Veterans from several eras gathered at the Mazama Store on Veterans Day for the annual flag-raising-and-lowering ceremony. From left, Frank Kline, Rudy Peterson, Eric Burr, Frank Malley, Bob Spiwak, Gordy Northrup and Shannon Polson.
By Bob Spiwak
First, the sad news. In the span of about two weeks, we lost four local people. Bob Sitts, Jerry Sparling, Joan Lasse and Dick Brown passed away. We knew them all. Dick Brown was for many years a golf buddy, and while regulars at Bear Creek, we also played all the local courses and ventured up to Canada as well. I knew him best of those who died this month, although Brown’s demise occurred in Tacoma where he’d moved several years ago.
The annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Mazama Store brought fewer veterans than in previous years, but still drew an appreciative crowd of relatives and those who came simply to honor the veterans. Pastor Randy Pickelsimer read about the history and meaning of the day and those who died in combat, and included those who served their country since the “war to end all wars.” This was followed by a prayer and then the raising of the flag prior to lowering it to half-staff to the bugle accompaniment of “Taps” by Rudy Peterson. For the first time in years, World War II veteran Frank Alley did not play on his trombone, but even at age 90 he participated. You’re a game guy, Frank, and we all salute you.
Ms. Gloria and I decided to sneak into the 21st century and I ordered a smart phone for her, replacing her “ancient” flip phone, like my own. The latter we got from Consumer Cellular and have had for many years. There must be a rush on Christmas phones because the wait time for a consumer representative was over 15 minutes. I called on our CenturyLink land line, which was a mistake. Consumer has a call-back feature where one does not have to wait for a rep to come on the line.
A nice woman called me back and we began discussing smart phones.
After about 10 minutes of conversation the phone went dead. Moments later came the dreaded, often heard, bored male recording, “your call did not go through as dialed. Hang up and try again.” Fury would be an understatement for my demeanor. I had to begin the procedure all over again and wait for the call back. This time I called on the flip cellular phone and got my business conducted. I cannot wait to dump CenturyLink.
The “hut” has at last been moved from its prominent place on the skyline of Flagg Mountain. After a two-year legal battle, the obtrusive building is no longer in sight of the road and various windows below. It is a victory for the many local residents who joined the fight to remove it. It is also a victory for the lawyers on both sides of the legal battle who probably made a dollar or two on the proceedings. And, in an immeasurably obscure manner, a victory for the owners of the building as architect/owner and construction company gathered more free advertising than a five minute spot at the Super Bowl would bring. Such is life in the “new” Mazama.
The snow level at Harts Pass this Monday morning is at 37 inches. The snow/water content is 8 inches, 5-¾ inches above average. The rivers and creeks are running again and waters are rising. More wet stuff is forecast for the coming week and very big winds — 50 to 80 mph in the mountains and up to 40 mph here in the bottoms. The North Cascades Highway is still closed at this writing, and a decision will be made by Tuesday (Nov. 17) as to whether it will be opened for Thanksgiving. If the forecast is anywhere near correct, even Stevens Pass may be dodgy.
