CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT: An Interview with Louise Allan

Reilly Molitor, reporter for the Snowberry Creek Clarion: Hi, everyone! Please join me in welcoming long time resident of Snowberry Creek, Mrs. Louise Allan. She's been most gracious about agreeing to be interviewed today. Welcome, Mrs. Allan.

Louise: Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Molitor. I always look forward to reading these interviews in the Clarion. I never expected to be the subject of one. I'm afraid your readers might be a little bored this time.

Laughing, Reilly shakes his head. Somehow I doubt that. I've been told you've done some pretty amazing things in your life.

Giving him a narrow-eyed look, Louise responds: Just who have you been talking to, young man?"

Reilly, holding up his hands: Sorry, ma'am, but a reporter never reveals his sources. Maybe we should start off with the easy questions. How long have you lived here in Snowberry Creek?

Louise: Pretty much my whole life. I left to attend nursing school. My parents expected me to return after I graduated, but I wanted to see a bit of the world before I settled down. I surprised everyone, myself included, by enlisting in the army. I was stationed overseas most of the time and got to see a bit of Europe while I was there. I met my husband when he was a patient on the ward where I worked. After we both left the service, we married and moved back here.

Reilly: Did you continue your work as a nurse once you returned to civilian life.

Louise: Yes, but only until our two children were born. I stayed home with them until they were both in school. After that, I worked as a nurse for the school district which let me be home when the kids were off school. You know, like summer vacations and holidays. Of course, I've been retired for some time now.

Reilly: Retired, maybe, but I know you keep busy with various committees here in town. Do you have a favorite?

Louise: Certainly I enjoy my circle at church, but my favorite is the quilting guild. I've been friends with some of the ladies my whole life. At the same time, we're happy to have quite a few younger members, too. We've come together through our mutual love of the artistry of quilting.

Reilly: I understand Abby McCree recently took over as president of the group. How did that come about?

Louise, looking a bit guilty: She did agree to step in and serve the remainder of her late aunt's term of office. You see, we convinced Abby that Sybil would have wanted her to assume her duties.

Reilly: But is that really true? It seems like a lot to ask of a relative newcomer to town like Ms. McCree.

Louise: She might be new to town, but she's proven herself to be up to the job. Her organizational skills are amazing and have made a real difference for our group. Largely thanks to her efforts, our annual garage sale was a huge success.

Louise pauses to give Reilly a sly look before continuing. But the real reason we wanted Abby to take over was to get her involved here in Snowberry Creek. You know, to help her make some strong personal connections in town. We wanted her to feel like she really belongs here. Of course, it helps that she's so friendly to everyone she meets.

Reilly looks up from his notes: Really? Because I've got to say that she seems pretty skittish to me. At least that's how she reacted when I tried to interview her.

Louise: Maybe because she knows the only reason you've come knocking was because you were hot on the trail of a story. Have you thought about interviewing her for this column?

Reilly: Yeah, I have, but she hangs up whenever I call her. If I go anywhere near her house, that huge dog of hers growls at me, and her tenant threatens to toss me out onto the road to see how high I would bounce.

Louise reaches out to pat Reilly on the arm. Well, I admit both Zeke and Tripp are pretty protective of her. Considering everything she's been through lately, I can's say as I blame them. I'll put in a good word for you, though. Especially if you mention that the quilting guild will be selling chances on another quilt this year. The proceeds go to buy fabric so we can make quilts for the local fire and police departments to give away to the children they meet while out on calls.

Reilly: I'll be sure to do that. Have Ms. McCree send me all the details, and I'll post the information periodically on the Clarion's social media throughout the year. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Louise: No, but thank you for having me here today. My kids will be thrilled to see my picture in the paper!

Reilly: Well, that's it for this month's edition. If any of you out there know someone you think should be the subject of one of these interviews, you can contact me through the paper.