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You've Brought Back Old Memories

Dear Bay Weekly:
I've just read Robert Bockting's A Veterans Day Memoir [Vol. XII, No. 46: Nov. 11, 2004]. I graduated at the same base at Altus, Oklahoma. Bob was about six class-months behind me.

His article brought back memories of high points during the phases of flight training. My first night solo at a strange field with only flares high-lighting a grass field are not forgotten. We lost one of our class cadets attempting this requirement.

Merrill Scharmen, Lusby

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To Fix the Bay, Look at the Whole System

Dear Bay Weekly:
I look forward to reading Bill Burton's column nearly every week for his insightful observations and reassuring commentary on the health of the environment in our wonderful state. Magically absent from any discussion of the health of the Chesapeake Bay that I have read, however, is any examination of the impact of recreational boating on the Bay and its tributaries.

Engineers know that a total solution to a complex problem requires assessment of all contributing factors. In the Bay, the contributing factors include industrial use for shipping and commerce, development of contiguous lands for industrial, residential and agricultural use, recreational use and various evolving environmental and ecological influences.

The extensive use of two-cycle engines, high-noise engines, inadequate or non-existent wastewater systems and irresponsible boating practices all have a negative impact on the quality of the Bay environment and its ecological systems.

Why should all two-cycle engines and other high-noise engines not be outlawed? Do we understand the underwater sonic effects of recreational boat propulsion systems? These are the types of hard questions that need to be asked and answered to recap this part of the total problem without which an effective solution will be critically deficient.

Let me finish by thanking Bill and Bay Weekly for your unending efforts to keep the health of our national treasure at the forefront of our thinking.

Mike Cecere, Edgewater

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Old Time Radio Returns

Dear Bay Weekly:
Tell Bill Burton [Return with Me to the Golden Age of Radio, Vol. XIII, No. 1: Jan. 6], you can enjoy old-time radio every Sunday evening with Eddie Walker on WAMU-FM at 88.5 from 7 to 10pm. Yes, you will hear Gunsmoke every Sunday in addition to Fibber McGee and Molly, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, The Shadow, Paladin, The Lone Ranger, Dragnet and others.

When listening to radio on Sunday evening, mother was most likely darning socks or mending holes in our britches or possibly knitting us warm woolen mittens, while dad was most likely reading the Sunday paper. Us kids were most likely laid belly down on the living room rug, playing with the dog or cat or playing Chinese checkers or Monopoly. However, at the time of suspense we all stared at the speakers of the old Philco radio, which stood in the corner of the living room. I still enjoy listening to old-time radio every Sunday evening and letting my imagination take over while my wife watches the boob tube.

Francis R. Gouin, Deale