Characters

Now that father’s day has come and gone, I can finally write — not because the calendar says so, but because I mean it. My dad’s a real character. Everything about him proves that — his enormous musical talent, his corny sense of humor, his magician-like ability to create a masterpiece out of trash can lids, kazoos and power tools, his unending love for his bride. He’s not a demonstrative man, not apt to give casual praise or deliver prepackaged sentiments just because it’s “time to.” But he is very likely to look you in the eye, wait a beat so you know he really means it, and then say with voice breaking, “you did great” or “we’re proud of you” or “that was your best ever.” He taught me about value, purpose, honesty, humility, pride, and perseverance. He taught me to work hard and long, and to do it with passion. He taught me that excellence is worth pursuing. He taught me that heart is even more valuable than excellence. He taught me never to settle, never to give ...

This is one of my favorite photos, not because it demonstrates any great skill, but because it was a moment of true honor I had to capture. These veterans are paying tribute the "four chaplains," who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel during the sinking of the troop ship USAT Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II. The four are credited with helping other soldiers board lifeboats and giving up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains, it is said, joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. Seventy years later, these Ontario County veterans continue to remember.

I got a press release in the mail today. Guess it had to happen sooner or later. I just don’t envy the person who answers the call — the empty shoes that he or she will have to fill are enormous. Apparently the Victor Republican Committee is looking for candidates interested in running for “the vacant Town Justice seat left after the death of longtime Judge Edward ‘Marty’ Lyng.” “Longtime.” The word doesn’t even begin to cover it. My first encounter with Judge Lyng was at the close of a case involving an autistic student who faced charges resulting from a difficult experience at Victor High School. It was the first time I was actually impressed by a judge — in fact by anyone connected with the court system. He was smart, he was humble, he was informed, he was decisive — he seemed to be a man with a moral compass, a human being with both a mind and a heart. And neither got in the way of the other. Then I got to meet his mentor, Charlie Rose. (Double my awe.) He, too, seemed ...