Magic moments occur at Christmas. Our towns are lit like stars dropped out of the sky to welcome Santa. Numerous events make memories for our youngsters who still believe and those who are just now wondering about Santa and the elves. But, we all know…
by Mark Patterson Lifelong misers going charitable overnight, bumbling, big-hearted dads striving for a Norman Rockwell Christmas, department store Santas who are actually the real sleigh-jockey…three short summaries of holiday films pushed by cable tv as “beloved” fixtures in our yuletide firmament. Sweet. My family…
….As parents, we baby boomers are maligned quite frequently. Look at the profiles even today on Facebook about our relaxed manner of raising children. I was one of those mothers who trusted in everybody to watch out for my kids. After all, why live in…
By Mark Patterson Customarily, network execs, the people who decide what tv shows to roll the dice on, offer at least perfunctory applause after viewing prospective programs for the first time. As a courtesy to the creative forces sitting nervously in the private studio- theater…
………..Like Walter Mitty, I live an exciting life in my head. I conjure up all kinds of situations and adventures mostly when I drive. Inside my head is a fantasy life that has no resemblance to my real life. …….Yet, I persist. Ever the optimist,…
By Mark Patterson I didn’t realize I’d been set up until the fourth or fifth round of “Buzztime,” a then-popular trivia game at that ubiquitous wing joint where rivers of suds wash down dry rub and burgers no thicker than parchment. Having embarked for Boardman-unquestionably…
………..In the past few weeks, the mistrust of Hancock County school system has grown to epic proportions. Whatever trust and faith there had been in both the Board of Education and the Administration was destroyed in one fell swoop with the sudden announcement of the…
by Mark Patterson
And the beat goes on ……Just returned from my granddaughter Maggie’s wedding in California. She is named Margaret after my mom, but Maggie suits her perfectly. The wedding was lovely, the ceremony was held outside on the precipice of a breathtaking view of wine county…