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Local Public Libraries Need Sustained Support

Think of this. If someone asked you to list the most significant inventions in humanity’s history, what would you include? Wouldn’t you include the printing press? To be sure, humanity could—before the printing press—transmit knowledge, wisdom, and culture from one generation to the next. Yet the printing press—invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany around 1440—broadened the transmission. Eventually, books became so prevalent that they needed repositories, so libraries—and eventually public libraries—were born. Parents and guardians who haven’t secured a ...

Dealing With Likely Rite Aid Closures

Question: I just heard that Rite Aid is closing all New York stores. That is my pharmacy. How do I choose a new one? Answer: The closing of the Rite Aid Pharmacy chain will impact a lot of lives across New York. It is always sad to see a business of any type close. You will need to take ...

Sharing Feelings Can Enhance Physical Health

A man named Leo contacted me for an appointment. His neighbor friend, Butch, gave him my name. He came without an agenda. Leo is retired, having worked as a rural route mailman for twenty-eight years. He and his neighbor spent their time playing games. He’s not clear what discussions they shared that resulted in Leo seeking counseling. Much to learn, he’s married and his wife is employed. As a couple, they reportedly socialize with Butch and his wife. They have three children and five grandchildren. All have relocated. Leo reports regular contact with them. He elaborated on the ...

Wishing All Mothers A Happy And Blessed Day

When my mother-in-law died in 2003, I got a book back that my husband and I had given her in 2000. It was “Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul”. I only remember the year we gifted it because she wrote the date inside of the book. I know that she appreciated it and read it from cover to cover. I decided I would read it again this year. I had read it before, but as things go you forget some of the stories. I found a quote written by Ruth Bell Graham, Billy Graham’s wife. She wrote, “As a mother, my job is to take care of what is possible and trust God with the ...

The Republican Congress is Shirking Its Responsibilities

To The Reader’s Forum:: Article 1 of the US Constitution defines the structure and responsibilities of Congress. It is the first section after the opening preamble which starts, We the People. Contrary to popular mythology, the three branches are not meant to be coequal; Congress was always meant to be first among equals. Congress has the power to hire and fire officials of the other branches through the confirmation and impeachment processes. Congress is explicitly given the authority to tax and spend, write and enact laws, ratify international treaties, and declare war. The ...

Who Is Entitled to Due Process?

To The Reader’s Forum: So, let’s say any U.S. citizen/non-citizen happens to be accosted on any street, or is taken from their home, by a federal/state/local police officer and is whisked away to any location that is chosen by \”the feds” or whichever “authority\” is involved. Let’s say you are unaware of the location, why the person was whisked away and have no idea if or when the person will return home. Let’s also say the person has no criminal background, yet that person is only said to be part of a “gang” or said to be a “criminal”. Remember, there is no ...