Business notebook: Honoring the World War II generation

Warwick - Last week, on Dec. 7, we recalled the beginning of the American involvement in World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This Fall, Warwick’s Keene Publishing (Moo Press) announced the publication of two books that honor our WW II Generation: “Skies Over Sweetwater” by Julia Moberg and “Captain Wonder, Lou Gehrig, and Me” by Alex Kole. “Skies Over Sweetwater”, a novel for ages 12 to adult, tells the story of the women air force pilots of WW II. They were a select group of young women, who became pioneers as the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft. Some, who became members of the Ninety-Nines, a woman pilot’s organization, have visited Warwick Municipal Airport for an annual luncheon and meeting sponsored by the local chapter. Readers may be surprised to learn that these highly qualified and proficient young women, among other duties, flew target towing aircraft and ferried a variety of military aircraft, including the big bombers, to stations where combat crews would eventually fly them on missions deep into enemy territory. “Skies Over Sweetwater” is a Children’s Book-of-the-Month-Club selection. It is also featured in the Literary Guild and Quality Paperback Book Club. The author, Julia Lynn Moberg, grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas. She attended New York University where she received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing at Tisch School of the Arts. “Skies over Sweetwater” originally started out as an idea for a screenplay, but as Moberg began researching the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), she felt compelled to tell these women’s stories to a much younger audience in hopes that young girls might adopt them as role models in life. “When I read the Sweetwater manuscript,” said Publisher Diane Tinney, “I had this very clear understanding of what life was like for women in the 40’s, the sacrifices men and women made during WW II, and the courage it took to pursue individual goals as a young woman at that time in our history. Like Julia, I knew this was a story that needed to be shared, not forgotten.” “Captain Wonder, Lou Gehrig and Me” is an historical memoir about Kole’s life growing up in the Bronx during the Great Depression, serving in the army and reaching his dream of becoming a commercial artist. Along the way, we learn about Captain Wonder, the comic strip Alex created as a child, his antics with his lifelong friends and his love of Lou Gehrig, his baseball idol. “This is not just another story about the Great Depression of the 1930’s,” stated Alex Kole. “This is a journey back in time when love of friends and family was essential to survive the poverty-stricken streets of the Bronx.” Kole was born in the Bronx in 1924. “When I read the Kole manuscript, I was instantly transported to my grandmother’s house,” said Tinney. “To the life my parents had growing up during the depression, and it reminded me of the admiration I’ve always had for their generation. They rose above famine, survived a war, and found the time and courage to raise a family with hope for a bright future. In this post-911 life, I hear too much of our youth, and sometimes even my peers, professing a hopeless life. It’s my hope that in sharing the rich life Alex Kole and his friends created in spite of depression, in spite of war, will be an inspiration to our generation, and the generations to come. “These books are important,” she continued. “We must hear and capture the stories of the WW II generation. Their stories teach history to all of us, including our children; first hand history we may not learn in school or from textbooks. Keene Books is proud to offer these two fine books to illuminate all our lives.” Both books may be pre-ordered by visiting www.KeeneBooks.com. For more information, contact Tinney at dtinney@keenebooks.com or call 987-7750. Gift certificates With Christmas Eve only 10 days away, shoppers have an option for that hard-to-buy-for person on their gift list. They also make great stocking gifts. Participating merchants are again offering Gift Certificates in five and ten dollar denominations available and redeemable at most Warwick shops. Angle Tree Warwick’s “Angel Tree” is back again on Main St. between Akin’s Drug Store and Newhard’s Gift Shop. Each angel identifies a needy child by age and gender. Pick out an angel and drop your gift off at Track 7 Postal Center, 5 First Street. The donated gifts will be distributed to children selected by local social service organizations and charities. Safe toys State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt has been encouraging people to shop locally. She recently issued a message repeating recent warnings that toys imported from foreign countries may not be safe for children. Although the majority of toys on the market are safe, Rabbitt suggested that local store owners tend to be more helpful and knowledgeable about the products they sell. Sue Loughren, owner of The Toy Chest, 62 Main St., Warwick, admits that although she carries toys made in the United States and Europe, most toys today are manufactured in the Far East and in particular, China. As the proprietor of a less than mega outlet, however, Loughren said that she can be more selective and the toys she carries are manufactured and distributed by smaller firms, that in her opinion, are able to be more diligent than larger companies. And for those who still feel uncomfortable purchasing a toy made in China, The Toy Chest has a large selection of children’s books and games as well as some old favorites still manufactured in the USA.