Summer 2005...

Thank you very much for the flowers. The baby is doing well and she is growing fast. It was sad that Don was not here to see her born, but he was able to receive pictures the day after she arrived. I know that it is hard for him not to be here with us but he said that he is keeping his head up. He should be home when she is 5 months old, she will be able to adjust to him and get to know him. To let you know, her name is Kimberly Ann Ball. Once again I want to say thank you so much for the flowers and the support that you have given to our family.

Thank you,
Julie Ball
Wife of SGT Don Ball, Stationed in Kuwait

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Hello Mr. Belote!
I want to thank you for the great story on my nephew, Michael Stewart. It was so well presented that I realized I was seeing Mike, not as just his “Auntie”, but as one of his fans! It is a great gift you have of getting into the heart of a story. I found the same qualities in other stories you have written. This is a wonderful little magazine and I am looking forward to more from someone who has found the heart of Cecil County.

Fondly,
Gail Stewart Ess
Kemblesville, PA

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Mr. Belote,
First of all, I want to compliment you on your great spring edition. I was surprised at how many people are aware of and are readers of your magazine. All I spoke with were quick to compliment the articles and to also say it was about time someone dedicated time to "their home area". Everyone is quite anxious for another issue.

Second, I want to thank you and your staff for the fine article on "CECIL COUNTY'S CHAMP” and how you integrated our family around him as well. The picture on the front cover, showed just the normal amount of people that show up every holiday at my mother-in-law’s house. You and your Mrs. were an enjoyable addition, and we wished you could have stayed longer. Anyway after talking to you on the phone, it was a pleasure to finally meet you.

Thanks again for the time and effort you put into the article and best of luck with future editions. I'm sure with the love and respect you seem to have for the county and its people, you will enjoy success for years to come.

Sincerely,
Larry and Valeria Mayfield
Elkton, MD

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Mr. Belote,
I spoke to you the other day about a subscription. You mentioned different places in Newark that I could pick up free copies - thank you.

From articles that reflect jewels mined from the gentle folks of Cecil County to advertisements, which offer services and goods throughout the area, your magazine reflects what America is all about in an atmosphere of “small home town”.

In your premier issue, Mike Dixon's article caught my eye. He, one of Cecil County's “jewels”, gave our Quester organization an excellent presentation last spring on the Hollingsworth House and we hope to engage him again next season.

Kay Zaborowski
Newark, DE

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Dear Mr. Belote,
What a grand idea- a magazine all our own! I spied my first stack of the CSM at (of all places) the Post House Restaurant, Oxford PA. Over breakfast, my husband and I enjoyed the many articles especially those contributed by friends.

You have put together a first class publication. It's attractive to the eye, advertisements tastefully displayed and delightful articles. It's just plain fun to read! Congratulations to you and your staff for a job well done and we look forward to many more issues.

Wishing you continued success,
Howard & Dorothy Foreaker
North East, MD

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Dear Mr. Belote,
We at the Port Deposit library have truly enjoyed your first two issues of Cecil Soil. The copies you left here for the patrons were snapped up quickly. May we please have some copies of the new spring issue to distribute to the patrons?

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Katelyn Thomas, Library Associate
Port Deposit Branch Library

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Dear Ed and Carol,
Your very interesting magazine hit the spot with me. Since moving here from Baltimore County I have made a concerted effort to really get to know Cecil County. Your Cecil Soil Magazine goes a long way in that direction.

In 1990, I suggested to the Cecil Community College that we make a historical picture map of Cecil County. Ten years later we had it on the market. I would guess that you have one. If not I have them here. They are $35.00.

Lois Inglisa was one of the prime forces in bringing the map to fruition. Her article was delightful. I have written one for your approval - about Kitty and Tom Reynolds and their Meadowbrink Farm. I hope to talk to you soon again.

Sincerely,
George Griffith, Jr.

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Dear CSM,
While in the Union Hospital emergency waiting room yesterday (5/28/05) I found a copy of your magazine, Cecil Soil. What a great magazine, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to know if you have extra copies of the first two issues that you could send me? I also would like to know if you have a mailing list or could you tell me where I could find a copy when new issues are published? I live in Charlestown Manor. I would be happy to reimburse you for the postage.

Linda Tanner
North East, MD

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April 25, 2005

I enjoyed especially articles in the spring issue about my brother-in-law and Hair Cuts With Herb. I am 83 years old now, but many years ago I taught in a one-room school below North East, Maryland at Elk Neck.

Johannes Sten and Brother Arnold were students – grades one to seven and about 25 children, a challenge.  Both boys were very intelligent. In the article as Herb cut Johanne’s hair, Johannes said in his final sentence “I never seen a single hair get cut.”

When he comes again tell him to say “saw” instead of “seen” and that I still love him.

Betty S. Blankenship
Oxford, Pennsylvania