The Charm and Quirk of Ireland
April 28, 2025
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner and many of us having some shamrocks growing around our family trees, it's the perfect time to explore some lesser-known facts about Ireland. From the deep-rooted symbolism of the shamrock to some truly quirky laws, Ireland is a land of fascinating history and charm. St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, is credited with bringing Christianity to the island and uniting its many clans under a single faith. As he tried to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—he famously plucked a shamrock from the ground. Its three leaves perfectly illustrated the principle, and because the Celts already considered the shamrock a sacred plant, it soon became a national symbol, representing Irish pride and identity. Learn More
The Many Faces of Love
April 28, 2025
The Many Faces of Love Since it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, let’s take a moment to celebrate love. Now, I know some of you might be thinking, But what if I’m not in a romantic relationship? What if I’m boycotting Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t worry—I’m not here to make you feel bad. Instead, I want to remind you that love comes in many forms. While romantic love tends to get the most attention this time of year, some of the deepest, most meaningful types of love aren’t romantic at all—and not all love stories have a fairytale ending. Let’s start with a lesson from Disney. In Frozen and Frozen 2, the central love story isn’t about a princess and her prince—it’s about two sisters. Elsa and Anna show us the power of family love as they fight for and support each other, no matter what the cost. Isn’t that what family is all about? Loving and caring for each other unconditionally. I will never forget the day my daughter gave birth to my first grandson. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying to watch—seeing someone you love in so much pain was incredibly difficult. It reminded me of another kind of love: the love that sees us through life’s hardest moments. I experienced it again as I watched my father, and later my mother, suffer through terrible illnesses, unable to do anything but be there as they took their final breaths. Those losses taught me an invaluable lesson—never take the time you have with your family for granted. Now, with just my brother and me left from our original family unit, I probably drive him crazy with all my phone calls. But sometimes, you just need family. Learn More
The Mysterious 1887 Sleigh Ride Murder Trial of Mifflin County
April 28, 2025
It was a dark a stormy night when it all began. Well, it might not have been, but it certainly turned dark that winter day in 1886! I hesitated to write about this chapter of our local history fearing it would be too dark, but now you have been warned that it is so, and if you choose to read on, that is on you. As you picture a Victorian winter scene with a horse drawn sleigh skimming across the new fallen snow, I’ll bet you are not imagining ominous music playing in the background triggering that sinking feeling that something terrible is about to happen. But that is exactly what did transpire on that fateful winter’s night. A middle-aged gentleman named John Akely was working at Logan Iron Works in Burnham, which is now Standard Steel. He had deserted his wife and five children in Philadelphia, leaving them to fend for themselves, and moved into a boarding house near the Steel Mill. His job was a grueling and dangerous one, which included long hours of back-breaking labor. On that momentous night, he decided to visit a local tavern and blow off some steam. There he met Della Corbett, Jennie Quay, and Ellie Kountzman. Witnesses described their behavior with John as “quite scandalous” so you can let your imagination roam on that one. It is said that the visibly intoxicated group left the tavern and boarded a sleigh to have themselves a little joy ride. They were seen by onlookers traveling through Yeagertown heading towards Reedsville. Learn More
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
January 24, 2025
If your heart doesn’t ache for those suffering in Southern California right now, I fear you have no heart at all. Once again, after reading the insensitive comments from social media trolls about this natural disaster, I feel compelled to speak up. I’ve seen remarks ranging from, “They’re just wealthy celebrities who will rebuild bigger mansions,” to, “This is God’s judgment on that sinful state.” To this, I say: let the one who is without sin cast the first stone. This is not the time for judgment. It is a time for solidarity, compassion, and understanding. Having the means to rebuild does not lessen the pain of losing cherished personal belongings, some of which can never be replaced. Many of these same celebrities are donating tens of thousands of dollars to help others who have suffered devastating losses. Learn More
