“Do you have the Sunday New York Times – book review section?” asked Pete Kuntz – on the phone.  “There’s a two page review of our son-in-laws’ latest novel.  Thought you’d enjoy reading it.  The book’s entitled ‘The Echo Maker’ by Richard Powers.  It’s his ninth novel…”

The NYX’s ‘review’ is a ‘rave’ – as they say in the trade.  When talking with Richard Powers mother-in-Law, Marge Kuntz, she allowed:   “We’ve got a huge collection of reviews and commentaries of Richards’ work – and many of them ‘lay it on’ more than the ‘Times’.  His novels are hugely popular in Europe – especially in Germany. Several Literary magazines have said he’s the finest American author living today!”

When asked how their daughter, Janie, met Powers Marge said it was through their son Pete Kuntz, Jr.  “He’d found this author and had read all of his books. When his sister, who holds a Doctorate, mentioned trying to decide which University offer to accept Pete, Jr. said:  “Take the Univ. of Illinois – cause I’ve met an author who teaches there…”

She did.  A year later Pete got a call from Powers who said he was coming to Chicago and would like to meet him for dinner.  “…thought you’d be interested to know I’ll be having Thanksgiving dinner with your parents next week…I’ve been seeing your sister.”  

With a week to spare, Pete rushed to the Oakwood Library and got  two of Powers books.  A picture on the dust jacket showed us what he looked like – but not that he’s 6’4” and very thin…and we did a ‘speed-read’.”

“Jane Heywood, Izzie Kuntz Schaeffer, and Joe Granzo are fans.  Aileen Welch is bringing Pete and Marge’ copy of ‘The Echo Maker’ over to the house next week!

Last Friday was rainy, cold, dark, and windy – but that didn’t stop Cemex (ready-mix-cement company) from  going on with their ‘reception’ for customers, dealers, etc….at ten AM…in a tent…standing in a gigantic  red-mud-puddle along side an quarry area – in suburban Fairborn.   Guests were driven on a tour of the facility and a very interesting lecture on the plant.  Everyone wore ‘hard hats – mit ear  pads.  And the tour ended in a big, beautiful, machine-maintenance shop (the tent was blowing apart) where a lovely luncheon ‘spread’ awaited. The only two ladies in the group were there because this four thousand acre area is depleting their clay and reaching the bottom of some of the quarries, and is replanting, and restoring …and the Miami Valley Hunt is requesting permission to cast-our-hounds in the no longer cement-producing areas.  (This area was once Portland Cement  - and the reason Edward & Weezie McGinnis came from California to Fairfield-Osborn in 1950 – to work for the family-owned business.)

Mike McKneal, of Rumpke, introduced “…my boss, Mike Bramkamp, and I actually like him!  I know your son, John Heck, cause I used to be with Waste Management…” It’s amazing what horses can lead to.

Sally Fisher has written long, newsy notes to Dot Landis and others.  “John’s hip replacement is responding well to his therapy…I’m playing some tennis…I’ll start golf soon… TV here is all about Mark Foley…he’s from this area…I’ve volunteered to work the polls on election day…the whole family is coming for Thanksgiving…”

Polly Cassel, Oakwood HS ’71, is featured in a four page spread in “Preview Massachusetts” magazine’s Oct. issue.  Ten color photographs of her fascinating and unique pieces of furniture are carried plus two pictures of Polly working in her Easthampton Studios.    Oakwoodites can admire a large wooden bench made by Polly and given to the Dayton Art Institute in honor of Polly’s Mother, JoAnna Cassel.
In this same issue the back page carries and interview with Polly’s husband, Bob Cilman, who’s attained international fame and recognition with his ‘Chorus Young @ Heart’.  The BBC will air an hour long documentary on Bobby’s senior-citizen-professional-performers who’ve entertained all over the world.

The ‘Blessing of the Hounds’ was Sunday at Woodland Trails the area Boy Scout Camp south of Eaton.  Breakfast was at ten thirty, then riders mounted-up and rode to the lake-side-chapel as the French horns of the Kettering orchestra ‘made’ the picture-perfect morning.  Subscribers of the most Miami Valley Hunt and guests from Rocky Fork Headly in Columbus, Camargo of Cincinnati, Traders Point in Indianapolis, and the MV Pony Club accounted for sixty horses.  Long time subscriber, Sally Cox, brought Mary Foster, Jane Doyle, and Nancy Bell – all riders from Celebration Farms near Centerville.

On Oct. 22 the Windy City hosted the annual Chicago Marathon and Oakwood was there in numbers! Oakwood runners and Oakwood spectators filled the streets and sidewalks of downtown Chicago.  

Susan Purks and Julie Beyer completed their first full marathon here in the Windy City.  Susan was cheered on by her husband and running companion Jeff and their daughter Sidney; Julie’s running husband Jim encouraged her along the route.  

Experienced marathoners Tracy Morgan, Eric Hick, Aaron Delidow, Rex Kern and Phil Hanselman didn’t count this as their first yet they ran and enjoyed it just the same.  These runners were also cheered on and encouraged by Connie and Sara Hanselman, Cathy Delidow, and Shannon Morgan. Some of Oakwood’s other seasoned runners were there in support such as Carol and Lauren Enns, Ruth Kohstall and Jamie Shul.  Ken Seidel was unable to be in Chicago as he had just completed his first marathon in Columbus the weekend before.

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