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Blogging From A to Z Challenge – M

/ Luanne Shernisky / 2 Comments

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The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government. ~ Thomas Jefferson

Blogging From A to Z Challenge – M

“M” is for Monticello, as in the home of Thomas Jefferson.

I had the opportunity to visit this historical home while my son was attending law school at the University of Virginia. What a fascinating tour it was! Not only the home itself, but the surrounding grounds all had so many interesting facts and stories. If you enjoy history you will definitely love learning more about Monticello.

Also, Charlottesville is a wonderful tourist destination; below are just some of the reasons to visit this great city:

  • Tom Tom Founders Festival
  • UVA – The Lawn & Rotunda
  • Historic Downtown Mall
  • Monticello
  • Virginia Craft Breweries
  • Spectacular Virginia Wine
  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Michie Tavern
  • Monticello Artisan Trail

For more details check out Charlottesville, VA

Echoes of My Neighborhood

/ Luanne Shernisky / Leave a comment

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Echoes of My Neighborhood

I wanted to join in Jackie’s Echoes of My Neighborhood, so I chose some photos of the beautiful Buhl Park back home in Pennsylvania. 

Frank and Julia Buhl, pictured above, were local philanthropists who donated their money and time for the betterment of the surrounding communities. Through their generosity they developed the 300 acre park, a social/fitness club, and a public library, among other things. Another proud accomplishment is the nine-hole Buhl Farm Golf Course. Fondly called the “Dum Dum” by locals, it is the only free golf course in America!

Anyone who enjoys history and would like to read further can click on this link:  Buhl Park legacy

When you grow up with easy access to things we tend to take them for granted. “The Park” was always there, for as far back as I have a memory. We enjoyed the swimming pool, ice-skating rink, sled riding, bicycling, kite field, fishing in Lake Julia, and so many other wonderful activities.

It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized many communities don’t have these wonderful opportunities. Decades later, the locals continue to enjoy the beneficence of Frank and Julia Buhl. Thanks to them I have many happy memories growing up in the Shenango Valley!

Blogging From A to Z Challenge – L

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

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Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Memorial

“L” is for Lincoln, as in the Lincoln Memorial.

This breathtaking monument is a tribute to our sixteenth president and is located at the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

The height of the memorial is 99 ft. and the marble used to build it came from Colorado. The sculpture of Lincoln himself is 19 ft. and the marble used came from Georgia. For some other interesting facts click this link.

I was in Washington in 2011 to visit my son who was doing an internship with the Dept. of Justice. My future daughter-in-law and my own daughter were on the trip as well. We took a day to sight see and the Lincoln Memorial was our last stop. 

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I’ve had the pleasure to visit Washington several times and I highly recommend a visit to this memorial. There are many beautiful monuments and areas in the nation’s capitol, but this is one of my favorites. I suppose it’s due to the fact that Lincoln was one of our greatest and most popular presidents. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about this structure and I always feel like I’m stepping onto hallowed ground when I enter the interior.

One of the earliest stories we learn as young schoolchildren is of Lincoln cutting down the cherry tree by the family home. When his angry father asked if he did it, he admits his guilt immediately. Another story is from the time when  Lincoln worked as a store clerk and mistakenly took six cents too much from a customer. Realizing his error he walked three miles, after the store closed, to return the money. These are the stories that earned him the nickname “Honest Abe.”

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He was well-known as a man of great integrity throughout his law practice, presidency, and life. Lincoln retained the humility of his simple roots and believed in equality for all people, regardless of skin color or their station in life. The politicians of today like to invoke his name and example, as it makes for great soundbites. But, sadly, most of them never follow that example.