On June 25th, United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 6538, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. In reviewing the evidence of abuse in residential facilities, it is wholly appropriate for congressional action. However, the direction the bill takes will lead to its ultimate inability to greatly reduce abuse in the targeted facilities.

You may not know this, but I’ve always considered myself a lousy plumber.
Despite that, I’m usually determined to do it myself whenever something that brings water into my home breaks or otherwise stops working properly.

Over the past two weeks I’ve been pretty busy taking care of my basic soldiering skills. Today, I went to the range and qualified with my rifle. Last week, I took a physical fitness test. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working harder to get my office work finished as we are swinging into a very busy season of people coming and going. This year, more than in the past, my unit will see a pretty big turnover.

“Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love.” (Romans 14:13-15)

We are hard working taxpayers and business owners in Northumberland County and we strongly object to the Northumberland County Commissioners’ 2-1 decision to award Mountain View Manor’s pharmacy contracts via closed door, backroom negotiations.

Believe in yourself. Believe in your talents. Believe in your dreams. Believe in what matters most to you.
I’ve often said don’t let a person, a single action or a profession define you. Your definition comes from knowing what matters, and always putting that first.

Now is a time when our commonwealth needs to take a serious look at how we spend our money. We need to make sure that our spending is an investment in our future. Investing in quality early education and childcare is one of the best investments we can make in Pennsylvania’s future.

Couple of things have been jogging around my brain this past week. They don’t necessarily connect, but here goes.
In one of the many memorials to Tim Russert, who died last Friday of a massive heart attack, CNN replayed an interview with then newly elected Sen. Hillary Clinton. First, Russert asked Clinton if her election to the Senate was just a stepping stone to the White House. She said no. Then he asked twice more if she intended to run for president and she replied negatively each time.

I made a trip to Carlisle Tuesday afternoon and on the way I was looking at the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel at various stations. (I also saw an idiot talking on his cell phone while making an illegal U-turn on a busy street, which has nothing to do with this column, but does show that there are some incredibly stupid people driving cars.)

While you all have been melting away in the sweltering heat, we’ve actually been enjoying some nice weather here in Daegu. Normally by this time of the year the humidity has increased and it’s practically unbearable to be outside, but thus far it’s been pretty nice.

“If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13)
The Bible tries to help us understand what God is like. But people can only understand what they are familiar with. When the Old Testament was written, God was presented and seen as like the autocratic rulers of that time. They imagined that God would require service from his people or they would be punished. So fear was often the motivation for obeying God.

I hope my musings will remind you of pleasant memories from your past. Today I want you to walk with me through your favorite gardening experience. Think of your fond memories (or disasters) as we meander along.

My dad’s bigger than your dad. My dad’s tougher than your dad. I have the best dad in the whole, wide world. I remember as a kid saying or thinking these thoughts at one time or another. As a little girl, I knew my dad was terrific.

Well, it’s about time. This past Tuesday, June 10, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed a statewide smoking ban in most public places. For almost a week though, it was touch and go, with some representatives arguing that a ban would restrict the freedom of Pennsylvania residents.

There are two holidays this weekend that are close to my heart — Flag Day and Father’s Day.
My father, Harold H. Prentiss, raised me from the time I was 9 years old, when he and my mother separated. Some months later, I stood before Squire Kiase at Danville (in those days, justices of the peace were also called squires) and told him I chose to reside with Dad.