Among the hundreds of books I’ve enjoyed since retiring five years ago, I somehow keep gravitating to memoirs — those fascinating accounts of lives well lived. Or not so well, as the case may be. In this genre, you might encounter history; a little romance, comedy, or nostalgia; interactions with famous figures; or perhaps just
READ MOREBack when Mike Rafferty started this tradition (back in 2012 if you’re keeping score), he used to come up with clever puns for each of the predictions. I’ve tried to do this over the years, but 1. I’m not as clever as Raff and B. Even if I were that clever, this piece has grown
READ MOREThis week, after a couple of typical columns on oddball vocab, “Weird Words” once again takes up the related field of etymology; that is, where words come from, what they used to mean and how they acquired their current definitions. Here are eight terms related to food or eating, all with an origin that’s unusual
READ MOREI’ve never dreaded or not liked grocery shopping. I love going up and down the aisles, looking to see if anything new strikes me. It’s somehow really relaxing to me. I think it’s the foodie in me. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I can’t wait to go. There are days here and
READ MOREDuring this winter’s coldest stretch, last week’s annual Williamsport Crosscutter Hot Stove Banquet served up before a sell-out crowd was a reminder that baseball’s spring training opens next month, and the locals MLB Draft League campaign is not that far behind. The brainchild of Cutters VP of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi, the annual event gave attendees
READ MORENo doubt many of you have served on some sort of committee over the years. Professional, social, or recreational committees are charged with a decision-making purpose for the organization they represent. They are intended to bring together a representative group to arrive at a meaningful outcome. While they are commonplace, it has often been stated
READ MOREWhen did the Farrelly brothers get so touchy-feely? This is the filmmaking duo Bobby and Peter, who gave us such oft-crude comedies as Dumb and Dumber, Osmosis Jones and There’s Something About Mary. And then in 2018, Peter directed the moving race-dramedy Green Book, which won three Oscars — including Best Picture. Now Bobby has
READ MOREI struggle when it comes to difficult questions. Sometimes, it is better not to ask. I continue to support and think of Coach Tom Gravish and his Jersey Shore Bulldogs. They have handled every curveball with class. It is hard to even comprehend. Words cannot describe how proud I am of this 2023 squad. I
READ MOREOne of the many favorites on my weird-word list is the now-archaic term camelopard. Pronounced “kuh-MEL-uh-pard,” it blends “camel” and “leopard.” The word is a long-ago British attempt to name a then-newly-discovered beast shaped liked the former and colored like the latter. Go ahead — try a guess. (Answer provided later.) In the meantime, after
READ MOREPets provide unconditional love to their companions; in return, it’s important to make sure they live happy and healthy lives by providing the best care possible. This means making sure that in addition to food, treats and toys, they receive daily care for their eyes, ears and overall health. With a desire to bring a
READ MOREDisclaimer. We are a weekly publication. My articles are submitted on Friday mornings. I do my best to hit these extended deadlines. The paper is usually done and everything is ready to be sent to the printers. My lovely editor is often waiting for Sporting Matters by Jamie Spencer. I will occasionally leave her hanging.
READ MOREI had never considered myself to be a dog person. Not that I was anti-dog or anything; I just didn’t think they were for me. I was always a cat lady (and still am!). When Steve started talking about getting a dog four-ish years ago, I was a little hesitant. But I figured I’d be
READ MORESeptember is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the James V. Brown Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental characters Ember
READ MOREWith the peak of the tick season about to be upon us, it is important to learn all you can about ticks in Pennsylvania and why it is so critical to be aware of the dangers they can present. Within the borders of Pennsylvania, most folks know about the “deer tick,” but actually, there are
READ MOREFor anyone about to spend an increasing amount of time in the out of doors in the upcoming months, it is only a matter of time until you come in contact with ticks. Whether you are fishing at your favorite mountain stream, preseason scouting for this coming fall, or working on food plots according to
READ MORESummertime celebrations with friends, family and neighbors are a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and camaraderie. To satisfy a hungry crowd, though, you’ll need recipes fit for the occasion. Turn to a versatile signature ingredient like Grapes from California, which can be used in dishes of all kinds from refreshing salads and
READ MOREBe sure you are buying tickets DIRECTLY from the Williamsport Crosscutters. There are literally dozens of resale sites online that try to make you think you are actually buying from the Cutters when you are not. If you purchase your tickets through a third-party resale site, you will not only pay more money for tickets
READ MORENaturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection. External parasites –
READ MOREThe Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society cordially invites the public to attend a viewing of its summer exhibit, during First Friday, August 4, 2023, from 6-8 pm. “In the Wilds of Pennsylvania and Beyond” includes taxidermy-mounted specimens and artwork from the permanent collections of the museum, as well as the
READ MOREPets are beloved members of the family. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to their owners. When a pet goes missing, it can be devastating for their owners, who want to bring their companion animals home to safety as soon as possible. Lost Pet Research & Recovery and PurringPal indicate at least 14 percent of
READ MOREFor many years, folks have wondered what might happen if an asteroid ever struck the earth. But with Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City,” there’s nothing to fear: The film doesn’t come anywhere near this planet. In fact, it’s such a weird, incomprehensible movie that for only the second or third time in 50 years of reviewing,
READ MOREGoodbyes are never easy. Even if it’s just “So long!” or “See ya later,” and there’ll be other times together, your mind lingers on the fun you’ve just had. Call you tomorrow, hurry back, don’t be a stranger, the sting is minimal. But “The Book of Pet Love & Loss” by Sara Bader may help
READ MOREBy the time this reaches you, our nation’s 247th birthday celebration will be in the books, and attention focused ahead on the July vacation season. Whatever you may have chosen to mark the occasion, hopefully, it was done safely with a day filled with fun, food, and family. Harking back on my long-ago childhood days,
READ MOREBe sure you are buying tickets DIRECTLY from the Williamsport Crosscutters. There are literally dozens of resale sites online that try to make you think you are actually buying from the Cutters when you are not. If you purchase your tickets through a third-party resale site, you will not only pay more money for tickets
READ MOREBackyard barbecues are a staple of summertime. In fact, many Fourth of July celebrations just wouldn’t feel right without hamburgers and hot dogs cooking over an open flame in the backyard. Burgers may not qualify as fancy fare, but they’re perfect for Independence Day celebrations. This year, party hosts can add a little something extra
READ MORERattlesnakes bring a vision of fear and dread in the eyes of many, maybe because they are a venomous woodland viper. However, for the Morris Fire Company, they have a very useful and important function. They are used by the fire company in their annual Rattlesnake Round-Up as a means to raise much-needed funds for
READ MOREWhether you’re lounging by the pool, grilling some burgers and hot dogs, or enjoying the sun, summer is a time to head outside for fun. Here in the northeast, warm and sunny weather isn’t around for long, so we look to take advantage and savor it while we can. With warmer weather and longer days
READ MOREThe next several weeks represent the peak time for the birth of new fawns. Usually, from now through mid-June, spring gobbler hunters and those who spend time in the woods may be treated to the amazing sight of a newly born fawn and enjoy a sight that most outdoors folks never see. But nature is
READ MOREA Silver Anniversary or 25th Anniversary has always been something to celebrate and look fondly back on, whether it is a wedding anniversary or any other type of anniversary. The Williamsport Crosscutters feel the same about their 25th anniversary as a ballclub and plan on celebrating this milestone in various interesting and unique ways. The
READ MOREAs we kick off the summer season with Memorial Day, please take the time to think about how very blessed we are to call our great Nation home. There will be so much going on wherever you look — from picnics and family get-togethers to graduation parties to folks taking advantage of the long weekend
READ MORECutters’ baseball is BACK! The summer fun begins on Thursday, June 1 when the Cutters host the State College Spikes at 6:35pm for Opening Night 2023 presented by Muncy Bank & Trust & WILQ. Opening Night tickets and tickets for all 2023 home games are available by calling (570) 326-3389, online at crosscutters.com or in-person
READ MOREVarious types of fiber are used to make our clothing and other everyday products. And this important product is often overlooked and underappreciated. There is one event, however, that helps to reverse this, and that is the Central Pennsylvania Fiber Festival, which will be held Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m.
READ MOREEvery year, I think, “Steph, maybe you should do something different for Mother’s Day this year? Change it up a bit.” But then I read through this list and think, “Nah, this is the ultimate Mother’s Day list! Moms are out here killin’ it every day, and no matter what type of Mom they are,
READ MORE