Things to Think About

     Special events seem to come and go.........some success, intertwined with  limited success..... some ups and some downs. Pufferbilly comes to mind. Some years are better than others and once in a while, there are even calls by some for a possible conclusion. Still, lots of people seem to enjoy the camaraderie and some people from "far away" even make it a habit to come back for that event, making it seem very much worthwhile.
     Larry Kelley, BHS-64, has a feeling that the Relay for Life, a staple in the community for many years, needs an update. He wrote, "they should hold this event on a Sunday and not on a Saturday with the car races, dance recitals etc. going on at the same time. Jamie (son Jamie Kelley) sang a special song for those still at the event around 9 p.m. While several people were there throughout the day from 4 p.m. on, I was, somewhat, disappointed at the turnout. I heard that the crowds had been much better years ago. Perhaps it's time to figure out how to add more excitement to the event. The city of Boone's citizens should be ashamed of themselves for not supporting this event better. Several people were walking the track but the stands had maybe 40 people, at the most, in them. By the time it came to the finale, maybe 75 people were there. Hopefully it hasn't come to a point where many folks weren't caring about such things any more. BTW - It's been interesting reading about people talking about your folk's grocery store on facebook."
     The Kornerman says, "I admit it. I'd sure like to hear comments folks have made about my parents store BUT, as mentioned, they're available on that dreaded facebook. I know, I'm way old-fashioned but I just can't make myself enter those some time turbulent waters. Maybe some day I'll feel comfortable pursuing that offering."
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     Larry's note has stired the Kornerman into commenting on a couple more things.
     (1) Again, Larry's son, Jamie, will soon be performing a concert to benefit the very worthwhile Boone County Freedom Flight. The concert is set for June 20 at 8 p.m.. You may purchase tickets in advance for $20 at the YMCA or at Eckstein's or you can buy at the door for $25. OR, you could benefit this event by simply sending a check to Boone County Freedom Flight, P.O. Box 311.
     (2) Larry seems to be calling for some community input about how to improve the Relay for Life.  And, the Kornerman sees that the Ames/Boone BNR is seeking community input also. A recent edition indicates they are seeking local residents to serve on a monthly reader advisory board to "help us make our newspaper and website better." The idea is that the group will meet for an hour every month to go over stories and content that have appeared in recent editions seeking feedback on what worked well and what did not. Wow! If you are interested in joining the group simply contact Editor Whitney Sager.
     Yes, I'm a former BNR Managing Editor, Sports Editor etc. and longtime employee of that newspaper but I will not be submitting my name for advisory board consideration. I certainly do have my opinions but they would, no doubt, be very distracting and cause more consternation than provide any accepted assistance. I do think it is a good idea for the newspaper to "reach out" and I hope the meetings prove productive.
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     Ron Hopkins, BSH-59, wrote, "the July issue of Model Railroader magazine features an article about former Booneite Stan Olander's, BHS-55, layout. The article says Stan was born and raised in Boone, worked out east, and owned a chemical company in Milwaukee, retiring in the late 1990's. Stan died in 2010. Stan would be about my generation, and I am haunted by the name familiarity, but I don't remember that I actually knew him. Do you know anything about Stan or his siblings?"
     The Kornerman remembers that Stan had a sister, Calista Olander Sutton, BHS-42, and brother, Larry Olander, BHS-58, both whom are deceased. I believe Stan married LaVonne Groth, BHS-55.
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    THIS AND THAT: (1) It isn't every day that our community boasts that we have someone we know playing Major League Baseball. But, former Des Moines Area Community College, Boone Campus baseball star, Scott Schebler, a native of Cedar Rapids, has been called up to the bigs by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Schebler, 24, signed with the Dodgers in 2010 after completing a gig with our own DMACC Bears.
     (2) John Kueck, BHS-61, wrote that he was amazed (impressed?) that he was reading stories headined from little old Boone, Iowa in numerous "big city" publications like the New York Times. The stories were in regard to the recent Senator Joni Ernst event east of town.
     (3) Loren Frazier, BHS-58, sent me a google photo of the new Highway 30 bridge east of town and as you drive east, there it is, signage on the bridge in a very clear form, "Go Ames, Beat Boone."
     (4) A house across the street from Worldwide Korner Headquarters has been vacant for quite some time but, in recent days, there has been some activity there and via email, the Kornerman was informed by Sharil Morain, a former Boone resident, that she would soon be my new neighbor. Sharil has been in Oak Park, IL. Welcome home!
     (5) A bit of sad news. We understand that Darrel Zunkel, the Iowa Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame pitcher, known by many in this area, is in the Israel House Hospice in Ames. We pray for Darrel, his wife Judy and the entire Zunkel family.
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     Boone Connected Deaths: Eric Reynolds, 45, Des Moines. Born in Boone in 1970. Parents are Bob and Linda Reynolds...........Lois Huddleston, 90, Ankeny. Formerly of Boone. Worked for Fareway. Boone survivor is a son, Guy Huddleston..........Shirley Zimmerman, 78, Boone.............
Ron Olson, 87, Arkansas............James Molle, 56, Boone. Worked for Gates Rubber and Boone Rental. Boone area survivors include his wife, Linda, daughter Beth Ann Germain and brother-in-law, Craig Iles, all of Boone..........Delores Schall, California. Formerly of Ogden.........James Girard, 49, Boone. Serviceman. Worked for Boone Construction and later for Westhaven doing landscaping. Boone area survivors include a son, Michael Hunter, and his former wife, Patricia Hunter both of Boone.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/support.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.