An anonymous quote: "Never think you are not good enough for anyone; always ask if they are good enough for you."

I first became aware of this fascinating book when my former classmate, Don Rothgery, sent an e-mail explaining that he and his wife, Marcia, had received a copy of the book in the mail. Lynn and Marcia were classmate's at Elyria Catholic High School (Website | Profile). Don and Marcia immediately established their own lending library and shared their copy with a variety of people. This is the inside inscription:

"To Marcia & Don - I hope you enjoy reading my book as much as I did writing it. Proceeds are for 3 local and 3 global charities plus $4/book for E.D.C.H.S...All the Very Best, Lynn "

(EDCHS is what Elyria Catholic was formerly known as: Elyria District Catholic High School. At some point, the name was shortened to Elyria Catholic High School.)

"About the Author: This is a story of a boy whose Mother died of Tuberculosis when he was three and taken away from his dad along with five other siblings. The all male orphanage (Parmadale) where he lived in cottages and attended both school and church would start a firm foundation for his success. While his father was alive, one sister lived with an uncle and aunt, another with a family outside of Cleveland. The youngest sister was adopted at birth only to be found at Ohio State University nineteen years later by her brother, Lynn."

The "outside of Cleveland" was right here in the Greater Elyria Area. Lynn's older sister and brother were my classmates throughout grade and high school. Mike is now deceased, but Dorothy lives in Florida.

How fascinating to read of his life through his eyes. Attitude is everything and it certainly shows forth throughout the 229 pages of this easy and enjoyable read. It's also fun to reflect on some of the names remembered by Lynn: Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Radican, Dominic Piazza and a Chapter on the Carlisle Helpers 4-H Club. The most ingenious was how he outfoxed "Max, the Mean Minorca rooster." You will delight in his solution!

The book may be purchased by clicking here.

HEART & SOUL of the TRAIN - Personal travel notes from an Amtrak attendant by Mauris Emeka

"Mauris Emeka never quite lost his love for trains. Even though he pursued successful careers as a military officer and a business consultant, he elected at the age of 48 to work as a train attendant on board Amtrak's western trains. This book combines an interesting account of the author's experiences on board the train with timely and practical information for the inexperienced traveler. This is Mr. Emeka's second full length book about train travel. His first book, titled 'AMTRAKing,' was published in 1994."

Mr. Emeka recently migrated some 2500 miles from his Port Orchard, Washington home to be near his son and grandchildren in Oberlin, Ohio. He read my recent Bulletin Board about the Ohio Rail Corridor and thought I might be interested in his latest book. He made an official presentation at one of our Commissioners' meetings.

Not only does Mauris take great comfort and solace in writing, he interacts with his passengers as fellow travelers, sharing insight, wisdom and friendship. In addition to all that, he plays the harmonica, which he learned during his second year on-board the train. "...If I remembered nothing else when I got ready to go out on the road, I remembered to bring along my harmonicas..."

Welcome to Lorain County, Mauris Emeka!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow."

"Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail."