Thursday, July 10, was the occasion of the Abe Lincoln show presented at the Liberty Theater by Walter Trumbull. It was a fundraiser for the Astoria Rescue Mission.

Walter’s portrayal was a lot more extensive than previous shows. He covered so much more of Lincoln’s life and times than before, and he played to a full house. Because he is our special friend and his mother, Cathy, was in the audience, we had reserved seats in the middle of the auditorium.

The North Coast Chorale, directed by Dr. Denise Reed, sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” to go with the slide show of Civil War pictures that preceded the recitations. Rory Holbrook played the violin as accompaniment also.

Brent Gilland and Matthew Gilland posted the colors. The audience said the Pledge of Allegiance well enough, but they didn’t salute the flag. Most people who know me understand that if flag etiquette isn’t observed, I holler. We have the most beautiful flag in the world. Its red stripes represent all the blood shed by the men and women of our armed forces in all the wars since the revolution. It was blood shed for us and for our freedom in horrible places and often with horrible results – results we need always to honor and appreciate. A simple, respectful hand over the heart will do that.

At the end of the program, David Kelley, field bugler, perfectly played “taps.” It was all so moving; bravos to Walter Trumbull.

Saturday night, July 19, was the North Coast “cabaret” at the Seaside Elks lodge. It was a wonderful program of mostly Beatles music, sung by the Cannon Beach Chorus. There were many solo performances of eclectic numbers, some truly professional, some humorous and two group numbers that were really entertaining.

Ron Crandall performed “Memory” from “Cats,” and Jerry Thiers did a parody called “My Grandmother’s Cat.” I mention those two because the singers are well known to me.

Tables were set up for eight people. We sat at Ron’s table with his daughter Elizabeth and her family. I didn’t mention the other acts because of the limits of space. All of the Beatles songs were so well presented; I loved hearing the favorites of my daughter, Lauren.

Teacher: What’s the formula for water?

Student: H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.

Teacher: That’s not the formula I gave you.

Student: Yes, it is. You said it was H to O.