CARDS: Today’s RTS is serving a dual purpose: recognizing one of our own, and letting others know how they can do the same.

The Era’s own Fran De Lancey is facing a battle with cancer.

Fran, who has been with the Era about 40 years, is our Smethport correspondent, a retired teacher from Smethport Area School District and is active in his church, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church in Smethport, as well as in the Democratic Party.

Anyone who wishes to send a card may direct them to Fran DeLancey c/o The Bradford Era, P.O. Box 365, Bradford, PA 16701.

We will make sure he gets them.

“Fran is a great guy who is always the first to help others,” said Marcie Schellhammer, The Era’s assistant managing editor. “He’s quick with a kind word, a joke or a great story. We hope getting some cards with well wishes will brighten his day, as he has done for so many others.”

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POETRY: Joy Pascarella of Bradford has submitted two more works of poetry for our readers to enjoy.

Sounds like Sweet Home

Whistling tea kettle — Clanging pots and pans

Roaring vacuum cleaner — Whispering fins on the fan.

Washing machine spin cycle — Tumbling clothes in the dryer.

The crackling sound of french fries in the deep fryer.

Oldies playing on a favorite radio station –

Always glad to be back from vacation.

A daily relaxing atmosphere…

The sweet sounds of home are comforting to hear.

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Hit send, friend

Texting and Facebook have become our best friend

Always typing a message, then hit send.

A new way of life, everything technology –

Growing further apart from all friends and family.

The start of a new trend seemingly set in stone –

Many Facebook friends, yet you find yourself alone.

When your phone lights up it’s like a friend at your door — But it’s

Just a message — you rarely see anyone anymore.

So stay in the loop with text messages and Facebook friends …

Who knows maybe you’ll see someone now and then.