The great Chuck Stone, legendary columnist for the Daily News in its halcyon years, used to run a regular section called “And the Angels Sing,” in which he reprinted some of the letters he would get. Sometimes, those letters could stir controversy.
This billboard could be viewed as controversial.
Below is how Jon Falk shot the 4th of July Parade a few weeks ago. Many more images than the ones seen were placed in the Wiley newsletter, a community publication he does monthly.
P.S. I shot the parade with two cameras. Both new Nikon Zfc models (cropped DX sensors). I rented one in
advance to learn it and bought one after becoming an expert. Ha! One had a 24-75mm zoom and the other
had a 75-375mm zoom (not too big or heavy). These VR lenses are just right for daylight work. No f:2.8’s need apply.
I turned the rear LCD screens in so neither camera allowed “chimping” or sucking the battery dry from over use.
I had only one battery for each camera. Then I set the cameras to P(rogram) which allowed me just to shoot by
normal eye level EVF use. Some people call it P(for professional). No buttons, switches, knobs or function controls
to get in the way. I essentially turned each camera into old school “film” camera versions (the SD card was the film.
All photography – no futzing, no distractions.
Back in the day we never knew a thing about what we had until back at the lab editing dry processed film. Same
for the parade day. I did not get a chance to review my images on either camera screen until I got back to my car where a
nice hydration cooler kit awaited. Car was parked in Wiley shade. It was 100 degrees during the parade. I had reached
my current physical limit by then. I had violated my own know your limits rule by then. Recovery time in the air conditioned
Wiley house, while kicked back in the leather living room lounger, commenced.
— J.F
Years ago, I started taking a photographs of torn and worn USA flags. It’s normal for flags to have a time to be retired for a number of reasons. Maybe the largest reason is wear and tear caused by outside elements like wind and rain.
This July 4th of 2026 will coincide with the 250 anniversary of the USA.
I’ve always felt photographs should be used along side editorial cartoons. The above picture could be used to make a statement about the state of this nation 250 years after its founding.
One of my neighbors really showed of his pride celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary this 4th of July.
Every year for the past 5 or 6 years I’ve started new fig trees from cuttings off my large tree on the south side of the house. I try to find folks who love figs and have the space for a tree which can get large over time. Years ago a neighbor gave me cutting from his tree. His tree came from a cutting someone gave to him.
Since I love my fig tree I want to propagate it as did others before me, I’m offering my “babies Up for adoption”.
An announcement from Jon Falk tells of his return to putting out the monthly Wiley Walk. The Wiley Walk is the email blog that is produced by Jon Falk, who is a resident and photographer at Wiley Mission in Marlton, NJ.
According to Jon the blog “It’s for residents who get out to see and do and remember. It’s for residents who get out to see and do, but might forget. It’s for residents who don’t get out to see and do, but will still see the good stuff they missed.”
He has had some serious medical issues but took his medicine and with the support of family and friends, plus his own determination is now “back on the streets” of Wiley Mission. Now, his monthly email newsletter will continue.
Photography by E.W. Faircloth
My community besides remembering veterans who died in active military service on Memorial Day 2026 also had a pool party, Because of rain forecasted the party was rescheduled to be held inside.
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 found pool opening on Saturday May 23, 2026 with rain falling just about all day. There was no on there when pool opened. I don’t know about later in the day which I doubt.
Memorial Day 2026 will be here in about 2 weeks. That’s the day the outdoor pool opens in my community. Those dark rectangles near the pool are 6 ft. pool chairs which can serve as size references/
After weeks not wearing my wedding band, I’m finally able to put it on again thanks to Robinson’s Family of Businesses in Salisbury MD. Both our wedding rings were handmade and one of a kind. They were made almost 50 years ago by a Philadelphia jeweler. About 8 months ago mine came apart in the back shank. I tried 3 local jewelry stores within 10 miles but nobody wanted to touch my ring. They felt their repair could compromise the ring futher. After months walking around a finger which seemed so sad and lonely with its longtime companion, I decided ask where to get the ring repaired. It’s was suggested I try Robinson’s. They have equipment to do the type of repair needed, a laser. I dropped about two weeks ago and it was ready today. The ring looks brand new and there’s no way for me or anyone else see the previous break in the rear. They told me it would cost about $60 dollars and that’s what I paid. Our 50th Anniversary is later this year and I would have paid $600 if need be.