Opinion

Jill Pertler — Slices of Life

Jill Pertler — Slices of Life

Happy New Year, happy today

Jill Pertler
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
The new year — January as a month — is a time for reflection. To assess our progress in life: where we were, where we are and where we are going. I’ve learned, in a hard way, that where I was — the past — and where I’m going — the future — don’t hold much mettle. The place to be is here, right now.
In September, with your help, AroundOsceola.com reached the plateau of 100,000 hits for the first time.

In September, with your help, AroundOsceola.com reached the plateau of 100,000 hits for the first time.

My 2023 wish to our readers

Ken Jackson
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
I want to thank you for reading this content that is part of 2023’s first Osceola News-Gazette edition. 2022 flew by and blew through – like a hurricane. (Yeah, I get it, still not funny.) And, here we are, rummaging around to find a new wall calendar. I’ve long thought we mark time in odd ways.
Rev. Mary Downey, President/CEO of Hope Partnership, which works side-by-side with local partners to end homelessness in Osceola County.

Rev. Mary Downey, President/CEO of Hope Partnership, which works side-by-side with local partners to end homelessness in Osceola County.

A Moment with Mary - Advent reflections

Rev. Mary Downey
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
In my tradition, this time at the end of the year is called Advent. It’s a season when we anticipate the moment when God will move into our neighborhood. In my home, we light candles in our Advent wreath for hope, peace, joy, and love.
Dr. Lucretia Starnes talks about how to make change in the new year — without necessarily "making a resolution."

Dr. Lucretia Starnes talks about how to make change in the new year — without necessarily "making a resolution."

Year End reflections, resolutions and affirmations

Dr. Lucretia Starnes
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Did you know that the goal-driven tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions occurred in different forms throughout history? The ancient Babylonians celebrated the New Year with the festival of Akitu. During this 12day festival a new king was crowned, and affirmations of loyalty were declared.
Melinda Burrell is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

Melinda Burrell is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

You had me healthy at hello: How holiday cheer benefits all of us

Melinda Burrell
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Eight of us lounged around the table, candlelight flickering on crumpled napkins and cracker crumbs. It was the tail end of our yearly holiday party for our neighbors, and our guests – ranging from 30-somethings to 60-somethings – seemed reluctant to leave. Nor did we want them to.
Christmas serves as a natural marker in our lives. We assess our experiences since last Christmas. We note the lives we’ve touched or who have touched ours.

Christmas serves as a natural marker in our lives. We assess our experiences since last Christmas. We note the lives we’ve touched or who have touched ours.

A Christmas Blessing 2022

Dirk Webb
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Some might look at that title and think, “That’s a little presumptuous of him to think he can offer a Christmas blessing.” A few others might say, “Good! I can use any blessing I can possibly get this year.”
The author notes he's become a bit of a snob when evaluating those of others–to the point that he's come up with the following categories.

The author notes he's become a bit of a snob when evaluating those of others–to the point that he's come up with the following categories.

Christmas Lights: A Judgmental Guide

Jase Graves
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
One of my fondest childhood memories of Christmas in the 1970’s was riding around in the family station wagon, “Bessie,” to look at Christmas lights while I whined to my parents about needing a snack – again.
Letters to the Editor — Dec. 16, 2022

Letters to the Editor — Dec. 16, 2022

Letters to the Editor — Dec. 16, 2022

News Staff
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Former resident: no reprieve from growth Dear Editor: As a former resident (45+ years) of Osceola County and a 1980 graduate of Osceola High School, I return to Kissimmee to visit my parents, usually twice a year.
Maureen Brockman is the Vice President of Embrace Families Foundation

Maureen Brockman is the Vice President of Embrace Families Foundation

Thanks, Central Florida - Love, kids in foster care

Maureen Brockman
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Fresh-cooked family meals. Long-awaited reunions with loved ones. Keeping old traditions alive while starting new ones. Counting our blessings from the year gone by. No matter what “the holidays” look like in your family, this season is all about the things that bring us together.
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