In his essay, “The decline of rural ways” (Dec. 30), Bob Neal reminisces about life way back then. Like the writer, I, too, am a historical romantic and miss the days when life seemed so much simpler that we could somehow understand our world. Now, we realize that our understanding was actually a kind of […]
Lew Alessio
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Breaking the shackles of religious bondage
My family and I were deeply, fervently Catholic. Catholic kindergarten and grade school: Notre Dame, New Hyde Park, New York; St. Molloy Catholic Summer Camp, New York; St. Mary’s High School, Manhasset, New York; St. John’s University, New York City. We prayed the rosary on our knees every night along with my Italian, immigrant grandmother […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Condemn behavior that diminishes women and men
Another startling revelation in the news. Another accusation, admission or denial of sexual abuse. There is dizzying awe at recent, vile revelations of gender inequalities, assault and sexual discrimination among celebrities, politicians and public figures. We learn only now the depth of the horror that has existed for decades in social silence. Of course, it […]
Posted inConnections, Lewiston-Auburn
The Leeds Historical Society asks 'what’s that thingamajig?'
LEEDS — The Leeds Historical Society, along with Lew Alessio, will present an afternoon of mysterious and amusing antiques on Sunday, March 26. People are asked to bring along items that old-timers would easily recognize, but which today’s generations might look at and say, “What in tarnation IS that?” Alessio will help the group guess […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Realize the humanity of all citizens
A lone Dallas sniper. A nation reels in shock. It is unimaginable, surreal that 12 policemen, charged with keeping the peace during a peaceful rally, are viciously gunned down. Words fail to describe the helplessness and sickened horror of a nation’s people. We hear the list of victims’ names read, and their photographs and stories […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Lew Alessio: Society’s promise is for everyone
It’s a neighborhood kind of thing. A give-and-take social exchange. Let’s say, one day you and your family open up your heart’s dream: The Patty Cake Bakery. Don’t you think the name is cute as all get-out? You decorate and plan every detail, pass all the inspections, and fulfill all the requirements for handicap accessibility. […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Lew Alessio: Not much has changed ’round here
With all the squawking in last November’s election, things are pretty much the same. A year has passed. Shards of the sky do not litter sidewalks and fields across the state of Maine. The death knell has not tolled across our counties decrying the demise of the institution of marriage. The vehement and virtuous among […]
Posted inLetters
L. Alessio: Save a valuable Maine resource
According to Fr. Joseph A. Sirba (AD2000.com), “one out of every 10 Americans is an ex-Catholic.” I am one. Nevertheless, like many people driving by the handsome, imposing facade of the vacant St. Joseph’s Church on Main Street in Lewiston, I am saddened at the thought of losing that prominent, historic landmark of the state’s […]