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Wonderment of our Niagara Falls spills over

After living almost 50 years in these here parts, I am still enthralled by Niagara Falls. My infatuation began early, and that short visit lives in my memory. My mother was always up for a road trip with a fascinating destination. She had never traveled from Massachusetts to Western New York, but the idea of seeing the falls and day-tripping into Canada intrigued her. We went during spring vacation when I was 10 years old. The falls were astonishing, especially after we crossed to the Canadian side where I stood right beside the heavy, speeding waters sliding and roaring over ...

Saintly actions include courage

Editor’s note: This saint series will feature a saint and how he or she is a meaningful example for us today. This homily was given by Deacon Luke Daghir at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore on May 2: The Memorial of St. Athanasius. Pope Benedict XVI’s book “Church Fathers” was used for research. Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” Keep this in mind as we remember St. Athanasius of Alexandria. Athanasius fought against the heresy known as Arianism in the 4th century. Arianism reduced Jesus to a creature, who is “half-way” between God and man. In other words, ...

May happenings

It is hard to believe that it is the month of May. That means we are into the second month of spring. As I look at my calendar, I notice it is filled with names – for birthdays and anniversaries. Most of them belong to Don’s family, but I do have a grandson born in May. Although this year his birthday is on Memorial Day weekend it is not on Memorial Day the day he was born. I also have a cousin born in May. I remember the day Mary was born. Grandma had to go to Fredonia to be with the other two children in the family. I recall that grandma was not fond of their dog. I think ...

There is no such thing as bookends

Books were there at the beginning. My life really began when I discovered there was a world beyond my small New England town. That world began in our downtown library. The few volumes on my mother’s bookshelves at home didn’t offer much. Her popular fiction and murder mysteries weren’t for me. By the time I was in fourth grade, I realized I HAD to have a library card. My mother’s signature was required. She agreed it was a great idea, but weeks passed before she could get there during the library’s open hours, which conflicted with her work hours. In the meantime, I just ...

Roundabout offers new beginning for city

This letter is in response to the “rip off roundabout” commentary (April 22). To help justify a traffic light instead of a roundabout, the writer oversimplified traffic light intersections, then proceeded to dig deep into the thesaurus to use 289 words (I counted) to make the case that a roundabout is more complex than a traffic circle. He then also made the case that people who think differently after reviewing facts and data be financially liable for believing something would improve the traffic flow. I consider myself an extremely lucky person. I was fortunate enough to get a ...

Only group action will allow our county to prosper

Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a four-part series about actions needed to address challenges pertaining to the future of the Warren community. The Warren community today is a product of the past. Good and bad, current trends and conditions are a direct result of all that has transpired. With the understanding that the past has created the present, we hold the key to molding the future. We must use knowledge and consensus to produce positive outcomes for ourselves, all those we care about, and all who are yet to come. We absolutely control our interactions with one ...