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Walking can be dangerous

Walking is an activity for many area residents Whether you go out for a leisurely stroll in the morning, enjoy a couple of trips around the block in the afternoon or like to travel through the neighborhood in the early evening, walking can be a great way to get some exercise while spending time outdoors. A growing number of people, in fact, like to walk to and from work, if they live close enough to make that trip possible. Walkers can encounter issues, though, especially in neighborhoods like some in our area that lack sidewalks, proper lighting and other infrastructure. All of ...

History in the Hills: The Fourth of July

One of my favorite things about the Fourth of July is family picnics and setting off fireworks. Since my cousin was born on the Fourth of July, we always have a party at my aunt and uncle’s house. Coming together is still an important part of any holiday in my family. I also have such happy memories of summer nights setting up chairs in my parent’s driveway and watching my dad light the various roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets and the like, much to our amusement. My family and friends would all come together, sit in the driveway and watch the sparks of color and light ...

I haven’t gotten over the loss … not just yet, anyways …

I ordered pizza the other day and quietly cried as I discarded the pepperoni into the trash. It had been a very long time since I had to throw away my unwanted food. For those two adorable faces were no longer there … waiting impatiently by my side for those few ringlets of meat. I miss my dogs. I realize there isn’t anyone out there who wants to hear yet another column about how Julie misses her pets. I really do apologize. However, it is my job to write a weekly column that pertains to matters which I know. And what I know is that it is unbearably hard to live ...

Some holiday numbers

June is just about behind us, the Independence Day holiday lies just ahead and we’re heavily into the presidential campaign season, which means that the colors red, white and blue will be sure to dominate many things around us. We saw it during Thursday’s presidential debate, where the stage was designed to serve as a reminder that come November, either Joseph Robinette Biden or Donald John Trump will be elected to their second term in the White House. Even the clothes worn by the candidates were tied into the theme. This is a time of year when patriotism can be found on full ...

I would have liked to grow up in the ‘50s, too

So many times I wish I had grown up in the 1950s. Just like those in the Class of ‘54. Those “Leave it to Beaver,” days. With dances. Soda shops. Football games. The time when, “Andy Griffith” was going to be televising its new television program every week. Boys didn’t dress like a bum. (Sorry, boys.) Girls didn’t hate each other the way they do now. (Sorry, girls.) I certainly don’t care for the way people treat one another over the internet. So I stopped using it. I rarely visit those sites. I honestly don’t care for the drama. I’ve had enough to last me a ...

Guest column/Protecting yourself and your loved ones

He was a Navy veteran from Charles Town. After serving his country, he went to work for the federal government. He saved his money, invested it wisely, and accumulated enough to enjoy retirement. But he was lonely and so he passed his time at the local American Legion to be around other people. The veteran’s cognitive abilities were in decline, something recognized by Sam Bunner, an employee at the Legion. Sam befriended him, and became a caretaker of sorts, taking him to doctor appointments, and ultimately to a lawyer to sign a power of attorney. Sam used that power of attorney to ...