f e a t u r e d p o s t s
 BY MATTHEW MERITT
Volunteer labor from common folk built some the centuries-old cathedrals in Europe and, in a way, something similar is going on in one Chemung Valley spot today. Though dedicated in 1870, building continues at St. Mary’s Church in Corning, where parishioners are drawing on tradition to shape a couple of important ministries – vital ports in the storm for many amid a culture hostile to faith and families.
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 Dear Readers, Just wanted to let you know I had an article published in Crisis Magazine, which describes itself as "a voice for the faithful Catholic laity." It talks about how important but also how dangerous priests can be in this challenging time. Here is an excerpt:
Read the rest here.
BY MATTHEW MERITT
While Governor Kathy Hochul was congratulating Corning, Inc. for making vials that helped deliver 3 billion doses of the COVID vaccine, a handful of people gathered across the road from the company’s Big Flats plant to register their disapproval as she drove in. “I wanted Hochul to see me, as a mom of two young kids, standing against her,” said area resident Kayleen Butler, who is very concerned about mask requirements and potential vaccine mandates for children. “I will do everything in my power to make the decisions of what goes into my kids’ bodies and it will never be the government,” Butlelr added. “This is not my kids’ new normal.”  BY MATTHEW MERITT
To encourage teenagers to seek medical care when needed, some pediatricians now ask parents to leave the room during at least part of a checkup to speak privately with the child. I found this a little surprising when it happened to me at a local provider as we were preparing for the upcoming school year. Though I wasn’t worried about how my child would respond, I wondered what questions would be asked. 
One of the schools' communications says students who are not vaccinated will be tested weekly once the testing procedure is set. The communication notes the school has already collected proof of vaccination from staff, citing the CDC, State Health Department and American Academy of Pediatrics as sources claiming vaccination is the best way to fight the virus.
The other school’s note says vaccination information will not be shared, but explains it will assist the school and the county health department in determining quarantine requirements.  From "Mass of the Ages" documentary.
 BY MATTHEW MERITT
Small town leaders should pay close attention to the percentage of their populations made up of children. If moms and dads feel comfortable raising families in their town, odds are it’s a pretty good place. Simply by giving it the eyeball test, Big Flats is just that. It’s quiet and safe, with reputable schools, friendly but competitive youth sports and an assortment of open spaces. But as the town moves forward with an updated comprehensive plan in its back pocket, the plan itself notes the percentage of school-age children has dropped from 25 percent of the population in 2010 to 22 percent in 2019. This is despite a slight overall population increase over the same period.  BY MATTHEW MERITT
As frustrating as the COVID Lockdown has been, one thing I was happy to do less was use the car. With more done at home, I’d go days between drives and weeks between fill ups. As a result, instead of speeding by my surroundings as I combusted along from place to place, I could take them in on foot during more frequent walks with my family. Even so, the car was still present – not in itself but in my very surroundings. We walked along the side of a street, not on a sidewalk. I realized that as things recovered, I’d go back to using the garage door far more than our front door. Though biking seems a fairly popular activity in our vicinity, I cannot help a bit of apprehension when I see those daring souls cycling along various state routes as every manner of mechanical contraption grinds past. When it comes to transportation, the car has priority and everything is designed to its scale, not human scale. The idea of walking for anything beyond exercise – say, with a destination like work, shopping, a recreation area or visiting friends – doesn’t seem to be part of the way things are. Editor's Note: This is the first official installment of the "Meet the Merchant" series, which profiles businesses providing goods and services we use here. To read the story that helped bring the idea about, click here.  BY MATTHEW MERITT
One could say Warren Eng’s love of racquet sports has at least a little to do with his successful Horseheads dental practice, now in its 33rd year. While still in dental school in Baltimore, Dr. Eng broke his two front teeth during a racquetball match. The root canals eventually required to save them added a perspective not all dentists can claim. “I understand what a trauma-induced toothache feels like,” he said, recalling the unusual sports injury during a conversation at his Horseheads Dental office on Westinghouse Road.  BY MATTHEW MERITT
Eucharistic Adoration chapels are quiet places to pray, but don’t let that fool you. Our area has at least two, where God is busily at work with people who bring their hopes and fears, dreams and regrets to prayer. |
