Rural Perspectives
Sunflowers both a garden favorite, major crop by Diane Constable The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a tall, bright yellow addition in our gardens and often is grown as a crop in our farm fields. It is native to North and Central America, where the indigenous people cultivated this plant more than 5,000 years ago, […]
Positive Parenting
Welcome back to school; we look forward to seeing more of you. by Cathy Payne August 1st seems to be the unofficial launch of the Back to School season. Stores have back-to-school sales to inspire students, parents, and teachers to have an amazing school year. This time of year also informally marks the end of […]
Outreach in Action
Don’t let ‘thinking traps’ sabotage your mental health by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall July’s Social Hour at Outreach started with a discussion of “Thinking Traps,” and how we sometimes sabotage our mental health by falling into them. Thinking traps? They’re common—they refer to negative actions like focusing more on our perceived failures rather than […]
Clyde’s Corner: Camping makes for years of family fun
by Clyde Whitaker We have my wife, Mary, to thank for this month’s topic. She suggested writing something about our camping experiences over the years. Good idea! Mary and I have been camping for many, many years, beginning when our kids were toddlers. We started out the usual way, with a tent and air mattresses, […]
Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia
Who is the ‘Steve’ mentioned in ‘Soul Man?’ by John Robinson Q: In the song “Soul Man,” who is the “Steve” that someone shouts out “play it, Steve?” A: That would be guitarist Steve Cropper, who plays guitar on both versions: Sam & Dave in 1967 and the Blues Brothers in 1979. Cropper also was […]
Obituary: Elsie Bailey
Elsie Bailey, age 97, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2024, at Safe Haven Assisted Living of Mason. Born on October 6, 1926, in Waldo, Kentucky, she was the beloved daughter of Elliott and Martha Wireman. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Mort Bailey; her parents; and her siblings, Roberta, Victor, Stella, Henry, […]
Death Notice for July
Mark I. Smith, age 95, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Wednesday July 3, 2024. James “Buddy” Harrison Hunter Jr., age 87, of Munith, Michigan, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. Sean M. Boyce, of Charlotte, MI, age 32, passed away on July 18, 2024. Jan Medina, age 64, of Jackson, MI, passed away […]
Bridge to Wellness: Music is great for mind, body, and social connections
by Jennifer Matthews, RN I don’t know about you, but my summer always has a soundtrack. Music is essential to my mind, body and soul. Scientific evidence shows that music is good for everyone’s health and well-being. Here is what the research tells us about the power of music. Music connects people. Historically, music has […]
Early voting has begun in Michigan’s primary election
by Mary Jo David Early voting for the August 6 primary is already underway. Early, in-person voting: Statewide, early in-person voting began on Saturday, July 27, and will run until Sunday, August 4. No early in-person voting is available on Monday, August 5, as precincts prepare for the Tuesday election. Important Note: For early, in-person […]
SCN’s Judy Williams places in national writing contest, again
by Agnes Geiger When you’re a news writer and reporter for your local newspaper, you don’t work for the glory. All you need is a favorable comment or two to keep going and the knowledge that you’ve done a good job in providing a service for your community. So receiving national recognition is a rare […]