The one and only Karen....

It was a stock photograph that’s used by most

record companies…a posed black and white photo

on gloss finished stock, centered over the

A&M Records logo. They were produced by the

thousands and given away at concerts, sent out

in the mail, used in promotions.

In 1976 while at WINR in Binghamton I was

completely intoxicated by one Karen Carpenter.

I had played her songs on the air for many

years, and our station at one time had thought

about trying to have her and brother Richard

do a concert at the Broome County arena.

We had in the past had some big names; Dion,

Danny and the Juniors, Chubby Checker, the

Shirelles, just to name a few.

So then we reached out to the Carpenters and

their agents to see about availability. I’m

not sure I remember all the details, but I do

remember it just couldn’t be arranged…it was

I’m sure a combination of money and maybe the

size of the venue, etc.

A few weeks later I received an 8 by 11 inch brown

mailer addressed to me from California.

Hastily opening it before going on the air at

10:00 a.m. to do my show, I removed what felt

like a photograph wrapped in tissue paper.

Gently removing the paper, I saw her gazing

at me, straight on. I quickly scanned the

photo of Karen, my eyes quickly darting to

the upper right hand corner and the note saying,

“Stan, thanks for playing my music, Karen”

You could have pushed me over with a feather.

I still get chills to this day thinking of that

great gift the mailman had brought me that week.

I indeed had a huge crush on her, no doubt about

it.

And I have searched for that photograph for years

now, to no avail. Maybe someday it will turn up..

at least I’m hoping for such.

Eight years later, in February of 1983, we lost

Karen Carpenter at age 32. I was crushed. I felt

like I had lost a member of my family. And to be

very honest, I’m still haunted by her.. every time

I hear one of her songs…that crisp, clear perfect

voice, singing her songs with such meaning and

eloquence. I don’t really think there will be

another Karen Carpenter. And I think her brother

Richard who performed with her would echo my

sentiments.

So here’s to you Karen. We all miss you, your

voice, your music. Thank you for your music

and I was so humbled to broadcast it for so

many people to enjoy. Sleep well.

SS 

It's Halloween...

One of the best times of the year for some good story telling...and

walking down a country road at twilight with a full moon hanging

in the sky.

I have several good tales that I have written and could relate to you

here...but I think I'll just tease you a bit, because before too awfully

long they will appear in my new book Tales Unleashed.

Twenty eight stories, and a few pencil drawings that I think will

captivate your imagination...and hopefully give you a couple

of goose bumps.......

So, until I get back to you here...stay safe during that chilling night

and week that's approaching. And remember, when you hear that

rap at the door...it could be just me, coming to do a little

trick or treating.....or, maybe no one will be there when you

answer the door. Either way, it will make you look twice.!

Oh, by the way ....in case you missed the post of my visit to

the grave of Twilight Zone creator and writer Rod Serling...

you can still read it...just scroll down a page or two.  It was

a very cool visit indeed!

Final disposition of ashes (cremains).....

At all of my presentations, I'm always asked by folks in attendance about

the final disposition of ashes (cremains). 

The crematory processes your loved one's remains and encases them in a

plastic bag with a twist tie, and then inserts them usually into a hard plastic

box with a lid that snaps shut. This is how they are usually returned to

the funeral home that handled the death for the family.  However... if you

purchase an urn at the time of arrangements...many times that urn can be

sent to the crematory with the body.. and the cremains can be loaded

directly into the urn... saving that extra step of removing from the plastic

box and loading the urn at the funeral home.  And many times, families

will purchase what they call 'keepsakes'....small containers the size of

your fist. Sometimes a family will want to split cremains up and often

times will want two, three or four keepsakes filled with cremains. 

Keep in mind that the average body will produce about one to one and

one half quarts of cremains... so there is quite a bit there to deal with.

In New York State... when a person is cremated, the death certificate will

list the crematory as the place of disposition.... not a cemetery you have

in mind. NYS considers the crematory the final resting place... no matter

what happens to the cremains after they leave their property.

There is a certificate of cremation which is sent back with the cremains.

That certificate must accompany the urn or box of cremains if they are

to be buried in a formal cemetery setting. 

Yes, lot's of questions about cremation. Do not be afraid to ask your

local funeral director if you have other questions... many times he can

give the details right over the phone, saving a trip to his establishment.

My motto: it's always best to find out ahead of time...so, pick up that

phone and give him or her a jingle, your director is anxious to be of

help to you! 

Thanks for the article...

Want to thank Jasmine Willis of the Genesee Country Express for attending

my presentation ten days ago in Wayland. You can read the article at the

following link:

http://www.dansvilleonline.com/news/20181012/swan-talks-funeral-business-at-lowell-club

Next presentations:

Cohocton Library on the 20th and the Andover Historical Society

on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd!