Just Musing: Childhood Fourth of July memories, a reunion and surgeries

Wow! Where did June go? It seemed like it was just the first of the month a week ago and now Monday we turn the calendar on a new month. We also celebrate the Fourth of July on Thursday.

Unfortunately, some in my neighborhood have been celebrating early. They have been shooting off fireworks the past two weeks on the weekends and driving my neighbors' dogs crazy. The dogs just go nuts over the noise until my neighbor can catch him and get ear protection on him. Winston ( the dog) is a Bassett hound, so it is difficult to get his ears covered.

Let this be a reminder to pet owners. Do you have a plan in place to protect your animals as fireworks are going off? I heard there are calming drops you can give them, but since I’m not a pet owner don’t know how true this might be. I have always wondered why folks would take their pets to a festival, fair or other event featuring fireworks.

Fourth of July from years gone by

I thought for just a moment I would share some of my favorite July 4 memories growing up. Events would start about 10 a.m. at the local school − we didn’t have city parks back then − with a variety of kids games appropriate to age groups. Some I remember were the two-legged sack race, ring toss, relay race and more. Most families would find a shady place, spread out a blanket and have a picnic lunch.

The afternoon entertainment was men from different churches making up two softball teams and playing softball. After the game, we went home, had baths and dinner, then returned to the school grounds for the evening festivities. I remember a piano in the back of a pickup truck being played for different music groups and sometimes a short patriotic play − all on a flat farm wagon − much different from festivities of today.

Most events feature a variety of food such as barbecued chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs and more as well as funnel cakes, ice creams, desserts, drinks and more. There will be a variety of games that have a charge to play, bingo, rides and end with fireworks display at dusk.

Folks will travel for the holiday, which will probably be a four-day weekend with most employers closing for Friday as well as Thursday for the holiday.

While you are celebrating, please take a moment to reflect why we celebrate this holiday. Originally called Independence Day, it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress and freeing the original colonies from British rule.

Well-attended class reunion, storms and a surgery

I believe I had mentioned a few weeks back that I was for the 14th year working on plans and decorations for my high school alumni reunion June 22. We changed the format from evening to afternoon and gained quite a number of attendees. We had 102 in attendance last weekend and received many compliments and much gratitude for the new times. Our oldest attendee was 96 and the youngest 65-66. Older folks don’t like to drive in twilight and darkness hours.

As I’m writing this on Tuesday afternoon, we are experiencing a quite different storm. The clouds were eerie looking, it was windy, and when the rain came down, it brought large hail with it. Actually, chicken that I am, I retreated to my safe space to continue writing this. Hopefully, there is no damage from the storm.

If you believe in a supreme being, I would covet positive vibes as I am facing two surgeries in July. Neither are classified as major, but in my book any surgery is major when you have an anesthetic. Thank you.

The Sunday night entertainment at McKinley Park is John Michael Smith with the John Vermeuten octet, which I’m told plays Frank Sinatra and swing music. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free although donations are accepted to help defray the costs of guest musicians.

Let me leave you with this quotation by the late President Ronald Reagan: “If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

Until next week, be safe and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Tar staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com .

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Just Musing: Childhood Fourth of July memories, a reunion and surgeries