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From the King to the Groom
May was a busy month and we are about ready to wrap it up and bring on June. But not before I clear my desk of a pile of notes accumulated during May.
One year ago I wrote a blog about Eddie Feigner, the leader of the softball troupe, the King and His Court. The King died in February and since that time several people who knew him personally have contributed to the comments section of my blog. If you "google" the King and His Court, my blog shows up ninth among nearly 11,000 search results. It might be worth an extra look now that so many new and interesting comments have been published.
During May I interviewed local author Rebecca Leonard, who has recently published a book -- Adirondack Nightmare: A Spooky Tale in the North Country -- which also triples as a recipe book and instructional book, in addition to a "scary-fun" work of fiction. It's great reading for young and old alike and available at local venues. The book is topped off with the illustrations of Nick Leonard, Rebecca's son, a student at Peru Central.
Ducky Drake has a voice you immediately recognize. He's one of the morning guys at WIRY Radio, plus play-by-play announcer extraordinaire for Plattsburgh State men's hockey games and other sporting events. Ducky's done that job for longer than anyone at the station. Since he does radio work, people don't always recognize his face. But I recognized him on Monday, even though he had shaved off his beard and mustache. He looks younger, and word has it that his family approves of his new look.
Ducky's commentary on WIRY called "Is It Just Me?" is one of my favorite North Country tidbits. He comments on anything from City Hall to dog poop and most subjects in between. Ducky has a ringside seat for every Common Council meeting and often comes away with an interesting perspective about the workings of city government. From what I can tell, his sidekick at those Common Council meetings is none other than prominent Beekmantown Central teacher and sports trivia expert Craig Mathews. I wonder if Craig is sometimes a ghost writer for the Duck for certain topics. Nah, I doubt it. Otherwise, Ducky would sometimes call his segment, "Is It Just Him?"
I'm one who always reads those road signs and bulletin boards outside of local businesses. Maybe it's just the English teacher in me, reading it and checking the grammar and spelling automatically. But outside Phil Dubuque's Sunoco station I couldn't help but chuckle and cringe at the sign advertising a "Pulled Pork Sandwich Special." Maybe it's just me -- but I just can't see myself ever telling someone that I'd like a pulled pork sandwich.
I spent the past weekend hanging out with car lovers at the Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers Car Show at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. From Jerry Seymour, the club president, to the rest of his club officers, Dianna, Sue and Dave, to board members such as Kevin, Bob, Bart, Tom and the others, this club puts on a great show. It was well-organized and they gave away 50 plaques and nearly 100 trophies to happy car owners. Starting this Friday, club members gather at the Skyway Shopping Plaza in the early evening for their weekly "Cruise-In." Even if you're not a classic car owner, you'll still have a great time talking with the friendly club members and listening to Jerry's oldies. I'll be there on Friday.
Finally, I couldn't help but notice a familiar name under the engagement column in Sunday's Press-Republican. The headline was simply: "Harris - Smith." But when I read it I was informed of the engagement of Westport's own John Smith to Emilyann Harris. I first met John several years ago when North Country Cable videotaped the professional wrestling events at Champlain Centre. John was a big wrestling fan. Then we met again during the demolition derbies at the Essex County Fair. John was a member of the local volunteer fire department, working hard to keep everyone safe.
I'm sure there were a lot of sad ladies in Westport when they read of John's engagement. Another of the North Country's most eligible bachelors will bite the dust on July 20. Those Westport girls missed the boat on snaring John. Dry those tears, girls. He's a happy man ready to jump into the bliss of marriage. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
As you can see, those April showers did bring a batch of interesting May flowers. Now let's see what June has in store -- other than bugs!
Comments
Foxy,
Like many others you have recognized the back of my head at the Common Council meetings. EVERYONE mentions they prefer seeing that as opposed to my face.
I also am a big fan of Ducky's Is It Just Me commentaries. He has become the most powerful political commentator in the free world. With or without his moustache.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: Craig Mathews | June 2, 2007 8:25 PM
Thanks again for the interview at Borders, Foxy. Nick and I had a great time and we are looking forward, a bit nervously, to the show. I just did a book presentation to the 5th graders at Momot school. I said in the presentation that I was never very good in English until 8th grade when I had a cool teacher named "Foxy Gagnon". Well, the whole room gasped, "I know him! I know him!" It was great.
(Foxy's note: Yikes! Scary thought that so many people know me.)
Posted by: Rebecca Leonard | May 31, 2007 11:27 AM
The pulled pork sandwich is great as long as Phil doesnt start serving them with kumquats. :)
Posted by: Rick K | May 31, 2007 8:18 AM