Elkmourns former Postmaster
Erna Smith, the former Elk Postmaster, passes
Contributed by Jan Walker: “I was so sad to learn of Erna Smith’s passing. When we met in 1986, I was only supposed to bring the mail until Vivian Ellis recovered from an accident, but it came to pass that we ended up working together for 12 years with no discord.
From my first day in that old building (the old post office was located on the north side of the Visitor’s Center) she made me welcome and introduced me to everyone as we worked. I could depend on Erna to be cheerful almost every day and even more so after she hired Denise Pacheco to be her clerk.
Erna had interests and curiosities that ranged far beyond the postal walls and having Denise freed her to pursue a long- desired photo expedition to Africa. I also recall her being the very first person to clearly explain Global Warming to me. We shared fun times as well as sad times in the confines of that office.
When Erna left to open her Enchanted Cottage — an eclectic shop in Elk full of antiques, books, and also a photocopy shop and Public Notary — it was lovely to sit a moment with her and see her so excited about a new venture.
Released of her responsibilities as town postmaster, she was more relaxed and even more fun to be with. I really don’t think I have met anyone so proud of her children and grandchildren. She was kind and thoughtful and all in all a person I was glad to know and call a dear friend. Bon Voyage, Erna.”
This remembrance of Erna was written by Jan Walker, aka “Jan in the Van,” who faithfully and without fail carried mail through rain, sleet, mud, and sometimes snow, from Cloverdale to our little town of Elk. If Jan made it to Elk, we knew everything was okay.
After more than 30 years, Jan left her job last spring and while the USPS is a great institution, it will never be as great without Jan. She spends her newfound time enjoying her daughter and her garden.
Election news from Yarrow Rubin
Elk residents, Kira Brennan and Pele Clark, along with Anne Marie Praetzel from Berkeley and Sydney Harris from Santa Cruz, are heading to Arizona to join the Fuera Trump Caravan. They will go door to door in Phoenix to encourage people to vote in this historic election. Then they will volunteer with “Election Defenders” on Election Day for polling station observation and voter support.
Pele and Sydney ( just 17 and 18 years old) are joining this effort as first-time election activists. Kira says, “Wish us well Mendocino County! We are all hoping for a positive turnout and outcome!”