Martinsburg book and writing club know how to brave the heat

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (DC News Now) — There are many creative ways to escape the heat, and for one group of seniors in Martinsburg, it’s reading and writing books.

Having plenty of time, these retirees enjoy reading and sharing their discoveries and work, building on their own life experiences.

Temperatures are just under 30 degrees Celsius, but the pensioners said the heat doesn’t bother them.

“On a day like today, it’s nice to be inside where we can concentrate on our writing,” said Bruce Waldron. “It’s nice and cool. We’re not outside where it’s hot.”

Occasionally, the outdoor area of ​​the senior center becomes a pleasant venue for their meetings, but not during the scorching heat wave.

“I’m glad we’re not meeting outside in the pavilion where we normally meet,” Randy Underwood said.

Inspired by her colleagues, Nancy Draper Kackley published a children’s book. But as proud as she was of it, she was dreading the conclusion of her meeting with the group on Wednesday.

“I just don’t like the heat,” Kackley said. “I go to Walmart and then go home to my air-conditioned apartment.”

The group’s most lively member, Vietnam War veteran Dan Vee, writes about his experiences on the Vietnam battlefield, so 32 degrees in West Virginia are no match for him.

“I had to almost crawl out of the parking lot where I left the car,” Vee said. “The heat was so intense, but I made it. I may never leave again.”