At age 65 and 63, David and I want to embrace this season of our lives with the same enthusiasm and intention we did previous seasons.  Each time we visit our son, Ben and our daughter-in-law, Clare, we are inspired by the stories in FAN.  They are about folks living life to the fullest no matter their age or challenges.  FAN is a celebration of these lives and encourages community which is a great need in our present society. Though we live in Columbia County in Oregon, we are looking forward to being FAN subscribers. Thanks for your dedication to your community. — Gail and Dave H., Oregon

It was my pleasure to meet Mr. Hoffmann (“The View from 103,” Summer 2011 issue) when he visited Carter and Washington counties in Northeast Tennessee! He had a wonderful visit as we were both guests of the families of 90-year-old twins who were celebrating their birthdays. I appreciate your sending the Summer 2011 edition … I especially enjoyed discussing Bill’s new iPad and iPhone! Regards and continued success. —Dr. Phil Roe, Member of Congress, First District, Tennessee

We love reading your magazine whenever we find it in waiting rooms, etc. But we know that we sometimes miss issues if we don’t happen to be in the right place at the right time. So we would like to join your FAN Club. I am enclosing our check for two years’ subscription. We look forward to the next issue. —Janis O., Angels Camp

 This is a fine magazine and I read all of it. I compliment you and all the writers. —Lois R., Twain Harte

Enclosed is a check in the amount of $20.00 for a subscription … My husband and I enjoy your magazine very much — it is filled with great information for seniors! — Faye P., Angels Camp

Thank you ever so, as Marilyn Monroe says! We love the magazine. —Elaine H., Lancaster

Got our copy in the mail yesterday — read it from cover to cover, and enjoyed every page. Especially Ben Bateman’s story on the 103-year-old! Renewal enclosed! — Vi O., Sonora

I first must congratulate you on a very informative and interesting publication. Of special interest to me was in the winter (2010) issue the story of Dorothy Moulthrop and Cowboy. Several years ago I spent eight weeks in rehab for an infection in my hip … What a joyous day when I first met her and Cowboy. It surely brightened my day and made the rest of my stay much easier. I looked forward to the visits of the therapy dogs coming as well as their owners who were so willing to share their stories about their dog and group. Keep up with the good work … — George P., Sonora

 I just discovered FAN (the Winter 2010-2011 Issue). What a wonderful magazine. Loved all the articles, especially the one about friends “The Hatmakers” … Also enjoyed the challenge of finding Jack’s “squeaky ball” … I’m hooked and want FAN delivered to my home. — Mary B., Groveland

We find your magazine very inspiring. — Hiltje J., Sonora

The magazine is a joy. Loved the picture on page 24 (Sonora Music Federation photo, Autumn 2010 issue). —Mary A., Columbia

Wonderful memories. Love it! — Kathy T., Florida

So delighted with each issue of FAN. You do such splendid work. Keep it up! — Sandy G., Sonora

I just read the article about the USS Enterprise. I’m excited to give it to my dad, he had been a gunner on the Enterprise during some of those battles. Great job! — Jean J., Sonora

In my search for Jack’s biscuit (Summer 2010 Issue) I read the most entertaining, lighthearted and humorous stories. I loved Ron DeLacy’s Fanfare story about the revival of his handsome smile. The Greener Senior answered a few questions I’ve been pondering regarding my new composter and garden. Stories like “Remember When” featuring Camille ‘Mickey’ Nichols warmed my heart and caused me to think of my parents. Then there was the feature about online dating and “Sex and the Savvy Senior”! … Start my subscription. I’m a fan. —  Lynda D., Sonora

FAN arrived today, and I’m already enjoying reading “within my age group.”  Thank you for a very fine publication! — Margaret H., Copperopolis

I just want to add my sincerest thanks and compliments for the work that you have accomplished with each issue of Friends and Neighbors. I’ve read every issue cover to cover, checked out the advertisements, and the names of those who have added their talents to the compilation of informative and “fun-to-read” stories of local folks. — Fran T., Sonora

I have never found a magazine as inviting, as interesting, as colorful, and as beautiful as this one … All the magazines have been as I first described and if you ask me to pick the nicest one, I would not be able to. I enjoy it! —  Andjelka R., Angels Camp

From your first edition, I knew I’d be a fan for time to come! What a great job, digging into the natural resources of our wonderful community. You’ve struck gold — the human element kind, the vein that will never expire. The heart-warming stories have been captivating. Each one, including the contributing features, has revealed new, fresh knowledge for your readership … It’s amazing to me that a magazine of this caliber hasn’t found its way onto the newsstands long before! Keep up the fine work you and your staff are doing. FAN has a great future. —  Sandy G., Sonora

I’ve read and enjoyed every issue for free. Now I want to give you a little support. — Dorothea A., Sonora

Still am excited about your magazine. Hope we can reach even more senior folks. —  Pat B., Sonora

My friend, Dorothy, editor of Prime Time … wrote me to say, ‘I am impressed with Friends and Neighbors Magazine. It’s a wonderful publication and I really enjoyed reading it.’ Now we are known far and wide! She also wrote, “How much effort and time you put into publication — very few realize it.” —  Bettie R., Sonora

Thanks for sending me the magazine down here in San Jose. Enclosed is my subscription renewal. You’re doing a great job! —  Molly M., San Jose

The December issue was delightful (not because I was in it!) Now that you introduced me to FAN, I look forward to the next issue. Everybody at Skyline is raving about your latest … Keep up the good publishing!
– Kathryn P., Sonora

Keep up the good work. The magazine is great! —  John and Leona K., Sonora

Picture David and me, standing up and applauding … your magazine is so well done. Congratulations! It is a resource that is needed in every county, not only to connect folks, but to celebrate the richness of our seniors. We live in a small community filled with folks who have had experiences we need to hear about. These same folks can experience isolation simply by not knowing about the resources available to them. Your publication targets both of these needs and much more. We appreciate the time and passion this took. It is inspiring. — Gail and Dave H., Clatskanie, Oregon

Read the article about John Leslie … I also sailed on the USS Bennington, CVS 20. I was in HMR (L) 163, the only Marine squadron ever to be stationed aboard. We were aboard in 1960-’61. Nice article by my neighbor Matt Personius too. Nice little magazine. — Glenn B., Sonora

Cannot tell you how much I and other staff members enjoyed looking at the issues of your magazine that was dropped off at the office today. Definitely loved all the veterans information. And as a social worker in this county now for 15 years, the Transportation Guide is so needed. Will be sending in for my subscription and a gift one for my neighbor. Well done, well layed out and love the big print for these senior eyes. – Pat N., Sonora

I picked up your magazine today … I was impressed! Great magazine! —  Craig A., Sonora

Congratulations! You’ve succeeded in providing Tuolumne County with a much-needed and outstanding publication. Friends and Neighbors is well-designed, well-written, quite sophisticated and very interesting to read. I applaud you and your team. – Irwin S., Sonora

We are a county of at least 30% seniors, many of whom have been lured here as a wonderful place to retire. All seniors have a story to tell. As Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Greatest Generation” indicates, our seniors are of a special ilk. The “Remember When” and the “Veteran” stories in this magazine are so very fascinating. The sections on “Fitness and Health” and “Safe, Sound and Savvy” are full of wonderful information, not only for health issues, for other ideas including financial protections. I must not forget the “Community” section which rounds out the magazine with more stories and all kinds of information. The first two issues had cover stories that needed to be in print, and are informative, delightful and charming. You might think this magazine is only for seniors. Not at all! Several of my not so senior friends, when shown the magazine, were fascinated, and someone said that it is inspiring. You are to be congratulated for such a unique and interesting publication. — Shirley S., Jamestown

Your magazine is like a breath of fresh mountain air. I work for Community Home Care as a home health nurse. My patients love your magazine, and so do my colleagues. I brought a copy home, and my husband and I enjoyed poring over the stories. We love the variety of articles, which are nicely balanced with tidbits on health, local resources, community news items, and memories of local history. It’s wonderful to have such a high-quality periodical published locally. Thank you for your hard work and research! We look forward to the next issue! —  Renee M., Sonora

Thank you for a great magazine. I thoroughly enjoy it. — Georgette B., Monterey