MARILYN HAGERTY: Surely, there are some Shirleys here

Dear Shirley,

Did you know there's a national Shirley Club? They had a convention in St. Louis in May.

That blows me away. I have decided to hold a branch meeting of the Shirley Club meeting right here in Grand Forks. I am hoping anyone named Shirley will show up for lunch at noon at the Green Mill on Thursday, Aug. 22.

One Shirley should meet another Shirley.

Wish you could be here. It will be fun. I have no idea how many Shirleys I can find. That is why I am also inviting anyone named Marilyn.

When we were growing up back in the Shirley era we all admired Shirley Temple. I was reading in the Wall Street Journal that Shirley was the fourth most popular name for girls in those days. Marilyn didn't get much recognition until Marilyn Monroe showed up.

August has rolled around almost too swiftly, Shirley. Here in the Northland we like to hang on to the beautiful days of summer. I am over at Bemidji prowling around the big lake this week and paying my respects to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Remember when you and Frank used to take the kids over there in your trailer home on wheels?

They tore down the old hockey arena at UND this week. They are making room for a new training center. And I remember that place so well. It was open to walkers in the late afternoon, and there has been no place better since it was closed down.

With August, there seems to be a sense of urgency. People are getting organized. I got my packet of tickets for UND football, hockey and basketball in the mail.

Well, time marches on, Shirley, and so must I. The first football game for North Dakota is when Valparaiso comes here on Aug. 29. I'm all set for the seven home football games. I sit in Row C, pretty close to the playing field. I like to study the players as they come off the playing field.

But for right now, football can wait. I am busy watching the boats go by in Bemidji. Love from your sister, Marilyn.

P.S. How long has it been since you saw a baby named Shirley?

P.P.S. Granddaughter Carmen in Pittsburgh is celebrating her 10th birthday. On a family vacation to the Atlantic Ocean she kept a list of license plates she saw. They included Arkansaws, Gorgia, Nova Schoche and Mattsechuttes.

Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or (701) 772-1055.