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Connecticut American Legion out to help veterans, troops
Rocky Hill – “The American Legion is focused, as always, on fighting for veterans' rights, but also to show our support for the troops serving today in the war on terrorism”, The American Legion's Department Commander said.
"We strongly believe that a nation who forgets its veterans is a lost nation, so we must continue to support our soldiers and give support to their families, so we can bring them all home safely. We continue to help educate and do battle for the children of our nation and the American way of life. That's what we do as an organization."
Department Commander of The American Legion Jim LaCoursiere, of Old Lyme, and his counterpart, Alice Saxton, of Newtown, the Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary, took office July 8th of 2006, at the American Legion Department Convention held in Rocky Hill. They have promoted support for our soldiers and their families all year and are trying to deliver their message into every community throughout the state.
The American Legion has launched a new program, called Heroes to Hometown, which encourages local American Legion units to support troops as they arrive home from deployments. This program is important because it links troops to their hometowns, and guarantees they will receive a more welcome homecoming than that given to U.S. troops coming home from the Vietnam War. To make this program a success, it truly entails getting the whole community and every community in the great state of Connecticut involved. We currently have a commitment of support from Waterford High School and a handful of various communities, but we still need a lot more help to provide sufficient and adequate care for Connecticut’s soldiers and their families.
The American Legion has found still another way to enhance our service to veterans and their families. Through the Heroes to Hometown program, the American Legion will act as a catalyst for the Department of Defense in setting up community networks to provide long term support for severely injured veterans and their families.
The purpose of the program is to identify and coordinate resources in the local community to assist the Severely Injured Service Member and their family before their actual return to the community. Depending on the needs assessment, a permanent housing, assist in adapting a home or vehicle, find jobs and educational child care, financial support, counseling, entertainment options, spiritual, and other family support.
The American Legion will serve as the organizational point of contact in each state in forming local community Heroes to Hometown committees. To create these committees, the Legion will coordinate with local veteran service and other non-profit organizations, business leaders, chamber of commerce, state and local governments, Congressional liaisons, financial and legal, educational, and religious institutions, local military units, unions and other organizations interested in providing support. The American Legion does not preclude other non-profit organizations from providing similar support. “We all must work together to achieve the highest goal and outcome for our fellow soldiers and their families.”
The American Legion National Headquarters will appoint Heroes to Hometown representatives in each state and these individuals will communicate directly with the DoD state liaisons, the Military Service Severely Injured Program staff, care managers and counselor advocates.
National Headquarters will also provide a representative to staff the American Legion Heroes to Hometowns information desk to be located at the Pentagon’s MSCI office.
We'll be there to welcome them home with open arms, and to provide the guidance, comfort, and support which they and their families may require." he said. "We truly are a grateful and proud nation and we must make our veterans feel the same pride and allow them to hold their heads high and proud."
We have soldiers returning to Connecticut whom really need our help now, since tomorrow may not be soon enough. Currently, we are in the process of making some home modifications to two soldiers homes, in order to give the soldiers as comfortable of a life style to lead a full and productive life, and comfortable enough to help relieve some of the burdens form the families.
One particular case we are trying to put into motion now, before the soldier returns home is for Sgt. Barry Albert of Windsor Locks.
BACKGROUND:
SGT Barry Albert (a.k.a. "Pappy"), age 42, was in his tenth month in Iraqwhen, on May 14th of this year, he was driving the lead vehicle of a four-vehicle LOGPAC convoy near Al Hilla, when he was hit by an EFP. SGT Albert lost his left leg in the attack and only one other Soldier was injured (shrapnel in the shoulder). He continued to drive his vehicle, leading the convoy out of the kill zone and away from the danger area for as long as he could remain conscious. Upon waking up, SGT Albert's first concerns were for his wounded passenger and the others.
Family: He has been married for 22 years to his wife, Susan, and they have three children -- a daughter, Alaina, age 15; a son, Ian, age 12; and another daughter, Megan, age 8 and reside in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. An initial meeting and walk through of the family home was conducted by the American Legion Department Commander Jim LaCoursiere and American Legion Post 36 & H2H Co-Chair Dave Booth and accompanied by SSgt. George Mitchell.
This was brought to our attention and the meeting set up by George Mitchell and he will act as the point of contact for this family from here on out. Upon our initial arrival, I went over a few details about the program, "Heroes to Hometown" with Susan and we filled out an application for the record. Once this paperwork was completed, it was time for a very thorough walk through of the entire house, both inside and out.
This is an older home located on a corner lot. With the dwelling being older, every doorway and passageway throughout the house is very narrow. The bathroom is in poor condition with tiles missing or broken in the shower area, and there is no way for Barry to get by the vanity once he gets home (clearance is very minimal). The front of the house has brick steps, coming out from the front entrance/sun porch with no easy accessibility. The side door/back has concrete steps after passing a 3-5" rise from the sidewalk. The hatchway is rusted and leaks very heavily, allowing water to build up below the house whenever it rains. The garage is also in much need of repair and cosmetics.
It is of the best interest of the family and Sgt. Barry Albert that we take care of the doorways, bathroom with much more accessibility& new Handicap shower stall and ramps as a primary goal first, then seek the other comfort items as secondary. One major hurdle which has been pointed out to Dave, was to possibly enlarge the sun porch and relocate the door to the side of the house where it meets the driveway.
The American Legion Post 36 Heroes to Hometown team has been tasked with promoting this cause with their local community, clearing the red tape with door relocation on this house, and pulling all the information from planning and zoning to get all of our permits secured with the fees waived. A more detailed report to follow with design concepts.
How you can help: Please contact Jim LaCoursiere, The American Legion, Department of Connecticut Commander at (860) 705-4173
Marriage of Convenience or Love?
The Last Chapter
By Diana Lewis
Part 5 of 5 of a very special story by Ms. Lewis
On Sundays, Carl found other people to work for him while Lydia, Beth Ann and him went to church. Beth Ann had never been to church before and was very nervous about going. She grew learning that God punished you for everything you did wrong. She listened to the sermon and this man was saying the total opposite of what she had learned about God. He was saying that He was a loving God and He sent His Son to die for all our sins. She couldn’t believe it. She asked questions on the way back to the hotel, and Lydia and Carl answered her questions. After a few weeks of hearing this, she decided she wanted this love that God had for her and she accepted Christ into her heart.
Lydia was sitting on Beth Ann’s only chair in the room, on Sunday. Beth Ann was sitting on her bed while they chatted.
“You’re putting on some weight there, girl,” said Lydia.
“I know, I’m going to have to go get me couple of new dresses for work. Maybe we could do that tomorrow when it settles down a little in the diner.”
“Maybe I can go with you and help you.” said Lydia.
“I don’t know why I’m putting on weight, I never used to.”
“Do you think you might be-----?”
“Be what?” asked Beth Ann.
“Ah—in–ah —a family way?”
“Oh, no! I hope not!” exclaimed Beth Ann.
“Have you been sick lately?”
“A little sick to my stomach.”
“That’s a good sign that you are.”
“Oh no, Lydia, what am I going to do?”
“I think that you might need your husband at a time like this.” Beth An had told her weeks ago why she left her husband.
“I don’t think I can do that,” she said.
“It may be none of my business, but I think that you should be with your husband and help you through this. I’m not good at things like that. I puke at the sight of blood, so I won’t be much help.” said Lydia. Beth Ann had to think about this. She knew she should forgive her husband for marrying her for the ranch but she didn’t know if she could live with him again.
In Boulder
Buck went into town to get supplies. He ran into a new face in town when he went into the general store.
“Hello,” said the man. “I’m Solomon Greer,” He should hands with Buck.
“I’m Buck Buchanan.” Buck answered and they started talking small talk and Solomon invited Buck to dinner at the hotel. Buck went with him and Buck and Solomon became good friends. They started getting together each week for dinner and one Saturday when they met, Solomon asked Buck to go to church with him. Buck wasn’t sure that he wanted to but he said he would. After going a few Sundays, Buck started asking Solomon questions and in a few more weeks Buck had asked the Lord to save him. Now Buck was praying for his wife’s return. He had no idea why she left, but he knew he wanted her back.
On Tuesday when Martha Rae had come back from town, Buck helped her bring the groceries in. She handed her the mail. There was a letter there that had no return address. He went into his study and sat down and opened it.
“Dear Buck,
I know it’s been six months since I left and I wondered if we are still married. I am doing fine and working washing dishes for a restaurant. God kind of led me to write to you, I really don’t know why because I don’t know if I can ever live with you again since I found out that you married me just for the ranch. Please don’t look for me just yet. I need time to think and pray about is and what His will for our future together. I need time, Buck. I need to pray and think about our child as well so please give me some time.
Your wife, Beth Ann”
He looked at the post mark on the envelope. It said Salem. He rushed out of the study and hollered for Martha Rae to put together some provisions for a few days as he headed out to the barn to hitch the horses to the buggy. He was going to get his wife and his unborn child. It was a cold ride to Salem. It felt like it could snow at any time. When he arrive in Salem, he went to the hotel and got a room. There were only two restaurants in Salem, one at the hotel and one down the street by the Sheriff’s office. He decided to check the hotel first. Lydia was waiting on customers when he walked in. He took a table by the window. Lydia brought him over some coffee and a menu.
“Our special is roast beef, mashed potato and gravy and peas or corn and pie for dessert.” she said setting the coffee and the menu on the table.
“I’ll take the special. Also I was wondering if you could help me.”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“I’m looking for a woman with red hair, tall and thin. Have you seen her?”
“That’s depends on who you are.” she answered.
“I’m her husband. She wrote me a letter,” he took it out of his shirt pocket as he was talking. “ And I’ve been trying to find her for months.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said as she ran back in the kitchen to see Beth Ann.
“There is someone out there who is asking for you.”
“Oh, who?”
“He says he’s your husband. He says he got your letter and he’s been looking for you for months.”
“He’s been looking for me?”
“That’s what he said.”
“I’m not sure I want to see him.” answered Beth Ann.
“Honey, he wants to take care of you and that baby. You should let him. After all he is the father and he has a right to that child as much as you do.”
“I know you’re right, but----“
“You should forgive whatever he’s done to you, Beth Ann and let him take care of you,” said Carl. “I don’t know the whole story with you, but if he’s been looking for you, he must really care about you.”
“Go at least talk to him,” suggested Lydia. “Carl gives me a roast beef dinner for the man.” Beth Ann followed Lydia out to the floor. She left after she put the place down in front of him. Beth Ann eased herself reluctantly into the chair across from him.
“Hello, Buck,” she said softly.
“Oh, Beth Ann, you had me so worried. I’ve been looking for you for months. Igot your letter and I came right on.”
“I don’t know, Buck.”
“Honey, I didn’t marry you because of the ranch, I married you because I love you.”
“Then why didn’t you rebuke Bob for saying that?”
“You heard that?”
“Yes.”
“I really don’t care what others think of me. They don’t know the truth and it’s really none of their business.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Darlin’ I love you with all my heart and I want you to come home with me.” Beth Ann sat there thinking. Carl brought a plate of roast beef out from the kitchen. He took it to Lydia and told her to take it over for Beth Ann. She was probably going to be leaving tonight and he wanted her to eat before she left. He told Lydia that both meals were on him. She took the plate over to Beth Ann.
“The boss says that you’ll probably be leaving and he wants you to eat before you go.” said Lydia as she placed the plate in front of Beth Ann. Beth Ann looked from one to the other.
“Well, I guess I am, at that.” and she ate what was placed front of her.
“By the way, those dinners are on the boss. He wants you to come say goodbye before you leave.” Beth Ann smiled at her. When she finished eating the pie, she excused herself and went upstairs to pack her things. When she came back down Carl was talking to Buck. Buck saw her come in the room.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked as she walked up to them, and he took her bag. They went outside and he helped her into the buggy. Lydia and Carl followed them out and had a prayer for them before they left.
“Let us hear from you once in a while so we’ll that you are doing okay.” said Carl.
“I will. I’ll try and write at lease once a month. It depends on how busy I am with the baby. Maybe you can come visit sometime and see the little one.”
“I can’t promise but we’ll try.” answered Carl.
Part of the ride home was quiet. Beth Ann thanked God for her husband and that he didn’t marry her for the ranch, so it wasn’t a marriage of convenience, it was a marriage of love.....true love.
Here are some comments made in 1951 ---- only 56 years ago!
Submitted by Donna Mahon
"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20."
"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2000 will only buy a used one."
"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous."
"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?"
"If they raise the minimum wage to $1, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."
"When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."
"Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."
"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying 'damn' in 'Gone With The Wind,' it seems every new movie has either "hell" or "damn" in it.
"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas "
"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the president."
"I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."
"It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet."
"It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."
"Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more; those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat."
"I'm just afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."
"Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress."
"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."
"There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly $15 a night to stay in a hotel."
"No one can afford to be sick any more; $35 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood."
"If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it"
Sharing The Word With Pastor Diana
The WOW in Worship
Psalm 100:1-5
Sometimes we that the WOW in our worship tome. Psalm 100 offers what I like to call a spiritual pick-me-up. It tells us that the more we know about God's nature, the more we can express out love for Him.. Information leads to adoration. The psalmist her is reflecting the Lord as God, Creator and Shepherd, which results in worship, gladness and joyful sings. It's true, to know Him is to love Him.
Knowing that "the Lord is God" (v3) identifies Him as the only true God. He existed before all, after all and above all. He possesses unlimited power, knowledge immeasurable, and a presence that is unavoidable. He is indescribable, indispensable, and indisputable. He is huge!
There was a little girl who was listening to her father reading their family devotions. She seemed to be in awe by her parent's talk about God's unlimited power. "Daddy," She asked, "how big is God?' Her father answered, "Honey, He is always a lot bigger than what you need." Believing that God is bigger than our own situations produces passion in our praises to God.
Knowing that "it is He who make us" (v3) reveals Him as our Creator. He is the One who fashioned us into His image (Genesis 1:27) He shows us His creativity through forming humans who are diverse yet distinctive. But why did God create us? The psalmist says that we were created to become God's people---those of His Highest priority. Our value lies not in who we are, but in whose we are. Belonging to God's family adds awe to our adoration for Him.
Knowing that "we are......the sheep of His pasture" (v3) will help us understand the tender care God shows for His children. Shepherds are responsible for every aspect of their flocks well-being. Shepherd takes their responsibility very seriously. They make sure their sheep are protected, they five them guidance on which way to go, they take them to finest pastures to graze in, they make sure they have enough to eat and drink, and they help them to rest. Our Good Shepherd is exactly like that. He leads His sheep into "green pastures" (Psalm 32:2). He "calls His own sheep by name" (John 10:3). He "lays down His life for His sheep" (John 10:11). Showing our gratitude to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, will produce gladness in our hearts.
Understanding that the Lord is bigger than any of our needs, that He is our Creator. We belong to Him. We can't help but put the WOW back into our worship!
Reflection
1. On the scale of one to ten, how would you rank the intensity of your worship?
2. List some of God's attributes. In what ways has He revealed Himself to you?
3. How does knowing the nature of God affect how you praise Him? Now take some time to enter His gates with a joyful song that celebrates His character.
Related Readings
Psalm 23:1-6
Isaiah 43:5-6
Romans 9:25-26
Colossians 1:16-17
Pastor Diana pastors the Jesus Loves Advent Christian Home Fellowship in Meriden, Ct. For information about our services or more information about our Fellowship please email Pastor Diana at pastordiana@sbcglobal.net
Drinking Tea
Drinking tea, January, sitting with my grandmother
Talking about the weather, in New England,
The sky the color of frost, snow in the air;
I drink my tea the color of crimson
Against the blank whiteness of my cup,
Steam rising, forming clouds
Above the table.
I drink my tea, feeling its hot smoothness
Soothe my throat,
Warm my insides.
Remembering the heat of the summer sun,
The nip of Autumn,
In the bitterness of winter.
I remember licking the white crystals of snow
As they fell in January, 1984,
Covering the ground with a blanket,
Playing with my hair,
Kissing my eyelashes,
With winter roses blooming in my cheeks.
Waiting every winter for the snow to fall,
Impatiently, full of hope.
Wanting the earth to glisten as it had done before,
When I was younger.
Remembering being small, before school,
Sitting where I sit now,
Drinking my tea,
White like the snow, with milk,
Sweet, with crystals like snowflakes, of sugar.
Too sweet to drink, as I think of it
Now;
But I drank it anyway,
With my grandmother.
Drinking tea,
I burn my tongue
As I have done before,
Scorching it red
Making it numb, unable to feel or taste.
Afraid to take another sip,
Of hurting myself more,
I bring the sup to my mouth,
Only tasting the tea in my exhale,
After it has slipped down my throat.
I wonder how my grandmother
Can drink tea
As hot as summer
And not get burned,
As I do.
Turning on the kettle,
Feeling it’s steamy warmth in my dry hands,
I pull out a thick, ceramic mug.
A white one.
Feeling it’s smooth coldness,
It reminds me of the snow.
I look out the kitchen window
To the dry winter grass,
Frozen,
Covered with crunchy frost,
No snow.
I pour steaming water over the tea bag,
As it urgently bobs to the top.
I give it a few dunks in the boiling bath
And cautiously fish it out of the cup.
I drink my tea there,
By the window,
Waiting for the snow,
As I have done before,
And will do again,
Without my grandmother.
For Alice Hutchinson
By Kristen L. Melillo
The real story of John Chapman better known as “Johnny Appleseed”
"The Apple Song"
There's apple picklesOh so tastyApple tarts and apple pastryApple dumplings, not to mentionApple sass?Yes and there's apple frittersLight as thistleAnd for folks to wet their whistleTangy apple cider, my lad
Stew 'em, fry 'em, boil 'em, bake 'emApple pie and apple cake'mYep, you can cook 'em any way
Apple this and apple thatThe recipes would fill your hatWhy I could carry on like this all day
Oh, pack your stuff and get a-goin'Get them apple trees a growin'There's a lot of work out there to doThere's a lot of work to do.
From Disney’s “Melody Time”
Who was “Johnny Appleseed”
Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman ( September 26, 1774– March 18, 1845), was an American pioneer nurseryman, and missionary for the Church of the New Jerusalem, founded by Emanuel Swedenborg.
He introduced the Apple to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois by planting small nurseries. He became an American legend while still alive, portrayed in works of art and literature, largely because of his kind and generous ways, and his leadership in conservation.
Chapman's family
John Chapman was the second child of Nathaniel Chapman and his wife, the former Elizabeth Simonds (m. February 8, 1770) of Leominster, Massachusetts. Nathaniel was a farmer of little means, although tradition holds that he lost two good farms during the American Revolution. His father started John Chapman upon a career as an orchardist by apprenticing him to a Mr. Crawford, who had apple orchards.
A third child, Nathaniel Jr., was born on June 26, 1776, while Nathaniel was an officer leading a company of carpenters attached to General George Washington in New York City. Elizabeth, however, was suffering from tuberculosis, and both mother and child died in July, leaving John and his older sister, also named Elizabeth, to be raised by relatives. After being honorably discharged in 1780, Nathaniel remarried, with ten half-siblings for John and Elizabeth the result.
Heading for the frontier
In 1792, an 18-year-old Chapman went west, taking 11-year-old half-brother Nathaniel, with him. Their destination was the headwaters of the Susquehanna. There are stories of him practicing his nurseryman craft in the Wilkes-Barre area, and of picking seeds from the pomace at Potomac cider mills in the late 1790s.
Land records show that John Chapman was in today's Licking County, Ohio, in 1800. Congress had passed resolutions in 1798 to give land there, ranging from 160 acres to 2240 acres, to Revolutionary War veterans, but it took until 1802 before the soldiers actually received letters of patent to their grants. By the time they arrived, his nurseries, located on the Isaac Stadden farm, had trees big enough to transplant.
Nathaniel Chapman arrived, family in tow, in 1805, although John's sister Elizabeth had married and remained in the east. At that point, the younger Nathaniel Chapman rejoined the elder, and Johnny Appleseed spent the rest of his life alone.
By 1806, when he arrived in Jefferson County, Ohio, canoeing down the Ohio River with a load of seeds, he was known as Johnny Appleseed. He had used a pack horse to bring seeds to Licking Creek in 1800, so it seems likely that the nickname appeared at the same time as his religious conversion. Johnny Appleseed's beliefs made him care deeply about animals.
His concern extended even to insects. Henry Howe, who visited all 88 counties in Ohio in the early 1800s, collected these stories in the 1830s, when Johnny Appleseed was still alive:
One cool autumnal night, while lying by his camp-fire in the woods, he observed that the mosquitoes flew in the blaze and were burnt. Johnny, who wore on his head a tin utensil which answered both as a cap and a mush pot, filled it with water and quenched the fire, and afterwards remarked, “God forbid that I should build a fire for my comfort, that should be the means of destroying any of His creatures.”
Another time he made his camp-fire at the end of a hollow log in which he intended to pass the night, but finding it occupied by a bear and cubs, he removed his fire to the other end, and slept on the snow in the open air, rather than disturb the bear.
When Johnny Appleseed was asked why he did not marry, his answer was always that two female spirits would be his wives in the after-life if he stayed single on earth. However, Henry Howe reported that Appleseed had been a frequent visitor to Perrysville, Ohio, where Appleseed is remembered as being a constant snuff customer, with beautiful teeth. He was to propose to Miss Nancy Tannehill there - only to find that he was a day late, and she had accepted a prior proposal:
On one occasion Miss PRICE’s mother asked Johnny if he would not be a happier man, if he were settled in a home of his own, and had a family to love him. He opened his eyes very wide–they were remarkably keen, penetrating grey eyes, almost black–and replied that all women were not what they professed to be; that some of them were deceivers; and a man might not marry the amiable woman that he thought he was getting, after all.
Now we had always heard that Johnny had loved once upon a time, and that his lady love had proven false to him. Then he said one time he saw a poor, friendless little girl, who had no one to care for her, and sent her to school, and meant to bring her up to suit himself, and when she was old enough he intended to marry her. He clothed her and watched over her; but when she was fifteen years old, he called to see her once unexpectedly, and found her sitting beside a young man, with her hand in his, listening to his silly twaddle.
I peeped over at Johnny while he was telling this, and, young as I was, I saw his eyes grow dark as violets, and the pupils enlarge, and his voice rise up in denunciation, while his nostrils dilated and his thin lips worked with emotion. How angry he grew! He thought the girl was basely ungrateful. After that time she was no protégé of his.
Chapman's apples
It is impossible to produce named-variety apples by planting seeds; every tree produces a new variety, often misshapen and sour. To produce apples such as are sold in supermarkets, scions from a named variety must be grafted onto the scrub apple. Chapman didn't do that; he considered grafting to be "absolute wickedness". Still, there wasn't much available in the way of sweets on the frontier, especially during the winter. Whole apples can be stored in a root cellar for months, and snitz (dried apple sections) keep for a year before losing quality.
What's more, apples could be juiced for apple butter or to produce hard cider (which could be further processed to make applejack). Although Cecil Adams's staff claims Chapman drank, Swedenborgian theology required vegetarianism and abstention from alcohol, and it is known that on the night before he died, it was milk he drank with his bread.
On the frontier, water supplies were often of questionable quality, and alcoholic beverages could be the healthful alternative. This was especially true in or near the Black Swamp, where ague and malaria claimed many lives. The Worth farm, where Johnny Appleseed died, and his Milan Township nursery were both in Allen County, Indiana, on the west edge of the Black Swamp. Chapman had introduced "mayweed" (now called dog fennel) into Ohio, giving housewives fresh herbs along with stories for the whole family. He believed dog fennel had antimalarial properties. Farmers called it johnny weed; many states now classify dog fennel as a noxious weed.
Johnny's business plan
The popular image of Johnny Appleseed had him spreading apple seeds randomly, everywhere he went. In fact, he planted nurseries rather than orchards, built fences around them to protect them from livestock, left the nurseries in the care of a neighbour who sold trees on shares, and returned every year or two to tend the nursery.
Appleseed's managers were asked to sell trees on credit, if at all possible, but he would accept corn meal, cash or used clothing in barter. The notes didn't specify an exact maturity date - that date might not be convenient - and if it didn't get paid on time, or even get paid at all, Johnny Appleseed didn't press for payment. Setting down roots in the community - both literally and figuratively - settlers knew that paying their debts was imperative. Appleseed was hardly alone in this pattern of doing business. What was unique was the fact that he remained an itinerant his entire life.
He obtained the apple seed for free; cider mills wanted more apple trees planted, as it would eventually bring them more business. Johnny Appleseed dressed in the worst of the used clothing he received, giving away the better clothing he received in barter. He wore no shoes, even in the snowy winter. There was always someone in need he could help out, for he didn't have a house to maintain. When he heard a horse was to be put down, he'd buy the horse, buy a few grassy acres nearby, and turn the horse out to recover. If it did, he'd give the horse to someone needy, exacting a promise to treat the horse humanely.
Towards the end of his career, he was present when an itinerant missionary was exhorting to an open-air congregation in Mansfield, Ohio. The sermon was long and quite severe on the topic of extravagance, as the pioneers were now starting to buy such indulgences as calico, and store-bought tea. "Where now is there a man who, like the primitive Christians, is traveling to heaven bare-footed and clad in coarse raiment?" the preacher repeatedly asked, until Johnny Appleseed, his endurance worn out, walked up to the preacher, put his bare foot on the stump which had served as a lectern, and said, "Here's your primitive Christian!" The flummoxed sermonizer dismissed the congregation.
He was generous with the Swedenborgian church as well. He swapped 160 acres of land near Wooster, Ohio in 1821 in exchange for Swedenborgian tracts that he could distribute. He would tear a few pages from one of Swedenborg's books and leave them with his hosts.
He made several trips back east, both to visit his sister, and to replenish his supply of Swedenborgian literature. He typically would visit his orchards every year or two, and collect his earnings.
Health
It has been suggested that Johnny may have had Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. One of the primary characteristics of Marfan Syndrome is extra-long and slim limbs. All sources seem to agree that Johnny Appleseed was slim, but while other accounts suggest that he was tall, Harper's describes him as "small and wiry".
Those who propose the Marfan theory suggest that his compromised health may have made him feel the cold less intensely. His long life, however, suggests he did not have Marfan's, and while Marfan's is closely associated with death from cardiovascular complications. Johnny Appleseed died in his sleep, from winter plague - presumably pneumonia.
Grave site
There is some vagueness concerning the date of his death and his burial. Harper's New Monthly Magazine of November, 1871 (which is taken by many as the primary source of information about John Chapman) says he died in the summer of 1847. The Fort Wayne Sentinel, however, printed his obituary on March 22, 1845, saying that he died on March 18: The deceased was well known through this region by his eccentricity, and the strange garb he usually wore. He followed the occupation of a nurseryman, and has been a regular visitor here upwards of 10 years. He was a native of Pennsylvania we understand but his home—if home he had—for some years past was in the neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, where he has relatives living. He is supposed to have considerable property, yet denied himself almost the common necessities of life—not so much perhaps for avarice as from his peculiar notions on religious subjects. He was a follower of Swedenborg and devoutly believed that the more he endured in this world the less he would have to suffer and the greater would be his happiness hereafter—he submitted to every privation with cheerfulness and content, believing that in so doing he was securing snug quarters hereafter.
In the most inclement weather he might be seen barefooted and almost naked except when he chanced to pick up articles of old clothing. Not withstanding the privations and exposure he endured he lived to an extreme old age, not less than 80 years at the time of his death — though no person would have judged from his appearance that he was 60. "He always carried with him some work on the doctrines of Swedenborg with which he was perfectly familiar, and would readily converse and argue on his tenets, using much shrewdness and penetration. His death was quite sudden. He was seen on our streets a day or two previous.”
Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauty
As I’m writing my article it reminds me of what I was doing three years and one month ago. Writing about Jimmy’s medical problem. In 2004 it was the removal of his left kidney at Hartford Hospital. And all went well. Now I’m waiting for that phone call from Bradley Memorial. He had a hip replacement in January of 1989. His prosthesis has seen the age of time, will be removed and another one will take that ones place. So until that call arrives I will get to the gardening business.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous is the only way to describe the flowers of 2007. Don’t know the reason but I think they were exceptionally beautiful this season. Some of the perennials stayed in full bloom longer and produced an extra abundance of new plants.
Thirteen years ago I was given some yellow loosestrife. This plant is one of the first perennials to bloom. Usually by the first week of July I cut the dead plants down right to the ground. Within three weeks the area is covered with new green growth. And will stay like that until frost. I was quite shocked to see buds on some of the stems. When I looked the other day the buds are no more but now are in bloom. This has never happened before. I thought they came into flowering only once a season. The butterfly bushes so beautiful and fragrant with so many flying colorful visitors. There are lots of new bushes springing up everywhere. New homes will be found for these. As I have mentioned before we have an old fireplace to the right of the walk next to one bed of flowers as you come into the yard on Fairview Ave. side. My containers of calla lilies and other pots of flowers sit at the base or on top of the grates. Growing from two cracked cement stones are two butterfly bushes. The stems are about three feet long with many purple flowers. Anxious to see what will happen next spring. If they do survive and bloom again after winter and their pruning at the end of March or beginning of April they’ll probably conceal the whole fireplace. One of the bushes which is in back on the other side of the fence must be the seed donor. The very tall yellow and orange mini cluster of blooms on the Helenas are very striking. Have them in front of one section of fence at the end of the yard. The ever beautiful hibiscus in front of them. Very disappointed that the red one did not survive winter. That particular hibiscus usually bloomed into October. Maybe I’ll purchase another one next year. The white and purple trumpet lily plants are gigantic. When the flower season comes to an end some of them will be 6’ – 8’ high and 4’ wide. Will have to find someone very muscular to pull them out of the ground for me. The dahlias in various heights, from small, medium and large blooms. So many different colors. They look so pretty in the bouquets I’ve picked. The sedum joy sedum turning from green to red and the turtleheads are beginning to open up. The finale will be when the montak daisy and chrysanthemums come into bloom. Probably not for another month. When watering the garden beds the other night I came upon a praying mantis on one of my pink hibiscus. The only one I’ve seen so far.
Jimmy’s cukes have come and gone. He kept a few for himself and the rest were given away. He had been picking them by the panfulls then all of a sudden the leaves began to turn brown. And before long the plants died one by one. This was a first for him. Don’t know what happened. Usually my long awaited tomato sandwich had been devoured by the first week in July. Had to wait until the middle of August. Am making up for lost time. Once in a while if I’m still hungry after breakfast out will come the bread, mayonnaise, Mrs. Dash and you know what.
That call finally arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon. Five hours and a successful surgery. Three days in the hospital and then transferred to Bradley’s Care Center for therapy and rehab. Don’t know the length of time yet. Jimmy’s doctor said he was progressing better than expected.
The end . Have to get this up to Andy before he starts hoot ing and hollering about me being late. But I have been rather busy.
Flowercerely yours,
Bobbie G. Vosgien
Musing by Ernie Larsen
"Downtown"
My wife and I were driving back into town after a trip to West Hartford for a ‘bite’. We were on Colony Street just passing the old Post Office and she remarked this place,
Meriden’s downtown, is a ghost town. I babbled ‘ya think? – Just a couple of weeks ago, I was in the same situation, returning from the ‘beach’ after a stay with my daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law. I was heading up W. Main Street adjacent to the Police/Court complex noting the lack of anyone on the street on a mid-Saturday afternoon. I had just returned from beautiful downtown Madison, Ct where the shops were bustling and it was difficult to find a parking spot on Main Street. The same goes for our West Hartford excursion – it was the Sunday of Labor Day week end and the joint (W. Hartford) was jumping, so to speak. So, what’s with Meriden?
It is a known fact that downtown areas as we used to know them are victims to the advent of the shopping mall; so why is West Hartford bustling with activity with a major mall just a mile or so from the center of town and Meriden’s downtown still fallow? Meriden’s mall has been out of existence for years and scant few retailers have bothered to invest and take a chance on opening up in downtown. In fact, there is really nothing to bring back the hordes that were seen on Colony and West Main and now lamented by those who fondly remember those crowded sidewalk, Friday nights.
It’s a shame, after millions were spent to revive the downtown infrastructure back in ’93; no effective marketing plan emerged for the recruitment of businesses to jump-start downtown, as it were. So, what’s a body to do, for shopping I guess ‘The Square’ as many still refer to Westfield Shopping Town is it; the convenience of many different stores in one handy location with almost unlimited parking.
As for the future of Meriden’s downtown, who’s to say if it was a wise idea to put the Superior Court building smack in the middle of the area? Usually people heading to court are not the most upstanding citizens in our society; although they do provide some revenue to the City via the parking fees they pay for their court appearances. There was talk a few years ago to start an upscale restaurant in the building across the street which is now occupied by Middlesex Community College. I guess a steady rent as opposed to the pitfalls of running an eating establishment certainly makes more business sense. Right now, there are only a handful of retail businesses in downtown not counting the eating establishments who provide sustenance to the college and courthouse folks plus some out of district customers who have been patrons for years.
Will downtown ever revert back to the glory days of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, most likely not; so what is in the works for the area? Nothing as far as I can see, there is some talk about making the newly demolished mall area a park, no revenue generation there, as for the rest of downtown I’m sure some new businesses will filter in and out, however, I wouldn’t want to be hanging for the length of time it would take for Meriden’s downtown to regress back to the days of yore. As for now, the diner/deli restaurants seem to be holding their own, in fact one of the classic design diners, adjacent to the Courthouse, just reopened; you certainly are able to order a decent lunch in several of the downtown "hash houses" as my father gingerly used to refer to diners and luncheonettes. But if you have a hankering for the latest best-selling novel, that’s another story.
So, I reckon if you fancy some small-time retailing, you’ll have to head to West Hartford, Middletown or even Madison for that intimate shopping outing.
I’m sure there will be those who can relate to these thoughts, remembering those memorable Friday nights of the past and hoping for a renaissance of downtown; probably not going to happen any time soon.
DEFYING THE ODDS!!!
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Undoubtedly, it’s happened to you. It’s happening to our family more often than not. We’ve all been told, at least once in our lives, somewhere, usually at a critical or pivotal moment, that there was something that we wouldn’t be able to do/overcome/succeed. I am here to remind you that hold the power and the ability within you to champion your challenges, goals, and yes, your DREAMS! If you dare to…
Since the moment our son, Hunter Christian Pageau, entered this world 2 years ago this month, he has been fighting for his life daily, and WINNING! Hunter has, in a gloriously blissful, courageous and inspiring manner, far surpassed projections by all medical professionals, and amazed them all alike! My husband and I have been told from very early on that Hunter’s diagnosis of SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress), which is an extremely rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, would most likely end Hunter’s life by the time he was one year old. Hunter relies on a Ventilator 24-7 in order to breathe, is fed via a gastrointestinal tube (G Tube) in order to thrive, and is unable to move from his hips down, all as a result of the paralyzing muscular component of his condition. Hunter will turn two years old on September 29th, and as the picture above reveals, he is triumphing, despite the initial limited/erroneous projections!
Hunter is one of only 3 children in the U.S., and one of 60 worldwide, whom have this affliction, which has challenged our family, in ways undescribable, in coping with his diagnosis. As parents, we have never left our son’s side, have traveled wherever necessary, to search out qualified medical professionals who have any familiarity with Hunter’s very rare genetic condition. This took our family out of state for a continuous 11 month hospital stay, resulting in the loss of our home, business and all our life savings. While our concern is not for what we have lost, rather for Hunter and what he now needs, we find ourselves in a precarious position as a family of being unable to satisfy all of Hunter’s very costly,complex needs.
Until we can secure the 16 hours per day of Homecare
Nursing our Insurance is willing to pay for, in assisting us with 24-7 aspects of Hunter’s daily care, we remain unable to be gainfully employed outside of our home. We have been searching for 14 months for qualified staff, and currently only have 2 night shifts per week covered. As parents, we are medically trained/certified on Hunter’s care and are his nurses every day, all day, with the exception of those 2 covered shifts each week, and the occasional incredible assistance of Hunter’s Aunt Karen, also trained on Hunter’s care. Along with handling all aspects of Hunter’s daily care needs, which includes a great deal of both Drs. and therapy appointments, we have done our best to both raise awareness in our surrounding communities in regards to SMA, and initiate fundraising efforts on Hunter’s behalf, to provide him with much needed equipment items, that Insurance either isn’t willing to cover or pays a portion thereof.
Despite all of our intense hardships, we raise our son in a constant environment of hope, joy, bliss, faith and peace. We have not only survived these phenomenal circumstances for 2 full years, with so very much stacked up against us daily, but we do so positively and energetically, smiling throughout, with grace and dignity. We 3 are determined to continue to DEFY THE ODDS, and we wish to extend our most sincere gratitude to each one of you who pray for us, believe in us, encourage us, support us in various ways and have joined our nonstop campaign of “Hope for Hunter!” Thus far, we are proud to share, that with the help of many of you, we have been able to secure both a Manual Wheelchair and a Power Wheelchair for Hunter, which is a huge accomplishment, as the cost for both items is very high, with Insurance covering only a portion of that cost.
Our fundraising efforts are now focused on securing a Wheelchair Accessible Van for Hunter, as he currently is only able to leave home with his car seat strapped to an ambulance stretcher for both Drs. and therapy appointments, for safety purposes, due to his high medical specifications. Hunter’s Power Wheelchair does not fold and is extremely heavy, thus necessitating an electric lift on a van, as the only other viable option for his safe transport. We are thrilled to announce that Café Ra in Wallingford will be hosting “An Evening for Hunter” Wine Tasting Benefit Fundraiser on Tuesday, September 18th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, in a compassionate effort to invite the community to support our efforts to “Help Hunter Ride!” There will be an array of wines to enjoy, along with gourmet appetizers and desserts, live guitarist Meg Hackett playing and a Silent Auction with incredible items to bid on, with the entire ticket price of $25 going towards the much needed Wheelchair Accessible Van.
ALL funds raised that evening will be donated to the Hunter Pageau Trust, rolling us one step closer to allowing Hunter to experience the world more fully, as most kids do! Tickets may be purchased in advance at both Café Ra and Serenity Salon in Wallingford, or at the door that evening at Café Ra. It is going to be an incredible evening and we do hope you can join us for this very good cause to make Hunter’s dreams of Mobility/Freedom/Independence come true! Those that can’t make it, but wish to kindly make a donation to help Hunter, may do so to the Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116 Shunpike Rd., Cromwell, CT 06416.
Daily we awake into the unknown, with great hope and faith, praying that somehow our son will be provided with the opportunity to enjoy his life in the ways that most of us do and take for granted. We will continue to strive forward in gratitude, and passionately advocate for our beautiful son each day of his life, with every moment treasured, hard times or not. Hunter is the most precious blessing and gift of our lives, and we celebrate him with all that we are. We will continue to do our utmost to provide Hunter with the Gifts of Freedom/Mobility, that are his birthright, and thank all of you who join us in this regard! Happy 2nd Birthday to our incredible son and God Bless You for showing us all the true meaning of life and how it is meant to be embraced! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION, HUNTER CHRISTIAN PAGEAU!
GREAT TRUTHS
Little Children Have Learned:
No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats.
When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.
If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.
Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.
Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandpa’s lap
Adults Have Learned:
Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
Wrinkles don’t hurt.
Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.
Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
Growing Old:
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
Forget the health food: I need all the preservatives I can get.
When you fall down: you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.
You’re getting old when: you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
It’s frustrating when: you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
Time may be a great healer: but it’s a lousy beautician.
Wisdom comes with age: but sometimes age comes alone.
Four Stages of Life:
You believe in Santa Claus.
You don’t believe in Santa Claus.
You are Santa Claus.
You look like Santa Claus.
Baked Peach Pancake
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups Lyman’s fresh peaches, peeled
4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
ground nutmeg
Directions:
Combine peaches with sugar and lemon juice. Set aside. Beat eggs until fluffy. Add flour, milk and salt. Beat until smooth. Place butter in a 10-inch skillet. Bake at 400 for4 to 5 minutes, or until melted. Immediately pour batter into hot skillet. Return to oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pancake has risen and is puffed all over. Fill with peach slices and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve immediately.
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