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Reading Between the Lines
‘The Frozen River’ is part history and part mystery; a great addition for your ‘to be read’ pile by Mary Jo David I admit to being hesitant when I selected “The Frozen River” as my next new read. I don’t know whether to blame reader apathy on my part or overhyping by book clubs and […]
Staff Spotlight: First grade teacher Corinne Clouse helps her students turn pint-size wins into big wins
by Mary Jo David First grade teacher Corinne Clouse is new to Smith Elementary and new to teaching, but she already feels she’s right where she needs to be. “I love my students at this age. They’re still in love with school and it’s wonderful to see the light in their eyes when they have […]
Bridge to Wellness: A holiday reflection for all, compliments of Charles Dickens
by Sarah Wilczynski As we enter into the holiday season, it’s important to reflect on what’s most important to us, remember all we are thankful for, and spread kindness to all around us. To give space for this reflection, take a moment to read this timeless excerpt from Charles Dickens’ short Story “What Christmas is […]
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: I’m pregnant and strangers think nothing of reaching out and touching my tummy. Is this normal, because it sure gives me the creeps! Dear […]
Active Aging
‘Go places and do things’: Building a good life by Alexa Ten Eyck A loved one frequently shared some simple advice for finding a good life:“Go places and do things.” The idea is gentle but powerful: A good life is not imagined in a single moment; it’s built by new experiences that encourage engagement with […]
SPD’s new interim police chief is leading search for permanent chief
by Melissa McPherson John Tyler stepped into the role of interim chief for the Stockbridge Police Department just three weeks ago, but he is no stranger to small-town police work. He brings with him more than two decades of law enforcement experience and a desire to strengthen the connections in our community. Tyler has been […]
Rural Perspectives: The garter snake hibernates in groups during winter
by Diane Constable The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is non-venomous and one of the most common snakes found in our area. It prefers to live near a water source and can be found in fields, grasslands and lawns. It is cold-blooded, and hibernates during the winter, often in large groups. If frightened, a garter […]
Positive Parenting: Why toddlers lie and how to respond
by Dr. Erin Clifton I remember when my oldest was 3 years old and told his first lie. I immediately called my sister, excited about this intellectual stage of development. It wasn’t deliberate deception, but more of an untruthful statement. According to “A Parent’s Guide to Lying and Age-Appropriate Consequences” on parents.com, research shows children […]
Outreach in Action
New bipartisan legislation introduced in Michigan to address water affordability and access by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall “I can’t afford to keep my house.” Heartbreaking words, spoken by a client to Gwen Reid, Stockbridge Community Outreach director, in early November as the client faced elevated water and heating bills, along with a rise in […]
Adrenaline and vigilance paved the way for Kensington winter fun
by Andrea Stickney How did we ever find that toboggan hill in Kensington? We didn’t. We made it, along with a growing number of winter snow enthusiasts, until the broken arms and legs, not to mention threatened lawsuits, shut it down. But that was only temporary. Some things are meant to be, and the hill […]