What a difference just one letter can make!

In the newspaper industry we’re pretty aware of how just one small mistyped letter can humble a writer and send the subject of the story over the edge. In this particular case, I was the subject, so I’m already over the edge…as they say… and the writer is employed by The Modesto Bee.

The Modesto Bee ran a spread this past Sunday on the Outstanding Women of the Year as named by the Stanislaus County Commission for Women. All of the honorees were listed with photographs and biographies.

Those who know me, know that I am not really one for attention and recognition, I just like helping those in need and serving our communities, so I quickly read over my own biography and thought about how extremely honored I am to have been selected as a recipient this year and to be included with such a prestigious group of women.

It wasn’t until Monday morning when friend and fellow Rotarian Kern Hunewill came into my office and asked me to stand up. I thought that Kern was going to give me a congratulations hug and I was thinking to myself – how nice he is. Instead he then said, turn around. Well, what the heck for? I said. He replies, I just want to see if you are indeed a Rotarian of the rear!! What are you talking about? I say. Didn’t you read your own biography yesterday? He replies. Yes, you mean Rotarian of the Year, I tell him. No, I mean Rotarian of the rear!!

So there you go, it’s that one little letter that can change the whole darn thing!! Crazy thing is that maybe The Modesto Bee knows something that I don’t know or that our club Rotarians were trying to tell me – pain in the rear – Rotarian of the rear – same difference, right?

All I can say is thank goodness that I don’t do the proof reading for our paper and I am relieved to know that other papers make mistakes!!

Rear – year – whatever it is, I am honored just the same and appreciate being nominated by Zora Arredondo of Crows Landing – that is an honor in itself – Thank you Zora!

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Spring has sprung and the blossoms are on the trees – what a glorious time of year! I personally love the springtime, it brings sunshine, perfect weather and my absolute favorite, flowers. It’s that time of the year when I get to dig in the dirt and plant away. You can find plants and shrubs at Ace Hardware, Yancey Lumber, Rite Aid and even Nob Hill. The front of our offices got a spring make-over last week and I even convinced Kathy at Unique by Design to dress up her store –front as well. I would like to challenge every business owner in Newman and Gustine to take it upon themselves to do some sprucing up – plant some flowers in the tree-wells or put out some pots – what a difference you can make with just a little effort. Our downtowns will welcome potential shoppers and bring much needed revenue to our communities.

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Our family has been blessed with having my father be very much “alive and kickin” as they say. He will turn 91 this summer and I have often wondered what keeps so many people like him going strong. Parade magazine had an article addressing those issues just this last Sunday. Interestingly enough, one great way to increase your chances of living to 100 was to read the newspaper. Wonderful idea!! Staying connected and engaged in current events keeps your brain working and increases your sense of purpose the article stated. So, as a friend of mine pointed out, for less than your insurance co-pay, you can buy an annual subscription to this weekly newspaper and you won’t even have to see the doctor. How’s that for living the good life!!

I’ll even make you a deal – for all senior citizens (65 and older) who renew their subscription for two years, between now and the end of this month, you will save an additional $2 on the annual rate – in plain English – renew now for two years and pay only $40 (that’s $10 off of our regular subscriber rate.) What a bargain and one that I am happy to pass on to our loyal readers! Will it guarantee your good health – well I can’t say – but you will get a great deal and that is sure to make you feel good!

The article went on to say that coffee is another potential health drink that can help prevent diabetes, gallstone, Parkinson’s disease, cirrhosis, kidney stones and even heart disease. Lord only knows that if you count up my cups of coffee alone, I may live till I’m 100!

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