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To the Editors:

I recently read Bob Hrovat’s letter in the on line Community News (May 2009). His reference to “Strumming banjos on the front porch and sharing the same two front teeth on Sunday” really hit home with me. I just knew he had to be talking about me. I must immediately apologize to him for my continued social blundering. This Appalachian heritage “thing” has been a burden for me my whole life. Though I’ve worked hard to overcome my upbringing, I often find myself backsliding. I admit to having far too many cars up on blocks in my yard and I know I’ve often had as many as six dogs living under my front porch. I had the best tractor tire planters in town and they always got a fresh coat of white paint each spring. Many folks must remember the Maytag washer we kept on the front porch with ice cold Dr. Pepper and Hi-C for any neighbor who would come by. I even admit that I wanted to tear down our little century house and bring in a big double-wide trailer. You know what I mean, one that would look just like our new police station. I want to promise Mr. Hrovat that I will do my best to be a better citizen. He can count on me to protect his property values by giving up playing the banjo, flying the confederate flag, and watching NASCAR on TV. I also promise to visit my dentist twice a year and always wear shoes. He can rest assured, I’ll never turn into a tobacco farmer. In turn, could he write to the Community News and list all other ethnic groups that he has trouble with? It’s so great having him in Peninsula.

Doug Unger, Peninsula
Professor Emeritus, Kent State University
National Endowment winner 1993 (banjo making)
Ohio Heritage Award Winner 2005 (banjo making)