Last Sunday, I told you we were giving the film crew the weekend off.
This weekend, we put the cameras back to work.
We went down to the Bagnell Dam Strip Association’s Halloween Bash, where even the poodles were dressed for the occasion. Between the costumes, the contest, and the people we stopped to visit with, we came home with plenty to share.
We’ll be releasing those videos over the next week. Keep an eye out. You might recognize somebody.
After spending last week on the Strip with T.C., Mitchell, and Dudley in Five Minutes in America, it was good to get back to the real place with the cameras.
This week, we’re headed to a church fall picnic.
And we have somebody new for you to meet.
Meet Father Thomas Gladstone
Father Thomas is the new Catholic priest in town. He’s gracious, charitable, and ready to help anyone who needs him.
He’s also carrying a book of quilt raffle tickets.
The picnic is an important fundraiser, and he wants to do his part. Unfortunately, caring about people and knowing how to ask them for money are two different skills.
His first stop is Cecil Boone’s barbershop.
You can probably imagine how much uninterrupted talking a new fellow gets to do in there.
From there, we’ll visit the Minnow Bucket, spend some time with Miss Ruth, and catch up with Mitchell and Dudley. The boys are eager to help, although a few of their arrangements come with work attached.
Those walkie-talkies are going to earn their keep.
There’s fall fishing on the lake, color in the hills, and a picnic to get ready for. There’s also a dunking booth, which seems like something Cecil ought to know about before agreeing to anything.
I wanted Father Thomas to be somebody you’d be glad to have in your town. A good man who listens, cares about his neighbors, and shows up when there’s work to do.
Getting acquainted might take him a little practice.
Fortunately, Coffman’s Landing has several people willing to do the talking.
Help keep these stories coming
If you enjoy these trips and the people you’re getting to know in Coffman’s Landing, I’d appreciate your becoming a Premium member.
You can hear all five of this week’s Five Minutes in America episodes tonight, before their daily public releases Monday through Friday.
Your membership also helps support the writing, recording, editing, and trips that bring this work to you.
One quick favor before you go
Thank you to everyone who’s been voting for me in the Top Host competition.
If you have a moment, I’d appreciate your free vote. And if you know somebody who would enjoy these stories, send one along. That introduction means a lot.
Thanks for coming along, and for helping this community grow.
Tony Michaels
Stay free.




