Greetings Friends.
Well, lucky thing I didn’t wonder if it could get any weirder last month, because it did. We are truly being tested on how much we can do to keep our attitudes positive, keep our local businesses alive and make sure that we reach out to each other and spread some hope to our friends and neighbors. The heat, the virus, the fires, and the election are all wearing us down. Coming this month there are some events to help those displaced by the fires and there are some events that bring back some memories, as the North Modesto Kiwanis bring a socially distanced cruise by car show to put some classic joy in our hearts. This is when we really know who our friends are and we can’t let the polarizing times of shut down and election season tear us apart. We need each other now more than ever. That’s why I still work hard to make sure ModestoView is a positive voice in our community so we can share the things we love, and have something to look forward to and I thank you so much for reading and engaging with us whether here in print, on line or on social. We proudly send ModestoView out in the US Mail.
This month is extra fun for me as we celebrate the 1980s. I’mnotgonnalie, it was super fun, maybe too much fun, but riding my bike to class at CSU Stanislaus, working at Gemco and Truman’s Bicycles, putting on big downtown Criterium bike races, partying at Mom’s on campus and places like the Tree Frog, Celeste Ct and Black Angus, playing music with my friends, writing Cobol and RPG programs all night long, going to concerts, both here and the city and so much more. In the middle of all this, I actually made the Dean’s List at Stan State and met the love of my life. Amazing.
The 80s was the decade that made us as a couple. Leaving Modesto in 1984 to live in Seattle, it was just us, on our own, and we really became each others best friends. That’s still my goal today, and when we need a little pick me up, it is the 80s that makes us happy, with our popped collars, Becky’s big hair, MTV on all the time, going all over Nor Cal for bicycle racing, eating at El Faro, getting married and driving off to Seattle and buying our first house. So much happened that made us who we are. It is fun to look back at those times, and more importantly how can we capture some of that and bring the happiness to our lives today. I have never lived in the past and never felt like I am who I used to be. It is all about making a better tomorrow, for all of us, each other, our kids and even our grandkids.
In the middle of all of this, it is hard to keep that feeling. It is hard and we only have so many extra hours, extra dollars and we need to make every extra effort count. We need to support our friends in local business, many of whom are on the edge. If you have a fave restaurant, café or night spot that was your hangout back when things were normal, try hard to support them now so they will be there when we get through this. Take your creativity and help those struggling to keep their kids interested in distance learning. Make sure you use the resources of our parks department, the library and the workforce training to make education better. We can do this.
It is said, whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger and that is true today. We are learning new ways to do things, and even when there is a “new normal” much of what we learn, how we shop, eat, drink and gather will be part of our new lifestyle. Let’s learn as much as we can now so we are ready on the other side. We have an election coming and it is really important that we strip the personalities away and focus on what we need in our region and who can help us accomplish that. It is the issues where we can find common ground. Let’s cut each other some slack and be good to each other on social media. Hopefully you will enjoy this September issue and find something that brings back a good memory, makes you smile or gives you a good idea.
One of the things that made me smile was writing about the opening of the Modesto Center Plaza that was headlined by Bob Hope. When Mr. Hope stayed in Modesto, he stayed at the house we live in now, that was the home of Jack and Joy Ulrich. It is pretty crazy to think that “Bob Hope slept here” and we still have the thank you letter he sent to Jack and Joy. There are good memories everywhere and I hope you will find something to bring you happiness too.
We all need a break sometimes.
Thank you all for the good times and friendship.
Chris Murphy, Founder and Publisher – ModestoView
