This Sunday, Oct. 17, will mark the third birthday of my granddaughter, Kennedy! What a true blessing the last three years have been. When I had my children, I did not really…
Category: Editorials
Christian Concepts: When does life begin?
The abortion statutes of Texas were constitutionally challenged in the case of Roe v. Wade. The recent refusal of the Supreme Court of the United States to hear a ban on abortion…
Around the Banks: Lost traditions
The season of fall is upon us and, after reading last week’s column, many of you may think I suffered a mini stroke of sorts. I assure you the discombobulated terminology was…
Around the Banks: Thoughts of fall
I am thinking about the fall of the year, my favorite season. Some terms, common during my years of growing up in north central Florida, are almost like a foreign language to…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Children learn what they live
I was talking to a teenager the other day and she was telling me how, when she gets in trouble, at home, she gets slapped. I was horrified. I know this seems…
A Patriots Thought: The United States is under siege
“America is not the greatest country in the world anymore. We sure used to be. We stood up for what was right. We fought for moral reasons, we passed and struck down…
Emerald’s Gem Box: God knows the day and time of our death
Since the arrival of COVID, there is no doubt it has greatly impacted our lives. Some people have suffered economically, while others suffered relationally by not getting to see their loved ones….
Emerald’s Gem Box: Sign up for our newsletter
The most valuable thing in the world is knowledge. In life, we must all learn to embrace knowledge, to look for knowledge and to crave more knowledge. Knowledge is power. Knowledge provides…
Around the Banks: Old school
You hear today’s young people refer to the music and styles of my generation as “old school.” I often heard loved ones and friends talk about how things were at the “old…
Around the Banks: Time
“Hold that line and get that ball and don’t let them score!” “What do you want? Touchdown! What do you get? Touchdown!” “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar. All for…
Emerald’s Gem Box: We’ve let Afghanistan down, we’ve let Americans down, we’ve let our veterans down
In Joe Biden’s inaugural speech, he emphasized he wanted unity in the United States. Well, he has it! Even CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC and ABC agree President Biden has totally blotched the…
Around the Banks: Surprise
“Surprise!” How often do we hear that expression when someone painstakingly plans and prepares for a celebration, birthday, anniversary or retirement? Folks do enjoy the expressions of wonder on faces ranging in…
Emerald’s Gem Box: It was party time!
Two weeks ago, on Thursday, Aug. 5, we held our 1st birthday party, to celebrate the milestone of starting the Riverbend News and becoming a part of this community. What a fun…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Newspapers are small businesses too
Every day, all day, journalists across this nation are delivering news that matters at an unprecedented, vital time. I am so grateful for the work they are doing – especially our staff…
Around the Banks: Dr. Frederick T. Mickler
As time progresses and populations become more diverse, it seems some services are part of a different age and, rather than becoming more personalized, become more impersonal. I will provide a couple…
Sharing the spotlight
Everyone knows first responders are the most important positions held by our community members. When you see those flashing lights, no matter the color, you know it’s another community hero doing their…
Six tips for fall gardening
At this point, summer vegetable crops have been harvested for the most part, so it’s time to gear up for fall planting! Now is the time to get your garden area ready…