Parkland Press

Ahhh … it’s the summer — when kids rejoice in having no homework, assignments and school responsibilities for a few months.

But is that really a good thing? A New York Times Op-Ed contributor says no, it’s not, according to a July 27, 2011, article.

Jeff Smink said, “If students are not engaged in learning over the summer, they lose skills in math and reading. Summers off are one of the most important, yet least acknowledged, causes of underachievement in our schools.”

With more summer rain in the forecast, AAA East Central reminds motorists that driving in adverse weather conditions requires preparation, good tires, well-maintained brakes, and streak-free wipers. To maximize driving safety be aware of road conditions, reduce speed appropriately, and be prepared for challenging situations.

I believe in all things good,

I believe in doing as you should.

I believe all people are good,

Some are simply misunderstood.

I believe in helping each other,

I believe in loving one another.

I believe in broken hearts

I believe in brand-new starts.

I believe that hearts can heal,

I believe that God is real.

I believe in Santa Clause,

Although he’s just a myth.

I’ll always think it’s Santa, who

Brings us all our gifts.

I believe in love at first sight,

I believe in moonlit nights.

A Patriotic March

God bless America!

She means so much to me

Glory laud and honor, and love for my country.

Our forefathers died for us,

so we could be free,

With their lives they paid the price, for our liberty!

Hail to our red, white and blue

Always hold them close to you.

Proudly fly our flag on high —

let it lead the way

As we proudly stand and say,

I LOVE THE USA!

Come, march along with me.

Come along and sing,

Let our flag forever wave and

LET OUR FREEDOM RING!!!

Shirley Binkley

To The Editor:

The 2017 Kempton Fair — three days of viewing beautifully formed and cared-for livestock; graphic, horticultural, and culinary artistic expression; regionally famous musical talent; kids having non-computer-based fun with rides, games, and theater; fire-spewing truck and tractor power pulls and truck drag races; startlingly impressive fireworks; grown men trying to look like Willie Nelson; beautifully restored farm and garden implements; impressive new farming equipment; and, of course, amazing food to eat!

Last week, people took to social media about an incident in the Village of Hokendauqua, Whitehall Township.

A neighborhood block had been taped off by police, cruisers and other emergency vehicles lined the street, and word spread that the coroner had been called to the scene because two bodies were discovered there.

Some surmised online that it was an overdose. Some suspected a murder-suicide. The latter might have seemed a bit far-fetched had Whitehall not had such a tragedy the week before.

Snoopy’s Christmas

“Christmas bells, those Christmas bells Ring out from the land

“Asking peace of all the world

And good will to man ...

“The Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights

“He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight Why he didn’t shoot, well, we’ll never know...

“The Baron made Snoopy fly to the Rhine And forced him to land behind the enemy lines

“Snoopy was certain that this was the end ...

“When the Baron cried out, “Merry Christmas, my friend!” “The Baron then offered a holiday toast

Thousands of people are dying every year in Pennsylvania from overdoses due to opioid and prescription drug abuse.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 10 Pennsylvanians are dying every day due to an opioid or heroin overdose. In 2015, more than 3,500 Pennsylvanians died from an overdose of opioid drugs.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also found that 27 percent of people who abuse prescription pain medications receive them from a prescription from a doctor.

Summer

Oh, how I long to feel once more, the lovely

days of summer.

The warmth of sunshine

on my face,

the flowers blooming

every place.

The gentle rain ... I see it still;

The way it dances on the sill.

A vibrant blue

ornates the sky,

while pompous clouds

go passing by.

The weeping willow swaying, as the gentle breezes blow;

The thunder and the

lightning, that so quickly come and go.

The children’s laughter

fills the air.

The birds are chirping

everywhere.

On June 1, President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, saying the agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States.

So, what is the Paris Climate Agreement and its terms?