Have you seen the new slimmer and trimmer Ron Crowe? If you haven't, you will be amazed by the transformation that has taken place in the longtime media representative from McCook. In just four months time -- between May 15 and Sept. 15 -- he lost 44 pounds ... and he is keeping if off as autumn evolves into winter.

You have probably heard the expression: "Scared Straight." Well, in a way, that's what happened to Ron. He was scared slim. When he went to the hospital emergency ward May 15, he weighed in at 217 pounds and his blood sugar topped out at 315.

That wasn't good, especially for a man whose family has a history of sugar diabetes.

And, so, immediately, Ron began eating healthier, limiting his calorie intake to less than 1,800 calories a day, and his carbohydrate count to 15 (225 grams) daily. "I eat well," Ron says, "just not nearly as much as I did before." He's also sworn off alcoholic beverages.

But, even so, Ron's not doing everything the doctor ordered. "I'm still not getting enough exercise," Ron admits. Still, he's doing much better. Those blood sugar readings, which reached above 300 in mid-May, have fallen below 100, with readings in the 75 to 80 range now the norm.

He's gives a lot of the credit for his success to his physician, Dr. Lori Reece, and two staff members at Community Hospital, Pat Rice, a registered dietician, and Monica Wacker, a certified diabetes educator.

The next time you see Ron shake his hand or give him a pat on the back. For the many of us who are weight-challenged, Ron is walking proof that we can win the battle of the bulge.

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As McCook's 125th anniversary draws closer, there is greater awareness of the community's heritage. The Chamber staff, especially, is taking notice of nostalgic mementoes, including an old tattered volume of "Precious Memories."

The book, discovered by Linda Thieben among her family's keepsakes, includes a collection of poems about McCook life in the 1930s and 1940s.

The problem is that the book is missing its cover and Linda has no idea who the author is. She's hoping that some of you out there know about the book and its author.

The poems are plainly written and give an excellent insight into life in McCook in the first half of the 20th Century. An example is "Blind Sam," a page-long poem which pays tribute to the fiddle player who entertained for years on McCook's Main Street. Here's a brief sample:

"He was just a blind musician,You could see him any day,

As he sat there at the corner, His loved violin to play.

"People didn't seem to notice, They just called him, "Poor, Blind Sam,"

As the crowds thronged around him, In the Saturday evening jam ...

"From him we could learn a lesson, Of contentment faith and cheer ...

"For he sets a good example, To all those who come his way.

Of forebearance and of patience, As their part in life they play ..."

The post-Depression poet also writes glowingly of McCook, saying, "If I had the time and talent I would like to write a book about this "City Beautiful," the City of McCook."

If you know about the book of poetry and its author, give Linda a call at the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce 345-4500. The Chamber staff is hoping to use excerpts from the rhyming volume to promote McCook's Quasquicentennial.

The poet did an excellent job of naming his book, calling it "Precious Memories." The title was fitting more than 50 years ago and it is still applicable today: our memories are precious and it will be inspiring to celebrate them in the community's 125th year.