Hillcrest neighborhood welcomes new American

Mandy Scudder had a two-for-one experience Friday at the Hillcrest Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade. It was her first Hillcrest parade to watch, and it was her first Fourth of July as an American citizen. "I feel privileged, and I feel blessed," said the native of South Africa who became a citizen Feb. 19. "I feel a mixture of both." Scudder was a participant in the parade as she marched with her family carrying an American flag. It was sometimes difficult to distinguish between the spectators and participants. As neighborhood parades go, the Hillcrest Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade may be the Macy's of them all. Almost anything that rolled -- bikes, wagons, strollers, tractors and classic cars -- was in the parade along with an American Kennel Club's who's who of dogs. All were festooned with red, white and blue... [read full story]