I have been asked about my thoughts on the recent settlement between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Westchester County. The principle behind this issue should also be a concern to Putnam residents. What was at stake was whether the federal government had the power to dictate local zoning codes under the auspices of, “Are they racist?”

Whether they ...

One of the most treasured aspects of our lives revolves around creating, and forever cherishing, our memories. My oldest recollections are inevitably connected to my parents. I vividly recall my excitement as I listened intently, with my mother at my side, to the silver-toned voice of broadcaster Bob Wolff as he skillfully reported the impossible: New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen’s ...

We’re taught in grade school English about synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings). What I don’t recall is learning about contronyms. That refers to a word that can have two contradictory, if not opposite, meanings.

A common contronym in public affairs is “sanction.” The U.S. has sanctions that prevent American companies from ...

“What did Joel get you for your anniversary?” asked my mom.

“Nothing yet,” I replied. “But it’s a big one, so it should be something good.”

“Any time a married couple doesn’t kill each other for another year, it’s a big one,” she said.

I laughed. My parents were coming up on 56 years together so my mother was practically ...

Dear Dr. Linda,

Our son, Joey, graduated high school in June. He was going to work for his uncle who has a landscaping business, but that’s not working out. He’s looking for another job, but the only thing he can find are jobs at fast food places. His dad is screaming that he’s not looking hard enough, but I don’t care about the job right now because I want him to go to ...

Dana Stahl, a learning specialist and educational consultant, will address educational questions and concerns that parents may have regarding their children’s academic development and progress in school. Topics can center on such concerns as how to handle homework dilemmas or what questions to ask at a Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committee on Special Education (CSE) ...