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Top Hat’s ‘Come From Away’ makes art out of tragedy

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STRUTHERS — Watching “Come from Away” can be emotional any time. Watching it on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that killed nearly 3,000 people only intensified the experience. However, Top Hat Productions didn’t need its calendar timing to deliver an impactful show. The talent on stage opening night at the Fairview Arts & Outreach Center would have resonated at any time and any day of the year. The musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein is based on the true story of the travelers that day whose flights were diverted to a remote airport in ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Kidney stones can bring on UTIs

Lifestyles

DEAR DR. ROACH: Five years ago, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone while getting an ultrasound for a different reason. A CT scan was ordered, which showed that I had a conglomerate of small stones within a calyceal diverticulum in the posterior mid-pole of my left kidney. My urologist at the time said it wasn’t in an area that was amenable to shock wave lithotripsy or a stone removal with a scope. He said that I could have a wire inserted by interventional radiology, then go to the operating room for a stent that would require an overnight hospital stay. He also said that I could do ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: A surefire way to clean your grill

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: To clean a grill, purchase a quart of regular household ammonia. Grab a heavy black leaf bag and pour 1 cup of ammonia into the bag. Place all the dirty, crusty grates from your grill or smoker into the bag. Roll the top down and leave the bag outdoors in the sun for a day or two. Finally, remove the grates and rinse them off. They’ll be clean. The heat uses the ammonia gas to get off the crud. — Don F., in Chesterfield, Virginia DEAR HELOISE: Why would a brother make a wooden wine rack as a gift for his sister’s wedding when the couple doesn’t drink? Was ...

DEAR ANNIE: It’s not a crime to still want to cling to blanky

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: I hesitate to write this because I’ve never seen anything like this subject in your column. I am a grown woman, mom and grandmother and still have a “blanky.” When I come home from work and walk in my bedroom and see the piece of the silk end, I immediately feel relaxed. I know this sounds crazy, but it gives me comfort. I wouldn’t call it a problem —more of an insecurity, maybe? I sleep with it, but it stays in my bedroom. I swear I’m a normal person! But I wonder if other grown adults have a childhood habit they still do today. — Still Need My ...

Understanding those food labels

Lifestyles

Metro Creative Nutritious food is necessary to sustain life, and that’s one reason why food packages contain lists of ingredients. But all ingredients are not created equal. A growing number of consumers desire greater transparency about the foods they are eating, including sourcing, ...

How to maintain your balance as you get older

Lifestyles

Metro Creative Fostering good balance is crucial for maintaining independence, staying active and preventing falls. According to West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. By building better balance, seniors can ensure that a minor trip ...