What People are Saying...

re: April 08 “Pride”Allen...

With regard to your April article "Pride," I couldn't agree with you more. I would add that "pride" has disappeared in the upbringing of our children and neighborhoods. It seems that "pride" in our homes, schools and nation have completely disappeared. I continue to hope and pray.

D. Wallin
Southampton

re: May 08 “Memories of Mother’s Days and Father’s Days Past”
Dear Allen:

I was enjoying your story about your mom and dad but after reading the word Feltonville, I realized you were talking about Mr. & Mrs. Herman. I grew up on C St, right next door to them. My name was Lucille Keys but everyone called me Tucci, I was the oldest of 4 and I really enjoyed your story. Your parents were great people and I remember them well. I used to have to cut through their house in order to get into mine after school if my mom wasn't home and your mom always gave me candy, I'd sometimes do it even if I didn't forget my keys!

Your dad's story really rings true – he was a horrible driver and I remember his car being brown and ugly. I can see why no one had stolen it. I also remember him driving up the steps with it, my little sister had just walked down them moments before! I also remember your mom being a really good driver and driving well into her old age, but really had a hard time picturing your mom hitting the police officer! I do however remember your mom not appreciating cursing in her presence.

I have some fond memories of your parents. On Christmas your mom would always give us girls a doll, I always thought her to be kind and she loved us, especially my little sister Debbie. We used to feel so privileged to sit on her porch with her and rock on the rocker.

I was very sad to hear of her passing, I moved away and started my own family at a young age, but whenever I visited my parents, I sometimes ran into your mom. I felt your father's pain in losing her, he never really was the same after the loss. I am so very sorry to hear about your brother and would like you to know that you did share your story with someone that knew and respected them along with the readers that respect you. I wish you and your wife well and look forward to reading your stories in the Uptight Suburbanite.

Sincerely,
Lucille Thomas

Dear Mrs. Herman,
Your "Uptight Suburbanite" is terrific, and I always read it cover-to-cover, as I am sure all of your other readers do, too.

I especially enjoy the well-written articles you include, but feel that it is important to give the authors the acknowledgement they so richly deserve by placing his/her name immediately under the title of the article so the reader can identify the author with the article. Magazines and newspapers do this, why don't you? I find myself turning to the end of the article just to see who wrote it, and then returning back to read the rest of it. You can still include the name at the end of the article, if that is what you want to do.

This is well-meant corrective criticism, and I hope it will be receive accordingly.

Keep up the good, and, I know, hard work. I look forward to receiving the next issue and to patronizing your advertisers.

Estelle G.
Richboro

Dear Estelle,
I so infrequently get letters directly to me, that I just had to take a few moments to respond in print! Usually our emails and letters are directed at our other writers...Don't worry, I took your comments in a most helpful vain, and yes, I will make that change immediately. You can see it appearing already in this issue.

I've always put our writer's name at the end of the piece because I've always thought the important part of the published piece is the words themselves... not necessarily the person who wrote them. And again, I like the fact that you went to the end of the column to find the author and then turned up front to read it. That tells me you were somewhat engaged in the commentary... And while I certainly appreciate our talented contributors, perhaps you're right – that by placing they're names up front, at the beginning of their story, I am really giving them their full due credit.

So thanks for the input. I always like to hear how we can do better... except when it comes from my husband! Thanks for your continued support and especially for patronizing our advertisers. We appreciate it and I'm certain they do too!

Linda Herman

re: June 08 “The Right Track”

Greetings Mr. Herman:
I have just finished reading June’s “The Right Track”, the article on your Amtrak adventure published in the Uptight Suburbanite. While I work for Amtrak I am not writing in an official capacity. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your article and appreciate the fact that you chose Amtrak for your travel needs.

One thing that was especially interesting to me was the way that you touched upon the “value” aspect of the journey. After experiencing Amtrak you can truly speak to the benefit of being able to take a little time out of our hectic schedules to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. Plus, as you stated, we (Amtrak) still recognize the value of the “customer” and we understand that it is the experience that keeps people coming back.

I am fortunate in that I am able to travel by train quite a bit and can say that you truly captured the spirit of the Amtrak experience in your story. This is not an isolated experience either; you have traveled on two great trains, with great crews and I imagine you have a pretty good bar against which to measure customer service now. Let me say as far as scenery goes, you have not seen the best that Amtrak has to offer yet.

Your next journey should be on the California Zephyr. This journey between San Francisco and Chicago rates as one of the 10 most scenic rail journeys in the world. The train takes you away from the California coasts through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the deserts of Nevada, the Colorado Rockies and the Famous Donner Pass. You also get to see the expansive Plains and corn fields (maybe more corn fields than you could possibly imagine). You could almost envision Shoeless Joe starting up a pick-up game of ball at any moment vis-à-vis the “Fields of Dreams.”

Now that you are an Amtrak veteran you can probably see the wider benefits of rail travel, the ease of use, the accessibility, the “green” factor and most importantly the “stress-free” factor. As we work to move Amtrak from a (perceived) niche product to the forefront of traveler’s minds I hope we can create more memories as we have for your family!

Thanks again and all the best,

Terry Rowley
Abington, PA

PS.
Amtrak has a site for posting articles such as the one you authored http://whistlestop.amtrak.com. I would recommend that you submit your article. It’s a good read.

Subject: "The Right Track"

Dear Mr. Herman, I enjoyed this article both as an American and as a retired secondary English teacher. My favorite subject was American literature. I have always wanted to take that trip across America by train; I envy you. BUT, please note that your reference to the great American novel, "The Grapes of Wrath" was written by JOHN STEINBECK and not by Sinclair Lewis. I reread the article to make sure that I had not missed something. As one who delves in writing and who has taught composition, I value authenticity and do hope that you will make the correction in your next issue.

Benjamin Jakubowski

Re: "The Right Track"

You got me. I have a very red face. I am sorry and will certainly note the error in the July edition. Again, thanks for your help. Keep me honest

Al Herman