Local group pitches in to ready longtime local resident for spring
by Patrice Johnson April 15, longtime local resident Dorene White, aged 98, received a helping hand preparing for warm weather from the Stockbridge Civil Defense (SCD), a group of like-minded individuals who support community. “Dorene personally designed her home and has lived there nearly 70 years,” Jackie Scheller, a member of SCD, said. The team […]
Bridge to Wellness: It’s May, and some people don’t know squat!
by Gary Hicks Squats are an extremely valuable and important exercise. They strengthen the muscles in the lower body and core. This translates to better balance, which can help reduce the tendency to fall. In addition, squats can improve the ability to climb stairs, stand from the sitting position, and get in and out of […]
A glance in the rearview mirror: May 1921—Prisoner plates. Lightning strikes. A non-squirting grapefruit.
by Mary Jo David The following excerpts are from May 1921 editions of the Stockbridge Brief-Sun newspaper. In general, these news excerpts are reproduced in the original, without edits or corrections. MICHIGAN NEWS FROM 1921: Manufacture Auto License Plates (May 5): At the Jackson State Prison, automobile license plates are now being manufactured by the […]
The handsome tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
by Diane Gray Constable This dapper bird with its steel blue back and snow-white front is one of the first songbirds to return to the Stockbridge area each spring. The open farm fields dotted with trees and ponds are a favorite habitat for them. When they arrive, they break out of their flocks and search […]
My childhood on the farm
by Dorothy Craft In 1945 when I was an infant, my father took on the job of dairy herdsman at the Westfall Farm on M-106 a couple of miles east of Stockbridge. My family lived there until I turned 16. I have such wonderful memories of my childhood: Bottle feeding baby lambs who’d been rejected […]
Staff Spotlight: Alexis Dyer: Strong hometown ties have led to a long career in the district
by Amy Haggerty Teaching middle school / junior high school students is one of the more challenging jobs in teaching, and Alexis Dyer has been doing this since 2003. She works with seventh and eighth grade students who are located in the renovated and specially designated area within the high school building. A hometown girl, […]
Day Care pays it forward
by Judy Williams What to do with the $25 prize money from the snow creature contest? This was the dilemma faced by five daycare kids. Sarah Williams, daycare owner suggested several options to the young contest winners. Should we split the money five ways? Buy some more toys and supplies for the daycare? Pay it […]
Local insurance agent recognized nationwide
Information adapted from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services news release Jon Fillmore, of Abbott & Fillmore Agency, is taking his place as a member of the 2021 Marketplace Circle of Champions. This achievement, from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), highlights Fillmore’s success in helping consumers enroll in and manage qualified health […]
5 Healthy Towns launches national search for new leadership
Information adapted from 5HF news release On March 30, 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) announced a national search for its next chief executive officer to succeed retiring CEO, Amy Heydlauff. “If you believe in the idea of prevention, this is a perfect position,” Ruth VanBogelen, chair of the search committee, said. 5HF is seeking […]
Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation’s first virtual fundraiser a success, raising over $19K
by Judy Williams The first Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation (SAEF) Festival of Tables virtual auction was a huge success. The weeklong event from March 20 to March 27 offered 196 items donated by various individuals and businesses. The proceeds from the auction, totaling $18,027, will be used by the foundation for scholarships and grants. One-hundred […]