This month I talked with Glenn K. Currie. He is the author of “Daydreams,” “Riding in Boxcars,” “A Boy’s First Diary,” and his latest publication, “In the Cat’s Eye.” Born and raised in Massachusetts, Glenn’s career in corporate America as group vice-president of Textron Corp. required him to live for several years in Houston. However, since 1986 Glenn and his wife, Susanne, have called Concord home.
What attracted you to Concord? The things Susanne and I liked most about Concord were the closeness to the mountains and seashore, with easy access to Boston. The friendly New Hampshire tax situation, and the attractiveness of Concord in particular, was inviting because of the wonderful downtown. Concord offered a small-town atmosphere and a good school district for our children.
What sets our city apart from others? Our city offers all I just mentioned plus a central location within a short distance to the state highways. It has the advantage of a major airport that is close by, but not too close.
We love the idea that Concord has retained its small-town flavor even though it is our state capital. It is first and foremost a community, instead of just a place to live. It is about neighbors helping neighbors in times of needs.
What would enhance our community? The city needs to find a better way to utilize the Merrimack River. It is a resource that is too often ignored.
What in our city do you enjoy when you spend an evening out on the town? We enjoy events at the Capitol Center for the Arts and the Audi. Red River Theatres is also fabulous!
As an author, what is inspirational to you when selecting a subject to write about? I try to write about the challenges and issues that we face in everyday life. I believe poetry connects best with the reader when it can provide some perspective on issues that are germane to the real world.
Tell us more about your most recent book. “In the Cat’s Eye” was published last summer and focuses on some of the different turning points in our lives. My objective is to provide the reader an opportunity to step back from the daily demands and put his or her life in some perspective. I try to do this by setting a mood through a combination of the color of photographs and the personal nature of poetry.
What are your other interests and hobbies? I do have a variety of other interests. I am involved with several nonprofits in town and am a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. My hobbies include a large collection of lunch boxes as well as several other things that Susanne and I have picked up during our frequent antique trips around the state. I am also a decent tennis player but a terrible golfer!
What recommendations do you offer to other seniors to help make their day productive, happy and healthy? The best way for seniors to stay healthy, happy and productive is to stay active. Maintaining a good quality of life requires the same effort as when we were younger. It takes a little work, but as long as we are physically able, seniors have a great deal to give to a community. They can bring experience, knowledge and common sense to a wide range of organizations. Just because you are over 60 or whatever doesn’t mean you should take a pass on trying to make things better.
