By Matt KruszewskiAurora In the June 24 issue of The Voice (thevoice.us/another-christian-church-chapter-evolves-on-its-role), Deena Sherman asks questions of the Roman Catholic Church in holding sacraments hostage when the sacraments are sought by those judged to have committed certain specific sins. However, it is not the role of priests and bishops to
There has been talk recently about whether president Joe Biden should be denied the sacraments of the Roman Catholic (RC) Church for his stance on allowing women to choose to end their own pregnancies. The RC Church officially teaches that abortion is murder, and excommunication should be automatic. The funny
Although COVID-19 has not caused the predicted baby boom, it instead has created a pet boom. With many individuals confined to more time at home they’re looking to adopt pets, so demand has led to an increase of pet-breeding. In an attempt to prompt empty shelters, rather than support the
I always have liked State representative Stephanie Kifowit (84th State House District 84 in parts of Aurora, Montgomery, Naperville, Oswego), but she recently raised herself even further in my estimation. I watched as she played a substantial role in ending Mike Madigan’s long tenure as speaker of the House in
I learned belatedly that my friend, Wayne “Red” Kaufman, had died of COVID-19. Saddened, I drove to the West Plaza Barbershop in Aurora to talk with Ed Bunce, one of Kaufman’s original partners, and Carlos Martinez, the current owner of the shop. Because I was the only patron at lunchtime,
These have been particularly challenging days for our letter carriers. The Donald Trump administration has worked throughout his term to hinder the United States Postal Service. He appointed his mega-donor, Louis DeJoy, to be postmaster general. DeJoy gave orders to start dismantling and removing mail-sorting machines and wanted to require
An often overlooked piece of our November ballots is the retention of judges. Politicians’ stances on issues and job performance are very public. Judges are cloistered away in courtrooms and should be non-partisan, at least in theory. So how is the voting public to decide whether to retain a particular
You’ve probably seen the ads on television telling you two different stories about the proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution that is on the ballot for the November 3 election. It would amend Illinois’ method of taxation from flat tax to graduated tax. Those who support it, call it the
There was a time, not so long ago, when individuals of intelligence and conscience could debate issues without descending into personal attacks. We actually could be friends with those who held different opinions without de-friending them, or making every conversation a fight. One of the many gifts of the late
Just like many cities across the United States, protests in Aurora were held Sunday over the death of George Floyd. My daughter, Kyra, was one of those protestors. She said the protest was comprised of many different groups. She was part of an event planned by Indivisible Aurora. That group
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful planet, full of breathtaking landscapes, clean, clear, water, blue skies, and fertile soil that supported all kinds of flora and fauna. Animals enjoyed the sunshine, sweet smelling air, and delicious vegetation. The creator made one animal in particular, the human, to be
COVID-19 is making changes within our society. Many are temporary, but some could become permanent. Day by day we are watching businesses become casualties, changing the face of the United States. Happily, there are things we can do to affect the outcomes. Every time we buy food or other goods,
Our household appreciated Carter Crane’s thoughts about gratitude, and proper English usage, last week in The Voice. We have tried to keep a positive and grateful attitude, thankful that my husband is working from home, though my job is suspended for now, and we have the easier task of sheltering
It’s not the first time I’ve felt out of step with society. In the past week, I’ve seen many individuals anxious, and others outright panicked due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Some have tried to explain the hoarding of toilet paper, or water, to me, but I still don’t get it. My
When you meet someone it is easy to pass that person you assume has nothing in common with you. But when you take the time to communicate, you can meet individuals who teach you something new and enrich your life. Frank Bazos’ voice sometimes can be difficult to understand. Sometimes
In working at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora, I meet many individuals who are dedicated to fitness. Their reasons vary and sometimes they share those reasons with me. When I asked John Brillman about his strict workout schedule, he told me the story of how his devotion to fitness
When I watched everything leading up to the impeachment, I grieved for our broken Nation, where we have taken sides to the extent that we can’t even hear one another any more. In lock step each Democrat spoke of Donald Trump’s actions being precisely what the Founding Fathers feared when
There is something special in October’s air, and I don’t mean the snow flurries that have threatened and are on their way this week. There is something in the cool October breeze that speaks to a deep, ancient, part of us as humans. It was celebrated in the ancient Celtic
I have noticed recently that there are wide disparities in health and quality of life among those in their 70s and 80s. Some of the factors include, genetic, or even random chance. I have, however, noticed one common thread among those whose health is still excellent into their 80s: Exercise.
Summer is prime time for travel and judging by Facebook postings, many of us have taken trips in recent weeks. Our family did a cross country drive that took us to New York, through Canada, and up into Michigan to introduce our new grandchild to our extended families. Although the
