A Word from the Publisher

June / July, 2010

Dear Readers

Each of us has a personal story that has touched us and, perhaps, changed the way we look at life. I have such a story, and I am privileged to share it with you in this issue.

As a Pearl Harbor survivor aboard the U.S.S. Tennessee, my father-in-law Don Armstrong literally had a bird's eye view of the devastating bombing that took place on December 7, 1941. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Tennessee, and from high above a bridge he witnessed the Japanese planes bombing the U.S. Naval fleet. He said that if he had a camera, he believed he would have taken the best pictures of the war. Married for 64 years to his high-school sweetheart, he and Barbara are the models of the American Dream.

As I listened to Don tell the story, I realized how much different life was back then. It was not uncommon for families to live their entire lives in one town, knowing their neighbors and feeling a sense of belonging. We, too, have that luxury here in the south suburbs. It is an incredible place to raise our children and forge deep and bonding friendships with those around us.

This issue also gives us an opportunity to write our own story. Former mountain search-and-rescue team member Peter Bronski shares his expertise on climbing Colorado's Fourteeners and how to obtain that "rite of passage."

If hiking up 14,000 feet just isn't your thing, check out Claudia's SlopeSide column "Roads Less Traveled" for a different kind of fun on the mountain.

There is a host of wonderful festivals and activities going on this summer; and at this time of year, and on our nation's birthday, we honor our military personnel and veterans. Take time to enjoy the freedom and opportunities we have, and thank a military personnel or veteran every chance you get.