Author: Solan Times Staff

A profound sadness has enveloped the Long Island community following the untimely death of 10-year-old Lazar LaPenna. The young boy passed away while participating in a Little League baseball game over the weekend. Lazar, a fourth grader who struggled with epilepsy, collapsed while running to first base during the game. A Heartfelt Tribute In a poignant interview, Lazar’s father, Gregg LaPenna, who also served as the team’s coach, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from the town. Lazar’s enthusiasm for baseball and his beloved Mets was well-known. What began as a typical game took a devastating turn when…

Dance, an enduring art form, often brings back cherished memories and evokes happiness. One such dance that encapsulates the spirit of the 1950s is “The Stroll.” The Simplicity and Charm of “The Stroll” First introduced on American Bandstand, “The Stroll” captivated audiences of the 1950s with its simplicity and inclusivity. Boys and girls would form two lines, creating an inviting aisle where they would stroll down in synchronized harmony. This dance was accessible to everyone, making it a favorite among teenagers of the era. A Nostalgic Glimpse A video from 1958, filmed in Idaho, perfectly captures the genuine joy and…

Michael J. Fox, renowned for his iconic role as Marty McFly in “Back to the Future,” recently reflected on his acting career and ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. Now 60, Fox has faced significant challenges due to his illness, which has made acting increasingly difficult. Adapting to New Realities As Parkinson’s disease progressed, Fox adapted his career, often portraying characters with similar conditions. He candidly shared that memorizing lines has become a daunting task, recounting an instance on “The Good Fight” when he struggled to recall his dialogue. Acknowledging these challenges, Fox now avoids roles with extensive dialogue, accepting and…

In a remarkable display of selflessness, Pastor Tim Jones from North Carolina made the life-changing decision to donate his kidney to Don Herbert, a friend he had met during a church fundraiser. Don was battling kidney failure and urgently required a transplant to survive. A Gift of Hope Pastor Jones felt a profound sense of duty to help Don, explaining that he wanted to offer him hope and a better future. After extensive tests and preparations, the transplant was successfully carried out at Duke University Medical Center. Unexpected Complications During the surgery, doctors made a surprising discovery: an aneurysm in…

Grandparents hold a unique and vital place in the lives of their grandchildren. As Joyce Allston aptly says, “Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child’s growth as vitamins.” Their role is multifaceted—combining the elements of parenting, teaching, and friendship. The presence of loving grandparents can significantly enrich a child’s upbringing, providing invaluable lessons and endless love. Erica Lusher’s Heartwarming Surprise A touching story that encapsulates the profound bond between grandparents and grandchildren is that of Erica Lusher and her son. The COVID-19 pandemic had kept them separated from Erica’s parents for an extended period, making the distance between…

Clint Eastwood, the iconic actor and filmmaker, has unveiled a dramatic episode from his past that eerily connects to one of his well-known films. At the age of 21, during World War II, Eastwood survived a harrowing naval plane crash in the Pacific Ocean. Reflecting on the incident, he shared, “I was catching a free ride from Seattle down to Alameda when the plane went down off Point Reyes, California. I found myself in the water, swimming miles towards the shore, thinking, ‘21 is not as long as a person wants to live.’” A Near-Death Experience During the crash, Eastwood…

At 20 years old, Camille Gottlieb bears a striking resemblance to her iconic grandmother, Princess Grace Kelly. Kelly, who had a short but illustrious career in Hollywood, epitomized the Golden Age of Hollywood with her grace and talent. Born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kelly was supported in her acting ambitions by her uncle, playwright George Kelly, and quickly rose to fame. Hollywood Stardom and Royalty During her Hollywood years, Grace Kelly starred alongside industry giants in notable films such as “High Noon” and “Mogambo,” earning critical acclaim and awards for her performances. By the age of 26,…

The #PolishedMan movement leverages a seemingly small gesture for a profound purpose. Men paint one nail to symbolize their support in the fight against violence toward women and children. This initiative has garnered support from notable figures such as Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron, significantly amplifying its reach and impact. Simple Participation, Significant Impact Participation in the #PolishedMan movement is straightforward: paint one nail and share it on social media using the hashtag #PolishedMan. This simple act has the potential to spark important conversations and raise awareness, signifying a commitment to fostering positive change. The Mission of #PolishedMan At its…

Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship is non-existent at the moment. The brothers have gone through a lot together, especially following the tragic passing of their mother, Princess Diana, and have always supported each other. However, now things are very different, as William and Harry aren’t even speaking following Harry and Meghan’s royal exit and everything that followed. As the title of his book suggests, Harry always felt that he was a “spare” in the royal family, not really a person of significance compared to his older brother, who has been trained to one day ascend the throne. No one…

Few names evoke the image of Hollywood’s larger-than-life characters quite like Michael Clarke Duncan. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, with a physique that made him the perfect fit for tough-guy roles, Duncan was a force to be reckoned with.But behind that imposing exterior was a gentle soul, an exceptional talent that continues to inspire performers and artists around the world. Known for his booming voice and contagious smile, Duncan left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. The Journey of a Dreamer Born in Chicago on December 10, 1957, Duncan grew up with a single mother who instilled…