My first serious instruction on the importance, beauty and power of the written word took place in a prep course for the graduation required high school English 6 test at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In this course, we were required to write one essay and 2 précis per week.  Shortridge High School made every effort to assure that its graduates knew how to write.

In college, my favorite academic activity was writing term papers required by my history and government course professors.

My first job as a college graduate was as the first intern to the then newly elected U.S. Senator from Indiana, Senator Birch Bayh.   I remained on the staff for 10 years during which I wrote statements for his delivery to Senate committees and for use in Floor debates.

Later, as Chief of Staff of the Senator’s Indiana home office, I delivered hundreds of remarks to constituent groups. 

In the three years I worked for U. S. Senator Mike Gravel, (D-Alaska) I wrote occasional political speeches for the Senator.

After leaving the Hill, I began a 17-year career as Vice President of the American Retail Federation.  It was my job to serve as principal liaison with the Federation and its 50 state and 27 national associations.  I wrote and delivered over 300 speeches to those groups annual meetings to crowds ranging from 6 to 600.  I also wrote a monthly 4-page newsletter focused on this segment of the membership.

The Writers’ Club has given me the opportunity to rekindle a professional passion that most retirees must forgo when the work responsibilities end!   This membership is a highlight of our very busy Leisure World life!