Dear Heloise: Sharon’s letter was about the importance of teaching one’s children to swim well and to practice excellent water safety in general. My husband and I were not only good swimmers but worked as lifeguards as teens. We chose not to install our backyard pool until each of our four ...

Dear Annie: Over 10 years ago, I worked with a nonprofit organization on a contract project and became friendly with a few people on their team. I genuinely admired their mission, and when I moved on, I started making a modest monthly donation to support their work. It felt good to stay ...

Dear Heloise: Our city has a recycling program for cans and plastics, but there are rules that the items need to be clean without any food residue. Since we live in the desert, I don’t want to waste water when washing these items. After dinner, I usually wash some dishes in the sink; then ...

The Independent calendar lists upcoming meetings, facility hours and events in and around Marshall. To have your group’s events listed, email the information to news@marshallindependent.com or submit the information to our virtual newsroom. Today Household Hazardous Waste Facility, open 8 ...

Dear Annie: In 1962, I was 14.5 years old and in my first year of junior high. Feeling desperate to be cool, I believed a girl from school when she told me that her brother, who was home on leave from the military, wanted to meet me. I told my mom and dad that I had a babysitting job, and I ...

Dear Heloise: I’m getting close to 82 years old, and when I see a crush of people, I stay out of the way because they could so easily knock me over. I’ve been knocked down in the past. -- Polly, in California Polly, thanks for your letter. Readers, older people can lose their balance ...