8 make it to Papa Joe's for September gathering

There were 8 at September's second-Wednesday Papa Joe's restaurant gathering of Beacon Journal retirees:

Ed and wife Norma Hantzel, and fellow Composing retirees Cal Deshong, Al Hunsicker, Carl Nelson and Francis Reeves, retired Engraver Pat Dougherty and Newsroom retiree John Olesky.

Pat told about the time that the Engraving chief told Pat's father that "Pat's not doing that well; I might have to fire him." Pop's reply: "Well, if you have to fire him, do it!" But Pat stayed on for decades at the BJ anyway.

As usual, there was a lot of laughter, sadness about the state of newspapers today, particularly The Beacon Journal, fond tales about our days at the BJ and a wish for better Cleveland Indians and Browns teams.

If you're in the Portage Trail Extension/Merriman Valley neighborhood at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, stop by and join the fun. Good food. Good friends. Good conversation. Good laughter. Priceless package.