Northeastern Pennsylvania is defined by its culturally distinct communities, from dense small cities and coal-region boroughs to bucolic townships and newer suburbs. From the beginning, the area has been shaped by a deep tradition of civic engagement – an unseen force defined by volunteerism, ...

In the more than 50 years that I have lived in the country we have had two Christmases when the electric was out. If you are used to country electricity you know that it used to go out frequently. Thankfully, we have fewer power outages these days. The first Christmas without electricity was ...

The 12-point buck was standing in the middle of Memorial Drive, a block from home. I braked about 15 feet away. He stood still. He looked at me, and decided to show me who was boss. Frankly, I was enjoying just looking back at him in all his big boy splendor. He was huge – the size that ...

As another National Pet Adoption Week came to a close earlier this month, I feel it’s important to remind my colleagues in both the House and Senate, of our duty to serve all our constituents, human or not. On June 15, I stood outside the Capitol to support legislation [H.B. 526] that would ...

Last year we were encouraged not to gather as families for Christmas. This year we are cautiously optimistic. We thought with the vaccine that we would be in a far better place, but it is not to be. Although families may gather, it will not be the same. Even children are aware of the ...

Thanksgiving hasn’t been at our house for a few years since we changed the family holiday rotation. I do miss it, but then again, I don’t have to do it … a blessing all by itself. But when it comes to making the cranberry sauce, that easy task is always on my “Take to ...