Columns
Looking Out: Where am I?
by Jim Whitehouse “Which way?” I holler back to Dr. Routemeister as we approach an intersection on our bicycles. “Turn right!” he hollers from behind. Two miles later, we are approaching another corner, and as usual this time he…
Historical Notebook: STARR COMMONWEALTH FOR BOYS WORLD WAR II CHRISTMAS STAMPS
By Frank Passic For many years in the 1940s through 1960s, Albion’s Starr Commonwealth For Boys west of town annually issued their own “Christmas stamps” as a way of bringing attention to this esteemed organization’s needs during the holiday season.…
“Out and About” Pearl Harbor, jumper cables, and the Medal of Honor
“America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” -Harry TrumanWelcome to the last month of 2024. This is the time to reflect back on a year that was great for some…
May I Walk with You? A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH
It’s done! It didn’t take hundreds of years as some cathedrals in Europe and certainly didn’t cost as much, but the renovation of St. Cecilia Church is finally finished. My first reaction was awe! We no longer participate in mass…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Christmas traditions
December is here again and we are wrapping up the first week of December already. That means that Christmas is now just 18 days away counting Christmas Eve.I have most of my shopping done, but the “making” is going pretty…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorFlorida ManThe onset of winter brings to mind Florida man, inspired by sunshine, moonshine and other substances to achieve feats such as: Down by Law Mi Casa es Su Casa All in the Family Creature Features Only the…
Life as Performance Art
When it started getting cold this year and snow was in the air, someone spotted me walking and wanted to know why my coat was unbuttoned. “Don’t you know it’s cold?” she asked. If I don’t happen to have on my…
Mike’s Musings: Words to live by
I found this post on Facebook. I unfortunately don’t know who the author is, but I haven’t read anything lately, that expresses best, how to live our life. Follow these basic tenets and you will be a great person. Personally,…
Looking Out: Compound angles
by Jim Whitehouse “Are you working on anything in your shop these days?” says old friend Lyle Pratt. “Ugh,” I say. “Ugh?” “Yes. Ugh. I need to go back to school and take more math,” I say. “Shop class, you…
“Out and About” Thanksgiving, a medical scare, and snacks
This is the week of Thanksgiving. The one time when we should reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for. If you have a roof over your head, food on your table, and friends and family, you…
May I Walk with You? HELL
I don’t know of anyone who likes talking about the possibility of hell as the final place where some people may spend eternity. Hell has been described as a place where one exists in torment for eternity. Pope Benedict described…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: ‘Tis the season
Since I am writing this Tuesday (early deadline this week folks), we haven’t had our family Thanksgiving dinner yet, but I am really looking forward to it.I love turkey and dressing and cranberries. (and mashed potatoes and green bean casserole…
Life as Performance Art
There is nothing new about the retail sector’s Black Friday except that it seems to start earlier this year. The name comes from the hope that customers will do sufficient holiday shopping that they will convert eleven months or…
Mike’s Musings: Stop with excuses, buy local first
It’s small business Saturday this weekend, and that gives me an excuse as to why you should shop with your small retailers and stay away from the big chains and online buying.Our small towns are treasures. People love to visit…
“Out and About” Lion Club Toy Drives, the Polar Express, and vaccination
This is the time of the year when our thoughts and actions are drawn toward the act of helping those in need. The motto of Lions Clubs International is “WE SERVE”. Lions help those in need every hour of every…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Fall is over and the holidays are nearly here again
I’m just not ready for what comes next.After days and days of cloudy, gloomy, rainy, chilly weather, the sun came out for a few minutes today (Tuesday). It didn’t last very long unfortunately and the dark clouds on the horizon…
May I Walk with You? MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?
I’m scared! Even though Jesus says, “Be not afraid.” I am. Why? Recent experiences and happenings have me on edge. Fewer people are attending mass. There is a lack of priestly and religious vocations, not in just the Catholic Church,…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorBird PlayI knew it would be a long night when my wife’s parrot hit a bus.It started when she and our daughter asked if I wanted to take them to get the birds’ beaks and nails trimmed.No.“Then you…
Mike’s Musings: Thanksgiving a time for family, not politics
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season I would like to make a few observations.First, I don’t think we need to get upset over politics. I’ve read on social media, where if you voted for Trump you will not…
Life as Performance Art
Many of us are making plans for Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28 this year. We might be traveling or others traveling to see us. Maybe the great feast will be at home or somewhere else. Turkey and all the trimmings could…
