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Disappearing Accent

Growing up in Atlanta in the 1940s and 1950s, Susan Levine’s visits to New York City relatives included being the star of an impromptu novelty show: Her cousin invited over friends and charged 25 cents a pop for them to listen to Levine’s Southern accent. Even though they too grew up in ...

It’s Not The Number, But The Joy It’s Given Me

As I’ve explained many times, back in the fall of 2009, I reached out via e mail to Christie Herbst, one of the then editors of this newspaper, to see if there might be any open space for one more columnist in this periodical once a week. Within about 20 minutes, she responded basically ...

Words To Live By On The Fourth Of July

Touted as one of the greatest presidential speeches in American history, Ronald Reagan’s words on the Fourth Of July in 1986 in front of the Statue of Liberty are as relevant today as they ever were: “The only permanent danger to the hope that is America, comes from within.” Here it ...

Beneath Our Norway Maple – Felons, Vandals And Thieves

It’s garden season. All the trees, bushes and pretty flowers in my backyard look so innocent. But I have learned – the hard way – that they are out to get me. They are a well-organized crime family, with covert agents working behind the scenes. I’m out there constantly, hoping to ...

‘Difficult’ Camp Choices

The Allegheny Highlands Council of the Scouting American association has announced in a letter to Scouts, family members, and supporters that Camp Merz has closed its operations for the summer. This decision affects the resident camp and is part of ongoing communications from the ...

‘As Good As They Get’

LAKEWOOD — Law enforcement is in his DNA - literally and figuratively. For Police Chief Matthew Bentley, it’s more than just paperwork behind a desk. “It sounds cliche, but I really do like to help people,” Bentley said. That’s just not the citizens out there, I like to help ...