Background: This is a compilation of two columns published May 4 and June 1, 2005. I make reference to this being my most popular column, but this was written before some of my other "top five" columns were written.
Seeing "Sunshine" Sandy Mode of Elkton on the front cover of the North County News brought back memories for me. Memories of pancakes.
The summer of 1991 was a low spot in my life. I had just been laid off from KLSR-TV in Eugene, when a new station manager decided to axe our 10:00p.m. newscast. KPNW radio news director Tom Adams (now weekend anchor at KVAL-TV) was gracious enough to give me a part-time job while I looked for full-time employment back in television.
Every morning at 5:00, I groggily made my way to the KPNW studio in downtown Eugene, to re-write AP wire copy for the 6:00-10:00 morning show. Despite my slumbered state, the high-spirit antics of Mike Guldager (now retired) and Jerry Allen (Bi-Mart spokesman) helped raise my spirits.
It was during one of these mornings in the summer of 1991 that I learned of the Mode family, and their annual tradition of hospitality. One day every year the Modes would get up in the middle of the night (much earlier than I set my alarm clock) at their Elkton home. They loaded up their hot plate and drove to Eugene to make pancakes for the KPNW staff!
It didn't matter whether you were hungry or not. It didn't matter if you were a one-helping person at the table. The Modes made pancakes for everyone at KPNW. And they always made sure you were offered seconds.
It didn't matter if Jerry and Mike happened to be on the air when one of the family members swung open the door to the on-air booth, to offer the announcers another plate of steaming hotcakes. Jerry and Mike went with the flow and incorporated their guests into the morning show.
Yes, Sandy Mode of Elkton was a ray of sunshine on those dark mornings in Eugene...when a family of faithful listeners cared enough to drive 60 miles in the middle of the night every year, to say "thank you" to their favorite radio morning show hosts.
Now that Jerry and Mike no longer do the KPNW morning show, I don't know if the Mode family still travels to Eugene each year to make pancakes. But in case they're looking to adopt a new station, I happen to know of a television station in Medford that might enjoy some pancakes.
Since I began writing a column for the North County News in January, 2003, I haven't received as many responses to a single column, than I did to my "Flapjack Feast" article from several weeks ago. Responses from Elkton, Roseburg, and Eugene. Two of the responses are listed below.
Former KPNW news announcer Mike Guldager writes: "Enjoyed reading the article on "Sunshine" Sandy Mode and the gang. She was always fun to have drop in at KPNW. One of my funniest memories...when she plugged in her cooking gear and blew all the breakers in the kitchen! Thanks again, Mike Guldager."
"Sunshine" Sandy Mode herself sent me numerous pictures, poems, and two of her favorite recipes.
SANDY MODE'S FRESH APPLE PANCAKES
Two cups Bisquick or Krusteaz pancake mix, one-half teaspoon cinnamon, three-quarter cup grated raw apple, one egg, one and one-third cups of milk.
Beat pancake mix, cinnamon, egg, and milk with mixer until smooth. Fold in the apple. Bake on a hot griddle.
SANDY MODE'S APPLE CIDER SYRUP
Three times this recipe almost makes one gallon. One cup sugar, one-half teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, two tablespoons lemon juice, two tablespoons cornstarch, two cups apple cider or apple juice, and four tablespoons butter or margarine.
Mix sugar, cornstarch, and spice in saucepan. Stir in cider or juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils for one minute. Remove from heat and blend in butter and lemon juice.
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