Author Inspires Children’s Ideas

            Katie Mazeika is a children’s book author and illustrator whose ability to connect with young children was on full display at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on January 31. Mazeika debuted her latest release, “Beulah Has a Hunch.” But this is no ordinary children’s book – this is the story of a real person […] Read more »

Lee, Kanaly Pace Pinewood Racers

The Rochester Club Scouts hosted a Pinewood Derby on February 3 at Rochester Memorial School involving competition with Packs 30 and 31 and Marion Pack 32.             Bryan Lee, with car #9 The Black Cat, finished the run in 2.3737 seconds, a simulated 208.24 miles per hour for first place among Rochester Pack 30 competitors. […] Read more »

Big Pharma Cries Wolf

            Over the last few months, as the administration has begun to implement that portion of the Inflation Reduction Act that allows Medicare to negotiate prices on 10 high-cost drugs, you have heard loud cries from the pharmaceutical industry.              They and their allies on the right claim that allowing Medicare to cut into their […] Read more »

Encounters with Sports Stars and Other Celebrities

            One time or another, everyone has encountered a celebrity.             I ran into Red Sox and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice in the bank one day. I was standing in line right behind him. Well, he actually ran into me as he turned and left. He didn’t seem very nice. He didn’t even […] Read more »

The Wanderer Sails Home

            As a schoolboy living in the Bronx, George Lowery became fascinated with all things miniature after a field trip to a natural history museum. Staring in wonder at the tiny depiction of an ancient village, Lowery became enthralled, so much so that he began building airplanes and other models from kits. He also ventured […] Read more »

History Class Gets Personal

One student at Old Rochester Regional High School learned that her great uncle was a famous boxer in Providence. One learned that his ancestors owned the oldest restaurant in Erie, Pennsylvania, while another student discovered royalty in her lineage and even others learned that their ancestors were on the Mayflower.             Some high school students […] Read more »

Advice to Presidential Candidates

If you have been paying attention to the upcoming presidential election, which is only a mere 10 months away and you are not already sick of the whole thing, you know that both major candidates for president are old. I can say that without bias or fear of picketers in front of my home, because […] Read more »

Who Makes The Decisions about Your Health Care?

            If you have commercial health insurance or are one of the over half of Medicare enrollees who have a “Medicare Advantage” plan, decisions about your health care are not decided solely by you and your doctor(s.) There is a third party in the room: your insurer, whose interests are financial rather than health.             […] Read more »

Marion Teen Finds Camaraderie on New Stage

Bree LeFavor, a swimmer in need of an alternative activity, got more than she bargained for in the world of pageant competition. Sidelined last year from her favorite competitive pastime, the 13-year-old, life-long Marion resident was encouraged by her music teacher to take her other favorite activity, singing, to a beauty pageant.             “Honestly, during […] Read more »

COVID – Forgotten But Not Gone

Understandably, most of us have developed “Covid fatigue.” After what seems like years of warnings and behavior changes, we want to put it all behind us. Unfortunately, while we are tired of the virus, the virus is not tired of us.             The latest variant to appear, JN.1, is much more transmissible that its predecessor […] Read more »