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CLP Responds To Herbicide Dissent

The resolution supporting herbicide use passed at the March 13 Lakewood Village Special Board meeting, but the recent Post-Journal coverage highlighted a lengthy explanation for the singular “no” vote. The dissenting information cited risks that only exist under extreme, unmanaged conditions to undermine what is actually a safe and highly regulated practice. Such misinformation stokes division in the community - a counterproductive dynamic that stands in contrast to the growing collaboration between lake groups. In the interest of clarity, I submit the following based on my ...

Social Workers Fill A Vital Niche In Our Society

Every March, we recognize National Social Work Month, a time to honor the professionals who dedicate their lives to helping individuals, families, and communities through difficult moments. While some people imagine social work as simple charity, the truth is far more complex. Social workers blend science, counseling, advocacy, and compassion to address challenges that affect nearly every part of society. This year’s theme “Social Work: Uplift. Defend. Transform” captures the spirit of the profession in 2026. The field of social work began more than a century ago, during a period ...

James Talarico Is A Counterfeit Christian

Not expecting him to appear in a local commentary to the PJ so soon (3-14), James Talarico was described as a “rare Democrat who, as a Presbyterian seminarian… is well versed in Christianity.” Not so fast, my friend. The commentary never told what seminary he attended. Take two Presbyterian seminaries. One seminary named Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary makes three statements on its webpage: 1.) We believe faith is boundless (“What faith is it?” I ask. 2.) We are bridge builders (A bridge to what? You’re left guessing.) 3.) We prepare Christrian leaders to ...

Bars Should Respect Diverse Views

The head of the New York State Bar Association, or NYSBA, has criticized a Trump-administration Justice Department official. *** Please read the criticism for yourself: NYSBA “denounces Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s declaration of ‘war’ on the judiciary and bar(-)association disciplinary bodies. “At a recent conference of the Federalist Society, (General) Blanche characterized the Department of Justice’s resistance to ethical oversight of its lawyers by courts and bar associations as ‘war.’” NYSBA “will always stand up for the rule of law and for ...

The Sweetness Of March

By Margot Russell In March, winter never really loosens its grip—not in Western New York. It just shifts its weight. One day the snow softens and slides off the roof in heavy sheets, the next morning it’s back again—hard, frozen, and stubborn as ever. The calendar says spring, but no one here believes it. Not yet. Still, something begins to change. You hear it first—the birds returning, tentative at first, like they’re not entirely convinced either. Then a warmer afternoon arrives, and for a moment, just a moment, you feel it—the possibility of something beyond all ...

From One ‘Middle’ Paul To Another

In 1969, Noel Paul Stookey wrote a song and first performed it at the wedding of his Peter, Paul and Mary folk bandmate, Peter Yarrow’s, marriage to the niece of Senator Eugene McCarthy, Mary McCarthy. In 1971, it was released as a single, later added to his solo album titled “Paul and,” and has become one of the most played songs at weddings. The song is titled, “The Wedding Song (This is Love).” It reportedly, came from divine inspiration in a time of Stookey’s religious awakening, from what he deeply felt was an answer to a prayer. The song references some of the words of ...