Dear Customers,                The first birthday that I remember very well I had just turned 10 and we were on a rare family vacation.  In fact, it was probably more memorable because of the change in venue, more so than the fact that I was a year older.  Birthdays take on a special significance when…

Dear Customers,               Since retiring from teaching four years ago, my wife Heather, in an effort to keep busy, has been working part time here at the supermarket.  She handles the sale tag batches and the temporary price reduction batches as well as the floral department.  On rare occasions, she runs the cash register when…

Dear Customers,              Sunday of this week, June 14th, is Flag Day!  It’s a day celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.  As early as 1885 observances of our national symbol were begun.  But it wasn’t until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14TH as…

Dear Customers,              Everyone knows our calendar is broken up into 12 distinctive months thanks to Pope Gregory XIII who in 1582 set out to fix the deficiencies of the Julian calendar. Some of those months I absolutely love – some I’d rather do without but one is my absolute favorite!  I’m speaking of the…

Dear Customers,                 Way back when I was a student at Smethport Area Jr.-Sr. High School, commencement was a solemn event.  Fifty some years ago, while many students opted to continue their education in college, just as many – if not more – opted for the trades or a full-time job.             That’s why so…

Dear Customers,                The maple leaves are back!  After departing amidst gale-force winds back last fall, my absolute favorite sign of spring makes its return after six long months!  The varied shades of green adorning our forests make for one of the most beautiful and restful visions of this time of year.             And soon,…

Dear Customers,               A month or so ago during the week leading up to Easter, I wrote a column about the different types of hams and how to cook them.  Many of you were probably thinking, “I’ve been cooking Easter hams for decades, so I certainly don’t need his help!”              When I offer these…

Dear Customers,              MOTHER’S DAY!  The very words evoke memories, emotions and gratitude!  Yes, there is also Father’s Day next month in June, but it has never held the status or importance that Mother’s Day does.  Most people grow up loving and respecting their father, but few people hold him in as high a regard…

Dear Customers,              In a few short days, we will usher in the “merry, merry, month of May”!  May is the fifth month and its literally chock full of events from beginning to end.  Among these annual enjoyments are the prom, graduation, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and the arrival of leaves on our maple and…

Dear Customers,             Spring in Northwestern Pennsylvania is a gift from God!  Every year it reminds us that we’ve survived another Winter and Summer is mere weeks away.  Sure, we can still get nasty weather even late in April, as we have the past couple of years, but we can also have balmy, sunshiny days…