It’s been a while since we have heard from readers of this column, including those who read the print edition and those who read it online, wherever they might live.
So it’s time to hear from folks who take the time not only to read my columns but respond to them.
The first comment is a response to a column about Rick Dahlgren, a person who served as Los Banos Parks and Recreation Director in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s and who recently passed away.
***
John,
Your column on Rick Dahlgren looks good. I never met Rick, but just going through mountains of his old paperwork, I can see that there was an uptick in parks and rec activity and pride during his tenure, and it definitely set the foundation for what we have today.
Joe Heim
Current Parks and Recreation Director, City of Los Banos
Joe, well stated. And thank you for continuing Rick’s legacy by maintaining and upgrading our parks and providing many different recreational options for our community.
***
The next response is to a column I wrote about the history of the Friends of the Los Banos Library.
John
Great job. There could have been additional facts and dates, but you did a wonderful job with the help of the patrons and yourself. I hope we can go forward with new members who wish to continue what the Friends are about. I look forward to our next meeting on March 12. I think Friends will have some new ideas that might be worthy for 2025.
Gerry
Los Banos
Gerry, your points are well taken. Like you, I hope my column may have spurred other readers to consider joining the Friends and becoming active members.
***
Another reader commented on the column I wrote about turning 79 years old.
Dear John,
Good column. Next March, I hit the 80 mark. Not many folks are considered young in this age bracket! But as you point out, I still think I am young enough to do everything, but wise enough to know better and apply moderation!
George
N Hutchinson Island, FL
George, thanks for the encouragement and wisdom. When you turn 80, let me know what it feels like. That’s a big number.
***
My column about friendship and my friend Dave drew two responses:
Dear John
I was reading your column on friendship and it really hit home. In this world so many people seem to enjoy being mad at someone. I was just leaving a friend’s home when I said hi to another neighbor. She informed me that she doesn’t like me anymore.
Even if people don’t like me, it doesn’t stop me from liking them. I don’t hold a grudge. Life is too short for that. It just hurts my feelings, and I don’t understand it. Your article on friendship came to me at the perfect time. Thank you for writing articles that help people.
Sincerely,
Robin
Los Banos
John,
What a wonderful article, and how great that you had the opportunity to have a lengthy visit with Dave. My heart aches for his medical issues, but it sounds like they haven’t crushed his spirit. Good for him! Friendship is indeed a gift in life. We are blessed if we value its worth.
Mary Ann
Broomfield, CO
Robin and Mary Ann, thank you for your thoughts on friendship. You’re both right. Life is too short not to extend friendship, and we are indeed blessed if we value its worth.
***
My column on bookstores, and the local Los Banos bookstore owned by Joanne Hoefer, spurred this comment.
John,
How good it is that you have a bookstore in your town. Along with the fact that you have a community, which most don’t have anymore.
Julie
San Clemente, CA
Julie, you have a good point. Often a local bookstore and a close-knit community go together.
***
A local reader commented on three columns.
John,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your column on aging (I can relate!); your column about Rick Dahlgren (I had forgotten some of the many community activities he was involved in); and especially your thoughtful column about my friend Joanne Hoefer. Thanks, John, for spreading the good news and good vibes!
Sherry
Los Banos
Sherry, I can tell you’re among my regular readers, folks I especially appreciate.
***
I received two responses on the column about my futile attempt to catch a kitten.
John,
This one really has me laughing. Those dang cats are tricky!!
Hanna
Sacramento, CA
Hi John,
You gave me a chuckle, which I needed. I admire you three trying to catch a smart kitten. I hope by now you have caught the kitten and everything has been taken care of. I have had some medical challenges since Dec. 6. Your article was the first smile I had in two months.
Dorothy
Roseburg, OR
Hanna and Dorthy,
Tricky is an understatement. I would add elusive, stubborn and too smart for its own good. I am glad that my kitten-catching-futility brought a chuckle, a smile and a laugh. By the way I tried again to catch the kitten, simply by setting up again the cat cage trap. The trap worked. Unfortunately, it didn’t catch the kitten but a big old black cat that was visiting my yard, which I quickly released. Dagnabbit!
***
The column I wrote about local author Julian Zabalbeascoa’s new book, “What We Tried to Bury Grows Here,” drew this response from the author himself.
John
This is wonderful! Thank you! What a moving read. I really appreciate it. Thank you for all of these kind words, for engaging so deeply with the novel, and for helping to get the word out!
Julian
Lowell, MA
Julian,
I’m glad you liked what I wrote and felt I related to the experiences you present in your novel. I’m also glad you continue to get good reviews for your book, including a recent positive review from the New York Times.
Finally, I want to thank all my readers, including those who read my column in print and those who read it online, and I want to thank especially those who react to them, including the many people I encounter in the stores and on the streets of my hometown, who give me their oral comments. That’s all part of what makes writing this column fun and rewarding.
John Spevak’s email is john.spevak@gmail.com.