anaheim-gazette 1945-01-25

Anaheim — "The City of Beautiful Parks" VOLUME LXXV A Legal Newspaper ANAHEIM We Rise to Remark by JAKE PROCTOR In and About "The Orange Capitol of the World" (The statements or opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the policy or sentiments of this newspaper, or its publishers.) It's funny sometimes how funny things turn out not to be as funny as they started out to be. For instance, this column was started an ally of both Britain and America, is backing the ELAS insurrectionists. A situation is developing there that can't be laughed off. The Greeks appear to be about in the same position they were before they were "liberated" from the Germans. It amounts to a war within a war and is one of the Union Oil Company's Service Station and Improvement projects scheduled for the downtown district, as such building operations can be sumed, include the erection of modern super-service station buildings on the 75x150-foot lot the southwest corner of Cen and Olive streets, it was learned this week. A long-term lease has been made on the property Lawrence Kraemer, owner, to Union Oil company whose plans for postwar expansion will include the new super-service plant. The lot is immediately across the street west from the Al Beta grocery and market and a frontage of 75 feet on Cen street and 150 feet to the alley Olive street. Definite plans have not been announced by the Urion Oil company but it is understaffed the new service station will built along modernistic lines. It's funny sometimes how funny things turn out not to be as funny as they started out to be. For instance, this column was started some 15 or 20 years ago mostly as a joke column, or a column of alleged humor. It may still be funny, to most people, but it doesn't seem to me to have any appreciable amount of humor about it any more. But most jokes grow stale after 15 or 20 years, so there you are. The weather is the most talked about subject in the world and in spite of all the talking the weather just keeps on being one way or the other. Most of us know little about what causes the weather, taking for granted that we'll have plenty of it whether we like it or not, but from the standpoint of a study, if only as a hobby, the weather is one of the most interesting of all phenomenon. To those of us who do not understand the scientific study of aerology the accuracy with which the U.S. Weather Bureau can predict the weather in advance seems uncanny. Yet if the weather doesn't develop according to prediction in every instance some will say the Weather Bureau never knows what it's talking about in the first place. In some cases the Bureau cannot afford to stake its reputation on making too definite a prediction involving severe disturbances. I was in Galveston just before the hurricane and tidal wave that destroyed that city in 1901; when many lives were lost because too many people lacked faith in the Weather Bureau's prediction that such a storm was coming and refused to leave the island. The Weather Bureau knew almost certainly what was going to happen but all it could do was issue the warning. If it had actually urged the people to leave, and the storm had not developed as predicted, its prestige would have suffered considerably. People will not move out of the path of a storm or flood even when they know it is coming, and sometimes refuse to leave a building when they know it is on fire. Horses are that way too. The economic value of a man is $4,500, on the average, which an ally of both Britain and America, is backing the ELAS insurrectionists. A situation is developing there that can't be laughed off. The Greeks appear to be about in the same position they were before they were "liberated" from the Germans. It amounts to a war within a war and is one of the proverbial "powder kegs" for which the European continent is famous. You've heard about the guy that took the bull by the tail and looked him square in the eye, but now, down in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where something always happens, there is a bull named Andy D-Day that the news writer says can't be looked straight in the eye because he has four eyes, one square on the top of his head. Not only that but Andy D-Day has four horns and four nostrils. I was afraid to read the rest of the story, but anything like that couldn't happen any place but Tulsa. When the first big army camp was opened at the beginning of this war, it wasn't 48 hours until more women showed up at the camp than there were soldiers. The government had a problem on its hands because there wasn't any other organization big enough to handle the situation. Obviously the army couldn't have the women hanging around the training camp, so something had to be done. The solution was the organization of a woman's army and a general call for women to work in war industrial plants. Russia had already set the pattern and averted a moral let-down, following their revolution, by taking women into the army and into factories to work. And, strange as it might seem, the women have responded to this plan of allowing them equal opportunity for work and service, which was never done in this country before. They are now an integral part of both the army and industry and it is no longer a case of coaxing them to work to keep them out of trouble. They have done a good job of every task they have tackled and the problem girls are now only a small minority of the number that are rendering service to the war effort. The next woman problem the government and industry will face will be to keep them at work after the war ends. The lot is immediately across the street west from the Alta Beta grocery and market and a frontage of 75 feet on Central street and 150 feet to the alleys Olive street. Definite blanks have not been announced by the Uni Oil company but it is understood that new service station will built along modernistic lines. It will be one of the largest best equipped in the city. At present the Union maintains a large wholesale distribution plant here and operates a number of retail service stations. Activities of the Union also include the establishment of an experimental station for the development of spray materials and insecticides that can be manufactured as a by-product of crude oil. The first unit of the experimental laboratory is now under construction near the corner South Palm and Vermont street located in the Henry Greenway orange grove. The company manufactures and distributes spray materials in the past experiments are to be made hard to improve these products, if possible, and to develop other control materials and insecticides that may be of benefit to the rus and other agricultural industries. 18-Acre Orange Grove Bought By Earl Williams Earl Williams, well known Asheville rancher has just completed a transaction whereby he acquired an 18½ acre orange grove Walnut street east of Orange, formerly owned by Withers Bros. Fullerton. Completion of the deal was announced this week by R. L. Re includes an old house that was fullerton realtor. The property be removed soon to make way for a modern bungalow when build conditions permit. Many Middle West Residents Plan to Come to California That California will experience an influx of new residents as seas as war conditions will evidenced by the many inquired received from the middle west but all it could do was issue the warning. If it had actually urged the people to leave, and the storm had not developed as predicted, its prestige would have suffered considerably. People will not move out of the path of a storm or flood even when they know it is coming, and sometimes refuse to leave a building when they know it is on fire. Horses are that way too. The economic value of a man is $4,500, on the average, which is quite a bit more than some of them are actually worth. His commercial chemical value is only 90-cents! E. V. Durling says the bartenders in New York "put grease on their hair and strive to be heart-throbs for the lady patrons." Men are funny that way, especially with a little encouragement. Before the war I knew a handsome amateur boxer who was good enough to get into the heavy-weight Golden Gloves contest. He didn't want to be a professional fighter but the big city promoters tried to hire him at a big salary to appear on all the shows as "a drawing card for the women fight fans." In spite of his size and his good looks he was a timid sort of a boy, so he turned the offer down and is now fighting Japs and Germans without any female gallery to play to, and no fabulous salary either. It has now developed that the Greek ELAS group, referred to by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as a small band of brigands and mountain thugs, is composed of 80-percent of the Greek people. They want to choose their own form of government but Great Britain is attempting to force them back under the rule of the former fascist-controlled monarchy. America is keeping hands off of the Greek situation while Russia, work and service, which was never done in this country before. They are now an integral part of both the army and industry and it is no longer a case of coaxing them to work to keep them out of trouble. They have done a good job of every task they have tackled and the problem girls are now only a small minority of the number that are rendering service to to the war effort. The next woman problem the government and industry will face will be to keep them at work after the war ends. This great army of women who have found financial freedom as the result of their own labor are not going to quit. They like their work and they like the independence that goes with earning their own money. They do not intend to sit down in idleness, nor to go back to dependence upon the men. Regardless of the effect upon their femininity, the women have definitely taken their place in the work-a-day industrial world and post-war plans might as well include a place for them. It's a long table that has no turn and fate wouldn't be much good without some irony. The Democrats in the state assembly have organized to "curb" Republican Governor Warren's spending program. Ha's Washington moved to Sacramento in reverse—or something. It seems to be quite a bit easier to break into the army now than it was in 1917 when we had that other war to end wars. I didn't weigh 180 pounds then as I do now. I was tall, slender and hard as a rock, I thought, so I ambled into the U.S. Marine recruiting office to see if I could join up. The recruiting officer looked me over and without going to the trouble of getting out of his swivel chair he turned me down on the grounds (Continued on Page 2) Many Middle West Residents Plan to Come to California That California will experience an influx of new residents as soon as war conditions will permit; evidenced by the many inquiries received from the middle west regarding this section of the county. Many residents of that area are ready making plans to move to land of sunshine and oranges, particularly to Anaheim, "The Oran Capitol of the World," as soon conditions are more settled. The following is typical of letters received by newspapers chambers of commerce, and by individuals from friends and relatives who are dreaming of a home among the flowers and orange groves in Orange county: La Salle, Illinois Editor Anaheim Gazette: I thought it was about time my part to let you know that receive the Gazette regularly find the paper quite interesting. Both my husband, John, and enjoy the front page articles "Rise To Remark" very much fact much more since the Novelber election. May I look forward to an article about the most beautiful parks. I understand your city proud of them. I am still dreaming of Anaheim as my future home, and hope foreve long to live in what to me seemed in the short time I stayed there to be cleanest city out west. Sincerely, Mrs. Frances Lorene Note: A story about Anaheim beautiful parks appears in issue of the Gazette. Oil Company to Build Super Service Station at Center and Olive Former Gazette Employee Wounded In German Action A telegram from the War Department last Saturday revealed that T/Sgt Myron Smith, former employee at the Anaheim Gazette, was wounded in action on January 5 in Germany. No further details could be learned. His wife and four small children are residing in Brighton, Colorado with her mother. An uncle of Sgt. Smith's, Cliff Peale of Santa Ana, said that he had received a letter from him written Dec. 26 and at that time he was enjoying a two weeks rest. Council Awards Insurance Contract To Chas. Frank Co. Routine business was carried on Tuesday night when the city council met in the council chamber rooms at the city hall. The city’s expenditures from Jan. 1-15 amounted to $13,225.62. A bid was awarded the Chas, B. Frank Co. of Anaheim for the city’s fire, theft and comprehensive insurance on its automotive fleet. A bid was also awarded the National Cast Iron Co. for furnishing cast iron, pipe, fittings and gate valve boxes for the West Broadway water line construction project. Council members, city planning commission and other civic leaders made plans to attend the League of Municipalities dinner at the Anaheim Elk’s club tonight; Thursday. Weather Has Visited Southland During Week Orange county, along with balance of southern Calif., has been visited by some Irish January weather during past week which has in heat, cold, wind, fog, frost about everything else except which is the principal it weather no less needed thepected at this season of theNo appreciable amount of fall has occurred during theof January, when the generis a considerable amount ofcipitation. While no one seeattempts to fortell what mapen tomorrow, everyone, especially the orange growers, arefor the long looked forneeded as ground moisturegenerally heralded as th Southern California Agriculture Reaps Greatest Farm Cash Income In History Preliminary tabulations now show that Southern California agriculture reaped the greatest farm cash income in history during 1944, annual review of the agricultural department of the Los Angeles County Chamber of Commerce said today. Total value of farm products in 10 Southern California counties which usually averages between 35 and 40 per cent of the farm cash income for all California, will approximate $700,000,000 on an f. o. b. price basis for the year just ended, the chamber report indicated. For the state as a whole, cash farm income for 1944 will set an all time high, exceeding the 1943 figure of $1,524,632,000 by a wide margin, the chamber of commerce said, with California climbing to top rank in the nation for value of farm production. In 1943, Iowa held first place among the states, and California was second. Several distinctly new phases of agricultural operations manifested themselves during the past year, the report continued. Featurering developments was the start of commercial air transportation for eastern marketing of many highly perishable specialty crops. With imports of certain drugs and spices cut off by the war, increased interest was shown in further development of these industries in Southern California. There were commercial plantings of belladonna, stramonium and other drug plants, along with a number of condiment plants. The relatively new vegetable seed industry was considerably expanded, with good results observe insurance on its automotive fleet. A bid was also awarded the National Cast Iron Co. for furnishing cast iron, pipe, fittings and gate valve boxes for the West Broadway water line construction project. Council members, city planning commission and other civic leaders made plans to attend the League of Municipalities dinner at the Anaheim Elk's club tonight; Thursday. ATTEND MEETING A group of Anaheim residents attended the VFW auxiliary district meeting in Riverside on Monday. Among those going from here were Mrs. Grace Schafer, local president and her husband. Public Forum Speaker Predicts Future for France Social changes that will encourage the education of the general public as well as political changes will be necessary in France before the nation can again assume its full place in the future civilization, Dr. Rene Bells of the University of Southern California, Department of French, said Monday night at the Public Forum meeting held at the Anaheim Union High school. His subject was, "Has France a Future?" France must first be re-established; the speaker declared and predicted that the government would probably follow along the lines of the United States constitutional government while employing certain traditions from Great Britain. The speaker was introduced by Paul Demaree, principal of the Anaheim Union High school. The next meeting of the forum will be on Feb. 12 when Alonzo L. Baker addressed the group on "Can American Democracy Survive?" CITY COUNCIL PTA TO MEET The Anaheim City Council P.T.A. will meet tomorrow Friday, at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Mrs. R. A. Patrick, 212 South Beach Avenue, Harry Welch, New Orleans, Louisiana. Many Middle West residents plan to come to California. California will experience flux of new residents as soon as conditions will permit, is faced by the many inquiries from the middle west regarding this section of the country. Residents of that area are al-making plans to move to the sunshine and oranges, partly to Anaheim, "The Orange City of the World," as soon as residents are more settled. Following is typical of the news received by newspapers, letters of commerce, and by individuals from friends and relatives who are dreaming of a home near the flowers and orange fields in Orange county: La Salle, Illinois Anaheim Gazette: I thought it was about time on short to let you know that I am the Gazette regularly. I the paper quite interesting. Army husband, John, and I the front page articles "We To Remark" very much. In much more since the November election. I look forward to an article about the most beautiful city I understand your city is of them. In still dreaming of Anaheim in future home, and hope be very long to live in that, to me seemed in the shortest city out west. Sincerely, Mrs. Frances Lorencki A story about Anaheim's beautiful parks appears in this issue of the Gazette. With imports of certain drugs and spices cut off by the war, increased interest was shown in further development of these industries in Southern California. There were commercial plantings of belladonna, stramonium and other drug plants, along with a number of condiment plants. The relatively new vegetable seed industry was considerably expanded, with good results obtained. This industry, the report said, seems destined to become one of the major sources of income in this area, since yields for many Great Britain. The speaker was introduced by Paul Demaree, principal of the Anaheim Union High school. The next meeting of the forum will be on Feb. 12 when Alonzo L. Baker addressed the group on "Can American Democracy Survive?" CITY COUNCIL PTA TO MEET The Anaheim City Council P.T.A. will meet tomorrow, Friday, at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Mrs. R. A. Patrick, 212 South Ohio street, for a business session to be followed by a pot luck luncheon. Members are asked to bring their own table service. This is the PB4Y-2, "Privateer," latest land-based patrol bomber built for the Navy by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. The single tail assembly and side gun turrets distinguish it from the Navy PB4Y-1. This new navy bomber has a top speed of over 250 miles per hour and a range of well over 3,000 miles. Gross weights vary from 62,000 to 65,000 pounds. The fuselage is seven feet longer than that of the original Liberator. The extra space provides room for radio and detection equipment, in addition to highly specialized navigation equipment. Six power-operated gun turrets are installed to increase its effectiveness on long range missions without fighter protection. Each turret is equipped with two 50 caliber machine guns. The PB4Y-2 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney twin wasp engines which have been redesigned for low fuel consumption, and which also give considerably more horsepower at takeoff. Major semblies for this new Navy fighter are now being built at the Vultee Field Division of Convalescent Britain, retiring second of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and welcoming interservice D. W. Campbell, appointed secretary of the Beach Chamber of Commerce group of secretaries of the trict met Wednesday afternoon the Newport Harbor Yacht for their usual monthly routine get-together. Besides, the two honorees present were Ross Lee Anaheim; Harry Welch, New Beach; William H. Gall Huntington Beach; Harryson, Santa Ana, and William muth of Fullerton. Weather Has Visited Southland During Week Orange county, along with the glance of southern California, has been visited by some freak- January weather during the last week which has included at, cold, wind, fog, frost, and out everything else except rain, which is the principal item of weather no less needed than expected at this season of the year. No appreciable amount of rain has occurred during the month January, when the general rule is considerable amount of precipitation. While no one seriously empties to fortell what may happen tomorrow, everyone, especially the orange growers, are hoping the long looked for rain,eded as ground moisture and generally heralded as the harAnaheim Quota for Red Cross War Fund Drive $28,500; County Quota $249,300 Daughter Born In Hawaii to Lt. and Mrs. Dick Melrose A telegram containing happy news was received by Miss Winifred Melrose of North Philadelphia street last Saturday and announced the birth of Sharon Lee, daughter of Lt. and Mrs. Richard Melrose of Hawaii. Lt. Melrose is the nephew of Miss Melrose and made his home with her until shortly before he was called into service with the U. S. Navy Air Corps. Sharon Lee was born on Jan. 20 and weighed five pounds, six ounces. Her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Flach resides The 1945 National American Red Cross War Fund Drive will start on March 1; it was announced today by A. J. Schutte, chairman of the local campaign and the quota for the Anaheim Red Cross chapter, including its rural district, has been set at $28,500 while the county quota is $249,300 or an overall increase of $50,000 over 1944. Slogan for 1945 will be "Help keep the Red Cross at His Side" and Mr. Schutte emphatically declared, "It would be impossible to over-emphasize the fact that demands on the Red Cross during the ensuing year will be far greater than at any time in its entire history and the local quotas and national quota of $180,000,000 must be met." It costs $6 per second to operate the Red Cross in all of its various No appreciable amount of rain has occurred during the month January, when the general rule is considerable amount of precipitation. While no one seriously tempts to fortell what may happen tomorrow, everyone, especially the orange growers, are hoping for the long looked for rain. Neded as ground moisture and generally heralded as the harenger of spring and a cure for the possibility of damaging cold weather and frost. Temperatures in this area on most mornings have ranged to below 25 degrees and on several mornings orchard heaters have been lighted to dispel the frost. Probably no damage has resulted from the orange and other fruits, due to the fact that the coldest periods have occurred only shortly after sunup, although sometimes late as between 8 and 9 o'clock the morning. In some districts, mostly in adjoining counties to the north and east, orchard heating has been started as early as 1:00 am, and continued until well afternoons. It is not believed that any serious damage has resulted from the cold but the heating problems is expensive and annoying to the least! Belated rains which may set in any time will clear the atmosphere, dispell the fog and in most parts of Orange county mark the end of danger from frost damage. Job Printing, Gazette, Ph. 2206. **ENTERTAIN CLASS** Mr. and Mrs. Paul Demaree were hosts last Sunday evening, following evening services at the White Temple Methodist church, to members of the Young People's Fellowship class. A social hour was enjoyed and refreshments were served. **VISITS DAUGHTER** Mrs. W. G. Gordon of 852 North Clementine street, is in Colorado Springs visiting with her daughter, Lt. Jean Gordon, nurse in the U. S. Army. Lt. Gordon is stationed at St. Peterson Field. **Navel Crop Estimate Raised 1,500 Cars But Still 1,500 Cars Under 1944** A survey of the navel orange tree crop indicates that since the abnormal growth which took place during November and December, the crop will be 1,500 cars heavier than previous estimates had promised. This brings the tree crop figure to 28,500 cars which is equal to the four-year average, but still 1,500 cars below the 1944 production. It is expected that the smaller fruit will ripen and be disposed of during the first half of the season when sales are easier, leaving the choice, larger fruit for the later market which usually encounters more sales resistance. Recent cold weather which has caused considerable expense to the growers for orchard heating, has at the same time improved the quality of the navels, causing the Fred Melrose of North Philadelphia street last Saturday and announced the birth of Sharon Lee, daughter of Lt. and Mrs. Richard Melrose of Hawaii. Lt. Melrose is the nephew of Miss Melrose and made his home with her until shortly before he was called into service with the U. S. Navy Air Corps. Sharon Lee was born on Jan. 20 and weighed five pounds, six ounces. Her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Flach resides in Los Angeles. Lt. Melrose is the grandson of the late Richard Melrose who was one of Anaheim's early pioneers and was prominent in civic and state affairs. He has been overseas for more than three years having arrived in Hawaii just prior to the Pearl Harbor disaster. He served a long period in the South Pacific before being returned to Hawaii where he and his wife make their home at the Moanna Seaside bungalows. **IT COSTS $6 PER SECOND TO OPERATE THE RED CROSS IN ALL OF ITS VARIOUS FUNCTIONS AND IT IS Hoped That Each Person Will Buy At Least One Second Of Time. In Order To Meet The Quota It Will Be Necessary For Each Contributor To Increase His 1944 Contribution By 25 Percent, Mr. Schutte pointed out. The local campaign will be vigorously directed by Mr. Schutte as chairman and Edward Powers, who has directed the two previous drives, as vice-chairman. The Anaheim drive will be organized and prosecuted along the same lines as last year and announcement of the complete organization of solicitors," Anaheim's minute men and women" will be announced next week. A "kickoff" dinner will be held at the Elks clubhouse on Feb. 27 for all workers and interested people. Plans are being made for an outstanding and entertaining program and it is expected that a noted speaker will give the principal address. Mr. Schutte is thoroughly familiar with the War Fund drive organization as he served in the capacity of vide-chairman last year. He is a rancher who resides on Ball road and is this year's president of the Orange County Farm Bureau. "It is an opportunity and a privilege to contribute to the Red Cross," Mr. Schutte said in emphasizing the many and varied functions of the Red Cross including blood plasma donations, Home Service, recreational and prisoner of war activities. **1945 RED CROSS OFFICERS NAMED** Officers to direct the affairs of the Anaheim chapter of the American Red Cross were announced today by the board of directors. Mrs. P. H. Nelson, who served last year as co-chairman, will be chairman during 1945. Other officers are Mrs. Harold L. Bodfish, 1st vice-chairman; Melbourne H. Gauer, 2nd vice-chairman; Mrs. Ralph Abbott, recording secretary; Elmer Bruce, treasurer and Mrs. Katherine Wheeler, executive secretary. D. Johnson, retiring secretary of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and welcoming into the community D. W. Campbell, newly pointed secretary of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, a group of secretaries of this district met Wednesday afternoon at Newport Harbor Yacht club their usual monthly round target-together. Besides the two honorees other present were Ross Lee Laird, Haheim; Harry Welch, Newport Beach; William H. Gallienne, Antington Beach; Harry Hanover, Santa Ana, and William Hardt of Fullerton. Recent cold weather which has caused considerable expense to the growers for orchard heating, has at the same time improved the quality of the navels, causing the sugar content to develop more rapidly. It is not believed that any fruit has been lost from frost damage due to the shortage of the frost periods on the colder nights. Orange county's crop consists largely of valencias and most growers are now of the opinion that this year's crop in the county will average about the same as last year. However, some of them point out, the tonnage may exceed that of last year if weather conditions from now on are conducive to development of larger fruit. The set is heavy but the fruit appears smaller than usual for this time of year. Adverse weather conditions in the east and middle west during the past month has acted to slow down sales of both oranges and lemons, creating a temporary surplus at the market and in transit. It is hoped, however, that with clearing weather at the market centers the stocks on hand and now rolling will move rapidly and that shortly the demand will again exceed the supply. Prices on both oranges and lemons are still somewhat better than a year ago and the seasonal outlook for the citrus industry is exceptionally good. SON BORN A son was born Jan. 16, at St. Joseph's hospital, to Cp., and Mrs. Loren Johnson of South Lemon street. Officers to direct the affairs of the Anaheim chapter of the American Red Cross were announced today by the board of directors. Mrs. P. H. Nelson, who served last year as co-chairman, will be chairman during 1945. Other officers are Mrs. Harold L. Bodfish, 1st vice-chairman; Melbourne H. Gauer, 2nd vice-chairman; Mrs. Ralph Abbott, recording secretary; Elmer Bruce, treasurer and Mrs. Katherine Wheeler, executive secretary. The latter office is a newly created one and the executive secretary will receive $80 a month for full time service. Mrs. Wheeler has been an active worker in the Anaheim Red Cross for several years; is a university graduate, a former legal secretary and has had a great deal of business experience. Orange Banker to Head Harbor Board Roy N. Edwards, Orange banker, was elected chairman of the Orange County Harbor commission Monday afternoon at a meeting held at the Newport Harbor Yacht club and at the same time Theodore B. Kuchel of Anaheim and Walter S. Spicer of Newport Beach were re-appointed to serve on the commission. Kuchel was appointed secretary of the group and Harry Welch, secretary of the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce, will continue to serve in the capacity of executive secretary. Other commissioners are Leonard G. Swales of Santa Ana and Elmer J. Hughes of Seal Beach. Edwards replaces Walter S. Spicer as chairman. Both men have served on the harbor board since it was formed in 1941. Edwards was secretary of the board last year.