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‘Boy Scouts’ is now ‘Scouting America’ and includes a Family Scouting concept
by Judy Williams Big changes have come to boy scouting. One of the biggest changes is in the name: “Boy Scouts of America” is now “Scouting America.” This change reflects scouting being more inclusive and geared to the entire family. The local Cub Scout Pack 768 will now be known as a Family Pack 768 […]
Clyde’s Corner
‘I miss you, Phil’: A tribute to an old friend by Clyde Whitaker All of us at one time or another have had people in our lives whom we admired—people who inspired us. I have been blessed to have many people around me to help me navigate this journey we call life. Phil Gladstone is […]
Around the Open Air Market
Time flies! The 2026 market season has reached its midpoint. by Kristen Stromski How is it already August? My, how time flies when you’re having fun! August officially marks the halfway point of the market season, which runs from May to October. Important Note: Due to road construction, for the rest of this season, the […]
Reading Between the Lines
‘Purple State’ is a campaign for unity by Jessica Martell In 2007, Dana Perino made history when she became the first Republican woman to serve as the White House press secretary. Since then, she has worked as a political commentator and written several nonfiction bestsellers. This year, Perino made her fiction debut with “Purple State,” […]
Positive Parenting: Adults, too, can benefit from making time for play
by Tiffany Snyder A “therapeutic outlet” is adult verbiage for “play,” and chances are, we can all benefit from more of it! Here are some healthy activities that help regulate our nervous system, process emotions, and relieve stress: These types of play are necessary for the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of all generations, especially […]
Superintendent’s Desk: Looking forward to an incredible school year at Stockbridge Community Schools
As we prepare to welcome our students back on the first day of school, I want to take a moment to share how excited and grateful I am to begin this school year as superintendent of Stockbridge Community Schools. It is such an honor. When people ask me why I have dedicated my career to […]
Rural Perspectives: Common chicory a favorite of bees and butterflies
by Diane Constable Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a non-native perennial herb plant that can be found along our roadsides, fallow land, waste areas, and sometimes lawns. Its base leaves and deep taproots resemble its close relative, the dandelion. The flower stems can grow up to 6 feet tall with flowers spaced vertically along the […]
Outreach in Action
Donor-advised funds: Another way to benefit Outreach while reducing your tax burden by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall In June’s column, we explained the pros and cons of qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), noting one big limitation: QCDs can only be used by those over 70.5 years old. This column explains an alternative—called donor-advised funds (DAFs)—which […]
Rural Perspectives: Duckweed a tiny plant without true stems or leaves
by Diane Constable Duckweed (Lemna minor) is neither a duck nor a weed but is the tiniest flowering plant we have. It is found floating on the surface of slow-moving or still lakes, marshes, and ponds, where it can form large colonies of bright green vegetation. This is a plant with no true stems or […]
Reading Between the Lines
Take a gamble and give ‘Doc,’ by Mary Doria Russell, a try by Mary Jo David “Bein’ born is craps … How we live is poker.” (Doc Holliday to Morgan Earp in “Doc.”) The very reason some people don’t join book clubs is the very reason why maybe they should. By that I mean, I […]