There are so many great things that happen on Memorial Day, and in our small little corner town, we have been very fortunate to have some aircraft flyovers. We have had A-10's and helicopters, and today was no exception. Today we had two jets fly through just prior to the start of our annual parade. As an adult I always get excited, and I can just imagine how the little guys and girls feel when they see this display. For many, it may be their first time seeing such an aircraft. Thank You Ct. Air National Guard!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Now THAT was a fly over!
There are so many great things that happen on Memorial Day, and in our small little corner town, we have been very fortunate to have some aircraft flyovers. We have had A-10's and helicopters, and today was no exception. Today we had two jets fly through just prior to the start of our annual parade. As an adult I always get excited, and I can just imagine how the little guys and girls feel when they see this display. For many, it may be their first time seeing such an aircraft. Thank You Ct. Air National Guard!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Guitar Hero(s).......
I just came home from a long days work, and my two kids are playing guitar hero with their cousin Molly. Cat is on guitar. Drew is singing, and Molly is impersonating Ringo, on the drums...... life on a holiday weekend at our house. Not all bad! Hope everyone has a great weekend.
No camera yet, so pic's will have to be phone shots from the parade on Monday....
Friday, May 28, 2010
TRUE STORY FROM AN AIRLINE PILOT
My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.)
"Are they military?" I asked.
"Yes," she answered.
"Is there an escort?" I asked.
"Yes, I already assigned him a seat."
"Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said.
A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.
"My soldier is on his way back to Virginia," he said.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.
We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.
About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. "I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying is on board," she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia.
The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.
I could hear the desperation in the flight attendant's voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.
"I'm on it," I said. I told her that I would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:
"Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks."
I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, "You have no idea how much this will mean to them."
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach, and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.
"There is a team in place to meet the aircraft," we were told.
It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers.
He did that and the ramp controller said, "Take your time."
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, "Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you."
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of "God bless you," "I'm sorry, thank you, be proud," and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that so many of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of America.
"Are they military?" I asked.
"Yes," she answered.
"Is there an escort?" I asked.
"Yes, I already assigned him a seat."
"Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said.
A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.
"My soldier is on his way back to Virginia," he said.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.
We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.
About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. "I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying is on board," she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia.
The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.
I could hear the desperation in the flight attendant's voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.
"I'm on it," I said. I told her that I would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:
"Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks."
I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, "You have no idea how much this will mean to them."
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach, and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.
"There is a team in place to meet the aircraft," we were told.
It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers.
He did that and the ramp controller said, "Take your time."
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, "Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you."
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of "God bless you," "I'm sorry, thank you, be proud," and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that so many of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of America.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Groundwork was laid....
I attended a very well attended meeting on Thursday evening in The Chapin Room at Town Hall. Those in attendance heard results from the economic survey which was completed here in town, with Chairperson Lynn Humeston supplying the remarkable results. The then probably forty-some people broke into groups and more economic discussion was held. We met back up some 30 minutes later and shared thoughts from the two major groups. It was pretty much agreed by everyone there the Economic Study Group should continue, expand and just see where it all leads. Six people stepped up to the challenge and the next step will be coming for them soon. Positive Economic Activity in Sharon. I never thought I would live to see the day.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Almost here.....
Well, it won't be long, just about 4 days and a bit, and our local collectors and restorers, if there if such a word, will be cruising down Main Street. Here we see everybody's friend, Roger Elwood and one of his "toys"....
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Spring runners...
Lots of folks walk for exercise, and others join clubs and pay for exercise, but these two local ladies just get out there and do it on our roads. It seems they can be seen at all ends of town, and usually always sporting their smiles and just enjoying each others company. Kathy and Tina are obviously extremely good friends and push each other to great limits. I happily applaud their efforts! I caught up with them this time up on Jackson, on a Sunday noon back in mid-April.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Can you guess?
I am at work, have nothing in this computer for discussion-able shots, and have a church meeting tonight so I won't be able to blog till late from home, so here is todays theme.......seemed logical.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
from the other way....
yesterday's post was looking at the Methodist Church from the north. Todays basically is from in front of the church ( a little west), looking to the north. Another nice piece of Sharon history...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sharon Methodist Church a Long Time ago...
I so much enjoy finding shots that I had never seen, and this was one angle I never had seen. Looking northeast I had, but never this almost due-south one.... Exciting! Makes more sense to me than what we have. Far better sight-lines.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sharon's First Convenience Store?
"Ten gallons please, and can I get a bushel of potatoes and maybe a jug of cider to go with it?"
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Another new business coming to Sharon?
In the old Walsh Drug Store Building on the corner of Main and North Main, I am told a new antique store will be opening soon. Can anyone say revival?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
One of Sharon's good Weeds....
Hiram....very prominent in the history of Sharon and the man that Weeds Dam Road is named for....is laid to rest in Hillside... His wife died on April 13th, the birthday of a famous blog-oligist from Sharon (not the same year though). :)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sharon Placard
Did you ever take the time to truly read this? Click on it so it expands, and give it a minute of your time...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Nice day out, right? That's nice.....
So tonight is "honor" night @ the fire company. A nice meal and some awards are given out down at The Sharon Country Club, so I am working at the store while Al participates. Al let me have from 1 till 5 off, so I was inside painting the "kids" bath for the umpteenth time. Finish the trim tomorrow and put it all back together. Then into our bath for a whole bunch more than just paint..... Oh, its not red. Kind of a cream color, with a bit more brown in it...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Jenkins Store to Re-open!!!!!!
After nearly five decades, the Jenkin's Family of Sharon is nearly set to re-open their general store. Al and Bea say they look forward to the competition from "the new guy up the street" at the farm market. I feel sure their young daughter Sally will be there to help out too, just as soon as she gets done giving me my swimming lessons over at Sharon Beach......(do I have a crazy sense of humor today? I've been painting with B.I.N. paint and that stuff messes with your mind!!)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Grandview Farm
Not from today, but from my files of shots. Any wonder why this is on many calendars and other New England memorabilia? Simply stunning...
Monday, May 10, 2010
It will soon be Memorial Day...
It will soon be Memorial Day, though it doesn't feel it by the temperature tonight! I was thinking of a Memorial Day a few years back, and I just felt like revisiting a few of Sharon Best, Don Humeston and "Mayor" Jake Shufelt. Two of Sharon's finest for sure. Hummy, unfortunately is no longer with us and The Mayor and Shirley have moved to Houston, to be near their son. They may not be here in person, but their memories will last us a lifetime.... Thank you men.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Hamlin House
anybody know the history of the Hamlin House? It was always "the clinic" to me.... I knew Hamlin's on Sharon Mountain and Hamlin Farm, but Hamlin House on Upper Main? Help me somebody...
Saturday, May 8, 2010
under...
the weather...... some may know, some may not.....in addition to losing my camera for repair, I've been feeling a bit "grey' this week, so please forgive that my posts have been weak and missing a few. I hope I'm on the mend, and perhaps my camera will return in a few days.....so, I'll see ya' when I see ya!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Bull Feeney's of Portland
On the second night of our "getaway" weekend, we visited a great eatery on Fore Street in the old harbor section of Portland, Me. Owned and operated by a friend and resident of Sharon (!), we had a really nice dinner in an Irish atmosphere. Bull Feeney's is a hot spot, so go early or else make sure you have reservations.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Out of town...at Becky's!
If you are a regular follower of my blog, you know that my camera is out for repair. So, for a few days my blog may do some traveling. I may go back to a winter shot I didn't show earlier, or fond memory I just want to share. Todays is a recommendation. We recently got out of Dodge for a quick weekend trip to Maine to show our friends around where they have rented a house for a summer vacation. We tried some not directly on the main route places to eat and this was a favorite. It's on the waterfront in Portland and we had a GREAT breakfast there. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. Becky's. Too bad we don't have a place like this in our area.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Keeper of The Green
OK, so he's looking a bit "relaxed" in the snap, for those of you who don't know this man, this is Carl Golden Sr., the current "keeper of the green" here in Sharon. Carl is a hometown guy who retired from the Ct. State Highway a number of years back and became Ken Bartram's assistant and then assumed the job when Ken retired. Carl maintains the green, which stretches from Autosport south to Herrick Road. It also goes down West Main, Hospital Hill and a bit of New Street. In the summer, its mow, mow, mow. In the fall, its four-hundred zillion-billion leaves, and in the winter, it's keeping the sidewalks open and safe for foot traffic. Carl is very dedicated to his job, does it without many thanks and does it well.
Ken trained Carl right! Thank you Carl!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Tow Trucks
Remember when tow trucks were tow trucks? Now they're "flatbeds".... For what it's worth, I like tow trucks....
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Eagle Scout...Well Done!!
This afternoon, Clare and I had the privilege to travel to Terryville, Connecticut (home of Terryville Chevrolet, for all you UConn Girls Basketball Fans) to the Congregational Church where we watched the ceremony of Jason Guerrera of Thomaston as he was made an official Eagle Scout. I had never seen a ceremony of this nature, and it was way above my 2nd class, or did I make First? I don't remember!! Jason is the second son of my Associate Pastor Jody Guerrera at The Sharon Congregational Church. He also follows his older brother Jeffery who is an Eagle Scout as well. There was a good turnout of family, friends and dignitaries to participate. It truly was a great moment in a great young mans life. Jason is a senior at The Chase School in Waterbury, and will be attending Messiah College in Pennsylvania this fall. Congratulation's to Jason and his whole family!!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Missed a day....
Boy, that didn't take long! I mailed my camera out for repair on Thursday, and Friday I forgot to do an entry in my blog. Truth be-known, I came home from work around 6:30pm, put on my painting clothes and I put the second coat of paint on two windows which we changed to new ones in our bedroom. By the time I finished and cleaned up, it was time for a snack (no supper) and off to bed.
It's funny how my 22 year old house needs updating already! That can't be! I just built it! Oh well. Supporting our kids can't get all of our hard-earned monies. Something has to be spent on the house!!
Lots happening in Sharon today! The annual 5 Mile walk and run benefit of The Sharon Day Care is about to happen as I am posting this blog down on the green. The Prime Time House Fund Raising Gently Used Furniture Store is having their grand opening this afternoon from 5-7:30 in the old Community Service store. And a friend has invited me to his Cinqo de Mayo party this evening, and yes it's four days early. So, guess I'd better get the paperwork done, hopefully wait on lots of customers and tell everyone to get out there and enjoy this summer day! It's supposed to be 80 degrees!!
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