Jack of All Trades – Master of None

by Brian G. Schommer

Some of you might remember the days when I did some sports beat writing for the now defunct Hastings Star Gazette. Writing for me has always been a nice “out” and a way of trying to gain balance in my life. My mom used to always say “you’re becoming a Jack of All Trades and a master of none.” That may have been a nice way of her saying, “kid, you need some focus in your life.” She was right, to a point, but in all honesty, being well-rounded (and not just my physical stature) is something that a guy like me simply needs to keep his sanity, especially in the world we currently live in. I need to be busy, active and social. The current world situation certainly has been trying to say the least.

Being able to make a living by owning a business that focuses on helping people through some of the worst times of their lives, while sometimes challenging, is very fulfilling and something that I truly value as a blessing. Adding to the challenges and fulfillment is working side-by-side with my wife in the community I grew up in and, the one we raised our family in. One might think that this would be enough… well, one might be wrong. Music has always been a steady in my life and, I cannot see that ever changing. While “gigs” have been few and far between since Covid-19 has become a part our lives; the ability to still make music on occasion with my friends, or even on my own in the basement has been a welcomed stress relief as well. I especially long for the return of outdoor shows. That’s because another mainstay for my sanity (I suppose the level of sanity could very easily be argued) has been being in the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, bike riding, golfing, playing ball in the parking lot across the street, snowmobiling, ice skating, swimming at the beach… the list goes on and on. Living in Hastings provided more than ample opportunity for these activities growing up, and while the opportunities still exist, I am not as quick to jump on them as I once was. While many of the activities of my younger days have gone by the wayside, I still love being outdoors as much as I can.

As time moves forward, I realized that I had been missing the opportunity to write and with the local paper closing, the chances of ever doing it again was diminished. As many people, I was very excited to learn that someone was going to take a chance on the community of Hastings as a viable place to relaunch a local newspaper. Going to the mailbox on Thursday to grab the paper, especially if you or someone you knew might be mentioned, was a habit, if not a ritual that was shared by many living in Hastings for any amount of time. After meeting John McLoone, I realized that while he is not ‘from’ Hastings, his focus with this newspaper is Hastings. To have three local media sources (Radio, Cable TV and now again, a Newspaper) is truly a blessing that many may take for granted. I asked John if he would be willing to give me a chance to again put on my “stringer” hat and add another thing to my already busy plate. He said, “sure” and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to do just that. I will be composing a weekly column about the great outdoors. Instead of reporting the scores, stats and future contests of local athletic teams, I get the opportunity to share a bit more of myself with the community.

I am not writing as an expert; more as a lover of things outdoors. As a good stringer, I will always cite my sources and give full credit to all quotes used. My intent for the column will be to provide entertainment, enjoyment and a few laughs here and there. I think we can all agree that these things are much needed in our world. From time to time, readers may even learn something they did not know. Such as, a “stringer” is another name for a part-time reporter or correspondent. Did you know that?? If not, you do now. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors!!!