917-1975) than for Andrews, the 1949 My Foolish Heart.

1956 brought Beyond a Reasonable Doubt where he winds up on Death Row with a surprising plot twist at the end. 1965’s satire on the funeral home racket, The Loved One (very loosely based on an Evelyn Waugh novel), had Andrews appearing as an U.S. Air Force colonel being given a tour of the casket room by Jonathan Winters as the “Divine Reverend Wilbur Glenworthy”.

A 1958 LP, And God Said (Epic 5LN 3534), features Andrews as the narrator of a Biblical music presentation on the Old and New Testaments and his spoken words were delivered with vivid resonance while the music itself, sounding a bit like the special and rather schmaltzy church cantatas so often heard in the Protestant churches of my 1950s childhood, was composed by Dickson Hall, sung by the Frank Raye Singers and arranged and conducted by James Peterson, all of whom are names previously unfamiliar to me but who did good work.

The album has illustrations of scenes from the Bible – the creation of light , Cain slaughtering his brother Abel, the 40 days and nights of rain, etc. Its main attraction is that of a time warp 1950s period piece.

When I was still living in Houston, I taught a course in American literature for Houston Community College at its Bellaire High School campus then utilized, as were other middle and high schools, for its evening programs. The school corridor had photos of a former principal who was a brother of the actor.

Another historic detail – the auditorium of the high school was used as the venue for a concert of Arturo Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony during its 1950 nationwide tour.

Arturo Toscanini

Arturo Toscanini

Speaking of Toscanini, his 1953 RCA studio recording of Dvorak’s New World Symphony with the NBC players has a bristling intensity well worth hearing and is accessible on YouTube .

A trumpet player in the Orchestra told of a performance of the Brahms 4th Symphony, a work the Maestro devoted a lot of painstaking labor on and conducted numerous times, leaving also an NBC studio recording and broadcasts with the BBC and Philharmonia Orchestras in London.

The gentleman stated the performance of one evening was perfection, except for barely noticeable details in which the brass section at the end of two quarter notes failed to cut off half of the second note. They were summoned to the Maestro’s dressing room.

For at least 20 minutes, Toscanini paced back and forth, back and forth.

Then he said, “You all go home tonight, eat dinner, be with family, go to bed. Me, I can’t do any of that. I keep hearing those two notes without the cutoff. I toss and turn all night, suffering because of those two notes without the cutoff. ”

The musicians were then allowed to leave.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Have you seen this invasive plant hopper?

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The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Have you seen one of these?

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that causes sooty mold, which can further damage plants. Its preferred host is tree of heaven. Today 17 states have some degree of infestation.

The spotted lanternfly is a hitchhiking pest that is native to Asia. It lays its eggs on any hard surface including grills, vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture, bikes and toys. The pest was first detected in 2014 in Pennsylvania. It likely arrived in the United States on goods shipped from overseas.

The spotted lanternfly can harm our fruit and forest industries. Early detection is a critical step to mitigating economic and ecological losses. Residents in SLF quarantine areas should check outdoor items before traveling to new areas. Here’s what to look for:

Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots and turn red as they develop.

Adults, roughly one-inch long and 1/2-inch wide, have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. With large, visually striking wings, adult spotted lanternflies can be easier to spot than other pests. They have brown forewings with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear. Their hind wings are scarlet with black spots at the front and white and black bars at the rear.

Newly laid egg masses (holding 30-50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud. The one-inch long egg masses can be seen in fall, winter, and spring on a variety of smooth surfaces, such as trees, bricks, stones, fences, grills, equipment, and vehicles.

When spotted lanternflies feed on plants, they leave behind a sticky, oozing residue called honeydew. This substance attracts other insects, causes mold growth, and further hurts plants.

As honeydew ferments, it can develop an intense, rotten smell.

One of the best places to look for these pests is on a tree-of-heaven, a favorite plant for spotted lanternflies. The tree has a cantaloupe-like texture, with bark that appears light brown to gray. The leaves are large, one to four feet in length. These leaves are made up of many smaller leaflets on both sides of a central stem.

Spotted lanternflies (both nymphs and adults) frequently gather in large numbers when feeding. They’re easiest to spot at dusk or at night as they migrate up and down the trunk of a plant. During the day, they tend to cluster near the base or canopy of a plant, making them more difficult to see.

While there is no active infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Maine, spotted lanternfly eggs were discovered in the Pine Tree State in 2020. Spotted lanternfly has also been seen in neighboring New Hampshire.

Not sure if you’ve seen a spotted lantern fly? If you think you see any of the life stages of the spotted lanternfly, please report it to Bugwatch@maine.gov.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In the 1971 Olympics, Nadia Comaneci was the first gymnast to record a perfect score. What country was she representing?

Answer
Romania.

PLATTER PERSPECTIVE: Violinist Jascha Heifetz

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Jascha Heifetz

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Jascha Heifetz

Violinist Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) held a series of televised master classes at UCLA in 1962; I recently watched the first one on YouTube and was quite fascinated by his personality and teaching style for its entire 1 hour.

He had a half dozen students sitting with what seemed to be a combination of fear and anticipation and, by stating that he promises not to perform himself, provoked relaxed laughter. During the first hour, only two would play while his longtime accompanist Brooks Smith (1912-2000) served as pianist .

The first student performed a short piece by the 19th century virtuoso/composer Wienawski. Heifetz would listen, telling the student to phrase with more expression, to speed up the tempo in order to sustain the rhythmic excitement or to slow down. At times, he would play a passage from memory to demonstrate what he wanted from the student. At other moments, he would be following his own score with a pencil, silently beating time.

The second student was Erick Friedmann (1939-2004) who would record Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins with Heifetz for RCA Victor around the same time and who became his most well-known protégé. He played sections of the Brahms Violin Concerto while Heifetz listened with at times smiling admiration and then joined Friedmann for the last movement of the previously mentioned Bach.

When Heifetz, at the age of 11, gave a private recital at a home in Berlin in 1912, Fritz Kreisler commented that “we might as well take our fiddles and break them across our knees.”

For hobbies, Heifetz collected books and stamps, played tennis and ping pong and would go sailing off the coast of Southern California. He routinely practiced three to four hours and advised his students against both practicing too much and practicing too little.

When Heifetz recorded the Brahms Violin Concerto in 1955 with Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, RCA producer Richard Mohr asked the violinist if he was ready to begin the session, he replied, “No, I am not ready, I will never be ready, but we might as well get this over with.” The usually stern Reiner almost broke out giggling.

Along with the 1955 Brahms Concerto, I highly recommend the 1935 Sibelius Violin Concerto collaboration with Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic; the 1940 Beethoven Concerto with Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony and, again with Reiner/Chicago, the 1957 Tchaikovsky Concerto, all the above and so much else of Heifetz available on YouTube.

Itzhak Perlman paid tribute once by commenting that Heifetz could do things on the violin that were impossible for all of the other violinists. Heifetz’s perfection was often equated with that of God.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Cool Ways to Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness

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Extreme heat can be deadly, but you can take steps to stay safe.

(NAPSI)—Much of the U.S. could face hotter than normal conditions this year as the climate crisis drives higher temperatures—but you can keep yourself and those you care about safe.
Consider these facts and figures:

• 2023 was the hottest year on record, and scientists warn that 2024 could break records again.
• Since the 1960s, heat waves have become more frequent, more intense and longer lasting.
• Heat-related deaths are on the rise.

What You Can Do

When extreme heat blankets the country, the American Red Cross recommends you take these steps:

1. Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and try to schedule tasks early or late in the day. Remember, hot cars can be deadly—never leave children or pets in a vehicle.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Be sure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.

3. Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Call 211 to find an open location. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and lack air conditioning to ensure they are safe.

Signs of Illness

You should also know how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and what to do. It’s critical to react quickly.

• Heat can make anyone ill, especially older adults, the very young, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions. People who work outdoors, have limited personal resources and live in places without green spaces are also at higher risk.
• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and include heavy sweating with muscle pains or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water. Get medical help if symptoms last longer than an hour or if the person has heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition signaled by cool, pale and clammy skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; tiredness or weakness; or a headache, dizziness or passing out. To help, move the person to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing and encourage them to sip water slowly. Use wet cloths, misting or fanning to cool them off. Get medical help right away if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, or if the person vomits or acts confused.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast or strong pulse; a headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion and passing out. Call 911 right away if you think someone may have heat stroke. Then move the person to a cool place, and use wet cloths, misting or fanning to help cool them off. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Extreme Weather on the Rise

Along with heat waves, the U.S. is experiencing more frequent and intense disasters. The Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare now by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and safety information in English and Spanish. Find the app in smartphone app stores by searching for the “American Red Cross.”

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Prune raspberries for an abundant harvest

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photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

by Melinda Myers

A bit of summer pruning goes a long way to keeping your raspberries healthy and productive. So, get out the mosquito netting, long sleeves, and pruners and get busy.

The summer harvest is produced on 2-year-old canes called floricanes. Remove those that bore fruit to ground level once your harvest is complete. These canes will not produce more fruit and their presence can increase the risk of insect and disease problems. This is also a good time to remove damaged, insect-infested, or discolored canes.

Summer is also a good time to thin the remaining canes on summer-only bearing raspberries. Remove weak or damaged canes, leaving three or four of the sturdiest canes per foot of row or six or eight stems per hill when growing in the hill system. Thinning increases airflow and light penetration, resulting in healthier plants and a better harvest next season. Wait until next spring to reduce the height of the remaining canes. At that time, you can determine winter dieback, and damage, and prune accordingly.

Everbearing raspberries are often called fall raspberries and form fruit on first-year canes called primocanes. You can manage these types of raspberries for a single fall harvest only. Wait until the plants are dormant then cut the whole planting back to ground level. There will be a larger and earlier harvest when pruning everbearing raspberries this way. Although this pruning technique eliminates the summer crop, it is much easier, less time-consuming, and eliminates animal and winter damage in just one cut.
The other option is to prune everbearing raspberries for a fall and summer harvest. The new growth produces the fall crop. These canes are left to produce berries the following summer. Prune these two-year-old canes after the summer harvest as you would on a summer-only bearing raspberry.

Maximize your summer and fall harvest by planting a summer and a fall-bearing raspberry patch. You’ll enjoy summer raspberries from one planting plus a larger, earlier harvest from the fall-bearing raspberries when pruning all those canes to ground level each year during the dormant season.

Don’t let a lack of space keep you from growing delicious raspberries high in fiber and vitamin C. Plant, train, and use raspberries as a hedge in your landscape. Or grow the new compact and thornless Raspberry Shortcakeâ in a container or any sunny small space in your garden. You may not be freezing a large harvest from a single pot of raspberries, but you will enjoy fresh-from-the-garden raspberries even in your small space.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www. MelindaMyers.com.

VETERANS CORNER: Is there greater benefit after one receives 100% rating?

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Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office Togus, ME

by Gary Kennedy

A question often asked is, “is there any greater benefit after one receives a 100 percent rating?” My answer is, it is possible to receive other benefits both monetarily speaking and in services. However, these areas of benefits may not be that easy to obtain. They definitely require advanced knowledge of veteran’s benefits, what is needed and how to apply. If you feel you have hit a wall but you have reason to believe you should be able to receive more, then you may be correct in your summation. The question should not harbor around what other people make but why you feel you have reason to believe you have conditions, with service relationships that have kept you from achieving the goals you have set in life and the reasons you can’t achieve them that most likely have something to do with your time in the military that has prohibited you from achieving your life goals.

If one considers all the physical and/or emotional events that occurred while serving your country, in an honorable manner, you might find something that stands out to the trained eye as a problem not fully addressed within the guidelines of your 100 percent rating. Perhaps it’s time you started asking those very questions to those who have been trained to see those things and are there to help you.

Those in the know are referred to as V.S.O’s, Veterans Service Officers. The acronym may change with time but the service remains the same.

I have heard your arguments. Sometimes you need to shop around to find the correct fit for you and for your situation. We all know there are good mechanics and not so good mechanics, good doctors and not so good doctors. Sometimes it becomes a matter of personality. We all run across those in life we just can’t relate to. However, the one you need is out there and you can find that person if you are patient and tolerant.

We veterans can be difficult to deal with at times, given the circumstances that life has dished out. “Don’t bite your nose to spite your face”, as the old adage goes. Some of those V.S.O’s are veterans themselves. I have found that whether prior service or not most are compassionate, understanding and thankful for your service. You are the reason they are there. Given a fair chance and your cooperation you might be surprised at what can be achieved in regards to your dreams and aspirations.

I find the office of V.B.A to be very friendly and hospitable. There is usually a comfortable seat, a pot of coffee and a smiling friendly greeter to welcome you in with “how may we assist you?” The next step is obviously up to you. You will certainly be directed to a specialist in a private room to air out your questions. I guarantee when you conclude your visit you will have obtained answers to most, if not all of your questions. The area that I am currently referring to is knows as V.B.A.. They are located on the second floor of building. 248. To locate this area you would need to enter building 205. Just inside the door you will be greeted by a big veteran in a power wheelchair. He will direct you from there. Some of you know this building as the one where most of your primary care providers are located. He can also direct you to V.F.W., D.A.V., Maine Vets and Paralyzed Veterans of Maine. American Legion is in another building but is temporarily closed. In any case there are always many veteran assistants available to help with all of your questions. Your initial question of, “is there life beyond 100 percent?” can be answered by those I have previously mentioned.

There are many scenarios that can be addressed. The one I hear most is, “I need help”. Those can be heart breaking words if left on their own. The way I always look at it is, if you’re stating this then there is a serious short coming in your life that needs to be addressed. No one wants you to carry that weight around with you. If you are honest and sincere there is always an answer to fit your needs. It might not always be perfect but it will definitely lighten your load.

I find that to be true most of the time. Some of you have tried before and failed but time has gone by and things always change. Also, you might be dealing with a new entity, program or rule. I’ve seen it many times. I do offer one word of advice, actually there are several words making up one advice: when given some good sound advice act upon it as given. I have seen several take the advice and share it and a conversation pursued on how to improve upon it with another veteran. You went to an adviser for advice; act upon it as given. That’s his or her job and they won’t lead you astray. Unsound advice leads to descent.

In the slang, that’s a downer. Next time I will share some of what I believe to be true regarding programs that can elevate your lot if you in fact qualify. It breaks my heart to see anyone miss out on what they have earned and deserve. Don’t let the government’s tricky words unravel you. A house with no stairs raises hell with a slinky. We will get the job done. God bless you and yours and have a great fun filled week.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, July 11, 2024

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

JUST HANGIN’ OUT: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this blue jay last winter.

A RARE SIGHT: Jo Orlando, of China, saw this black squirrel on the ground at the base of her bird feeder in China.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE: Emily Poulin, of South China, photographed this double rainbow.

THE BEST VIEW: “My Big Sister”

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by Norma Best Boucher

“My Big Sister”

“I have a baby sister!” she yelled riding her bike up and down the street. That was what my parents told me my older sister Marlene did on the day I was born. I wasn’t there, of course, but I always felt pride and love knowing that she was so excited that I was born.

Everything went downhill after that. I spit up on her. I peed on her. I bit her finger with my first tooth. I was an overall pain in the butt from what I could see, but she laughed about these experiences, and I felt even closer to her.

Sis was quite a bit older than I. I was what they called a “surprise” baby. I always liked that…a SURPRISE! Surprise or not, Sis decided that I was going to behave, to be literate and not to be an embarrassment to her.

That was a major undertaking, but she was up to the challenge, and I had better be. She made me pick up my toys, did jigsaw puzzles with me, held my hand when we listened to scary radio shows like “The Shadow,” taught me to recite my ABC’s and to count to 100.

These were all games to me and fun, but she knew what she was doing. Even when I made a mistake in the 90’s when reciting my numbers, Sis let me start over again at number one and listened patiently so that I felt success and not failure.

Then it happened. She grew up. I watched her walk down the aisle to receive her college diploma and told myself, “I am going to do that, too.”

Sis got married, moved out of state, and didn’t come home to visit for two long years. My father kept an account at one of the best dress shops in town for her birthday and Christmas presents. He paid so much a week, and there was quite a sum of money there.

My dad, Sis and I walked into the store together. Dad was so proud of her. “This is Mrs. Clark,” he told the sales lady. “Please show her whatever she wants and put it on my bill.”

What a great time we had. Sis tried on more clothes than I had ever seen, and she bought me a red plaid kilt with the money. She hadn’t forgotten me, after all.

“Have you known Mr. Best long?” the sales lady asked.

“Yes,” Sis answered.

Then, out of nowhere the sales lady added, “What is he to you, anyway—your Sugar Daddy?”

Even at my young age I got the picture. Attitude, intonation, and the words “Sugar Daddy” were all very clear.

I just stood there.

This was 1958. Sis was young, pretty, college educated, married, and successful in a business career in a man’s world. This woman had the patience of Job and the strength of our mother. This was MY BIG SISTER.

Apparently, this sales lady had no idea with whom she was sparring…and I was not going to warn her.

The scene appeared Hollywood scripted and in slow motion. I had noticed a slight tightening of my sister’s shoulders upon hearing the woman’s rude remark.

I was sure the sales lady noticed, also, because at that point the lady put her right hand on her right hip, raised her left eyebrow, and gave the slightest smile of great satisfaction.

My sister was viewing her new outfit and herself in the full-length mirror. I was behind her on her left. The sales lady was behind her on her right.

I watched my sister’s image in the mirror. Sis moved her gaze upward from the mirror image of herself and turned her eyes to the mirror image of the sales lady.

A smile now formed on her mouth.

This was my first and probably the best lesson in timing in my life.

Sis pivoted around slowly to her right and stared directly into the eyes of the sales lady.

“No,” she answered, young pearly whites shining.” He’s my father.”

I loved it.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Dragonflies appear by the dozens

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

While driving into work one morning last week, I hit a swarm of dragonflies along the Seaward Mills Road, in Vassalboro. It resembled snow coming at you while driving through a storm. They were coming at me too fast for me to even get an educated guess as to how many there were.

A dragonfly is a flying insect. About 3,000 extant species of dragonflies are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions. Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world. Adult dragonflies are characterized by a pair of large, multifaceted, compound eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with colored patches, and an elongated body. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colors produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight.

Dragonflies can be mistaken for the closely related damselflies, and are similar in body plan, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold their wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Dragonflies make use of motion camouflage when attacking prey or rivals.

Dragonflies are predatory insects, both in their aquatic nymphal stage and as adults. In some species, the nymphal stage lasts up to five years, and the adult stage may be as long as 10 weeks, but most species have an adult lifespan in the order of five weeks or fewer, and some survive for only a few days.

They are fast, agile fliers capable of highly accurate aerial ambush, sometimes migrating across oceans, and often live near water.

I remember one evening a few yearas ago when my wife and I went out fishing. It was just before dark, and we were fishing the shoreland for bass. We were being pestered by mosquitoes. Then, out of the blue, came a squadron of dragonflies that started to consume the mosquitoes. For the rest of the time we were on the lake that swarm of dragonflies followed us. We were not bothered by mosquitoes, again.

Dragonflies have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. During mating, the male grasps the female at the back of the head, and the female curls her abdomen under her body to pick up sperm from the male’s secondary genitalia at the front of his abdomen, forming the “heart” or “wheel” posture.

Fossils of very large dragonfly-like insects, sometimes called griffinflies, are found from 325 million years ago. They were only distant relatives, not true dragonflies which first appeared during the Early Jurassic.

Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artifacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues, and Art Nouveau jewelry. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colors and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the small town in Indiana where Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Larry Bird was born.

Answer
French Lick, Indiana.

MY POINT OF VIEW: A humanitarian journey to the South Pacific

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Gary Kennedy and wife Julie, center, with many of the people they help with their mission. (photo courtesy of Gary Kennedy)

by Gary Kennedy

Well, Julie and I just arrived back home from our humanitarian mission in the South Pacific. Our plane trip both going and coming was a literal nightmare which took two days each way. Lay overs were the worst of it, sleeping in airport chairs, etc., is murder on your body.

All my misery being said, the mission was very successful and very satisfying for my wife and I. We left many very happy people wherever we would go. Since we are not paid humanitarians we received our reward from the people we serve. We get to share beautiful children and receive lots of hugs and kisses. That’s worth it all to us. A lollipop can bring about the most beautiful smile you ever would want to see. However, we gave much more than that, thanks to the generosity of folks like you. What was supposed to be a children only event turned out to include entire families.

Our mission this time included three orphanages, a medical clinic, a prison, two libraries, multiple small feeding events and the establishment of a small school at the Knights of Rizal headquarters, in Manila, Philippines. I have many photos and videos which I would be glad to share upon request. We will be doing it all again in December if we raise enough supplies for the events. We already have a couple of people who would like to volunteer. We love the help.

I must warn you once you begin doing these humanitarian missions you become addicted. It’s the most wonderful feeling for those of good heart. I have often wished I was rich so I could do more. I also wonder why those with greater than average means are not involved. Perhaps they don’t realize the natural high that giving to those in need will bring. Oh well, those who do open their hearts receive great rewards. There is so much love out there just waiting to be shared. It’s not what you take with you it’s what you leave behind.

I mentioned in my second paragraph that what we were doing was supposed to be for the children only; well my wife changed all that. We both have soft hearts but hers is perhaps a little more sensitive to situations. She sees things that I sometimes over look. The one example I will share with you is our visit to the indigenous people known as the Aetas Tribe. They are a tribe of people which predate the Spanish occupation of the Philippine Island, before the 1500s.

They are a slight, dark skinned race with dark curly/wavy hair. They are supposedly protected by Philippine government but that protection is very shoddy. Food is not adequate, clothing is bare necessity; very little foot wear, limited school supplies and many were running around naked. It took awhile to have them accept us but with time and lollipops we prevailed.

We prepared massive amounts of food for this visit which was a good thing as there were many people coming out of hiding during our visit. As I stated, this was suppose to be a children’s event. Julie, along with other volunteers we had with us, began passing out Styrofoam plates loaded with food to all the children. We had an interpreter giving instruction to the children about sitting and using the plastic fork and spoons we supplied.

Julie noticed dozens of adults hanging around the outside fence just watching the great food the children were eating. Finally she came to me and said, “honey, I think they are all hungry”. I replied, “Do you think we have enough to feed them all”? Julie replied that we had more than enough, so we invited them in. They were very hungry and very happy. After all were full of food and pineapple juice we gave out the gifts we had with us. We gave all the school supplies for the coming school year and the children all received footwear and some clothing. Before it all ended it was as if we were part of the community. Their translator taught them a little English which they imparted as we said goodbye and went out the gate. The words, “please come back, we love you”, rang out for all to hear. It brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful parting gift; we will return.

In closing I give a special thanks to all who gave, especially Old Navy and Loots, of Augusta. I would also give a very special thanks to Chris Lemieux at Staples Office Supply, of Augusta, for giving school supplies to 300 children for the year. They will never forget. God bless to all.