One hundred of something is not always a lot. For instance, you would need six more cents to cover the tax if you were to purchase one item from McDonald’s dollar menu. With that same 100 pennies, you may be able to purchase one daily newspaper, depending on the paper and where you bought it. On the other hand, 100 could be considered an abundance if you were wealthy enough to purchase 100 pounds of gold or owned 100 fancy cars. What about 100 articles for a paper? Having just eaten and being current on the news, I would consider the 100 mark a fairly good achievement when talking about the former two examples. Obviously, comparing the articles to gold or cars… Forget about it! No entry in the Guinness Book of Records for me. However, I have had much fun while working with four individuals at the Tri County Record since October 2012, two of whom are still there: Lisa Mitchell and Laura Dillon, who have edited and approved the columns. A BIG thanks to Lisa and Laura.
My first five columns were entitled “Wanted: Character in the Leadership of the United States,” in which I listed many character traits I would like to see in our political leaders. Unfortunately, no matter which party you generally vote for, there were few people who met the qualities I was looking for. Even more unfortunate, there are probably fewer today!
In February 2014, I started periodic book reviews under the title of “Book Beat.” This column title was changed shortly thereafter to “Book Beat – Impact” because of two e-mails from Reid Warren, III, of Elverson complaining that I was putting too much of my opinion in the book review columns. Thus, I added the word “Impact” to the column because I wanted to tell about the book but also tell how what was said impacted me. I really appreciated Reid’s thoughts but I also wanted a chance to say how I personally felt about the book. Subsequently, Reid and his wife invited me to their house and we sat at their dining room table and discussed some of our differences over refreshments. Reid’s comments were really encouraging to me. This was the first time I met with someone who was critical of my columns. This encouraged me to write about various people after interviewing them. Although we could not come to an agreement on the topic we discussed, Reid permitted me to write an article about him, complete with a photo of the two of us in June 2014. Since then, columns have run weekly on book reviews or “Person to Person – Impact.”
I know I’m an average writer (if that), but I have wanted to write a book for roughly 20 years. Why? I wanted to leave part of me with my family when I am in heaven. Both of my parents, if still alive, would be nearly 108 today. I have found over the years that yes, I know some history about them, but not nearly enough. I wanted to leave some kind of a record about my history, thoughts, emotions and hopefully a bit of wit (I have said in previous columns I have gotten chuckles out of what I was writing at the time, so it makes a sunny day for me even if it sounds mundane to you). I started many times to write that book, initially on paper napkins while at lunch during work and after I retired, I started many times typing on the computer but the task was just too big for me and after a few pages I was done. Therefore, the columns in the Tri County Record, in which I try to write truthfully, with no intention to besmirch anyone, started in September 2014. However, I’m not afraid to poke fun at myself as in my “Meet Beatle Bailey’s Protege” series. I have received the most comments of that series than any other columns.
Next week, in my 100th article, I would like to review briefly my favorite articles since October 2012 as well a few comments about the 100 columns. Please “tune in” or I’ll miss you!
Jeff Hall, of Honey Brook, contributes columns to Berks-Mont Newspapers. Questions/comments may be directed to jeffreyhall77@comcast.net.
