Say what?
Our letters-to-the-editor: Reactions to what you've read here
at Offenburger.com & elsewhere, and a place to tell us what
else is on your mind.
Sarah Bates King, Fredericksburg, Virginia, March 25, 2008 — The writer is referring to Carla Offenburger's ''My View from the Porch'' column about our involvement with the visit to Jefferson this summer of the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). This letter writer first saw Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, when she pedaled past it on RAGBRAI when she was a sophomore in high school. After finishing high school in Tennessee, she indeed came back to Iowa for college and graduated from Cornell.
Hey Carla, I loved reading your column on RAGBRAI, and quickly reflected on the fact that the ride certainly changed my course of history. I doubt I would have gone to Cornell College had I not been so comfortable with Iowa, thanks to the hospitality and fun I experienced on RAGBRAI! Thanks for helping me reflect on its blessings, and top of that list is my friendship with you and Chuck!
Allen J. Hall, Malvern, Iowa, February 21, 2008 — The writer and his wife have reserved their tickets to the 2008 Cooper Prom on April 12. Details about the prom can be found in the story on the left side of our home page.
Greetings from Malvern! My wife Joyce and I are really excited about attending the ''Almost Paradise'' prom at Cooper this year. We received our tickets last week and are going to look for a dress for her on Saturday. It has to be ''just right'' because she never got to go to a prom in high school -- Columbus, Neb., High School Class of '64. For myself, I'm torn between a tux or pinstripes (vintage,like me), with saddle shoes, of course. We are coming up Friday afternoon, April 11, the day before the prom, and are staying at Prairie View B & B just west of Panora. Do you need any volunteers to help decorate, clean, etc.? We would be glad to help in any way. Let us know. See you in April.
We told the Halls to come in their decorating clothes on that Friday, and we'll have them involved as our Committee for a Super Cooper finishes up all the special decorating touches!
Mark Potter, Minnetonka, Minnesota, February 21, 2008 — Carla Offenburger's ''My View from the Porch'' column of February 18, 2008, about the death of our old dog Ginger has prompted a number of responses from readers, several of which are published below here. In addition, we have received actual sympathy cards via the U.S. Mail. Nearly everyone, we have realized, knows the pain of losing a pet to death.
Now that's what I call ''writing from the heart.'' Dogs are given a special role in our lives and they rarely disappoint. Losing a loyal dog is really like losing a close friend. I have heard that dogs have a special sense, and they know when their lives are about to come to an end. Quite often a dog will go off on its own to die. I believe they just don't want their masters to see them leave. Kind of like an ''out of sight out of mind'' attitude. I believe Ginger is now being taken care of by your dad. I can only imagine what you are going through. You have great memories of a great dog and that can never be taken away from you. I hope another well-deserving loyal dog finds his way into your home. That dog is going to have some large shoes to fill.
Leslee Oziah, O'Fallon, Missouri, February 18, 2008 — The writer is a regular reader of this Internet site. I am so sorry to hear about your losing Ginger. I have been crying ever since I read your story. I am keeping you and Chuck in my prayers. I lost my precious cocker spaniel Velvet two years ago this coming March 15. She was 14 years old and was deaf and blind, but I loved her very much. I know you will miss Ginger for a long, long time. I miss Velvet every day. We didn't get another dog since Vern and I travel a lot, so it is easier not to have a pet. I hope that Ginger and Velvet are both waiting to greet us when we leave this earth, then we can be together again.
Arnie & Shelly Henden, Sun Lakes, Arizona, February 19, 2008 — The writer, a friend from bicycling, stayed at Simple Serenity Farm one night during RAGBRAI in 2006, and he wound up having Ginger taking refuge on and under his bed while a fierce thunderstorm raged outdoors. We are so sorry to hear about Ginger. I was privileged to get to know her oh but for a brief overnight. We share in your loss and hope the following brings some comfort to you and Chuck.
Ronn King, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, February 19, 2008 — As a dog lover extraordinaire, I loved your story and express my sincere sympathy in your loss. Losing a faithful pet is sometimes even more difficult than losing a human loved one. Only a dog lover would truly understand.
Nancy Thuma, Iowa City, February 19, 2008 — The writer is a friend of the Offenburgers from times spent bicycling together. Oh, Carla, what a touching story, and I am so sorry Ginger is gone. I understand your sadness and feeling of loss, especially since you didn't find her. Pets are part of my life, and I always dreaded losing them even though they were a ''pain'' to groom or get sitters for, and to try to keep furniture and carpets free of hair. Each time I vow, ''Never again!'' And yet, another one captures my heart. Your have had a tough year. I grieve with you.
Carrie Shippy, Savannah, Georgia, February 20, 2008 — The writer is Carla Offenburger's niece. I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. I read your story on your Internet site and of course was in tears. Oh, poor Ginger! I hope you are getting along O.K. My heart goes out to you and Chuck.
Doug Sickler, Corning, Iowa, February 5, 2008 — The writer is referring to Chuck Offenburger's column on February 4, 2008, in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed the Valley News Today newspaper office in Offenburger's hometown of Shenandoah. The column talked about how the press foreman at the Valley News Today's predecessor publication, The Evening Sentinel, could work magic to keep an old press running and kept the newspaper in production.
Chuck, your article on the Shenandoah newspaper was great. It brought many memories back to me, as I was a sports writer/ad man for the Adams County Free Press in Corning, Iowa, during the mid 1960s. Our editor/owner of the Corning-based paper was Paul Gauthier, truly a giant in the newspaper circles of Iowa, carrying on a tradition that was started ''way back when'' by his father Albert Gauthier. The Free Press also boasted one of those huge presses. I think it was called a Voss, and it would literally shake the building when press day came and they fired up that huge machine. The smells were great with the ink, paper and oil from the press mingling with a deafening roar as I stood in awe, watching our editor and his seasoned veterans put together another edition. Everyone stood ready in their positions, making sure all was going well, and when that press got to full speed it was a sight to behold. We went through much of the same routine as you mentioned in your article. The minute we loaded the papers in the pick-up for delivery, we all headed back to our regular jobs, getting ready for the next edition. The beat never stopped! It was the best of times. THANKS for the memories!
Don J. Davis, Shenandoah, Iowa, February 5 2008 — The writer is also referring to Chuck Offenburger's column of February 4, 2008. Davis is the son of the press foreman Whitey Davis in the column. Just wanted to say thanks, Chuck, for the great story on the Valley News fire. My mom, Mrs. Whitey Davis, and I really enjoyed reading this and thinking back about the days of the Sentinel. I still remember each day when the last paper came off and they shut the press down, Vince Valentine with a little smirk on his face would proclaim, ''That's all she wrote!''
Jay Wagner, Des Moines, February 5, 2008 — The writer, a veteran newsman, is also referring to Chuck Offenburger's column of February 4, 2008. Great column about the ol’ printer. Farmers and press operators can fix anything, I think.
Chris Nolte, Winterset, Iowa, January 25, 2008 — The writer is referring to the news that Jefferson will be an overnight host town for RAGBRAI XXXXVI on July 21, 2008. He is a friend of the Offenburgers, and has had several experiences helping hosting RAGBRAI visits in his previous career as a Chamber of Commerce executive in Grinnell, Storm Lake and Winterset. He now does public relations for the hospital in Winterset.
Congrats! I know the Jefferson stop on RAGBRAI will be a success with you two as part of the team! Maybe Jefferson's slogan for RAGBRAI should be ''For Whom The Bell Tolls!'' You could do RAGBRAI ala Hemmingway - maybe too esoteric.
Good line, Chris! Many readers will know that you are referring to Jefferson having the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower on the Greene County Courthouse square as our leading local landmark. So, maybe the slogan should be, ''For whom the bells toll!''
Ken Baker, Panora, Iowa, January 25, 2007 — The writer, a bank president in Panora and former resident of Jefferson, is referring to the news that RAGBRAI XXXVI will be staying overnight in Jefferson on Monday, July 21.
Oh my, the announcement of Jefferson hosting RAGBRAI again brings back wonderful memories. We were living in Jefferson when our town first hosted the bike ride, in 1976. I don’t remember much about the hosting, other then I believe “tent city” was set up in Chautauqua Park, near the city pool. As a family, we didn’t pay much attention to the event – I thought!
But our oldest son Christopher, nine years old at the time, and his friends were apparently paying pretty close attention to the event. In 1980, Chris and three of his same age friends (Scot Emmons, Bruce Coyne, Scot Beath) talked me into taking them on the 1980 RAGBRAI. We all loved it! That was the year that I believe the Des Moines Register wrote a column about “sex in the campgrounds.” Whew! And I was taking four 13-year-olds on this ride!
We all went again the next year, picking up Todd Cleverly as a fifth team member. That was the Lake City “flood” year.
By the time 1981 ride was over, these now 14-year-olds were on to summer jobs and other activities. So RAGBRAI didn’t come back into my life again until 1992, when my then-hometown of Osceola hosted the ride. Son Christopher, by then 25 years old, out of college and working as a banker in Iowa City area, joined me for two days of the ride, and I did the whole week. Then in 1995, Christopher, his wife Kim, yours truly and a crazy bunch from Iowa City did the ride in 1995, 1996 and 1997. In 1996, Bruce Coyne, one of our original Jefferson group, came back to do the ride with us. Again, every ride was a blast.
I dropped out again after 1997 due to Colorado School of Banking Board of Trustees commitments during the RAGBRAI week, and that commitment continued until 2006. Christopher and his wife and a group of Iowa City friends still do the ride - sometimes for the whole week, sometimes for a few days.
What a wonderful claim to fame for Iowa. You surely played a most important and endearing role in establishing RAGBRAI as uniquely Iowa. I’m glad you are still involved, and that Jefferson can again show off its wonderful community, people, hospitality and ambience.
Ken, thanks for the note. It's clear - you are overdue to ride RAGBRAI again! Hope to see you out there this summer!
Arnie Henden, Sun Lakes, Arizona, January 25, 2007 — The writer, a native of Chicago now living in Arizona, is a longtime RAGBRAI rider and a friend of the Offenburgers. He is writing here about the news that RAGBRAI XXXVI will be spending Monday, July 21, 2008, in Jefferson.
Wow, what a coup for Jefferson! Wish I was doing the ride, as I know I would get to see you both. Guess you both will be pleasantly busy working to make Jefferson the best damn overnight stop ever. If you haven't heard from Jerry Turry (of the CUBS cycling team, that's ''Chicago Urban Bicycling Society'') regarding help in locating camp space, you probably will. Stay warm!
Gary Schmidt, Ankeny, Iowa, January 15, 2008 — The writer is an active and veteran Democrat who updates occasionally with his views of the campaign process. He is referring here to Carla Offenburger's ''My View from the Porch'' column of January 15, 2008.
I read Carla's interesting article about caucus withdrawal. Yes we are very fortunate to have all the candidates come to Iowa. I couldn't think of a better place for them to come and be involved with our great citizens. A lot of attention at presidential election year caucuses are on delegation selection and on preferences for the county conventions. The most important element involving the caucuses is party building. At the caucuses, besides electing convention delegates, we also discuss issues, elect platform and committee people to the county conventions as well as precinct committee persons. The caucuses are truly a grass roots effort. That is what our democratic system is built upon. I would suggest to anyone in Iowa that has caucus withdrawal to get involved with your local central committee. You don't have to be an elected committee person. Just watch the announcements in your local newspapers when the meetings take place, and just show up and show your support. They are always looking for help. There are always candidates that need a helping hand. The biggest thing you can do is give them moral support. A good positive word and show of support is always appreciated. I personally have gotten involved with the candidacy of young man from Ankeny who is seeking the Democratic state representative slot. I have given him a lot of names of people to talk to as well as ideas that I have learned along the way. It is a lot of fun, yet is helping him in his candidacy. We need talented young people making our government decisions. We talk alot about needing young folks with new ideas, so now is the time for us to act and help them get into office. By getting involved with a candidate, or something at your local central committee, will be a personal rewarding experience. You will also be a ''point person'' for candidates to talk to because of the contacts and experience you have gained. If you become ''well connected,'' the next time the presidential caucuses comes along, you will be one of the first persons in your county or city that presidential candidates will seek out. Maintaining healthy relationships is a big plus. One doesn't need a high educational background to get involved, just a reasonable mind and the ability to use what God has given you. I am looking forward to this electon year! The best cure for caucus withdrawl in either party is STAY INVOLVED!
Stanley Brock, Marengo, Iowa, January 8, 2008 — The writer is referring to Chuck Offenburger's column of January 7, 2008, about how Michelle Brock is the head coach of the Paton-Churdan High School boys' basketball team here in Greene County.
Thank you for the article on Michelle Brock. Very good article and a very good girl. I am Michelle's grandfather. It makes me very proud.
Lynn Ezekiel, New York City, January 8, 2008 — The writer, who has family ties to the Cooper area here in Greene County, Iowa, is a regular reader of Offenburger.com.
Hello, Chuck and Carla, and Happy New Year! I wanted to say thank you for another year of enjoyment of reading all the news of Cooper and Iowa. I really feel connected to all that is happening there. I always look forward to the next installment. It allows me to feel that I am there with my family which means so much to me. Thank you for that opportunity. I also would like to say that I am proud of the Iowa Political Caucuses.
Adam Schenck, Richfield, Minnesota, January 10, 2008 — The writer was a student when the Offenburgers were teaching at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Thanks for the report from Iowa! Carla, it looks like you got your wish, after you wrote: ''I hope Obama comes out a winner in Iowa on Thursday. And I hope the American people then begin to work and hope together for change – with Barack Obama as our next president.'' The second part remains, as the campaign moves from Iowa and New Hampshire. But Carla, where's the feminism? As I continue to follow the campaign, I'm convinced that Hillary Clinton is the best Democratic candidate. Maybe not the one that will guarantee the election, but the best candidate. Her campaign is the most disciplined and ready for right-wing attacks, she is the most knowledgeable and skilled ''consensus'' politician for the Democrats -- i.e. the one that could affect real change. Just like she said: ''I've already made change!'' Making things better in Washington after years of corruption, malfeasance and incompetence, requires the realism of someone who's fought, been attacked and brought down, not a ''charisma candidate,'' which I would term Obama. His message doesn't reach me. I've already got tons of hope -- more than I can handle! I can imagine a new direction for the country; I need someone who can make those institutional changes. It's just like Hillary said -- you don't go make a speech to make change, you get on the legislative floor and get votes to pass initiatives like SCHIP. No other candidate can actually change healthcare. She's already fought the health insurance companies with success. Further, I believe Hillary would be the most adept commander-in-chief and run the best foreign policy. The most under-covered issue of this campaign may be men that support Hillary! Thanks to you and Chuck!
Dr. Steve Flohr, Greeneville, Tennessee, January 4, 2008 — The writer is a college classmate of Chuck Offenburger, now a physician in eastern Tennessee, and an avid follower of the Iowa Political Caucuses.
Obviously the Offenburger stamp of approval carried the day (evening) on both sides! Are you now in New Hampshire?
Hi, Doc. No, we're staying right here in Iowa, but we do feel pretty good about being part of political history in Iowa last night. We're trying to do some checking around the state this morning, but we think that Offenburger.com may be the only media outlet in Iowa that was right on the endorsements in both parties. This whole caucus experience was fantastic!
Bill Sutton, Jefferson, Iowa, December 31, 2007 — We've had several responses to the presidential endorsements that Chuck and Carla Offenburger have made on this Internet site. Following are several of them.
Hi Chuck, your column on (former Arkansas Governor Mike) Huckabee was right on. I heard him on ''Meet the Press'' Sunday morning and really like his style. Policy positions are right all the way down the line for me.
To share your comments, opinions and insights with us and with our readers, e-mail us at chuck@Offenburger.com or carla@Offenburger.com. Be sure to include your phone number, in case we need to verify the authenticity of your message. No unsigned messages will be posted here. Your reactions specifically to Carla Offenburger’s weekly updates in “Offenburgers’ Farm Journal” and to her book reviews in “What’s Carla Reading?” will continue to run right with those features. Thanks for all your thoughts!
The route for the 2008 RAGBRAI -- that's the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa -- includes our Greene County seat of Jefferson as an overnight stop on Monday, July 21. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people will be in Jefferson that night. Read the amazing story here about a chance encounter three years ago in Florida, where our vacationing local donut king Randy Bunkers warmly greeted a stranger who was wearing a RAGBRAI T-shirt. The fellow happened to be RAGBRAI director T.J. Juskiewicz -- and now, hurrah! RAGBRAI is coming our way!
There’s the annual Cooper Prom (for all ages), concerts, basketball, suppers, ice cream socials and people coming through all the time on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Here is the story on the little community in Greene County, Iowa, that is now home for the Offenburgers.
