The Editor's Report

First and foremost, we need to talk a little business. Most of the phone calls and e-mails that I received in the past month assumed that the Meadow Lakes Chatter is in some way associated with the Meadow Lakes Community Council. So, I am here to say that though I have personally been an active member of the council since 1991, the Meadow Lakes Chatter is a private endeavor and is in no way associated with the Meadow Lakes Community Council. You will find links and stories about the Council but only because they are part of our community.

This time of the year gets us to thinking about many things....my primary thoughts have involved; family, friends, and New Year's Resolutions. So let's address the last one first. Usually I'm not one for making resolutions....but this year I plan on making more than one, all attainable and within reason. Number One is: The Meadow Lakes Chatter will be ready for print no later than the last week of the month prior to the advertised distribution date. This is my lopsided attempt of an apology for being late this month. Number Two is: To be a better friend and family member, to stay in contact with those that I love. I find myself being so busy in my everyday life and even though many of these people are thought of on a daily basis, my actual contact with them can be months apart. I know that talking and seeing them will bring joy to my heart and hopefully to theirs....hmmm, then there is the possibility that they like it the way that it is. There are a couple of others that I have milling about in my head, but so far they are only milling and need some additional thought.

Back to family and friends, Alaskans have through the years adopted many of their friends as family. They say we get to choose our friends and a friend who becomes like family is a special friend indeed. This brings me to one of those special friends that I was so very lucky to have in my life.

Many years ago there sat a blue car along the Parks Highway around mile 48 or so. It had become one of those local landsmarks that people used to assist in giving directions to visiting friends and family. It was also mentioned over and over again by residents as something that they would like to see gone as I was coordinating the annual Meadow Lakes Clean-Up. I took it upon myself to find out who's property it was on and finding out whether they would be interested in having it removed, (Destry of Valley Auto Body had agreed to tow it for free). After several no's from owners to my question of whether there was a blue car sitting on their property, I reached a gentleman named Allan Stowe who very reluctantly answered my question with a long drawn out yes; I'm sure he thought I had called to complain. My next question was whether he would like to have it removed and this time he loudly said that YES, he would love to have it gone....and it was, within a day. Mr. Stowe, one of the original Meadow Lakes Homesteaders, became an avid supporter of our Annual Clean-Up and I am proud to say one of my best friends who I very much enjoyed spending time with.  We, along with his wife Jean, spent many hours talking about many things. He passed away a couple of weeks ago and will sorely be missed not only by me but this community. So, as you spend time with your families, friends and your adopted families take a bit of time and think of those that have passed before us for though they no longer are here to share our daily trials and tribulations, they are still an important part of our lives.