Impromptu Stop in Elmira, New York, to See Teacher Superhero Latoya Lisle, a CWP-Fairfield Transplant Who Happened to be on My Path to Syracuse

The only other time I was in Williamsport, PA, was when I was applying to college and was heavily recruited from Lycoming College. No go for me, but I remember visiting the Little League World Series Stadium which was a life-long dream. The route from State College to Syracuse had me return by the stadium in Williamsport (wonderful view from the highway, although the stands were empty...getting ready for Fairfield's blowout of South Dakota later on). 

As a 17 year old, I don't think I realized how beautiful southern New York and northern Pennsylvania are, especially the rivers, canals, hills, and greenery. I got off in Corning, however, to meet Latoya Lisle at her house in Elmira. She's now working for Horsehead Public Schools, which is irony, because the only think I know about art district was they marched against my sister at the NYS Marching Band Championships at the Carrier Dome. She moved to be with her boyfriend last year, starting out teaching in Binghamton and then getting a job closer to their home. She's still at SUNY Binghamton, though, earning her administrative degree.

Latoya participated in the summer institute in 2021 and quickly became a favorite to partner with on grants and support of young writers. She was a reading specialist in the Norwalk Public Schools and always a visionary of what is possible with young writers. When she chose to relocate, I was sad for the State, but she brings brilliance wherever she goes. 

"Hey, why don't you bring your dogs to meet my dogs," she said when I called from the highway. I didn't know how Karal would do with little dogs, but she played and played and played, as did they. Also met Makenley, the boyfriend, in addition to Juno and Brownie. They met at University of New Haven and now he's an engineer in Corning. Visiting their home reminded me of the charm of tows across the region: the large houses, the shops, the blocked roads, and the appreciation for nature. It was a wonderful stop-over on my way back to Syracuse and now I wish that was the route I always took on the way home.

I made it safe to Syracuse and all is well. Dad wanted Chubby's but halfway through his beer he said, "I guess I'm not that thirsty." 

I also enjoyed driving through Ithaca to get home, as I only have a few memories of visiting friends who went to Cornell (and the deer that jumped through the windshield of a friend's car on the way to see Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians at Ithaca College. 

Okay, only one meeting today and I'm good to go.