SCHOOL IS IN SESSION, AGAIN

John Connor was a beloved English teacher, poet and lover of history, a man who lived most of his adult life in Williamson. A broken leg one summer forced him to sit at his typewriter, look out the window, and let his imagination run wild. The result was the paperback “Pettiness in Paradise and Other Tales of Applebloom Point” which was published posthumously by his family two years ago.

John also wrote a weekly column for the Sun & Record for many years, a forum in which he shared his thoughts and musings with the readers. Sometimes writing with another local writer and friend, he became an authority on the human condition and wasn’t afraid to say so.

He wrote about his love for this lake front paradise, the politics of a small town and growing up in apple country.

One of the last activities for which John is remembered before being diagnosed with cancer was to teach an adult education class at the local high school in Williamson. “Writing Your Memories” was a popular and fun class, bringing together writers and those who wanted to learn about how to chronicle your thoughts and memories.

I’ve often thought about how my writing career has followed pretty much the same path as John’s, and I am always sorry that I never got to meet him. Interviewing his family to herald the release of his book, I was moved to hear the loving recollections of his efforts to educate and share his knowledge of this paradise.

I moved to Pultneyville in 2005, shortly before he passed away. I immediately fell in love with the Lake, the Great Ontario, and welcomed the embrace of my neighbors and new friends in Wayne County.

When I approached the Editor of the S&R to ask if I could ‘write about the human condition, human interest stories and ordinary people doing extraordinary things” I was unknowingly filling a void left by his death.

Although I wouldn’t call myself a hard news reporter, I was happy to share my thoughts and musings of family and the Paradise called Pultneyville with the readers of the paper.

Sometimes I smile to myself and wonder if John would approve of what I share and how I frame it.

Earlier this year I was asked to teach an Adult Education Class about writing down your memories, creating a legacy for your children and relatives. It is the class that John used to teach, and I think he would approve of what I have planned. I hope that I do him proud.

Registration for “A Course In Memories” is open until March 23 and goes until Mid May. The first evening class, which starts at 4:30-6:30pm is in the High School Library.

I would love to meet you and hear about YOUR stories.