Reading Between the Lines
If you like emo and vulnerability, ‘The Original Daughter’ is for you by Mary Jo David When you grow up with four sisters and only two brothers, you might think you’ve got the sister thing figured out. It’s never true. When you least expect it, one of them is bound to throw you a curveball. […]
Active Aging: Stockbridge area has plenty to celebrate during Senior Center Month
by Stacey Mason Does anyone else feel as though September came suddenly out of nowhere? How does time rush along as we age, yet creep when we’re younger and waiting for the next fun thing? September is a sentimental time for me. I was raised on a country dirt road until I was ten years […]
Rural Perspectives: Black swallowtail butterflies found in fields, parks, gardens
by Diane Constable The beautiful black swallowtail butterfly is a common visitor to wildflower gardens this time of year and is the state butterfly of Delaware. Papilio polyxenes is its scientific name. Pailio is Latin for butterfly, and polyxenes comes from Greek mythology, as it was the name of the youngest daughter of Priamos, the […]
Deductions in the new federal tax bill explained
by Cherie Van Blaircum On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law the sweeping tax code named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This law made permanent the tax code changes of 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), including the higher Standard Deduction amount, the Qualified Business Income Deduction, the State […]
Bridge to Wellness
Navigating the back-to-school transition: Managing emotions and setting yourself up for success by Kristen Chandler and Lauren Heidrich As summer winds down, the transition back into the busy routines of school can stir up a mix of emotions for students and parents. For some, there’s excitement about reuniting with friends and getting involved in activities […]
Outreach in Action: In its 16th year, Tide Me Over helps about 100 families each week
by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall As high food prices, tariff threats and SNAP benefit cuts loom over family food budgets, Stockbridge Community Outreach offers a ray of light with a program designed especially for kids from food insecure households. Now in its 16th year (with a COVID-induced break in 2020), the Outreach Tide Me […]
Voices of Service
Community is Key: Shannon Beutler’s Commitment to Serve by Melissa McPherson Shannon Beutler finds fulfillment in serving others. As a licensed Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) with the Unadilla Township Fire Department (UTFD), she responds to medical emergencies, accidents, and fires, providing medical assistance to residents, often on the worst days of their lives. “It’s about […]
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp nurtures Stockbridge talent
Compiled by Kate Fox Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp spans 1,600 acres within western Michigan’s Manistee National Forest and hosts more than 5,400 students. Each summer, attendees are immersed in music, art, dance, and theater at the camp. Four Stockbridge area students had the opportunity to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp to immerse themselves […]
Positive Parenting: Use intentional conversations to connect and engage with your teen
by Leanne Trapp Let’s face it, raising a teen is not for the weak. With all of the hormonal imbalances, mood swings, social challenges and changes happening in their lives, it can be extremely hard to connect with them. However, that is exactly what they crave. Connection. To feel included, heard, loved. They need real […]
Dear Gabbie: …
“Dear Gabbie” is written with the simple hope of bringing a few smiles to your day and is not meant to replace the advice of professionals… especially your mom! Dear Gabbie: Why do some people insist on leaving their shopping carts next to other people’s cars instead of putting them in the cart corrals? Dear […]