(Jeffrey Pohn) - Over the years, service dogs have become an increasingly familiar sight on trains, planes and buses; in restaurants, nail salons and shopping malls, and even at the beach, diligently escorting and protecting their human charges through blindness, hearing loss, ambulatory limitations and even mental-health challenges—there are now half a million service dogs at work in this country. I’ve come to marvel at these fantastic beasts, the organizations and volunteers who train them and the Americans with Disabilities Act that provides a protective infrastructure. These four-legged friends are heroes. Heroes, one and all.

This week, I discovered that September is National Service Dog Month, and it occurred to me that I have been living with one of these heroes - albeit a non-credentialed one - for the past eight years. 

When my wife and I rescued Baby, a fifteen-pound terry-poo with a rasta-like coat and a slight underbite, she had been found on the streets of Tijuana, emaciated, and obviously abused. Baby immediately bonded with my wife, but every time I entered the room, she would shake violently. I finally suggested to my wife that we should take Baby back, it was hard living with someone who hated me. After my wife nixed that idea, I found myself tiptoeing around our home, in the most unthreatening way possible. Eventually, Baby came to at least tolerate me.

Then came Covid. My wife, Baby’s north star, decided to travel to England, to wait it out with her family. She never returned. Suddenly, it was just me and Baby, who was shattered by the disappearance of her ‘mommy’. Baby went on a hunger strike, and constantly gave me the stink-eye, blaming me for her heartbreaking loss. It destroyed my appetite, too, and ruined my sleep. I became a wreck. As a recovering alcoholic with bipolar disorder, and now utterly isolated and wifeless, with my only personal contact a dog who actively resented me, I was not exactly a ‘vision for you’. 

Over time, Baby mellowed and began to display affection for me. Perhaps that’s because she realized I was the sole provider of her food and walks, but I like to think it was more than that. We became inseparable, velcroed together. On the rare occasion that I left our house, Baby welcomed me home as if I was returning from the war. She started to sleep on the pillow next to mine, and the moment my eyes opened, I was the recipient of a thorough tongue bath. 

Baby became my own personal, emotional service dog; a daily calming presence, a reliable rock of support who demanded my attention 24/7, effectively yanking me out of myself by encouraging me to stroke, scratch, massage, and play with her. She was a nonstop source of activity, humor, and love, a furry anti-depressant, instrumental in my struggle to maintain my sanity. Having to focus on Baby’s care, feeding and happiness, I became largely freed from the bondage of crippling self-concern.

Even before Covid, I had been experiencing debilitating panic attacks, mostly in public, and, I was on the verge of becoming agoraphobic. But Baby coerced her couch potato master into taking her on walks more adventurous than our usual spin around the block. On these outings, she walked me. During a time when everyone else was retreating into their homes, my dog was leading me back into the world I had fled from; she took me to dog parks where she networked, and I got to enjoy distanced interactions with other humans. We became regulars at a nearby beach where she chased birds she would never catch, and insisted I join her, running on the sand, and frolicking in the surf. I think I became her new (less incandescent) north star.

Suffering from Covid Brain, I began talking to Baby all day long. My ridiculous longing for her to respond verbally was, of course, never requited. At the time, I was dying to write my second novel, but was unable to find a subject matter compelling enough to sustain the few years it would take to write. One night, when Baby and I were lying in bed, I leaned over to give her a goodnight kiss on the nose. She sneezed into my face, and it hit me, the idea for a new book to write - a tale about an isolated man and his talking dog. A couple of years later, fueled by love for and from a dog, and wish fulfillment, I published the book, HOUNDED: A LOVE STORY.

My rescue dog rescued me.

Having had the profound privilege of being serviced and saved by a dog, now, during National Service Dog Month, I salute all service dogs, credentialed and non-credentialed. I acknowledge their noble and necessary service to us humans. And to all of our heroic service dogs, with love and gratitude, I proclaim…Thank you for your service.

Purchase the book at amzn.to/4e0LyBv

Jeffrey Pohn, a screenwriter, published author, and avid dog-lover, lives with his beloved pooch, Baby, in Oxnard Shores, California. As of now, Baby has not uttered a single word.

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to installing a pool, spring and summer are the seasons that logically come to mind. But the best time to add a pool to your backyard is actually in the fall. There are definite advantages to installing later in the year that can make the process smoother, more cost-effective and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

1. Contractor availability – By waiting until the weather is cooling, you miss the height of pool-building season and have a better chance of finding a contractor without a lot of other jobs to divert their attention. With fewer projects to juggle, contractors may also be able to offer shortened installation timelines. This is especially true for fiberglass pools, which can be delivered and installed quickly and, depending on the location, even enjoyed before winter arrives.
    
2. Construction-friendly climate – The moderate temperatures of fall lend themselves well to working outside. Fall weather is more predictable than other seasons, which can help reduce setbacks during construction. The ground is typically dry and hard after the summer, making it easier for construction, and minimal rain allows builders to get more done in a shorter amount of time.
    
3. Natural nurturing – No doubt you’ll want to do some landscaping around your new pool. Fall is the best time of year to plant trees and flower bulbs. Over the winter months, new plantings will have the opportunity to take root and mature while the ground recovers from construction disruption. When you’re ready to take that first dip of the season, you’ll have a yard that looks fully finished.
    
4. Off-season savings – As the height of pool season winds down and dealers begin looking at their year-end numbers, you may be able to negotiate better prices or take advantage of overstocked inventory. This can free up funds for other fun additions, like a diving board, slide, water feature or spa. Installing a pool in fall also allows you to break up construction costs for the pool and any decking or hardscaping you plan to add and take advantage of tax benefits over two years.
    
5. Tax benefits – Yes, a pool is not only a major purchase but is also considered a home improvement that can be claimed on your tax return. Imagine opening your pool in the spring and then opening your mailbox to a nice tax refund. Talk about a win-win!

To learn more about Latham pools, visit www.lathampool.com.

Photo caption: Ocean Breeze fiberglass pool and Placid spill over spa by Latham, The Pool Company. Photo Credit: Sun and Fun Pools in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

(NewsUSA) - As we age, maintaining physical fitness and the ability to move our body easily becomes more important to our overall well-being. However, an often-overlooked condition known as sarcopenia can gradually lower individuals’ muscle mass and strength without obvious warning.

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle and strength that can happen when someone gets older. This can lead to weakness, decreased ability to move, and a higher risk of falls and broken bones. Although aging is a risk factor, others include poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Some chronic illnesses and hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menopause, may also lead to higher risk of sarcopenia.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sarcopenia is key for early intervention to maintain quality of life and independence. Unexplained muscle weakness, lower endurance, or having a hard time with everyday activities might be signs that it’s time to take action.

Being aware of sarcopenia is important for individuals who care for family members or friends, as they are often the first to notice changes in strength, ability to move, and overall well-being. Caregivers can help get timely medical consultations and interventions.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include:

• Muscle Weakness: An early and often noticeable symptom of sarcopenia is decreased muscle strength. Tasks that were once easy, such as lifting things, climbing stairs, or even standing up from a chair, may become challenging.
• Loss of Muscle Mass: An easy-to-see decrease in muscle size, particularly in the arms and legs, is a common sign of sarcopenia.
• Reduced Energy and Endurance: Adults with sarcopenia may report a lack of energy and decreased ability to do physical activity. Activities that involve sustained physical effort, like grocery shopping or gardening, may lead to faster exhaustion.
• Difficulty with Balance and Coordination: As muscle strength and function decline, balance and coordination may also be affected. The risk of falls increases and can lead to broken bones, which may decrease mobility further and impact overall health.
• Slower Walking Speed: An easy-to-see reduction in walking speed and a shuffling gait may be signs of sarcopenia.

“If a person notices any of the signs and symptoms of sarcopenia, they or their caregiver should seek professional medical help,” advises Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health. “A health care provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical examinations, muscle strength tests, and imaging studies, to diagnose sarcopenia. An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effectively addressing sarcopenia.”

Once diagnosed, you and your health care provider can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include strength training activities and nutritional advice to help keep and rebuild muscle and strength.

For more information on the signs and symptoms and ways to help address sarcopenia, visit the Stronger than Sarcopenia campaign webpage, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health: www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia.

(NewsUSA) - Si eres uno de los 1 de cada 5 estadounidenses que cuida de un cónyuge, padre, hijo, adulto mayor o alguien con condiciones de salud crónicas, discapacidades o necesidades especiales, es posible que hayas asumido este rol con poca o ninguna capacitación o asistencia externa.

Además de ayudar a otros con las actividades diarias y tareas médicas, los cuidadores a menudo actúan como defensores, asegurándose de que aquellos a quienes cuidan reciban la atención preventiva y los tratamientos que necesitan, incluyendo la protección contra amenazas potencialmente graves de enfermedades respiratorias como el COVID-19 y la gripe.

Desarrollar un plan de cuidado que incluya listas de verificación y recordatorios puede ayudar a los cuidadores a organizarse y prepararse para gestionar el cuidado diario y de la salud de otra persona. Los Defensores de la Educación, la Equidad y el Progreso de la Vacunación (CVEEP)  y la National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) han emitido una nueva guía para ayudar a los cuidadores a construir un plan de cuidado antes de la temporada de enfermedades respiratorias de este año, que puede ser un momento estresante para las personas con condiciones médicas crónicas o sistemas inmunitarios comprometidos.

Los expertos de CVEEP y NAC ofrecen los siguientes consejos para los cuidadores:

• Mantén una lista de problemas médicos y medicamentos Asegúrate de llevar un registro de cualquier problema médico y cualquier alergia, incluidas las alergias a medicamentos, que la persona bajo tu cuidado pueda tener. También es importante mantener una lista de los medicamentos que toman, incluyendo vitaminas, suplementos o productos herbales.
• Mantente al día con las vacunas Asegúrate de que tú y aquellos bajo tu cuidado estén al día con las vacunas de rutina, incluidas las vacunas actualizadas contra el COVID-19 y la gripe que están disponibles en otoño. Consulta con un proveedor de atención médica sobre vacunas adicionales que puedan ser necesarias para protegerte contra otras enfermedades respiratorias infecciosas como el VSR, la enfermedad neumocócica o la tos ferina.
• Observa los síntomas Los síntomas de enfermedades respiratorias pueden incluir tos, fiebre, dificultad para respirar y dolor de garganta. Busca consejo médico temprano si estos síntomas aparecen, especialmente en adultos mayores, niños pequeños y cualquier persona con mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave debido a condiciones médicas crónicas.
• Accede al tratamiento Los fármacos antivirales pueden ayudar a tratar el COVID-19 y la gripe, aliviando los síntomas y reduciendo el riesgo de hospitalización, especialmente para personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave. Son tratamientos de venta con receta y que deben administrarse al inicio de la enfermedad, por lo que es importante estar preparado y actuar con rapidez cuando aparecen los primeros síntomas. Habla con un proveedor de atención médica para determinar si un tratamiento antiviral es una opción para las personas a las que cuidas.
• Mantente informado Sigue a los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) para obtener la información más reciente sobre la temporada de enfermedades respiratorias y habla con tu proveedor de atención médica para obtener respuestas a cualquier pregunta que puedas tener.

Se anima a los cuidadores a visitar el sitio web de CVEEP (cveep.org/es/) y el sitio web de NAC (caregiving.org) para obtener información y recursos adicionales.

(NewsUSA) - You Are More Than: A Primer for Finding the Light in Your Heart by Amy L. Stark, Ph.D.

Award-winning and inspirational for the whole family. You are More Than: A Primer for Finding Light in Your Heart explains with clear examples “who you are is more than what you see on the outside.” The book gives children and teens an opportunity to explore how they are part of the world around them. It helps them find the connection by breathing, and connecting with the energy of the planet, and learning that when they do this, they will feel attached to everything around them.

You are More Than explores the idea that this life-affirming connection gives a person purpose and a chance to be of service. The prestigious Nautilus Book Awards presented You are More Than with a 2024 Silver Award in the Children's Picture Book category. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4f3Bt7W.

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird

After losing his mom, a struggling thirteen-year-old boy in northern Wisconsin rediscovers the love of baking he once shared with her and decides to audition for the world-famous Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship television show in Chicago. Jack is sure that his new sense of purpose will help him stay out of trouble, so he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones—and hopefully even mending his broken relationship with his dad.

Marvelous Jackson is about taking risks and making mistakes, and it celebrates the power of humor, friendship, and sweet treats to make any situation better, even a broken heart. It's the perfect story for 8-to-12-year-olds who love to bake, who feel like they don't fit in, or who are trying to figure out what ignites their interest and passion. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WncW6N.

Recalibrating Gravity by Mary Keating

Welcome to the world of Mary Keating, a quick-witted, fun-loving paraplegic. (Note, however, that she cringes at being labeled.) Fifty years ago, Mary's wide-open world instantly contracted at age fifteen when a teenager drove her into an oak tree at maximum speed. With a wheelchair as a permanent accessory, she was no longer seen as "hot" or one of the "in" crowd. She found herself transported into an alternate reality— defined now by her disability.

When life becomes overwhelming, Mary jokingly pretends she's trapped in a bad B movie waiting for a new director. Her poetry collection reminds us that no matter how hard life may seem, grace, love, and humor will save us from despair and allow us to live our best life under any circumstances. Purchase at https://bit.ly/49hw3SR.

Between Islands by Robert Coburn

Detective Joe Cheo comes from a family with a history of crime and corruption. Though he has never taken part in any criminal activity, the reputation has been a burden to carry throughout his life. And never heavier than now as a member of the Honolulu Police Department, where he is forced to walk a fine line.

But events conspire to present a crossroads of right and wrong. And the decision of which one to take becomes even more difficult for him. Set in Hawaii during the 1980s, join Detective Joe Cheo on a journey through his past and the present as he searches for the answer, only to be surprised at its conclusion. Says one reviewer, "Terrific characters and a riveting storyline...couldn't put it down." Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VXb3wY.

(NewsUSA) - If you are among the 1 in 5 Americans who serves as a caregiver to a spouse, parent, child, older adult, or someone with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or special needs, you may have taken on the role with little or no training or outside assistance.

In addition to assisting others with the activities of daily living and medical tasks, caregivers are often advocates helping ensure that those they care for receive the preventive care and treatments they need – including protection from potentially serious threats from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and flu.

Developing a care plan that includes checklists and reminders can help caregivers organize and prepare themselves to help manage someone else’s daily care and health. Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) have issued a new guide to help caregivers build a care plan ahead of this year’s respiratory illness season, which can be a stressful time for people with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems. 

CVEEP and NAC experts offer the following tips for caregivers:

• Keep a list of medical issues and medications. Be sure to keep a record of any medical issues and any allergies – including drug allergies – the person in your care may have. It’s also important to maintain a list of the medications they take, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products.
• Stay current on vaccinations. Ensure that you and those in your care stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines available in the fall. Consult with a healthcare provider about additional vaccines that may be necessary to protect against other infectious respiratory illnesses like RSV, pneumococcal disease, or whooping cough.
• Watch for symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory illness can include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and sore throat. Seek medical advice early if these symptoms appear, especially in older adults, young children, and anyone at increased risk for severe illness because of chronic medical conditions.
• Access treatment. Antiviral drugs can help treat COVID-19 and flu, lessening symptoms and lowering the risk of hospitalization, especially for people at higher risk for serious illness. They are prescription-only treatments that must be given early in illness, so it’s important to be prepared and act quickly when the first symptoms appear. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if an antiviral treatment is an option for those you are caring for.
• Stay informed. Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on respiratory illness season and talk to your health care provider for answers to any questions you may have.

Caregivers are encouraged to visit the CVEEP website (cveep.org) and NAC website (caregiving.org) for additional information and resources.

(NewsUSA) - Individuals in India seeking life-saving bone marrow transplants have a new source of hope. Dr. Bart S. Fisher, Chairman of the Give Life Foundation, twice Nobel Prize nominee in Peace and Medicine, and patron member of the National Press Club, is set to launch the India Marrow Registry the largest in the world, along with a powerful awareness campaign. The launch will take place through a series of events in October 2024, culminating in a prestigious ceremony with the diplomatic community in Delhi in October. Dr. Fisher has been recognized globally for his efforts to establish marrow registries and advance healthcare.

The Give Life Foundation, a leading non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving healthcare access worldwide. In collaboration with PACT (Par Anand Charitable Trust), the Foundation is establishing the world's largest bone marrow registry to serve the critical needs of patients in India, where the demand for bone marrow transplants far exceeds the current donor pool. The Foundation's efforts will also support the H2OMovement, promoting sustainability and clean water access for all.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Give Life Marrow Transplant Registry in India,” Dr. Fisher shared. “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible and effective healthcare solutions for those in need."

The need for bone marrow transplants is urgent. In India, an estimated 12,000 children are born each year with thalassemia major, requiring bone marrow transplants. Additionally, 10% of the 16,000 individuals diagnosed annually with leukemia also need transplants. Unfortunately, only 10%-20% of these patients find matches through current registries.

The Give Life Foundation also will sponsor several 5K Run/Walk events across India in October. These events, known as the March for Marrow, aim to raise awareness for the Swab for Life campaign, which encourages donor registration and highlights how simple it is to participate and potentially save lives. With a mission to recruit over 50 million voluntary donors, the new registry will collaborate with existing registries in India.

The H2O Movement Walk for Water Walk for Life Campaign another key focus of the Give Life Foundation, aims to raise awareness and funds for clean and accessible water.  "With every step we take, we walk towards a world where no one has to struggle for clean water," said Sanjana Jon, a prominent advocate for humanitarian causes and Chair of Give Life India.  PACT and the Give Life Foundation will work together in both marrow transplant and clean water efforts.

To learn more, visit www.give-lifefoundation.org.

(NewsUSA) - The Poisoned Fruit by Julie Colacchio

For centuries, Mages have been imprisoned by America. Now, America Needs Magic.

When Topaz Tenkiller is finally released, the Cold War is escalating, Prince is singing "When Doves Cry," and addiction is destroying her brother. The gifted Mage is assigned to a UN security detail. Topaz flourishes with freedom, food, and friends. She enjoys security work and sends money home to help her brother. Topaz finds a secret lab with mutilated Mage corpses and discovers that scientists are harvesting magic. Will she stay silent and save her brother or expose America's brutality to save her people?

Says author Alison Levy, "Colacchio’s book is a rich, emotional journey...alternately gut-wrenching and empowering. Once you take a step into this story, you’ll feel compelled to finish it in one sitting!” Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VPltiV.

Anela’s Club by D.K. Yamashiro

A coming-of-age story about rising above tragedy and learning to view life through a lens of hope and love.

When Anela Lee's brother, Jake, dies on the football field, her family is shattered. Her parents never wanted her, and without her biggest cheerleader, she withdraws into her pain and insecurities. Even school, once a refuge, means nothing anymore. Only one teacher refuses to give up on her, pushing her to enter an essay contest that gives her a shot at Harvard. Still, self-doubt holds Anela back.

Then a senator teaches her about the many world leaders who have used their childhood trauma to do great things. The hope that Anela can turn her pain into something beautiful gives her back her spark and encourages her to enter the contest. But does she have the confidence to share her essay in front of an audience? Purchase at https://bit.ly/44YATUc.

The Last Tale of Norah Bow by J.P. White

In 1926, during Prohibition, Vital Bow is abducted at gunpoint during dinner at the family cottage in Rye Beach, Ohio. His intrepid fourteen-year-old daughter, Norah Bow, discovers her father’ s involvement in a rum-running gang operating on Lake Erie and determines to sail north to rescue him. En route, Norah rescues Ruby Francoeur, an enigmatic woman of easy virtue who conceals secrets of her own.

With Ruby as crew, Norah enters an island-and-city world of eccentric and monstrous characters who test her resolve, strength, and knowledge as both a young woman and a skipper. Norah Bow is a coming-of-age story told by an elder Norah, a tale filled with characters steeped in betrayal, remorse, and a fierce desire for more lives. Norah Bow is a story about family secrets, self-reliance, and the complicated nature of memory itself. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VG2SEc.

Midnight Rider by Quinn Miller

Rikki is generally content with his life and the world in which he lives. That is until the day a mysterious big cat emerges from living underground and reveals the hideous truth about Rikki’s society.

While Rikki trains his fire-breathing horse for a community event, the confused teenager must navigate a dark path of twisting and evolving morals. When the previously helpful cat suddenly becomes a violent predator, Rikki must either act in line with his own morals or witness his town succumb to the wrath of the beast.

Midnight Rider is the debut novel from a new YA fantasy writer. The author is an all-around intellectual who loves philosophy, drawing, and playing musical instruments in addition to writing--and hardly has time for the hobbies, there are so many of them! Purchase at https://bit.ly/4exgUAF.

(Peter Fiorillo) - Message Delivery is Key for, standing out from the competition. You need to be unique in your message and branding let us create and deliver your message to 100 million Americans we guarantee success unlike any other brand what we are proposing that will change is the delivery and give you results the kind you will been looking for. Remember the brands you are competing with have access to media as well. What we want to do for you is save you time ,effort, energy and streamline your message with premium and proper research we can do just that. With proper information and how you want to tell your story we turn that into a beautiful story to stand out from the competition. Share your unique message that your brand will be at the top of minds of people and companies that want your services. Let's be different. How we deliver you message is unlike any other way based on access we have. 

 Our example is 

Delivery is key of message the new "Get Your Paper Here'. Marketing front of our cooperative media future how it's delivered when and what time to cement a powerful brand message.  Readership , Reach and acceptability are always at question. LkPFM Corp  seasoned the corporation for a competitive advantage for years before entry to this market for acceptance from Big conglomerates. Understanding  the balance of getting the brand message out and getting proper feedback to the client. 

An Ohio Corporation from the salt of America finding our place was no simple task. We take the Addie it was said 'more presidents are from our state than any other'a statement  some could say it ment 'were better than your state'. In a union of 50; all states have great strengths and misunderstanding messages of endearment can create hardships for all. .I always liked the passage  3% of Americans ' don't even know who the president of the United States name' (10 million people) as it brings reality to importance of food, clothing, shelter , knowledge and the Earths realities of survival. So how often do the readers here stories that they can't comprehend, we make it simple we expand the words of communications tailored to your message and recognize 3 points as listed.

-- We are judged by originality 

-- Independent thoughts 

---Direction and clean foresight 

Go to LKPFM.com and Watch us, Work with us and grow your syndicated news media. 

(NewsUSA) - Have you ever played a game where you see a person, couple, or group and begin to make a story around them? It’s a great way to meet spies, murderers, vagabonds, lovers, and thieves. The running dialogue of this game is best imagined with your date or significant other. What you learn about your accomplice is always surprising as the plot thickens.

In Seeing—In A Small-Town, poet Pasquale Trozzolo takes this game to a new level. He explores life’s daily routine through the eyes of a visiting explorer, and each vignette is written based on the story game.

Trozzolo writes conversationally as if the reader is accompanying the explorer on the journey. Each vignette is a story the explorer imagines based on the person’s appearance, behavior, and interactions with others. Through these stories, the reader is given a glimpse into the lives of small-town Americans and the daily routines that make up their lives. The stories are engaging, thought-provoking, and often surprising. Each poem is introduced by a short reflection from the explorer, commenting on what they learned from the experience.

“I hope the reader recognizes that every person’s life carries joys, burdens, and secrets,” Trozzolo says. “We should judge slowly and carefully, if at all. While passing through, we often make assumptions based on our predisposed expectations, quickly judging each person by their cover and not allowing the story to develop. And, just like judging books, it’s almost always a mistake –even if we are playing the story game.”

The poems explore judgment, assumptions, and the importance of seeing beyond the surface. The stories remind us that every person has a story and that we should be slow to judge and quick to listen. We never know what burdens someone carries or what joys they celebrate. Everyone is more than just their appearance; we should take the time to get to know them before forming opinions.

Poet Catherine Abbey Hodges, author of In a Rind of Light, says, “At a polarized moment in our culture, these poems suggest an alternative to knee-jerk judgment and condemnation of ‘the other.’ What might happen if we brought curiosity, imagination, and deference to our regard for those outside our circle? Vignette by vignette, these poems—generous, poignant, humorous, and slyly wise—do just that.”

Kirkus Reviews says: “The form and style of the work are as quaint as the small-town bars, diners, parks, and Main Streets the collection inhabits. It’s tempting to board a Greyhound bus to nowhere in particular after luxuriating in these verses.”

The book celebrates the diversity and complexity of human life and reminds us that there is always more to see if we are willing to look beyond the surface. To learn more, visit pasqualetrozzolo.com. Finishing Line Press will release the book on November 15, 2024, and it is now available for pre-sale orders at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/seeing-in-a-small-town-by-pasquale-trozzolo/