Thursday, May 1, 2025

Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

“I thought that spring
must last forevermore;
For I was young and loved,
and it was May.”
– Vera Brittain


One hopes, now that it is May, for calmer weather, certainly warmer, and acres of colorful blossoms. The sixty plus year old Desert Willow beside my home is already in full bloom this year. It has never failed to have at least a single bloom by my Birthday in the second week of May. A G Adair, for whom Pencil Stubs is a tribute, planted it here after digging it up from beneath its venerable parent tree at my folks home, in the west part of town.


This issue brings new poetry from our most prolific author John I. Blair. He also dresses one of his earlier poems in a different language. Look for "Mi Alma" paired with the original "My Soul." His other poems this month are "Rhyme & Reason," "Garden Memories," and "Sometimes When The Dust Is Stirred."


Bruce Clifford's two poems are "Stayed" and "What's Your Secret Romeo." Bud Lemire's "Remembering Mom with Love" is perfect for this year's Mother's Day. Yours Truly added "Asymmetrical!" an abiding dream. We chose the late Phillip Hennessy's "Does The Conscious Continue?" for an encore presentation.


Walt Perryman shares his "After Easter Morning Thought" and a verse that most of us have experienced, "I Was Fixing To." Our columnist Judith Kroll was inspired to pen her poem "Folds of Sunlight."


"On Trek" is Ms Kroll's column which addresses "Memories." Mattie Lennon of Dublin Ireland adds a poem in his column "Irish Eyes" that relates a bit of recent history. He honors a notable friend's loss. Thomas F. O'Neill's "Introspective" is a celebration of May and its origin.


Pauline Evanosky's column "Woo Woo" offers advice gleaned from personal experience on the subject "Is Being Psychic Contagious?" The column "Cooking with Rod's Family" details their first experience preparing a curry meal at home. Complete details of preparation are included. Marilyn Carnell's column "Sifoddling Along" is unavailable this issue and we miss her interesting viewpoint.


"Armchair Genealogy" clues us in on the new ways DNA is being used in identification. Modern equipment and constant updating in capabilities of it surprises even those who work with it all the time. Big Win is identification of victims.


Pencil Stubs Online co-founded by Mike Craner and your editor, is still going strong in its 28th year because of his original expertise. I continue to express my gratitude to my talented friend and creative webmaster Mike Craner.


Our next issue will be the combined June and July to be published on the first of July. This will give everyone a little break for a vacation, at least from writing, and making deadlines!


See you in July!


Click on author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.


Armchair Genealogy

 

By Melinda Cohenour

Mother's Day is nearly here. There are reasons for celebration ... And memories that bring sweet nostalgic events to mind.


This month touches upon the maternal connection in three areas your author has pursued for years: the mystery parents whose lost identities created our brick walls AND the Mother-Child "Does" linked to our decades long research into the LISK (Long Island Serial Killer) also known as the Gilgo Beach Serial Sadist.


THE FIVE BRICK WALLS


Every family researcher encounters the one inevitable Brick Wall at some stage. Most are met with a brief disappointment but little investment of real disappointment. A few, however, concern key figures in the effort to weave together a continuous line that involves folks whose lives are integral to the core family.


Such importance has been stressed on my personal five brick walls for varying lengths of time.


BRICK WALL 1: My longest researched stumbling block has involved the broken mortar that pieces together the long line of the Joslin, Joscelyn, Josselin ... (many spellings) Family line that comprises half of my core family heritage: the Carroll-Joslin Connection.


What makes this so frustrating is that by DNA our lineage up to then back beyond that lost documentary proof is defining proof of descent. We miss documentation as to WHICH of several Joslin brothers fathered our P. R. Joslin, earning the title of a documented direct line ancestor.


BRICK WALL 2: This core family also lacks certified birth information for our Carroll line ancestor. The dratted Civil War brought about the nasty habit of each side's combatants of burning courthouses - thus destroying the documented heritage for thousands upon thousands of families. Earl Allen Carroll was born in a Missouri county where the courthouse was targeted.


BRICK WALL 3: My first husband was born out of wedlock and surrendered at birth to the Miami-Dade orphanage in Florida. I solved this mystery a few years ago. We now know his father was named Gill.


BRICK WALL 4: That left the identity of his mother as a mystery. Very soon the name of this mystery momma should be revealed. Your author lacks only a bit more research to link the DNA matches to my daughter, Melissa, and also to her nephew, my grandson Adam sired by her brother, John. Every so often we have new DNA matches bringing us closer to certainty as to Mystery Momma's identity.


BRICK WALL 5: This is a success story! We have definitive proof through DNA of the man who fathered Roxanne Marie (LeTourneau) Bradshaw. DNA from Roxanne's only two children, Shaun Jagger and Adam Bradshaw, have brought to light the name of their maternal grandfather. This story will be covered in a near future column as well


LISK (LONG ISLAND SERIAL KILLER) a/k/a the GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER or SADIST


This column has covered the emerging story of this sick monster's handiwork for years now. First interest in the case which has become of worldwide fascination was generated in May of 2010. News reports mentioned a young beauty by the name of Shannan Gilbert was lost after being hired through Craig's List to entertain a John in Oak Beach. Oak Beach is an enclave of upper class homes or beach houses in Long Island, New York.


The extended search for Shannan was carried on for months, a fruitless endeavor until December of that year. The Officer tasked with the continued search for Shannan, having exhausted likely recovery sites on Oak Beach, lead his cadaver trained K-9 Blue to nearby Gilgo Beach in December of 2010.


There, Blue made an historic discovery: a set of remains enclosed in burlap discarded in the wildly entangled brush. Everyone assumed Shannan's story had neared its conclusion. However, the next news was explosive. Blue had discovered more remains similarly bound in burlap near the first body. The news of that discovery was immediately eclipsed by the news of yet a third and then fourth discovery.


The young women whose tortured and bound bodies had been discovered were soon immortalized as the Gilgo Beach Four.


The world's news sources responded en masse, joining as close as possible to the army of law enforcement engaged in the search of this lovely but eerily lonely stretch of land oceanside.


Ultimately, the search resulted in the discovery of ten disparate sets of discarded extremities of dismembered or skeletonized victims' remains. None, however, proved to be that of Shannan Gilbert. Her story continues to intrigue as almost exactly one year after the December 2010 discovery of the Gilgo Beach Four, first Shannan's belongings and, finally her almost nude skeletonized remains were discovered in the briar and brush of the marshy land of Oak Beach, mere yards from where she was last seen.


Through the intervening years, all but three sets of remains on Gilgo Beach have been identified. The three victims whose identities had not been discovered were known as Peaches, Baby Doe, and Asian Male Doe (whose diminutive body was clothed in female attire).


Peaches' moniker was given her by the homicide detective who took the call when her dismembered torso was found years earlier in a large green storage bin within days of her murder. Prominently displayed on her left breast was a tattoo featuring a peach with a bite taken and blood drops inked in beneath. The torso had been discovered June 28, 1997 near Hempstead Lake State Park soon enough after her murder a good photograph was able to be taken.


In the intervening years, DNA tests revealed a surprising connection. Baby Doe, whose body was intact and whose skeleton revealed no apparent cause of death, had been left wrapped along with gold jewelry near the remains of Valerie Mack. Valerie and Jessica Taylor had been dismembered and their torsos discovered in close proximity in manorville years before. Baby Doe was proven by DNA to be the infant daughter of Peaches.


More to the mystery: Baby Doe's remains were found at the Easternmost boundary of the Gilgo Beach search and recovery area. Peaches' remains marked the Westernmost boundary. Speculation has risen among some who follow the case that the two, mother and daughter, may have been the victims of domestic violence. My personal opinion is that the serial killer charged with the deaths of six of the victims discarded on Gilgo Beach and with another murdered victim tied to him through DNA is the only logical person to be charged with Peaches' and Baby Doe's deaths. Who else knew the geographic boundaries of his perverted treasure trove of remains now known as the Gilgo Beach Serial Murderer's graveyard?


How does this case come to mind as we prepare for Mother's Day?


Just this past week, the Nassau County New York PD held a news report announcing the bittersweet news that mother and daughter, Peaches and Baby Doe, have been positively identified. THEY HAVE THEIR NAMES BACK AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!


SOURCE: https://abc7ny.com/post/gilgo-beach-murders-nassau-county-police-reveal-id-victim-peaches-toddler/16230218/


'Wednesday morning, police announced the mother was a 26-year-old Army veteran from Alabama named Tanya Denise Jackson. Her 2-year-old daughter was identified as Tatiana Marie Dykes, born in Texas on March 17 1995.


'Both of their remains were recently buried at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort in Alabama, with military honors.'

* * * * *


May your Mother's Day celebration bring joy, love, good health and sweet memories to each of you. God bless.


Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.


Irish Eyes

 

By Mattie Lennon

Writers Week and The Passing of George Rowley

George Rowley; Civil servant, singer/songwriter, storyteller and author of A Memoir died on April 22nd. Among his many contributions to Writers Week George did MC at The Healing Session, a marathon Open Mic session, in John B. Keane’s for many years.


At the time of writing the programme for Listowel Writers’ Week 2025 has just come out. It looks like the Culture capital of Ireland will be buzzing like in days of yore: Art exhibitions, workshops, Book launches, open mic sessions and much more.


You will find the full programme at https://writersweek.ie/events-2025


If you happen to be on this green and misty island from May 28th to June 01st don’t miss it. The first Writers’ Week in Listowel was in 1971. It has grown and grown for the past fifty four years until there was a hiccup in 2023. But like all irritating ailments, with the right treatment, it has been cured.


I have attempted to tell the story of it in rhyme:

THE GOOD SHIP WRITERS’ WEEK.

By Mattie Lennon.

I remember twenty- twenty two
When hope was all around
Then when the year was half way through
For Listowel town I’m bound.
The Healing Session back once more
(Cocooning in the past.)
John B’s was packed right to the door
As Mickey gave a blast.


Of Aldi and of Lidl
And the lovely river Erne.
John Sheahan with his fiddle
Came in to do a turn.
A busty lass dropped in from work,
She’d banish any gloom,
And a woman from the County Cork
Said “Yes” like Molly Bloom.


It looked like things were back on track,
And the country lockdown-free,
With songs and poems and mighty craic,
After years of pent-up glee.
With the last song sung at half past five
Bright future we could see
And vowed if we were all alive
We’d meet in twenty-three.


Through winter’s dark and dismal days
What brightened up the soul?
To battle sad and sombre ways
We looked forward to Listowel
But towards year’s end disquiet bred fears,
With tension all around.
Would a ship afloat for fifty years
Be forced to run aground?


Consultants called; insults were rife
With words like “toxic” used.
Arts Council paid, to twist the knife,
And privilege was abused.
Program, of sorts, was brought out late,
It was of a boiled-shite hue.
Did power corrupt and seal the fate
Of those like me and you?


I called some good attenders
In early twenty three.
And asked of several genders,
“Now kindly tell to me
With the information on the go,
Will we see you in John B’s?”
A few said “Yes” but most said “No”
And some unsure “Maybe's”


When the day came round all things went well,
The air was friction-free.
When Billy hit his small church bell
You’d almost bend the knee.
Another brilliant session down
Just like it’s always been
But we learned from around the town
New brooms don’t all sweep clean.


Then a change of crew for twenty four,
Meant improvement on the cards,
Book launches, drama, talks and more
With returning poets and bards.
And thanks to those who fought the fight
To keep the flame alive
The programme’s out and all looks bright
For twenty -twenty five

©April 2025 Mattie Lennon


See you in July.


Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.


Cooking with Rod's Family

 

By Rod Cohenour


This month we feature a really scrumptious recipe dreamed up by my daughter, Melissa, for her version of chicken curry. On the advice of a lady she encountered at Aldi's, Lissa bought a couple jars of Burman's Tikka Masala Curry Sauce. Having never prepared curry before, she decided she wanted to load the dish with our favorite veggies in addition to perfectly seasoned chicken breasts. We very briefly discussed what veggies would be good, then Lissa began prepping the meal.


I can only tell you the result was one of the most divinely flavored meals in my memory! Warning: the Burman's Tikka Masala Curry Sauce CAN be quite expensive although what she bought at Aldi's was reasonable. (Hope they don't succumb to the import costs currently impacting groceries and everything else!)


Before serving, Lissa had her daughter, Erin, prepare white steamed rice. I was amazed to discover Erin prepared her perfectly cooked, tender, fluffy, FLAVORFUL steamed rice ... In the microwave! I've asked Erin to contribute her tips as well.


For me, personally, a repeat dish prepared by Lissa (and Erin) cannot be delivered soon enough! Try this, you should absolutely love the results of your labor.


Bon appetit~!

Lissa's Indian Chicken Curry


(Serves 9 or 10)

Ingredients:

    *5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (seasoned as shown below)
    *Large 60 oz pkg. California Blend veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
    *3 lg. Bell peppers, cut in 1/2" chunks
    *Lg. Purple Onion, cut in same 1/2" chunks
    *Jar (15 oz.) Burman's Tikka Masala Curry Sauce
    *Olive oil to toss veggies in before pan roasting in oven (Choose a brand whose flavor you enjoy)
    *Badia Complete Seasoning, made up of the following herbs and spices (combine the following to make your own, per manufacturer notes, no quantities shown):
      -Dried Minced Garlic
      -Dried Minced Onion
      -Ground Cumin
      -Ground Coriander
      -Ground Black Pepper
      -Dried Oregano
      -Salt (omit if desired)
    * 3 Tbsp. Parsley leaves.
    * 1 bunch fresh cilantro. Rinse and place on paper towels to dry. Save a few nice twigs of cilantro for garnishing plates. Strip leaves after drying, remove from stems. Chop leaves and wrap in moistened paper towel to retain freshness until use.
    *Instant rice prepared in microwave as shown below:

Instructions:

    1. Prepare the baking sheet(s) for roasting the veggies and chicken. Sprinkle clean, dry pan(s) with Olive oil and spice mixture.
    2. Season the chicken:
    Combine Olive oil with the Curry Sauce and stir.
    Rinse and pat dry chicken and place on large cookie sheet or broiler pan. You want a shallow pan with a raised edge so everything cooks evenly.
    Dribble on olive oil-curry sauce mixture, covering all sides of chicken. Sprinkle seasoning on all sides of the chicken before roasting.
    3. Season the veggies:
      Rinse contents of California Blend bag and drain well. Toss fresh veggies and drained California Blend and layer on cookie sheet.
      Sprinkle with olive oil-curry blend and Seasoning mix. Using clean hands (your very best cooking tools), toss and stir veggies until evenly seasoned. The olive oil marinade is seasoned with dashes of the seasoning and the curry sauce combined on both veggies and chicken. Use one jar because you don't drench the marinade you cover all chicken pieces and veggies evenly.
    4. Roast chicken and veggies on baking sheet(s) on middle shelf of the oven and roast on separate sides or in separate pans in the oven at 350° F until beautifully done.
      While roasting, turn the chicken and veggies 2-3 times for even doneness, until chicken is perfectly done and veggies are lightly browned and crispy tender.
      (NOTE: Lissa chose to use far less of the curry sauce than one typically is served in an Indian restaurant. There the entire dish is literally swimming in a thick, rich sauce, like Southerners serve ground beef in white milk gravy. Lissa's dish was served with just a hint of the delicious sauce, and delivered a fragrant, gentle flavor of exotic sweet and spicy ground spices.)
    5. While roasting, prepare a box of Instant Rice: (Recipe provided separately below.)
    6. Serve over a bowl of Erin's Tender Steamed White Rice and prepare to luxuriate in the divine dish!


This dish is wonderful on its own, but you may choose to offer it with traditional Naan (Indian bread) or Pita or even offer warmed flour tortillas, and offer a variety of typical optional curry garnishes, such as:

    *Toasted cashews, mango chutney, toasted slivered almonds, roasted peanuts, plumped raisins or currants, crystallized ginger (although this has a slightly sweet flavor it can be spicy Hot!), fresh cilantro leaves, fresh mint leaves, lemon zest (or slices!), avocado slices, chopped green onions, or even pineapple chunks or tidbits.


However you choose to serve Lissa's Indian Chicken Curry, you and your guests are in for a treat.

Erin's Tender Steamed White Rice

Ingredients:

    * 5 cups rice from box of Instant White Rice.
    * 2 cups chicken broth
    * 4 cups water
    * 2 Tbsp. butter or oleomargarine
    * 2 Tbsp. Parsley flakes
    * 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro leaves

Instructions:

PREPARE RICE IN MICROWAVE OR ON STOVETOP ACCORDING TO PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS; (HOWEVER, THIS IS HOW ERIN PREPARED HERS)

Mix all ingredients in microwave safe bowl, suggest one that is about 4 qt. capacity. It should be large enough to hold the ingredients with a couple inches room. You will need a cover for the dish as well.

Microwave about 5 minutes or until liquids come to a boil.

Turn off microwave. Set dish COVERED aside until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Fluff rice thoroughly with a fork. It should be fully cooked, tender and not clump together or reveal remaining liquid.

(* MEC NOTE: This dish might be enhanced by use of instant Jasmine rice. Most curry dishes recommend Basmati. )


Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.


Introspective

 

By Thomas F. O'Neill

Goodbye, April, and Hello, May

May is the last full month of spring, and it is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants, also from the Latin word maiores, “elders,” who were celebrated during this month. Maia was considered a nurturer and an earth goddess, which may explain the connection with this springtime month.


Undoubtedly, May is a beautiful month for both hemispheres. In the North, spring is gradually blooming into summer, while the South celebrates autumn's gorgeous colors and harvest.


This month has the energy to help us reach our goals and heart desires. We utilize May’s energies by going the extra mile with our projects; watching them succeed will be our ultimate reward.


May will also bring about expansion and spiritual growth movements when we feel we can rise above adversity. The magical concept of May is that you don’t know if you will succeed until you move out of yourself and give it a go.


The 1st of May marks the Beltane festival for the northern hemisphere, and Samhain is also celebrated on the 1st of May in the southern hemisphere. It was a time to dance, sing, and be merry. A time to emit your inner light and to show your love; it was also celebrated to usher in the new season. Like all months in the Gregorian calendar, May was named by ancient cultures. The Greeks called it May after their goddess Maia, referred to in Roman culture as Bona Dea.


Let this month usher in positive energy to work on self-improvement. Live the journey, let your self-expression shine, dare to do things differently, and ask, “What can I do to make this world a better place?”


Also, take the time on Sunday, May 11, to wish all mothers a happy Mother’s Day.


Always with love,
Thomas F O'Neill

    Email: introspective7@hotmail.com
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Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.