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Hope and Silver Linings... Hurricane Wrath Aside It’s been a whirlwind of storms…literally. The photos of heavy things floating away like paper cups on a raging river have been stunning and terrifying at the same time. That’s why it was phenomenal and reassuring to see our industry’s ice merchandisers standing stoic in several parking lots in Texas during Harvey. One belonged to our beloved Jesse Mireles, Mireles Party Ice in San Antonio, Texas, part of the hardest hit areas in Harvey’s path. Jesse took ice provisions to the most devastated area, Rockport, and set up next to the Texas State Guard, to give out ice. And now, as I write this, Irma is crushing Southern Florida. Earlier today, I watched the newscaster in awe, as the eye of the storm passed over him as he was reporting from Naples, Fla. For a few moments, it was as if nothing had happened at all. Storm is over. We can all go home. But then, the skies darkened once more, the winds picked up again, and shortly, he was holding on for dear life in order to report the news. What a job! Things are changing dramatically. Our industry has seen incredible consolidation and shifts in how we do business. Still we continue on. We are experiencing more deaths among our longtime friends and associates within the industry. Still we continue on…a little sadder, perhaps a bit more afraid for ourselves, and certainly more aware of the fragility of life.
"Things are changing dramatically. Our industry has seen incredible consolidation and shifts in how we do business. Still we continue on."
And more storms. Oh, the storms. And we clean up and move on. Still here, and maybe with a little less. But no matter what, we continue to have plenty. And in this industry, with its close relationships and longtime friendships, we continue to be strong and wealthy in all things money cannot buy. Stay safe.
Mary Cronley EDITOR/PUBLISHER REFRIGERATION MAGAZINE
Ice merchandisers in the Harvey flood
In Memoriam
Industry mourns loss of long-standing Mo. Valley leader, John Hilke John Hilke, 40 year member of the Missouri Valley Ice Manufacturer's Association, passed quietly away at the age of 78 on September 6. He served many terms on the Board, is a Past-President and he and his family have hosted many Mo. Valley conventions. Survivors include his wife Marie, and son Laron.
4 REFRIGERATION Magazine │September 2017
Mr. & Mrs. John Hilke of Hilke's Ice