Hello from Fran. Welcome July and I hope everyone enjoyed our Independence Day. May God Bless America.

Center For Discovery Hospital: When I read that this hospital hopes to open in 2021, I was very happy for the people Center for Discovery supports. It will be built at the former Frontier Insurance site and will also be at the forefront of research & innovation. My memory went back to my dear friend, Betty Berman who always kept the spotlight on the Center. I contacted her son, Darrell and he said his Mom was the President of the Board of The Center For Discovery for over forty years. He added, “Mom was the heart of the place and helping vulnerable people was her life's mission. She always rooted for the underdog. She made us appreciate what we had and how important it was to give back.” Betty and I were Room Mothers at LCS when my daughter, Julie(Burns) and Darrell were in Kindergarten together. Betty was a humble, involved and compassionate lady.

Liberty Village Board Meeting: I ran into Jim Gordon and we had a little chat. Jim was the manager of the Green building for years, and I knew him through his involvement with the Chamber and village happenings. He said he had gone to the Board meeting and the discussion was about LED lights. So I talked with Board Member, Joan Stoddard, who said they had their first in-office meeting, with social distancing and it was a relief to meet together. Joan said, yes, they have agreed to go forward with replacing village street lights with LED lights. This will not include parking lots. There is an initial outlay of a bit over $18,000 but our yearly savings will be over $48,000. So in just four months we will have recouped our initial outlay. A decision will be made as to blue-white or soft-golden-yellow. They are both the same in brightness.

My Teacher, Mrs. Hand misses me: This loving teacher has signs around town. How sweet. I'm sure the kids feel the same.

Happy Birthday: Our Chrissy (Jones) celebrated on July 2. She told me that on her early morning walks with her dogs she notices the great abundance of beautiful wildflowers this year. She would encourage milkweed for the Monarch butterflies and, of course, thinks it is all good for the bees. We gathered recently with her and Donnie on their beautiful front porch there on Faubel and Esselman corner. After a great lunch, her piano concert wafted out the window to where we sat. I didn't want to leave.

Welcome Family babies: Two little cousins, Brittany (Gieger) and Josh Cunningham's new #2 son and first baby for Matt & Eliza Gieger, also a son.

I appreciate all the feedback. Apparently Hillig's Castle is a soft spot for many of us old-timers.

Till next time. Keep the faith.