Editor's Desk - 18Dec2001

Readers have kept Elizabeths column, The Amish Cook, running strong now for 10 years. I can tell you first-hand that if it had not been for the kind, warm, thoughtful cards and letters that readers have sent to Elizabeth through the years, she would have quit this column long ago. During her darkest days, the warm words of readers were her light. There is no way words can express the appreciation that Elizabeth and I as her editor feel towards readers.

So its exciting for Elizabeth, and for me, to have the opportunity to meet many of you in-person in the coming weeks. Elizabeth doesnt typically do public appearances. Amish women are typically shy and reserved, and Elizabeth is no exception. But with her column being 10 years old this year, and interest in her cookbooks high, I thought we might make some rare public appearances. I talked to Elizabeth about doing some book signings this holiday season, and she was receptive. Her daughters thought that it would be good for their mother to get out of the house and take a little trip. Since the death of her husband last year, lifes been a little gloomy for Elizabeth.

Following is a schedule of book-signings for the next two weeks. The books are available for purchase at each location (each place prices them different, usually between $19 and $24 per book), most of the signing locations will actually be held at the local newspaper office. Weve never done anything like this before; if these signings go well, well do some more in the spring when her next book comes out. I would like to bring Elizabeth to Kansas where her column appears in so many places. We would welcome the opportunity to meet you. If you come, please leave your cameras behind. The Amish have strict religious prohibitions against photography. In addition to yours truly, Elizabeth will be accompanied by her two daughters, Verena and Susan. Hope to see you there!

TUESDAY, DEC 11
Kokomo, Indiana The Kokomo Tribune, 300 N. Union Street., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (765) 459-3121
Muncie, Indiana The Muncie Star-Press, 345 S High St., Muncie, IN (765)747-5700

WEDNESDAY, DEC 12
Archbold, Ohio The Farmland News, 104 Depot St., Archbold, Ohio (419) 445-9456., 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Tiffin, Ohio Tiffin Public Library, 1 3 p.m.
Kenton, Ohio Kenton Times, 201 E. Columbus St.,., 419-674-4066. 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m

THURSDAY, DEC. 13
Mansfield, Ohio The News Journal, 70 W. 4th St., Mansfield, Ohio, 419 522-3311. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Washington C.H., Ohio - Fayette County Commissionon Aging, 1179 S. Elm St sponsored by The Record-Herald, 740-335-3611., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
London, Ohio Madison Press, call 740-852-1616 for more information, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 14
Xenia, Ohio The Daily Gazette, 30 S. Detroit St., Xenia, Ohio 937-372-4444. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Middletown, Ohio Divers Garden & Pet Supplies, 1810 First Ave., Middletown. 513-422-5491. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 18
Danville, Illinois The Commercial-News, 17 W. North St. Danville, 217-446-1000. noon 2 p.m.
Hammond, Indiana 4 7 p.m. Details to be announced.

Wednesday, DEC. 19
Celina, Ohio - Daily Standard, 123 E. Market St., Celina, Ohio 419-586-2371. 10 a.m. to noon.

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