Thinking of Others This Easter Season

May 9, 2023

When thinking of sweet Easter traditions that have been enjoyed and passed down from generation to generation, my first thought is of chocolate. There are chocolate bunnies, chocolate crosses, chocolate eggs filled with peanut butter or coconut, and a myriad of other shapes from dinosaurs to ballerinas. All bringing smiles and joy to those on the receiving end of these confections. Heartbreakingly, chocolate has been in the news a lot over the last week, and not because Easter is quickly approaching, but because of the terrible, deadly explosion which occurred at the R.M. Palmer Company Chocolate Factory in West Reading. My heart goes out to the those who lost loved ones, and to those who were injured. I cannot fathom how that community must be reeling from the emotional and economic impact. Learn More

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

March 22, 2023

I recently spent a weekend in Pittsburgh. I have been there several times before, but never tire of turning the corner and seeing the city majestically standing there before me. I love this city of hills and bridges. It doesn’t take you long to feel the sense of pride these self-proclaimed “Yinzers” have in their city. What is a “Yinzer” you might ask. The best description, this is the way Pittsburghers identify themselves. It has derived from the way they refer to “you all”, or “you guys”. Such as, “Are Yinz going to the game”? As I shopped my way through the Strip District, there were piles and piles of T-shirts with “Yinz” emblazoned on them. The other thing I noticed as I continued my shopping journey was the wide variety of St. Patrick’s Day items for sale. Once again, the Pittsburghers’ pride was showing, especially from those of Irish heritage. Some of the T-shirt’s messages were not exactly G-rated, but I did find two that I purchased and can comfortably wear in public without embarrassing my children. Learn More

Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

March 22, 2023

March is Women in History Month and this year’s theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” As fate would have it, I recently ran across the story of a woman who was born, raised, and married here in Lewistown. Her name was Laura Lucretia Mitchell, and she was born in 1849. As you will soon discover, this woman with local roots, went on to write a very important chapter in the proverbial book of women’s rights. Growing up, Laura was described by those who knew her best as a passionate reader, which contributed to her becoming both a forward thinker and an expressive communicator. She had a supportive family who encouraged her to continue her education. Combine those qualities with her passion, and she soon became a force to be reconned with. She sharpened her delivery skills as a teacher and in 1873 she met and married the love of her life, James Johns. Thankfully, she found a man who supported her as she became more and more passionate about the fight for women’s equality in business, society, and especially politics. Learn More