On Tuesday, I turned 56, and after this past year, that birthday felt very different. Many of you have asked how I am doing, so I wanted to share an update, and a nudge to the men in the Valley. Early last June, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You have […]
Opinion
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“King of Hearts” (1966) review:‘Wrong town. Inhabitants odd.’
Age-Friendly Carbondale will screen “King of Hearts” at the Crystal Theatre as a fundraiser on June 27 at 3pm. Discounted tickets are available for seniors. Find details at crystaltheatrecarbondale.com “Le Roi de cœur” — “King of Hearts” — is a 1966 Anglo-French comedy-drama directed by Philippe de Broca. Set during the final days of World […]
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Reflections on the Road to Roaring Fork
By Lena Maude What if I attempt to change everything I know? To throw myself into the unknown? Although it’s an impossible task, to render one’s belief system completely inert on pure whimsy, I thought I’d give it a try… in a sort of “Yes Man” way. I wouldn’t say I’m an entirely concrete individual […]
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Letters – June 18, 2026
Water awareAh, the Annual Water Quality Report, so important to know that our water is cared for. I trust our water awareness is maturing. I greatly appreciate that only naturally occurring fluoride is in Carbondale’s water, which gives me the option to use in my dental care. We are water aware. Richard VotteroCarbondale Wise words […]
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VOICES Radio Hour: And it was love
By Ashley Stahl Catch this story and others from the recent Women’s VOICES Theater Project, “When We Dance Again,” on Sunday, June 28, at 6pm on KDNK and archived at www.voicesrfv.org There was a little girl in a kindergarten classroom who knew exactly what she wanted. Over in the corner by the door there was […]
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Indivisible-ish
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This is the pledge we learned in the 1940s, on our first day of kindergarten. The principal’s voice came over the loudspeaker; we were told to […]
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The View from the Therapy Pool: The existential joys of camping
I had a delightful childhood primarily because of the thick layers of love that were spread around my family’s home like warm butter, but also due to the spiritual adventures we experienced together. We camped. Our most frequent campground was the Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. They have a dune there they actually […]
Posted inLetters
Letters – June 11, 2026
CorrectionS: Standard Solar is headquartered in Maryland, not Massachusetts, as described in the “State of renewables, part one” article in last week’s paper. Wild Flight’s song “Home is Just a Memory” was incorrectly labeled “Home Assisted Memory” in last week’s article “Wild Flight to see ‘full circle’ performance at Crystal Theatre.” Art Around TownOn behalf […]
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The student crisis of debt
In a world full of morals and mottos people tend to say that education is worth any cost, but when faced with the crushing reality of the real world — where money is the dictator of our life and well being — that saying can get put into question. I’m straight from the working class, […]
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Guest Opinion: The day my mother had a stroke and no one noticed
Sometimes I think the trouble started on Saturday, and sometimes, with yet more chagrin, earlier. I remember noticing on that day before Easter that my mother’s walking had deteriorated. She looked wobbly. But walking has increasingly been, due to neuropathy, hard for her. “Well,” I thought, “age may finally be catching up.” Last year we […]