Consider me strange, but an attribute of late summer that I find reassuring and awe-inspiring are the plumes of field burning.

While driving on Highway 34 last week I found a vantage point that allowed me to see much of the valley floor, north and south and all points in between.

Knowing full well the advantage that this method has in reducing weeds and insects, I likewise felt a level of security, thankful that our country has been free of wartime attacks.

With this week's five-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack as a reminder, I once again find a harsh reminder in this Barry Goldwater quote: "I know that our own freedom was achieved through centuries, by unremitting efforts by brave and wise men. I know that the road to freedom is a long and a challenging road. … I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."

Extremism in the defense of the less fortunate can also be a virtue, as witnessed by the efforts of Marlene McDonald, who has begun a penny drive to benefit the children in Chaco, Argentina, located 400 miles north of Buenos Aires.

Thanks to a connection made between the Blodgett Community Church and Chaco, Marlene has begun an effort to bring just a bit of hope and basic comforts to those who truly are less fortunate and who are so thankful for the caring from a distant "neighbor."

Working with Elvira and Oscar Godoi, a local couple in Chaco who have a ministry to help slum children, and who also have so little, Marlene has been able to bring a bit of hope and opportunity as just one cent will buy a fruit, which to a child who is thankful for dried bread, is like a bountiful blessing, along with the one full meal every Saturday.

Every month, since her visit in April, Marlene has been sending the "pennies" that she has been collecting to help this impoverished community.

After talking with her, and while she is not asking, Marlene would love to take any and all pennies off of your hands and would not mind receiving nickels, dimes and quarters, etc. If you are interested in hearing the full scoop on what is going on, or perhaps would like to help, contact Marlene at 929-2270.

Fire in the sky

I am interested in getting the full scoop on an apparent fireball seen by two reputable neighbors a week or so ago around 4:30 a.m. Apparently, Rick Chambers and Jim Gardoski were driving to a job site in Dallas in separate vehicles when unbeknownst to either of them, they both saw a bright object streak from the eastern sky, seemingly straight to the northwest horizon.

While this bright object lasted only a few seconds, once Rick and Jim met in Dallas, they both noted their astonishment at what they saw. Did anyone else see it?

Something for seniors

On the matter of keeping your eyes open for unusual sights, this is for those who are enjoying their golden years (i.e. you seniors out there). A recent newsletter for the Philomath Area Senior Citizens Association noted several events that you might want to put on your calendar.

Along with the second Friday of the month bingo from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Oddfellows Hall, at 13th and College streets in Philomath. Every Wednesday there is a social time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and an interest to relax and chat.

On a serious note, you might want to come to the "Elder Financial Abuse Forum" Sept. 22 at Philomath City Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Joe Malcom of Citizens Bank will discuss this serious concern. This is a potluck, so don't forget to bring something tasty.

Grievous grammar

Finally, thanks to the reader who took the time to correct me concerning proper use of "its" and "it's" in my last column. It seems this is one of those periodic grammatical errors that I thought I had resolved several years earlier.

As you can guess, I was surprised to be called on this grievous grammatical infraction - using "it's" as a possessive in my last article. "Its" is possessive, while "it's" is a contraction for it is.

Consider me both chastised and educated; thanks for keeping me grammatically correct.

Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.