I am saddened by the death of Frank Parreria and Tommy Hammond. Tommy was a dedicated Mason and a member of the Veterans Color Guard. Frank was the kind of solid, good man you wanted to as a friend. Frank was the brother of my friend Louis Parreria.</p><p><b>MLK walk</b></p><p>I felt so proud to be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day walk in Los Banos on Jan. 16. After a few rousing speeches, we took our signs, sang "We Shall Overcome" and walked to the Baptist Church on D Street. It was good to see that the dream is still alive.</p><p><b>World issues class</b></p><p>As the world gets smaller, it becomes more important to be informed. The "Great Decisions" class offered at the community college is an excellent opportunity to learn, discuss and share opinions on international issues. The Thursday class, at 4:30 p.m., returns Feb. 2. There is no fee. The book for the course is $20. Call Gene Vierra at 826-4911.</p><p><b>Valentine pies</b></p><p>The Kiwanis are having their Marie Callender's pie sale. The profits go to community projects. Each pie is $13. Orders must be prepaid by Feb. 7. Pies may be picked up from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Community Center. Call Jim Valentine at 826-5181.</p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>Belated happy birthday to my adopted sis beautiful Donna Morris. Happy birthday to Jeff Brubaker, Melissa Jackson, Gideon Moffitt, Rosemary Chettreo, Christine Dahlgren, Lillian Mendes, Geri Alves, Gloria Mendonca and Mary Cardoza.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy wedding anniversary to Jim and Jean Willis.</p><p><b>Lily Tomlin </b></p><p>In the '60s I was a big fan of "Laugh In," and especially the young comedienne Lily Tomlin. Over the years I enjoyed her in such movies as "9 to 5" and "Nashville." What a treat it was to see her in person at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto on Jan. 14. Lou Vierra and I had a wonderful time.</p><p><b>Every loss</b></p><p>My sincere sympathy goes out to Paul in the death of his beloved Parrot of 25 years, Cleo.</p><p>Last week my granddaughter Amanda's dog Lady was hit by a car and killed. Lady was a sweet dog we all loved every very much. It was a sharp reminder of how the ring of a phone can change your entire day. You can go from happy to sad in one phone ring. All things in our life are so fragile. That is why we need to value every moment and treat them with such care. Value each gift life gives you no mater how small, and until next time, may all your news be good news.