Every year I hear "Happy Memorial Day" and it always gives me a weird feeling.

​I'm not a military guy and even though my dad served in Korea. He wasn't one to talk much about his service or even his Army buddies much. I wish he were here to ask if he says Happy Memorial Day.
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My real understanding of the observance comes from stories I've done over the years/ They are stories of people who don't look upon the day so much as a holiday, or the unofficial start to spring, but as a day of reflection and for many veterans, a day to remember someone they served with and who did not make it back from war.

That's not a cause to wish someone happiness. It is a time to lay a hand on a shoulder or to offer your silence to them.

The latter tends to be my means because I am extremely fortunate to have lived my life without knowing the pain of losing a good friend or relative to war.

I've also been long confused by the observance in regards to military and or just family. Much of the emphasis is placed on the reason the observance was begun - to honor those who died "paying the ultimate sacrifice," while in service of this country.

We tend also to observe the passing of veterans who have passed away in the previous year, long after their military campaign.

​Some also visit graves of those who never served, plant flowers and just remember those we love even though they are gone.

​All good things for our soul to keep alive memories of those who are no longer with us and tell the stories to at least one more generation.

I loved old programs that showed elders sitting around talking about stories of several generations past. We forget that only 100 years ago life wasn't always these instantaneous shifts from one thing to another and that routines of sitting together at different times of the day or week to just talk without distractions were more common.

Now we are interrupted by bell notifications nearly every other minute and we are connected to something outside of ourselves 24/7.

​So a moment of reflection isn't such a bad thing. 

​But is it happy?

I suppose we can take the approach that those who died under the premise of fighting for our right to be free, did so that we can live free and happily. I just wonder if there is a better greeting we can use on Memorial Day?

Opinion:

Ever sit in you car just staring at the thoughts in your head trying make sense of them?

Ten years ago, after reports of yet another school shooting tragedy, I found myself doing just that during an icy rain in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, just dumbfounded and helpless as I listened to the news on the radio. I shut it off and continued to sit there.

I didn't cry. And I didn't pray. The "what's the point" feeling we all get from time to time was on the tip of my saddened tongue..

​ In front of me was a school bus parked.

That was close to 10 years ago and I don't even want to try to guess how many school shootings we have had since.
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Today a friend and long-time teacher Dee Henry posted these words " If you've been out of school for even ten years or more, throw out what you think you know about what goes on in schools or how kids learn."
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This is the exact thing that we need to look at most. This times we live in now are not the times any of the parents or grand-parents of kids in school today. In my generation we were not a 24/7 information paradigm and we did not have that information at our fingertips every second of everyday.

We didn't have connectivity with people we never met unless we had a pen pal, and even if we did we didn't then connect to 100 others in their friends list.

Our connectivity today in so many ways is great and there is no real turning back from it. But it comes with new problems that need to be addressed.

Like all things... in my humblest of opinions, the best way to deal with this ever changing world that technology gives us, isn't from stepping back, it isn't from praying, it isn't from arguing the same argument over and over again, but assessing the positive, identifying the problems and moving forward through concentrated and supported education.

"Ignore the politicians and listen to those who face and attempt to support the at-risk students everyday - your community teachers and admins need your help," Henry concluded.

Prayers groups are fine. But they are not solutions.

Debates on gun control are fine, but they are, and will continue to be a dead end.(Hell, part of me believes it might be important to defend freedom with guns, after all, we created freedom with guns. And wits."

So lets not concentrate so much on the guns for a moment and focus in on the use of our wits.

A few years back I engaged in a conversation that I'd like to bring back to the forefront again. At the time I was accused of wanted to implement martial law. And perhaps I was at the time. It was a quick thought that seemed like an easy solution to one problem, but perhaps creating another.

Time and multiple shootings again keep me thinking about the idea.

 I'm not a military guy. There is no way I would've stayed out of the brig. I was taught to question everything and as a result I questioned authority. Still do.

That said, I remember an ROTC program at my school that some kids took advantage of and they learned some discipline that they didn't possess from their home life. This made me think of what could be a solution.

The branches of the service have recruiters. Police and sheriff's offices have school resource officers. The national guard has centers in nearly, if not every county in the country. Human services have offices, child welfare is a part of every county.

So why can't we move some offices, with trained personnel from all of these branches of established government into the schools? Make them satellites for trained personnel to be hands on, eyes and ears and, in many ways on the frontlines of mental health and safety in the schools?

I can see, say four to eight,  trained military officers who could be headquartered  at the school, being available to help if needed in many situations beyond just added security. The could hold morn calisthenics for students and teachers to get the day started, they could run ROTC classes and training. They could even act as emergency substitutes, or fill ins, while we figure out the teacher shortage.

And Human services could staff two to three councilors, therapists or child advocates who work at the school and also are available to students and faculty.This way they are onsite to potentially address issues of harassment and perhaps neglect head on where teachers hands may be tied?

I obviously do not know the depths of what could be needed, but I am tired of listening to the same arguments from one side that says more gun control and the other side that says that it is not the guns and even worse the folks who just ask us to pray. Iif there is A God that created us, I'm pretty sure the brain they gave us was to be used to solve our own problems.
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​Discuss.

William P. Moon Jr is the Republican candidate for Venango County Commissioner. I am lifelong resident and 1980 graduate of the Oil City Senior High School and Oil City Vocational Technical School. Co- Owner
and Broker of Gates & Burns Realty, Inc. in Oil City, Clarion and Cranberry, Pa. I am very active in the community, Currently Oil City Mayor, a former Oil City Councilman, a former member of the Oil City Zoning Board, currently Pres. of Venango County Council for Government(COG).

​I have been trained by PSAB (PA State Assoc. of Boroughs) to run City Government. Also, Active member in the following boards- V.P. of Venango County Economic Development, Board Member Venango County Land Bank ,
Board Member Venango County Planning Commission , Board Member of ORA, National Assoc. ofnRealtors, Pennsylvania Assoc. of Realtors, Director of the Allegheny Valley Board of Realtors, 2011 AVBR Realtor of the Year , V.P. of the Venango County Assoc. for the Blind, Board Member of the Colonial
Drake Alliance ( Lyric Theater), Board Member of the Oil City Main Street Committee , Member of thenOil City Arts Council and Co-Chair of Oil City First Night Committee and Member of Oil City Elk’s, Petrolia Lodge 363, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonary and Erie Zem Zem Shrine.
Moon is married to Robin J Moon with 2 Adult Children- William P. Moon III of Erie, Pa and Rebecca A. Stephens of Austin, Tx.

As Venango Commissioner, I will continue my 6 main priority goals for the County,- Increase Economic Development and Redevelopment, Enhance financial sustainability, Invest in County infrastructure, Improve the County’s image, Increase quality of life for our residents, live within the County Budget and keep the taxes low.
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As a small business owner in Oil City, I have a vested interest in my hometown and community to prosper in the years to come. So, on the Municipal Primary on May 16, 2023. Shoot for the Moon and Vote for William P Moon Jr as your Venango County Commissioner.
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I thank you for your support.

Ken Bryan is excited to announce that he is running for Venango County Commissioner! Ken is a veteran, current owner of multiple businesses in Venango County, and works in the criminal justice system, and he is excited to bring his over 40+ years of business experience to the economy of Venango County.
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Ken is a former Senior Vice President for Lionsgate Entertainment, working in locations across the country, and he would bring his vast business knowledge to work with the local officials, municipality leaders, and businesses to help bring his vision of Venango County to fruition, and work to bring higher paying jobs and make Venango County a place where families can stay.
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In addition to working to bring these jobs to Venango County, Ken will work to make this area a place the citizens can stay for their lifetimes. He is especially focused on bringing better care and facilities here for our senior citizens and their families.
Ken will also work with our law enforcement agencies and community leaders to help end the plague of drugs in this area, and work to clean up our communities and help end the epidemic that has impacted too many families.

“My goal as Venango County Commissioner is to promote this county as a great place for families to live, play, work and eventually retire.”

Jim Speth is a candidate for Venango County Commissioner.  He is seeking the Republican nomination in the Spring primary.  He is a lifelong resident of Venango County having graduated from Rocky Grove High School and Clarion University.  He previously served on the Valley Grove School Board and is currently serving as President of Sugarcreek Borough Council.  

"It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Sugarcreek Borough and I will do my best to serve the residents of Venango County as I work to Move Venango County Forward"
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In a letter dated January 20, attorney George Joseph of the Erie based Quinn Law Firm informed the PENNCREST School Board president Luigi DeFrancesco and Superintendent Timothy Glasspool, he and his firm will no longer be serving as the districts solicitor. 

​This letter was published and shared on social media on January 26 by school board member Jeff Brooks.

​The resignation was reported on that same day by Saegertown High School Panther Press editor Brennen McWright.

​Joseph voiced concerns that his law firm could no longer adequately perform its role as the district solicitor under the current administration and board.

​"An attorney and solicitor for a school district has an obligation to represent the interests of the district zealously within the bounds of the law," George's letter stated.

​"Recent actions by the board have highlighted a fundamental disagreement by the majority of the board with the legal analysis and opinions of our office and, in our analysis, significantly compromised our ability to provide legal ongoing services to the District and the existing School Board."

Joseph then pointed out recent opinions he has presented to the board that were rejected by board members and in his understanding scoffed at by board members.

"If I conclude that the officers of the organization (the School Board) intend to act in a manner that would likely result in an injury to the organization, which I believe includes decisions which would risk embroiling the District in unnecessary litigation, I have a duty to proceed a reasonably necessary in the best interest of the organization," George's letter continued.

​In a recent board meeting, school board member David Valesky said "My conscience is clear, if we go to court on it, so be it, because at the end of the day we're standing up for what's right and we're standing up for God has said is right."

Valesky's basically saying bring on the lawsuits. George is contending that these are unnecessary and therefore he, and his law firm, are not comfortable defending them.
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​George also pointed out in several instances that the board itself isn't confident in the representation he and the Quinn Law Firm provide given comments by members who disagree with his legal opinions.

It is a county election year in Venango County. and the three commissioner seats are up for grabs. At least two of the current commissioners are planning to run; the third has yet to commit. A Franklin businessman has also tossed his hat in the ring and rumors about other possible candidates are flying around like swallows on a hot summer lake.

We'll leave rumors where they belong and just deal with what we know.

Commissioner Albert Abramovic, better known as Chip, posted his announcement up on social media a few weeks back. The local papers carried it and the race for Venango County Commissioner had begun.

Commissioner Sam Breene told us "I've been telling anybody who will listen that I plan to run again." He indicated that he plans to make it official soon.

Commissioner Mike Dulaney says he hasn't made up his mind yet.

Joining Abramovic on the Democratic primary ballot is Mathew Beith, who announced his candidacy earlier this week.

​The heavily Republican county traditionally has two Republican commissioners and only one Democrat. By rule, one other party candidate must be elected for the balance of power. Currently, Dulaney and Breene represent the Republican Party and Abromovic the Democrats.
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The primary, where Republicans and Democrats get to vote for who will appear on the general election ballot on their party's behalf, is May 16.

​“It’s not politics. It’s public service”

Franklin businessman and community volunteer Mathew Beith is announcing his candidacy for Venango County Commissioner in the 2023 election. Beith brings a vision for long term economic prosperity built on the pillars of housing, health care, and education.

By working closely with existing economic development organizations, companies, county human services departments, housing authorities, health care providers, and education institutions, Beith believes that Venango County residents and businesses can flourish in ever greater ways. With this effort, the county can become an attractive community for individuals and companies looking to establish new commercial enterprises in northwestern Pennsylvania.

“Education, adequate housing, and addiction and mental health services are the keys to unlocking our full potential,” said Beith. He continued, “By providing these resources to all residents of Venango County, we can ensure that they have the tools and support necessary to be successful in all phases of life.”

In conjunction with workforce development, these core services will help create more engaged and employable individuals, which is a benefit for existing local businesses, and also for companies looking to relocate or expand their footprint. This increased tax revenue can be used to invest in the continued development of County-wide infrastructure to meet 21st century challenges, such as broadband expansion and other connectivity projects.

Beith, who is a Realtor with Beith Associates, has significant experience developing relationships with existing residents and industries, while being an ambassador for individuals and businesses looking to relocate to Venango County.

Outside of his primary occupation, he serves the City of Franklin as the chair of the Housing Authority, the chair of the Historical and Architectural Review Board, and the vice chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

​He is also a director of the Allegheny Valley Board of Realtors, and sits on the Venango County Economic Development Authority Strategic Planning Commission, as well as participating on numerous other municipal and non-profit boards and commissions.

These appointments give Beith the expertise, insight, and relationships necessary to be an effective leader of Venango County.

“I love Venango County, and I want to see all residents achieve their dreams. That’s why I’m proud to announce my candidacy for Venango County Commissioner.” Beith said, concluding, “It’s not politics. It’s public service. I believe Venango County deserves a leader with vision, passion, and dedication to the betterment of all residents.”
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Mathew Beith lives in Franklin with his wife, Mishelle, and their three children.

He graduated with honors from Franklin High School, and holds a B.A. from Middlebury College. His work experience encompasses real estate, retail finance, and farming.

Beith prides himself on community service, including emceeing many of the parades and community events in Franklin.
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For more information, visit www.beithforcommissioner.com.