Columns

Not all Fourth of Julys have been as historic as this year seems to be. We stand just 10 or so generations beyond the original 1776 founding of our country and our Declaration of Independence. Our times are nowhere as monumental as the Independence Days celebrated during our Civil War or the bleakness of two world wars. Yet, right now, we have arrived at a historic defining point as we debate — and must decide — what America’s “greatness” truly is, how it was created and whether it has been lost or needs a radical reformation.

Hang around a bit

“Mark Twain: Man in White,” by Michael Shelden, 484 pages, with illustrations. Twain’s final years were full of drama, deaths and voyages that are here described in loving detail and give us a full and sympathetic view of the friends and the times that surrounded him then. It is not surprising to find among them Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller and Henry Rogers, Head of Standard Oil, who helped Twain out of some of his more disastrous business ventures and remained a stalwart  companion until his own death. The narrative’s striking detail has been well documented by the archives of the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, where researchers continue to discover a trove of original material. A book to be enjoyed – check it out.

My big resolution this year was to get back to the gym and start

Presents Project 2013 Adopt-a Family benefits local families in need. Groups, businesses, employee groups, and individuals can adopt-a family by purchasing gifts for each family member based on his or her age and holiday wish list. Presents Project connects you with a family. Or you can contribute cash to the Presents Project to help them reach every family in need. Call Beth DeCoss at 433-2721 or email her at [email protected] to get more information and to help.

Ongoing through 2012 – Healdsburg Senior Writing Project, Senior Center, every Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon. Call 431-3324 to register.