The Megaphone - Government Prunes

Page 2

The Megaphone

December 2000

Government Prunes

Do you remember that the federal government supplied the school lunch program with "surplus"

food that it gleaned from its price support programs?

To keep the price of products up, the government bought, creating an artificial demand, and then

sent the products -- butter, milk, meat, etc. -- to school lunch. I remember that the school

received a shipment of canned prunes (big cans.) Initially, Mrs. Carter served the prunes four or

five on a plate.

At my age, eating prunes can be a very moving experience -- but not so delectable to high school,

junior high school and elementary students eating in the cafeteria in the Panther Den. The prunes

all came back in the garbage. Knowing she had to get rid of the prunes (or face federal

imprisonment?) Mrs. Carter then tried stewed prunes (listed on the menu board) to use them up

and meet the requirement of fruit servings. The stewed prunes all came back in the garbage. She

then tried Prune Whip (so said the menu board) which was a delectable, sweet concoction of

whipped cream (surplus milk) and minced bits of prunes. It all came back in the garbage.

Mrs. Carter then developed Prune Cake. This was pretty good -- sweet, moist, with the

consistency of brownies, very chewy. Listed on the menu board was, merely, cake (smart

woman.) The kids ate it and loved it, until someone (perhaps the Devil made me do it) told

someone that it was PRUNE cake -- and it all came back in the garbage when the high school

students ate. I never did know what happened to all of those prunes until years later when I was

first elected to the Legislature and ran into a number of politicians who must have eaten them!

Confession is good for the soul, particularly if it is long-winded.

Dick Dellinger '54

Hold the presses!

I've always wanted to say that!

;)

Be Happy Panthers

It is a goal worthy of every human. Happiness is an important part of our Den. The pleasure of

recalling shared memories, the joy of reuniting with old classmates along with the thrill of discovering

new friends. Across all boundaries of age, skill, and social class, we have the same cherished home!

ELWOOD!

Following are a few valid points for your consideration. In "Light Your Fire" tapes by Ellen Kreidman,

Ph. D., excerpts taken from, "Fifty-one Ways To Make Yourself Happy" . . .

#1. Think about the things you are grateful for. [Meg #1]

#2. Music is very important and can help you change the mood you're in immediately. [Meg #2]

#3. Next time you have guests, pay attention to how you treat them. Would you insult them or put

them down? NO, you'd tell them how wonderful they are and how much you valued them. So,

for the next minute, tell yourself how wonderful you are. Have this conversation out loud. Give

yourself a reminder about how valuable you are and what a terrific person you are. No

weaknesses allowed here, only your strengths. See if you can come up with at least five. If you

put yourself down today, slap your mouth and replace the negative message with a positive one.

[Me #3]

#4. Look around at the friends you have. [Me #1]

So, let's continue the fun!

Lois O. Lane

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