Dave's Musings (Revised 6/3/07) Mary Lou and I had a conversation about MBW recently. She mentioned that she really missed Jim Thorpe. Sorry. I don't share her sentiments. Save for the shining light of the original Park Director who helped us so much in the beginning, dealing with the people there was a struggle for most of the 20 years of the event. My point of view was that we were bringing a National caliber event to their town and generating positive energy that resulted in many return visits, both to the Park and to the larger community. It was an economic boon. This by a group of people who didn't trash or disrespect the place in any manner...in fact, it was generally commented that MBW left the place cleaner than when we arrived. I was never quite sure what their point of view was, except it was myopic. And, in the end, despite this being a perfect location and our event being the highlight of almost every attendee's year, and despite it being a profitable endeavor for me, I simply grew weary of the locals. But, as we approach the two year anniversary of our last gathering of so many wonderful people, I am having some thoughts about the possibility of a one-time reprise. Perhaps at the 25th Anniversary, in 2010. Guess I'll have to make it wheel-chair accessible because so many of us will be in our dotage. Still, a reunion of sorts would probably be welcome and well attended. Maybe my bad feelings for the place will heal. Maybe the locals will be down to their last dime and need a little boost. Or maybe, we'll have to do it somewhere else. But let's think about the possibility. Given the way the world's going, it's good to have a little hope. Speaking of good, take a look at the quilt my good friends and MBW helpers had made for me after the final event. They contributed shirts from their personal collections. It's really very cool and I hope to find a place to put it on permanent or temporary public display. Any ideas? Dave Bucher [ unused] [ unused] [ unused ] [ T-Shirt Gallery ] [ unused ] [ Home ] [ SoEast.com ]