Dont’ wait, send in our story now about life in the good old days

Attention all procrastinators, and that includes me. It is time to submit your story about the “good old days” to Hometown Memories Publishing Co. before time runs out.

Several weeks ago this company sent out an insert in this newspaper and later I ran some stories about the proposed publication. They have received 120 unique stories from this area thus far, but they need about twice this many in order to publish the book. You have until April 15 to submit your story.

I will submit my story this week. I plan to do it the easy way, that is, by going to

http://hometownmemories.home.abts.net and click the “Submit a Story” link. Or you can call (877) 491-8802 for instructions.

The publishing company has completed over 40 books since 1993 and has over 50,000 copies in circulation. They sent me a copy from contributors in Southwest Virginia. Even though I don’t know these people living there it is a fun book to read.

So, it is time for you to share your memories. Bob Lasley, 70, Senior Editor at Hometown Publishing said, “Life is different than it used to be. How many people today know how to butcher a hog, know what a singletree is, remember when the school day began with a prayer, or when Pearl Harbor was bombed?

“The stories old timers tell about growing up in the Great Depression, ration stamps, or making a slingshot from an inner tube and a shoe tongue make interesting reading,” Lasley explains.

Gosh, I remember making slingshots from an old inner tube. You probably do too and I’m sure many of you have an interesting tale to tell. You don’t have to be a writer to submit a story. The editors there will do the fine tuning.

As a bonus Hometown Publishing is offering a $250 award for the most appealing story and three $100 runner-up awards.

Let’s show them how interesting the people of southeastern Kentucky are. Either e-mail or call the toll-free number I have listed for more information.

Speaking of old timers. I visited with my friend Charlie Craig at the state tournament this past week. Charlie is 89 years old and still works full time at the Comprehensive Care Center here. He was attending his 69th straight tournament.

I’ll bet you there isn’t anybody that can match his record. He is an inspiration to all of us. Just think, I’ll only have to stay here 19 more years as publisher to equal his present employment age record. Charlie is amazing.

As for Corbin’s performance in the state tournament it would have been better had not the injury bug hit at game time.

Eastern, Corbin’s opponent, out rebounded the Hounds on the offensive board by 27. This is where the game was lost.

At the shoot around on game day Blake Hendrickson turned an ankle and could not play. He was one of Corbin’s best rebounders. This hurt as did Josh Smith’s ankle injury during the game.

I don’t know whether Corbin could have beaten Eastern at full strength, but the game would have been better contested.

This year’s Corbin team was among the best in the tournament. It is a shame that they drew Eastern for their first game.

Josh Crawford had the best individual performance in the tournament. Under the rules by the KHSAA a team must win in order to qualify to have a player on the all-tournament team. Josh most certainly would have been there.