October 11, 1979

Having two youngsters at the N.V.N. office during business hours often results in unusual phone conversations. Last THursday, for example:
"Hello, is this the Ninnescah Valley News?"
"Yes."
"May I talk to the editor please?"
"This is he."
"I'm Barbara Dickerson calling from Washington, D.C. to invite you (Emily, get that out of your mouth.) to the National Kansas Leadership Briefing to be held in (Aaron, can you get her down from there before she breaks her head.) Washington from November 28 until December 1. It will be the first time (Emily, I can't hear with you banging the desk.) since Kansas became a state in 1861 that its leaders have been invited to (Hey, get your sucker out of her hair.) Washington to share their views about America's future. After reviewing more than 5000 names submitted to our office we have (Cute, now get the pencil out of your nose.) selected you as part of the cross-section of outstanding individuals with varying backgrounds and professions to whom (Emily, just use the crayon on the paper not on the wall.) to extend this invitation to participate. Your views about America's future, and Kansas' role in it, are important (Aaron, does she look like a fly to you? Put the flyswatter down.) and need to be shared both with national leaders and your peers. We would like to invite you to attend because (Oh, Jeez. Emily get that beetle out of your mouth.) we feel that as one of the young leader of Kansas you would be a benefit to the briefing. Are you interested in attending?"
"Let me get this (Emily get down from there.) straight. You have decided that out of the 2,300,000 people who live in Kansas, I am one of the (Go get a kleenex.) 500 considered to be leaders?"
"That's correct."
"That, in itself (Give me those scissors.) tells me a great deal about (Aaron you're going to break it.) America's future and Kansas' role (Will you please spit that beetle out.) in it.... ~T. Stucky