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Roses&Thorns

Lilies, it being Easter and all, across the board today:

For those churches and organizations holding activities for children such as egg hunts at the Salem First United Methodist and Franklin Square churches. For different reasons, some of the egg hunts that had become traditions are no longer held. That makes ones that are held even more special for the children. Lilies for businesses holding no-fee egg hunts for children. Faith-based — and fun-based — activities were held at many local churches. Good, clean entertainment for children and their parents/grandparents/guardians. Nothing wrong with wholesome non-pushy interaction for kids. There’s too much bad crap out there — think cyberspace — for kids to get into trouble with and misled. Lilies for simple hard-boiled eggs and parents who take the time to color them with their kids. Lilies for those kids eating the ears off of chocolate bunnies first; those gushy marshmallow peeps that are as tasty as they are sticky; and, fake Easter basket grass that the pets usually try to eat and sometimes gag back up. Let’s not forget the simple and timeless jelly bean. Even if you don’t like the black ones. Sometimes there is nothing that hits the spot better than a bite of pure processed and refined sugar.

Lilies to those of all faiths and beliefs unified today during this holiest of days. Like Christmas, there is a singular reason for Easter. Let’s not forget that today while we are carving up the ham and sneaking a bite of the kids’ earless chocolate bunnies. And if you do not feel likewise, at least respect those who carry a strong faith. Not, of course, to be confused with the hypocrites out there of which there are aplenty.

Lilies for companies such as Salem Butech rewarding their hard-working employees with bonuses. Other places have restored benefits such as 401K matches because of substantial upticks in the economy. Say what you will and believe what you will, but isn’t it funny how widespread bonuses never occurred during the previous two terms of presidency?

Lilies for those donating dresses for the Project Prom which we highlighted in a recent page 1A story. We are assuming that area students taking advantage of the free gently-used dresses and accoutrements will, in turn, return the dresses prior to next year’s event so that others can benefit. Also, maybe even offer to volunteer their time toward next year’s project. Call it a way of paying back and saying thanks. It seems like the right thing to do. With taking should come giving.

Lilies for area food banks and pantries serving our communities. We hope and assume that many of those utilizing the free food products — if physically able — return the kind deeds of those contributing to such places with kind deeds of their own. Like volunteering time and energy at the food banks and pantries they utilize. Call it a way of paying back and saying thanks. It seems like the right thing to do. Again, with taking should come giving.

Lilies for word that the potholes that resemble mini Grand Canyons at Waterworth Park off Sunset will be patched and filled. There is a pothole epidemic under way throughout our area. Our rather less-than-delightful weather has compounded repair work.

Lilies and congratulations for Salem Police Sgt. Brandon Smith. The 2000 Salem High graduate has been with SPD for 11 years after serving other local departments. He was recently promoted to sergeant. His first night as shift commander was yesterday. He replaces the beloved late Lt. Charles Shafer. We wish Brandon the best of luck.

Lilies for the start of major league baseball. In April you can only hope that the Indians — who should easily make the playoffs — don’t choke again during postseason close-out games. They have lost their last six such games over the past two seasons. And is it just us or is anyone else out there already sick and tired of hearing about the New York Yankees?

Lilies for our faithful readers. Have a joyous Easter and thank you for your support.

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