What a beautiful snow we got Friday morning, wouldn’t you agree? more

One winter, after a heavy snowstorm, I decided to shovel the sidewalk for my elderly neighbors who had recently moved to our neighborhood after living in 14 different cities. When I finished, the wife came out with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and said, “Of all the places we’ve lived, you’re the best neighbor we’ve ever had.” more

I thought it peculiar when I first read a recent auto crash report in the local paper that the names of the people involved were omitted. more

We’ve waited all year for this annual event at the Summersville Branch Library! more

At the beginning of the year, I like to take some time to look over our web and social media stats to see which of our stories got the most attention. more

You all may know me as a newspaper lady — a hat I proudly wear — but you might not know my love for newsprint goes far beyond the joy I derive from curating, writing and editing the content that fills each newspaper’s pages. more

It’s Monday morning as I sit at my desk, a cup of freshly percolated hazelnut coffee within arm’s reach. It’s brewed in my trusty 1960s Corningware percolator, a relic that seems to make coffee taste better simply because it’s been around so long. There’s something timeless about the gentle bubbling and the rich aroma that fills the room — a comforting prelude to the reflections that come with the season. By the time you read this, Christmas will have passed, and I hope yours was filled with love, warmth, and a little bit of magic. more

Let's sneak one more recipe in before the year ends, it's a gift from me to you.  more

Earlier this week my kids beat me at poker. No money changed hands, other than colored plastic chips. But the bragging rights will last a while, at least until next December. Our college-aged kids taught us how to play Texas Hold ‘em this year. We ordered cheap pizza and listened to Kenny Rogers sing “The Gambler” while we played. more

I like old things. more

Many years ago, my wife and I had a friend who came home to find her husband had passed away on their front porch. Their house was on a busy street, and we often wondered how many people might have seen him lying there but didn’t stop to help. This story reflects a troubling trend — people passing by without noticing or caring about  someone in need. more

How many of you remember the days when "It’s A Wonderful Life" aired on primetime network television every December? It was practically the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas season, like a beacon calling us to gather around the television with family. There was no DVR, no streaming services, no instant access to any movie at any time. And yet, I can’t help but think that made it all the more special. more

Yes, that was Mrs. Claus in the library on Saturday! No, she wasn't checking out books, but she was reading books to our young visitors and answering their many questions about Santa, his reindeer and the elves. After Christmas crafts and cookies, Mrs. Claus was on her way to meet Santa but promised to come visit us again next year. more

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) more

It’s not often that Santa’s “better half” has time to come to the library this close to Christmas, but Mrs. Claus will be paying our branch a special visit from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday! more

Did you know that the day I write this, the 8th of December, is National Gingerbread House Day? There seems to be a day for everything and I don't keep up, but let's be festive and celebrate this one. more

I have come again into the woods on a December evening. more

This past weekend, it felt like Christmas took me by the hand and led me on a whirlwind tour of everything that makes this season special. more

It is the first day of December as I take pen and paper in hand. more