When I was growing up in small town Nebraska, there was a weekly phone call from the local paper. “Any news?” the caller asked. They subsequently printed items gathered in this manner on the second page of the publication. I told my wife about this. She hails from a place with about 20,000 people—a metropolis to those in my home town—and thought it was something I should write about. This short story, which I’ll offer in installments over the next several weeks, was the result. SM
Social Media, 1966
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, May 25, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
Cynthia Pospischel brought lasagne to the potluck at St. Luke’s Methodist church on Saturday. The pan was missing at the end of the affair. Information regarding its whereabouts can be forwarded to me at the Banner Press. No questions will be asked.
June Fairacre visited patients at the Delphic Oracle Hospital every day last week. Asked for details, June reminded this reporter that she is bound by visitor–patient confidentiality. Because her hay fever is acting up, she was limited to six hours of visitation per day. In an exclusive interview, June reported that, “The nurses, bless their hearts, encouraged me to get some rest, but I stayed on duty.”
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Davis had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hildebrand at the famous Louie’s Restaurant in Zenith. Judy and Gene recalled their high school years and shared some laughs. What an item they were back then! Debbie, a native of Zenith, spent much of the evening in the ladies’ room with a migraine. Hugh, a native of Weeping Water, mentioned that he “nearly had a (profanity withheld) migraine of my own with all the high school talk.” Aw, c’mon, Hugh! High school was the best!
Cal Siffring reports that someone rang his doorbell late at night on Friday and then ran off. A reward of $2.00 is offered for information leading to the capture and arrest of the responsible individual. Cal wonders what this country is coming to.
A reminder to the DOHS class of 1946: our 20-year reunion is less than three weeks away! If you’ve not RSVPed, please contact the Legion Hut. They need a head count!
That’s it for this week. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, June 1, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman teamed up on Saturday at the golf course for a two-ball foursome. Chuck and Lois took home the prize: a dinner for four at the Y-Knot Drive-In. Evelyn Breedlove reported that daughter, Laura, ran into the Workmans’ son, Skip, at the Discovery Mall in Zenith. The seniors-to-be had Artic Rushes at the new Orange Julius. Yum!
Cynthia Pospischel’s lasagne pan is still missing. Information regarding its whereabouts can be forwarded to me at the Banner Press. No questions will be asked.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow that son, Teddy, underwent “special” testing at the end of the school year. Hang in there, Teddy! Remember, there’s nothing wrong with being different!
June Fairacre’s hay fever improved and she increased her daily visits to patients at DOH from six to ten hours. She plans to testify before the DOH Board of Trustees at their meeting next Tuesday. The board will discuss a proposed measure to limit hospital visitation to family only.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Davis report that Hugh left for a business trip on Wednesday. Coincidentally, I spotted contractor Gene Hildebrand’s pickup outside the Davis residence on Thursday. Planning a remodel Hugh and Debbie?
Cal Siffring reports that a someone continues to ring his doorbell late at night and then run off. He has raised the reward to $2.50 for information leading to the capture and arrest of the responsible individual. Cal further reports that someone knocked over his trash can on Wednesday night. Grrrr!
Another reminder to the DOHS class of 1946: our 20-year reunion is now less than two weeks away! If you’ve not bought your tickets or RSVPed, please contact the Legion Hut as soon as possible. That’s it for this week. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, June 8, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman drove to Omaha on Wednesday evening to see Doctor Zhivago at the Indian Hills Cinerama. The two couples report that the movie was quite long and sometimes hard to follow. Ed Breedlove remarked that he “didn’t realize Commies could be so emotional.” Lois Workman thinks Russia “sure looks cold.” Lois further revealed that son, Skip, walked Laura Breedlove home after this week’s Methodist Youth Fellowship meeting. The youngsters talked on the porch for nearly an hour. Hmmm…are sparks flying?
Cynthia Pospischel’s lasagne pan remains MIA. In an exclusive interview, she reports that Reverend Commack at St. Luke’s denies involvement. The pastor waived comment. Information regarding the pan’s whereabouts can be forwarded to me at the Banner Press.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that test scores for son Teddy were “about as expected” and he will attend a “special” school next year. We’re all behind you, Teddy!
June Fairacre spoke “until hoarse” at the Tuesday meeting of the Delphic Oracle Hospital Board of Trustees. A measure to limit visitation to approved friends and family only was unanimously adopted. June plans to see Doc Kaufman about her sore throat.
While Hugh Davis remained away on business, wife Judy spent Wednesday evening on the golf course with Gene and Debbie Hildebrand. Poor Debbie developed another migraine after three holes and retired to the clubhouse, leaving Judy and her husband to carry on. That Gene is such a card! My hubbie, Bob, and I were in the foursome behind and saw Judy crack up at just about everything Gene said!
Cal Siffring reports that someone continues to ring his doorbell late at night and then run off. He further reports that the trash can vandal remains at large and Cal has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest (or arrests) to $3.00. He stipulates that evidence is required, preferably with photographs, rather than (profanity withheld) “guesstimates” or “strong hunches.”
Another reminder: The 20-year reunion for the DOHS class of 1946 is just one week away. Seats are still available. Contact the Legion Hut, gang!
That’s it for this week. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, June 15, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
The Breedloves and Workmans had fun at the Rollin’ by the River bowling alley on Thursday. Ed bowled a 180 and Chuck a 167. What were your scores, girls? Chuck reports that son, Skip, has a summer job as the concessions stand manager at the Rialto Cinema. Ed Breedlove reports that daughter, Laura, also works there, “womaning” the ticket booth. Ha ha! The Breedloves are grateful to Skip for driving Laura to and from work. The kids must get off late as Evelyn Breedlove reports that it’s often after midnight before Laura gets home.
Cynthia Pospischel reports that she will allow one more week for her lasagne pan to be returned before turning the matter over to the sheriff. In an exclusive interview, she suggested that “Reverend Commack knows something he’s not telling.” The pastor waived comment. Information regarding the pan’s whereabouts can be forwarded to me at the Banner Press.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son, Teddy, left for a “special” camp. He’ll be gone for six weeks. Wow, what an adventure, Teddy! Good for you, young man!
June Fairacre saw Doc Kaufmann five times last week for a hoarse throat. June reports that Doc could not “absolutely one hundred percent guarantee that her illness is not life-threatening.” Gesundheit, June!
The DOHS class of 1946 reunion was held on June 12th at the Legion Hut. I was there with hubbie, Bob. Judy Davis attended with good friends Gene and Debbie Hildebrand. Asked about husband, Hugh, Judy reported that “he had a thing.” Debbie suffered another migraine early in the evening and had to go home, leaving her pals spouse-less. Don’t feel bad, Debbie! Gene and Judy bravely soldiered on without their better halves, dancing together until the end of the evening.
On Thursday, Cal Siffring was watching Mr. Roberts on Channel 6’s Late Late Movie when two perpetrators rang his doorbell and ran off. Cal identified the suspects although their names, in accordance with Banner Press policy, must be withheld until I can reach Mr. and Mrs. Milo Litchfield for comment on sons, Terry and Donny. By the way, Bob and I just love Mr. Roberts. That Jack Lemmon! Hey, you kid!
I have established a fund to pay for the big mirror over the bar at the Legion Hut. At last week’s class reunion, the poor thing fell victim to a re-enactment of the 1946 Delphic Oracle High football game against Zenith. As with that legendary contest, former quarterback Gene Hildebrand overthrew my hubbie, Bob, the Oracles’ one-time tight end. The football, an empty bottle of Jack Daniels, was then intercepted by the mirror. Oh, well. Go Oracles! Donations may be sent to the me at the Banner Press.
That’s it for this week. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: While Bibsy is on vacation, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” will run in this space.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, July 6, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” I’m back after a much appreciated vacation. We took the kids to Colorado. My Bob carefully planned the trip, allowing us to cover the 471 miles from Delphic Oracle to Loveland, Colorado with only fifteen minutes worth of stops for gas and bathroom breaks. We stayed with my cousin, Millie, branching out on day trips to Estes Park, Pike’s Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and the outskirts of Denver. Boy, it’s pretty country, at least from the car. Anyway, lots of goings-on since my last column so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman left on Saturday morning for a vacation to the Black Hills. They’ll travel in Chuck’s RV and be reachable for emergencies via ham radio. Laura Breedlove and Skip Workman were unable to go because of their summer jobs. Welcome to the real world, kids!
Cynthia Pospischel filed a missing lasagne pan report with the sheriff’s office. In an exclusive interview, Cynthia revealed that “the pan was my grandma’s on the Pospischel side and Reverend Commack and his wife darn well know it.” She further reports attending Presbyterian, rather than her usual Methodist, services last Sunday.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son, Teddy, sent a letter from camp. Hello, Muddah, hello Fadduh! Way to go, buddy!
June Fairacre still has a hoarse throat. It has not yet turned into sniffles and sneezes, but June is quite certain they’re close. She believes Doc Kaufman could “use some work on his bedside manner.” Get well soon, June!
Witnesses report that Hugh Davis and close friend Gene Hildebrand had a friendly spat at the Last Resort Bar & Grill on Friday evening. Boys will be boys!
Cal Siffring reports no progress in the Case of the Doorbell Ringers (Hello, Perry Mason!). In an exclusive interview, he suggested the sheriff might take such crimes more seriously “if them brats was ringin’ his (profanity withheld) doorbell.” Happily, the Case of the Trash-Can Vandal was solved when a raccoon returned to the scene of the crime. Cal was able to run the critter off before more damage was done. Gee, Cal, did you recognize him or was he wearing a mask? Ha!
That’s it for this week. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, July 13, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
The Breedloves and Workmans are still in the Black Hills and could not be reached for comment.
Cynthia Pospischel reports that the Case of the Kidnapped Lasagne Pan remains unsolved. In an exclusive interview, she shared her belief that “Reverend Commack or his wife have it.” I went to the parsonage, hoping for a comment. No one answered the door, even though the TV was on (Gosh, close your curtains, Reverend!). Cynthia further reports attending Sunday services with the Congregationalists this week.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that Teddy is “getting along just fine,” at his “special” camp. Good for you, Teddy, you “special” little trooper!
In accordance with the new DOH visitation policy June Fairacre was turned away this week and had to drive to the hospital in Zenith to visit someone. She reports that her sniffles and sneezes remain on hold, although she can “feel them coming.”
Hugh and Judy Davis plan to attend a weekend couples retreat at the Howard Johnson’s located on Iowa’s beautiful Lake Okoboji.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hildebrand report that Debbie is visiting her sick mother in Zenith.
On Wednesday night, Cal Siffring saw Skip Workman arrive home from work. “And he weren’t (sic) alone,” Cal told me. Upon further investigation, Skip revealed to this reporter that the passenger was his dog, Beau. Arf! I subsequently asked hubbie, Bob, to reassure Skip’s vacationing parents via ham radio that all is well at their homestead.
That’s it for this week. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, July 20, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
The vacationing Workmans and Breedloves arrived home from the Black Hills on Friday, a full day ahead of schedule. Sources report that Skip Workman and Laura Breedlove greeted their parents from the Workmans’ home at 6:00 a.m. What a nice surprise!
Cynthia Pospischel has requested that Reverend Commack and his wife provide reimbursement for her lasagne pan since it was lost while in St. Luke’s custody. The pastor waived comment. Cynthia auditioned the Baptists this week and asked that this reporter relay the news to Reverend Commack in advance of the Banner Press’s publication. The pastor again waived comment.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow asked that this reporter stop describing son Teddy as “special.” Aw, c’mon guys! Teddy is a special boy.
June Fairacre’s sniffles and sneezes finally arrived after someone coughed on her last week at the Zenith Community Hospital. Get well soon, June!
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Davis report that Judy left early from the couples retreat at the Howard Johnson’s on Iowa’s beautiful Lake Okoboji, returning home on Saturday evening. Sources close to Judy cited “a cold” as the cause of her early departure. I ran into her at the Donut Stop on Sunday morning and she seemed to have fully recovered. Thank goodness! Those darned three-to-twelve-hour viruses, huh Judy?
A review of sheriff’s dispatches noted a domestic disturbance at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hildebrand on Sunday night. No other details were available as we went to press. Sources close to the couple believe Debbie left that evening to again visit her sick mother in Zenith.
Cal Siffring was arrested and briefly jailed in the wee hours on Wednesday for firing a shotgun in the direction of kids who rang his doorbell and then ran off. Cal has pled not guilty to the charge, claiming in an exclusive interview, that “if I wanted to hit the little mother-(profanities withheld), I’d have, by God, hit ’em!” Cal’s trial is set for August.
That’s it for this week. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town.”
Editor’s note: We strongly reiterate that opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are absolutely not those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, July 27, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on this week so let’s get started!
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove report that daughter, Laura, no longer rides to and from work with Skip Workman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman.
Cynthia Pospischel has filed a lawsuit against St. Luke’s and the Commacks. She is asking for $2.95 in actual damages and $497.05 for pain and suffering. Cynthia will represent herself in the action. She will give the Lutherans a shot this Sunday.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son Teddy returned from camp and will spend the rest of the summer getting ready for his “special” school.
On Wednesday morning, a member of the DOH janitorial staff discovered June Fairacre asleep in a patient room. Asked for comment, June reported that she had admitted herself “because Doc Kaufman refused.” After a brief examination, Doc discharged her, prescribing Nyquil and “home arrest.” What’s that about, Doc?
On Thursday morning, Hugh Davis and Gene Hildebrand had a fist fight in the parking lot of the Y-Knot Drive-In. No arrests were made and this reporter couldn’t convince the roosters to crow about it afterward.
Cal Siffring has been “advised by counsel (himself-Ha!) to make no comments” until after his trial in August.
That’s it for this week. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: “Your Girl About Town” will henceforth be published once per month. On the off weeks, the Banner Press will run “Hints from Heloise.”
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, September 2, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” I’m back with lots of goings-on over the last several weeks so let’s get started!
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove report that daughter Laura left her job at the Rialto Cinema. Those same sources report that Laura will leave dear, old DOHS to attend the performing arts school in Zenith for her senior year. She will live with her aunt and uncle. Break a leg, Laura!
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman report that son, Skip, will attend the Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri for his senior year.
Cynthia Pospischel reports that her request for a warrant to search the Methodist parsonage has been denied. Judge Hardy Irby and Reverend Commack both waived comment.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son Teddy is now enrolled at his “special” school back east. Good luck, Teddy! We’ll miss you!
June Fairacre was officially admitted to the Delphic Oracle Hospital on Thursday. Her condition is unknown as we go to press, but an inside source (Spoiler alert—my ward clerk sister, Barb!) should have something for my next column. Get well soon, June!
Sources close to Debbie Hildebrand report that she will remain in Zenith indefinitely, citing her “sick mother.” I spotted Gene Hildebrand and Judy Davis in a booth at the Y-Knot Drive-In on Friday. Debbie must be happy that gal pal, Judy, is taking such good care of Gene in her absence!
Cal Siffring’s trial was postponed to September 20th.
That’s it for this week. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: We cannot emphasize strongly enough that opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not those of the Banner Press.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, October 7, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last month so let’s get started!
I spotted Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and daughter, Laura, at the Legion Hut on Saturday night, having dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman and son, Skip. Their heads were pretty close together, so I followed Evelyn and Lois into the ladies’ room to get the low-down. Both waived comment. C’mon girls! Inquiring minds want to know!
On Wednesday, in the matter of C. Pospischel v. St. Luke’s & Melvin and Edna Commack, the court found for the defendants. In an exclusive post-trial interview, Cynthia Pospischel reported that she “couldn’t get a word in edgewise.” Judge Irby and Reverend Commack both waived comment. Cynthia worshiped with the Catholics this week, but was forced to leave early after the incense aggravated her asthma.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son, Teddy, has settled in nicely at his “special” school. Yay, Teddy, you odd little duckling!
June Fairacre remains hospitalized. While her condition is listed as “disclose to family only,” my inside source tells me that she is “no better than fair.” Get well soon, June!
Petitions for divorce have been filed on behalf of both Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Davis and Mrs. and Mrs. Gene Hildebrand. None of the four could be reached for further comment. Like many in our little community, I was completely blindsided by the news.
In county court on September 20th, Cal Siffring pled guilty to disturbing the peace. He was fined $100 and given time served (six hours). Cal plans to move to Zenith.
That’s it for this month. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: We again emphasize that opinions expressed in “Your Girl About Town” are not those of the Banner Press and ask that people stop calling to complain.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, November 4, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last month so let’s get started!
This reporter has learned that Laura Breedlove, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove, and Charles “Skip” Workman, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman, were married on October 12th in a civil ceremony at the courthouse. Sources close to the couple report that the newlyweds will live in Zenith with the bride’s aunt and uncle. Those same sources report that Skip has accepted a position on the production line at Becton-Dickinson.
Cynthia Pospischel reports that, on Saturday, Reverend Commack’s wife gave her “the stink-eye” at the Hinky Dinky. Cynthia attended services at the Congregational church on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow will spend Thanksgiving with son Teddy at his “special” school in Connecticut. Safe travels! Give that “special” boy a hug for me!
June Fairacre remains hospitalized. My inside source reports her condition as “not out of the woods.” Hang in there, June! In other hospital news, the DOH Board of Trustees reminded hospital employees that any breach of patient confidentiality will result in immediate termination.
Cal Siffring has disconnected his doorbell. In an exclusive interview, he asked that visitors knock loudly, because his “(profanity withheld) hearing ain’t (sic) what it was.”
That’s it for this month. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: Complaints regarding opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny may be sent directly to her at the Banner Press offices.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, December 6, 1966:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last month so let’s get started!
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman reveal that the stork will be bringing the foursome a grandchild! And so soon after the wedding! Asked to comment, Evelyn insisted that the baby is due in mid-July. I saw Laura Workman (nee Breedlove) last week at the Discovery Mall in Zenith. She already has quite the baby bump. Are twins in store? Stay tuned!
Cynthia Pospischel bought a new lasagne pan.
Sources close to Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son, Teddy, completed the first term at his “special” school and passed all his courses. Way to go, Teddy! A “special” boy at a “special’ school!
June Fairacre remains hospitalized with no word on her condition. In other hospital news, my sister, Barb, left her job at DOH by “more-or-less mutual agreement.” Anyone looking for a good ex-ward clerk?
Sources close to Debbie Hildebrand report that she now permanently resides with her sick mother in Zenith. Gene Hildebrand remains in the family home. In other Zenith news, Hugh Davis’s car was recently seen outside the Cozy Haven Motel.
Cal Siffring reports that kids now knock on his door late at night and then run off. He has raised the reward to $3.25 for information leading to the capture and arrest of the individual or individuals responsible.
That’s it for this month. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: The Banner Press will no longer field phone calls in regard to “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.”
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, January 3, 1967:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last month so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove reiterate that daughter, Laura, is not having twins and is “due in mid-July.” Ed kindly suggested that my time might be better spent elsewhere. Don’t worry, Ed! It’s no trouble. It’s my job to keep the Banner Press’s readers informed!
Cynthia Pospischel reports that her missing lasagne pan was found in the cooler she’d loaned to the church for last May’s potluck. Asked for further comment, Cynthia remarked, “Oh my goodness, where’s my head?” She regrets suggesting that foul play was involved. Reverend Commack waived comment, although Mrs. Commack observed that she had a pretty good idea of where Cynthia’s head might be.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Barstow report that son, Teddy, made the Dean’s List at his “special” school: Yale University. At twelve years old, he is the youngest student at the famous Ivy League college. Wow, Teddy!
June Fairacre remains hospitalized. Asked by this reporter if she was comatose, no denial was made and this reporter will take donations to fund a June Fairacre Memorial Popcorn Machine for the nurses’ lounge.
Divorces were granted on December 29, 1966, to Hugh and Judy Davis and Gene and Debbie Hildebrand, respectively. Witnesses saw Gene’s pickup outside the Davis residence that afternoon. Neither he nor Judy could be reached for comment.
Cal Siffring was arrested and briefly jailed Wednesday night after ringing the doorbell at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Litchfield and then running off.
That’s it for this month. Until next time I’ll see you “About town!”
Editor’s note: “Your Girl About Town” will henceforth be published quarterly. On the off weeks, the Banner Press will run “Ask Abby.”
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, April 3, 1967:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last three months so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Workman became grandparents on March 31st. The new grandmas report that Priscilla Sue Workman was three months early and weighed eight pounds four ounces. What a chunk! Gotta be a world’s record for a preemie!
After driving to St. Paul’s Methodist church in Zenith for the last three months, Cynthia Pospischel plans to resume attending services here in Delphic Oracle at St. Luke’s. Cynthia reports that the price of gas influenced her decision. She hopes Reverend Commack and his wife can, “let bygones be bygones.”
Ken Barstow reported that if he has something he wants in the newspaper, he’ll write a letter to the editor. I’ll watch for your insights, Ken!
A review of Platte County court proceedings revealed that Hugh Davis and the former Debbie Hildebrand were married in Zenith on December 30, 1966, one day after their respective divorces. Wow! Did any of us see that one coming?
June Fairacre was discharged from DOH on January 6th. She celebrated with a visit to residents at the St. Aquinas Retirement Village here in Delphic Oracle. In a related matter, those who contributed money to the June Fairacre Memorial Popcorn Machine Fund may reclaim their donations from the Banner Press office. Please bring your receipt. In a separate matter, the Board of Trustees for the St. Aquinas Retirement Village has scheduled a special session to review their visitation policy.
Cal Siffring has rented out his home in Delphic Oracle and moved to Zenith.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back in July. Until then, see you “About town.”
Editor’s note: Banner Press editor Jack Tarr is on vacation at an undisclosed location.
From the Delphic Oracle, Nebraska Banner Press, July 3, 1967:
Hello once again from “Your Girl About Town with Bibsy Dolny.” Lots of goings-on over the last three months so let’s get started!
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Breedlove hosted a “Welcome Back” dinner for Mr. and Mrs. Skip Workman and their daughter, Priscilla. They were joined by Skip’s parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Chuck Workman. The families enjoyed pork loin with potatoes from Evelyn’s garden. Lois brought her famous three-layer parfait for dessert. Sources close to the families report that Laura graduated in May from the Platte Valley School for the Arts in Zenith, while Skip successfully obtained his G.E.D. The couple will begin college in the fall, residing with Laura’s parents here in Delphic Oracle while commuting to Zenith State. Is baby-sitting in store for the grandmas? If so, are there special needs for infants born three months early? I’ll answer that question and others in a column I’ve pitched to my editor: “Health Tips from Bibsy Dolny.”
Cynthia Pospischel reports that she will bring lasagne to the St. Luke’s annual May potluck. “I wrote my name on the bottom of the pan with a permanent marker,” she told this reporter.
In a letter to the editor, Ken Barstow suggested that the Banner-Press should publish “real news rather than gossip.” Couldn’t agree more, Ken! Well put!
June Fairacre went to be with her heavenly father on June 15th after a short illness contracted from someone at the St. Aquinas Retirement Village. Rest in Peace, June!
Sources close to former Delphic Oracle residents Hugh Davis and his wife, the former Debbie Hildebrand, report that the couple is expecting.
I spotted Gene Hildebrand at the Legion Hut last week with recent DOHS graduate, Lisa Kaufman. Gosh, Gene, your ex-wife and I used to baby-sit her, you old dog!
Cal Siffring called from Zenith to report that kids there “ain’t (sic) no better than the ones in Delphic Oracle.” He has given notice on his apartment in Zenith and will move back to Delphic Oracle.
In other news, the former Judy Davis has reclaimed her maiden name of Havlinka. And she’s now a blonde! Wow! An ex-wife and an ex-brunette! It’ll take some getting used to, although at least one person seems to like it—I spotted my editor and Judy at the Last Resort Bar & Grill on Friday. Hmmm, is romance brewing? I’ll be watching! That’s it for now. Until next time, I’ll see you “About town.”
Editor’s Note: “Your Girl About Town” will be replaced by Erma Bombeck’s “At Wit’s End.” As always and for the last time, opinions expressed by Bibsy Dolny are not necessarily those of the Banner Press.
