As I write this article for the November issue, the World Series winner has yet to be determined.  The first World Series was played between the Boston Americans (later the Red Sox) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The format of the series was a best-of-nine—two more games than the current format.  I hope the team you were rooting for won.  This month we will also elect a new president.  It has been a long campaign, and I hope your man won. 

Most of the gardener’s outdoor tasks are over now, but there are leaves to be raked and cleaning up in preparation for winter.  If you were born in November, your sign of the zodiac is Scorpio (October 23 to November 22).  Your birthstone is topaz and your flower is chrysanthemum. 

As I look at November, I think about how important our families are to us.  It’s a time for gathering at Thanksgiving.  I often wonder where we would be if we didn’t have Thanksgiving to thank God and see our families together.  November 1 is All Saints’ Day.  I was named for St. Joseph and my grandfather.  Then on November 2 is All Soul’s Day to remember those who are no longer with us.

As we look at the North Hills, we owe a debt of gratitude to the families who settled the area.  They worked hard tilling the land, building churches, schools, and roads.  In the 30s as I was growing up, we didn’t have e-mail, computers, television and radio was not that great.  Our telephone had a party line.  I forget how many people shared it.  There was no 911 to call in an emergency, but we could get help in a hurry.  We just turned the crank on the side of the telephone box on the wall.  That one long ring signaled to everyone that there was trouble.  If there was an illness or death, the party line was the messenger that let everyone know. 

There have been some great families in our area:  the Rooneys, Heinzes, Carnegies, and Mellons.  Many families lost loved ones to war.  I always think of the Sullivan family from Iowa. Thomas and Alleta Sullivan gave five sons in a World War II tragedy.  So remember, the family is the backbone of this country. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner and have a great day with your family.  I leave you with this saying:  If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you” that would suffice. 

God Bless.

Back to top

Joe welcomes any ideas, suggestions or interesting stories.
Email him at northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Town Crier" in the subject line of your email.

To contact Joe to schedule an appointment to tour his museum at McKnight Elementary School, call the Northern Connection office at (724) 940-2444 or email northcon@nauticom.net. Please put "Museum Tour" in the subject line.

Back to top