CANASTOTA, STOP BY AND SAY HELLO
11/06/05 10:50 AM
I guess it's time for me to get myself back in battery. I have been out of touch with my cyber space friends for 4 days. I needed a rest.
We have been experiencing a topic heat wave here in Central New York during this period. I even gave myself a break yesterday by staying away from the "Y". I excused myself from my daily walk around Wal Mart, and just relaxed here at pier side.
We had a torrential rainstorm around 1430 hours, accompanied with a lot of thunder and lightening. I love to hear the rolling thunder and listen to the falling rain. It was rather quiet here in the old homestead as Frisco had to take her sister, Aurelia , to an eye doctor appointment. I decided it was a good time to take my nap and fell off to sleep.
I heard a noise that awoke me and I called out, "You home, Hon?"
"Yes", she informed me, "we're home."
"Glad to see you made it back safe and sound", I said.
"You looked like you were worried when we came in", she answered.
Just then, the phone rang and she said it was for me.
It was the office of NY State Senator Dave Valesky's office. A male member of his staff inquired if I was the gentleman that was chairing a committee to build a World War II Memorial. I informed him that I was, and he said, in a quite manner, "I am pleased to inform you that Senator Valesky has initiated a grant, in the sum of $10,000, for your memorial".
Almost in the same breath he told me that the money has not as yet been authorized, but that the paperwork has been completed and forwarded to the proper authority for action.
That was terrific news to wake up too.
While I had him on the phone I informed him of the groundbreaking ceremony that will be held at Clark Park on Friday, June 17th at 11:00 a.m. (I had to use civilian time, they don't understand, or comprehend what military time is).
He requested that I write the Senator a letter with all the particulars. After we finished our conversation. I extended a written invitation to the event and mailed it to him. Hopefully he will show up. He may when he sees the list of those that I have extended invitations to.
We now have two grants promised, in a total of amount of $35,000, and hopefully a federal grant will be forthcoming from our congressman, who will definitely be here for the groundbreaking.
At the present time, things are looking pretty good, but we mustn't get our hopes up too high until the money is in the bank.
Aaron Sykes, the sculptor I have been telling you about, will also be here for the groundbreaking. When the politicians see and hear this young, talented, sculptor, that was raised here in Canastota, they will know that this is going to be a Memorial that the Town of Lenox, and all of Central New York, can be proud of. It will be one more attraction for people visiting this area to come and enjoy seeing.
Several years ago, I was a Trustee on a committee that paid tribute to two of the world's greatest boxers, Canastota's own Carmen Basilo and his nephew, Billy Backus. Both were Welterweight Champions of the World, and I was among a group of six gentlemen that formed a committee to honor them; Joe Bonaventura, (whose idea it was to honor Canastoa's two world champions), Don Shuler, Don VanDusen, Mike Milmoe, Charlie Bittinger and myself.
In a year's time we raised enough money to have two life size bronze statues sculptured in the likeness of both fighters. The committee had grown by 6 or 7 more members, and we raised enough money to construct a Boxing Showcase that housed the statues. When our goals was completed, the committee had grown even larger, and we decided to make Canastota the home of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
This weekend, here in Canastota, the 16th Annual Induction ceremony of the Boxing Hall of Fame will take place honoring the world's greatest boxing champions.
I am indeed proud to be a Charter Member that contributed to the Boxing Hall of Fame.
This time next year, the thousands who come annually to the Induction ceremony will have one more place to visit, and to pay homage to the nation's "Greatest Generation" at the Town of Lenox World War II Veteran's Memorial. The 700 names that will be inscribed on this memorial are truly, a group of World Champions in their own right.
There it is folks, another day in the life of Sailor Jack. The time is now 1245 hours and I have to close and get myself dressed for a Military Funeral. A good friend of mine, Barney Holdridge, passed away at age 79. The funeral service is at 1400 hours. He will be buried in the Clockville Cemetery.
Don't we have the quaintest names for our villages and hamlets here in Central New York? Clockville is just 2 miles south of Canastota.
They should have named it "Watchville", because if you close your eyes when passing through, you'll miss it. At any rate, I have to get a move on. It has been nice chatting with you. Keep the Faith, everyone, and God Bless. -- Sailor Jack
STAND CLEAR - I'M ON A MISSION
07/06/05 09:22 AM
The hour is 0922, D-Day plus 61 years and 1 day. I just finished reading the morning paper after a good hearty breakfast that was prepared, and served to me, by my darling Frisco. Just thought I would throw a little history in the mix this morning.
I was a young Seaman Recruit back then, still undergoing training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago.
D-Day, June 6, 1944. I remember the day very well, the brigade was mustered, and the CO asked our Chaplain to lead us in prayer. It was a very solemn prayer that ended with these words, "St. Michael, the archangel, defend them in battle, Amen".
A lot of water has passed through the creeks and rivers since that date. My voyage through the valleys and plains of life have, by far and large, been good to me.
Don't get excited, I am not going to take you on a long journey of my life. I can't get my mind to working on any one subject so I thought I would give you a history lesson.
Frisco said to me a few moments ago, "Stop complaining, and sit down at the computer and write something".
"What should I write about?", I asked.
"You'll think of something," she answered back, "We'll be going shopping in a few minutes"
I had forgotten it was Tuesday, our regular shopping day. So I took her suggestion, I sat down, and here I am visiting with my invisible friends.
I'll no sooner get my mind set on what I am going to write about, and she will say, "OK, it's time to go."
What did I tell you, I read her like a book. She just said what I said she would say.
Did you like that last sentence? She just said, "You can finish that later." Talk to you again when we get back. She allowed me 18 minutes this trip. It is now 1000 hours.
1142 and I have returned to port. I ordered all lines be singled up and to be ready to cast off as soon as the provisions are stored properly. It's hot out this morning, and we didn't think it would be wise to go to lunch, snd leave the disposables to the elements. Bye again, we're ready to cast off.
Back once more, time has a way of getting away on us. It's now 1300 hours and we just returned from our luncheon over at the diner. I had a nice bowl of Navy Bean soup and a country salad. Man. was it ever hugh. I couldn't eat all of it. so I had it boxed up and brought it home for my dinner tonight.
I believe I am home for the rest of the day. That is until we shove off for BINGO over at the Legion this evening. I was going to stop over at the Town offices and see Lois, but I decided to give the poor girl a break. She must think that I am a pest, at times, dropping in just about every day. I don't mean to be a pest, it's just that I want things to happen, something definite, not - "I'll see", "I'll check my schedule", "I'm out of town". "I have to go to the little boys room."
I am a man of action, if something needs to be done, let's get it done. At times I feel like I am talking to myself, and not getting straight answers. I know that I shouldn't complain. I understand the difficulties of their busy lives. Being a politician, or running a business takes a lot of your personal time.
I have been a "go-fer" all my life. I do as I am told, I go-fer this, I go-fer that, and I do it in the most expeditious way possible. I don't particularly like to be kept waiting. Time is money, and I have very little of each. So if someone ask me to do something, stand clear - I'm on a mission.
Frisco just reminded me that it is Tuesday, and that I better call my sister, Isabel, in Spokane Springs, Washington. I did as I was requested and gave my Sis a call. She was still in bed and my brother in law, Ray, was just surfacing. There is three hours time difference from the east coast to the west coast. I told him not to wake her up, just let her know that I called, and give her my love and a kiss from me.
He tells me she is doing pretty good, and so is he. She's 86 and he is 89. He was my best man at our wedding, 50 years ago this October. He was not only my best man, he has been my best friend for over 62 years. We have shared a lot of good times together in our life time.
The time is now 1400 hours and the old eye lids are getting heavy. I believe I'll sign off for now. My darling got me started early this morning, and once I get started on this computer, I love to talk to hear myself talk. I don't know if anyone is listening, nor do I care. I enjoy doing what I am doing.
Who knows, maybe someday one of my grandchildren will read Grampa's Sea Cabin, and learn a little about their grandfather.
If there is anything that I love in life, other than Frisco, it's children. I miss my days as Santa. Good afternoon good folks, my thoughts are with you. God Bless, Keep the Faith. -- Sailor Jack