John Calhoun will be missed in Carson

It's the Fourth of July, our nation's 230th birthday, a time of celebration, frivolity, picnics, and, most importantly, a tribute to our nation's founders and those who keep us free. And, in that vein, we would like to salute a great man who passed away on June 24, 2006, John C. Calhoun.

John had fought in the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach in World War II, which made him a bona fide hero in anyone's estimation. But his real worth was shown in the way he treated his fellow man. For more than 25 years, John was the custodian at St. Teresa's school in Carson City. He treated all the children, their parents and the parish with the utmost joy and respect, and, in return, was given the love of the community. John was African-American in a time when that was a rarity in Carson City, but, because he was secure in himself, he was loved for the man he was, and his color was not an issue. He married the love of his life, Maria, and is survived by her and several nieces. Although he had no children of his own, his children were the children of St. Teresa's, and many of them remember him fondly as "one of the finest men we've ever met." He will be greatly missed, but, in missing him, he will also be fondly remembered. John C. Calhoun, rest in peace.

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We can be very proud of the U.S. Army Honor Guard that attended John's funeral. All four of the sergeants there dressed and acted impeccably. The female sergeant playing "Taps" played it as well as it's ever been played anywhere. We thank and salute them, and ask all of you to fly your flag today.

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We mentioned the joyous side of the Fourth, as well ... a carnival in Mill's Park, fireworks tonight courtesy of RSVP, a parade in Virginia City at noon and the parade of trains at the Railroad Museum at 10 a.m., with rides to follow. So go out and have some fun (and DON'T set off your own fireworks ... it's illegal, and the firemen, bless their hearts, don't need another fire to put out).

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So much for reverence ... Ken Fraser sent us the following story: Two Arabs took a flight out of London and sat in the middle and window seats. Just before takeoff, a Marine sat down on the aisle and, as he settled in, took off his shoes and wiggled his feet happily. After the plane was in the air, one of the Arabs said, "I need to get up and get a Coke." "Don't get up," said the Marine. "I'll be happy to get it for you." When he left, the Arab picked up one of his shoes and spat in it. When the Marine returned with the coke, the other Arab said, "That looks so good, I'd like one, too." Whereupon the Marine said, "No problem, I'll be glad to get one for you, too." Again, when he was gone, the other Arab followed suit and spat in the Marine's other shoe. The flight continued uneventfully across the ocean as they all reclined in their seats. As the plane was landing, the Marine slipped his feet in his shoes, and knew immediately what had happened. "Why does it have to be this way?" he asked. "How long must this go on? This fighting between our nations? This hatred? This animosity? This spitting in shoes and peeing in Cokes? Marines will always win in the end."

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We read where a rabid bat bit someone in Carson City this past week. Years ago, one of Gov. O'Callaghan's boys was bitten by a bat in the Governor's Mansion and had to go through rabies treatment. He survived in great shape, but it should be a reminder to ALWAYS report animal bites to Health and Human Services at 887-2190. Rabies is fatal if not treated, so be aware.

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Sheriff Kenny Furlong and the city will be breaking ground for the new sheriff's complex on Friday (what? we're getting rid of the mold and dampness?), an exciting event for the department. They are also having three town hall meetings for the public this month on July 8, 15, and 22 in the Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center. Call 887-2500 for times and details.

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Other news: The Russell family, always a class act, has sold the Piñon Plaza. It is now the "Gold Dust West"; the WNCC baseball Wildcats are 19th in the country for good grades ... congrats, guys; It was good to see TJ and Wayne at the Gold Hill Hotel again; Steve Wassner is feeling better and out of the hospital ... great; and happy birthdays to Sister Marie, Dianne Williams and Mike Ryan ... you all make growing older look good (tee hee).

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The House has voted 254-167 in favor of bilingual ballots. Was ist los? Que pas? Isn't it part of citizenship here that you have to know English? Or is every other country in the world reciprocating by printing their ballots in English, and we just haven't heard of it? Fat chance. Remember, your taxes pay for those ballots in Urdu, Spanish, French, Swahili, Vietnamese, etc. Or are we soon to be known as the United States of Confusion?

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Tip for the week: If you want FREE directory assistance, dial 1-800-FREE-411 (or 1-800-373-3411). The regular phone companies now charge you for that.

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And finally, the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, a 178-mile road race will be coming through east Carson on Saturday from about 5:30-9:30 a.m. Each runner runs three legs of a 38- leg race that goes from Reno to Truckee to Lake Tahoe to Minden, up Deer Run Road in Carson, out to the VC cutoff on Highway 50 East, up through Virginia City and back to Reno (825-3399 for details). Go out Saturday morning and cheer them on ... and have a great week! Happy birthday, U.S.A.!

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.