Getting an early start on thanking our veterans

A mystery solved! Have you seen the red shirted, flag-waving group who marches on the sidewalks of Carson Street every Friday around dinnertime and wondered who they were? Well, the answer came in an Appeal news article this week about the family and friends of the late CWO Joshua Rodgers of Gardnerville, who march to remember him (he was killed in Afghanistan), and support our troops.

On Friday, May 30, the first anniversary of Rodgers' death, they are inviting all of you to come join them as they march from Carl's Jr., on South Carson Street, to Highway 50 East, and back again, beginning at 5:15 p.m. We suggest, if you can't join them, go sit on a Carson Street corner, and cheer them on. Wear red, and bring your flags.

This weekend, the week before the anniversary of his death, is the Memorial Day weekend. There will be plenty of activities to remember those who have given so much for us ... just check the paper. There will also be joyous things ... the parade in Virginia City, the train rides at the museum, the Indy 500 ... and time to reflect and thank our veterans, and their families, who have served and are serving our country. Thank you!

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Carolyn and her daughter, Kim Johnston, went to Carol's 8th grade reunion in Hayward, Calif., last weekend. Maizie's surprised that they'd invented school back then, but is sure they had a wonderful time. M is glad if anyone had a wonderful time last week ... she was in bed with the 56 percent of the flu that this year's shot DID NOT cover ... yuck (she wouldn't wish it on anyone).

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Happy Birthday's to Coe Swobe and Tyler Jesse (whose "old" girlfriend sends him love and xxx's). Speaking of "old" girlfriends, M and Eloise Koenig (oops, she's not "old"), didn't get to the Senior Senior Prom because M was ill. They're just going to have to take their "dates" on a regular date later on. But they sure thank the two young "senior" men for agreeing to escort them that night. M & E really missed the fun of going. Many congrats to Mary Lester on her retirement. We hope she loves it.

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A bit of "Nevada lore" from the late DeeAnn Parsons: "Every Sunday a little old lady put $1,000 in the collection plate at church. The pastor, overcome by curiosity, asked her how she could afford it. 'Oh, my son sends me money every week, and what I don't use, I put in the collection.' 'Your son must be very successful,' the pastor said. 'What does he do?' The little old lady beamed proudly, 'Oh, he is. He's a veterinarian,' 'And where does he practice?' asked the pastor. 'In Nevada. He's got two cat houses in Vegas, and one near Carson City.'"

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Thanks for notes from readers who agreed with our support of Congressman Dean Heller's English-only ballots. One of them quoted Theodore Roosevelt's 1907 words about coming to this country and becoming American ... "if you come in good faith and assimilate, you are to be treated equally like everyone else. In doing so, your allegiance must be to only one flag, one language, and one loyalty ... if they are divided, you are not an American." Remember, loyalty regarding citizenship, and celebrating your heritage and ethnicity ARE NOT the same thing. Think about it.

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A great story came out of South Africa this week. Oscar Pistorius, the remarkable runner, has been given the OK by the International Olympic Committee to try out for the Olympic team. If you aren't aware of Pistorius, he's the world-class runner who is a DOUBLE AMPUTEE. What a boost for the disabled all over the world, and an inspiration to everybody. You CAN do almost anything, if you set your mind to it.

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Coming up: CHS's head girls basketball coach and math teacher, Todd Ackerman, is leading a trip to Italy in the summer of 2009. It is open to any high school student or adult who wants to spend 15 glorious days covering the whole country. Call him at 315-7681 for details. Ciao, baby. The Carson City Senior Citizens Center will open its Senior Follies 2008, the "Wild Wild West," beginning Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Community Center. It's their annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels and other programs. General admission is $20, with seniors and children $10. Directed by Norma Conway, it's always a fun time. Call 883-0703 for details and performances. The Carson Hot Springs Resort (885-8844) is holding an open house on Saturday, from 3-5 p.m., with live music, fun, and two new pools. They'd like everyone to drop by. And hold the date of June 22 open for the Carson Sertoma Club's annual charity golf tournament at Eagle Valley East ... all kinds of fun and prizes. Call Frank (885-7579) or John (882-2603) for details and registration.

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From "Letters Dear Abby was at a loss to answer:" "Dear Abby: A couple of women live across the hall from me. One is a teacher and the other is a social worker. They go everywhere together, and I never see a man go into or leave their apartment. Do you think they are Lebanese?" "Dear Abby: I have a man I can't trust. He cheats so much, I'm not even sure the baby I'm carrying is his." And, "Dear Abby: Our son writes that he is taking Judo. Why would a boy, who was raised in a good Christian home, turn against his own?"

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Karen Chandler's father, Virgil, passed away last week. Our deepest sympathies to Karen (Carson High School's drama teacher), her Mom, and her family.

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O.K., everyone ... time for ACTION. The annual Community Awards are coming up, and the nomination deadline is May 31. If you have a friend, relative, or even someone you don't know, who does things that are worthy of notice and deserve attention, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. Nominate them for a community award NOW. E-mail editor@nevadaappeal.com, or send a letter to the editor and tell them about your favorite public servant, organization, artist, athlete, teacher, student, volunteer, employee, or whatever you come up with. Many people deserve recognition, but, unless you nominate them, they won't get it. So, NOW'S THE TIME. JUST DO IT. The awards luncheon will be June 26 at the Nugget. Hope to see you there (Reservations and information, 882-2111).

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Again, thank you Veterans, and have a safe Memorial Day!

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached by e-mail at carolynandmaizie@yahoo.com.