NEARLY 100: Jim Piscitelli of Bradford, soon to mark his 100th
year on this planet, called on the last day of November to tell us
he has never recalled the month of November without any snow. Of
course, that was before the flakes started falling Monday
evening.

And in case  you were wondering — Jim’s intellect and memory
have not been hampered by his longevity. He is still, as they say,
“sharp as a tack.”

HOMER MILLER: This year’s Kiwanis Kapers included a salute to
Homer Miller who is credited with starting the annual talent
show.

Homer, who passed away in early November at the age of 98, was
president of the Kiwanis Club when Kapers got its start.

His wife, Emma, writes us: “If my memory serves me right, Homer
told me that at one time there was a baseball organization called
the ‘Pony League.’ The games were well attended and the Kiwanians
made money at them with a concession stand and selling
programs.”

“The year Homer became president of the Kiwanians, the league
moved to a larger area out of town — I think Olean. The Kiwanians
had to come up with an idea to make money. Thus, the Kapers. Homer
said he sang and danced with several other men in the first Kapers
in antique bathing suits to the song of ‘Down by the Sea.’

“Homer never dreamed the Kapers would still be playing 50 years
later. He would be so pleased to be honored at the Kapers this
year. Thanks again to the Kiwanians.”

It’s hard to imagine Homer, a very proper gentleman, in that
old-fashioned bathing suit. That’s the beauty of Kapers, though:
Seeing our friends and neighbors in an unexpected role.

Homer, a recipient of the Golden Deeds Award, was instrumental
in the creation of the Bradford Area School District when schools
in the region combined into a single district and also served as
district superintendent.

TWO EXAMPLES: It is sheer coincidence but we just put together
this entire column about Bradfordians in their upper 90s. Maybe
there is something in the air? The water? Perhaps the gene
pool!