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Dateline: Parkinsaw, MI February 6, 1999 A View from the Lighter Side It has been a harsh winter for this small, rural town of 1800 inhabitants in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Temperatures down to 30 below, chest-high snow banks, and icy conditions have made life miserable for the hardy Parkinsonians. But hardships are faced with a fierce independence and "in-your-face" attitude by these residents of a community founded by individuals stricken by Parkinson's Disease, a degenerative neurological disorder. Tom Slokum, 75, who resides on Shaky Lane sums it up: "When the going gets tough, Parkies get goin' ". Slokum, who was on his way out on the bay to do some ice fishing, further commented that medical problems are just a way of life. "The biggest problem I'll have today", he explained, "will be to bait the hook, and then keep the bait from falling off. If I could just hold the pole still, I could keep the minnow on the hook. I'll be darned if I don't shake the thing off before I get a bite. Yesterday, I went through 147 minnows in a space of just 2 hours", he muttered, as he headed for the frozen lake. Bjorn "The Swede" Svensen has been having a good winter, in spite of the weather, largely on account of the success he's been having selling "Scandinavians With Parkinson's Disease Make Better Lovers", and "Parkies Do It With Rigor" bumper stickers which he sells over the internet. The Swede also sells his catchy stickers to tourists during the summer at his home on Shuffle Court. The Swede, 84, used to be the best barber in town, until he cut almost all the hair off the left side of Pete Peterson's head during a sudden "OFF" spasm. Peterson, who was nicknamed Lefty until his hair grew back, convinced the Swede to turn over his clippers to "Old Steady" Toiva Renninnen, who just turned 78. Things have quieted down now, and it's relatively safe to get your hair cut again. Toiva has a little sign in his window, which says "ON", or "OFF" so customers know when to stay away. Well, it's about that time to say goodbye to Parkinsaw, MI, a planned community for Parkinsonians. We've got to get ready for the big Polka Party tonight. It will be held At the Muhammad Ali Town Hall from 7 to 7:30. John Bjork, Author of "Deadline: Parkinsaw, MI" A Fictitious Community of Parkinsonians in Residence