column
Staff Spotlight
Dena Sommer coordinates program for easing preschoolers into their first school experiences by Mary Jo David If you arrive at Smith Elementary at the same time as the students in the morning, you’re likely to see Dena Sommer smiling and greeting the children coming through the doors. Although a large part of her focus as […]
Bridge to Wellness
Turn mental health awareness into action by Sarah Wilczynski May is Mental Health Month, and this year, Mental Health America (MHA) is calling for individuals to turn mental health awareness into action. MHA is the nation’s leading, community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting overall mental health […]
Positive Parenting
For baby’s sake: Navigating conflict with compassion by Dr. Erin Clifton This column continues our series reviewing “And Baby Makes Three” by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This month, we explore Chapters Four and Five, which offer a roadmap for navigating conflict between new parents using kindness and clarity. From criticism to connectionLet’s face it: […]
Outreach in Action
‘Meal of the Month’ pilot focuses on healthy eating and cooking skills by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall Good, healthy eating starts in the kitchen, and a “Meal of the Month” pilot program, launched in March by Outreach, is giving participants a chance to eat well while honing their culinary chops. The program is benefitting […]
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, What do I do about a “double dipper” who attends our family functions? Nowadays, it seems people would be more attentive to not […]
Chasing Light: A journey through healing and resilience
by Tina Cole-Mullins May blooms, not just with flowers, but with a spotlight on mental health awareness. Over the years, I’ve found myself reflecting on the paths I’ve walked and the resilience I’ve built to navigate life’s challenges, one being Bipolar Disorder. This year, I aim to turn the spotlight onto Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—a […]
Rural Perspectives: Opossums called ‘Nature’s Sanitation Engineers’
by Diane Constable The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) may fluff itself up and give a frightening hiss while showing its 50 teeth, but it is all scare tactics. The opossum is harmless to humans. They are loners that live in urban and rural areas in abandoned burrows and logs throughout the eastern United States. It […]
Clyde’s Corner: Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. You are dearly missed!
Hello again, everyone. Since Mother’s Day is coming up, I thought I would reminisce about a few special memories that I shared with my mom. My mom was a sweetheart, unless you goofed around and heard her exclaim, “Get me a switch.” When this occurred (rarely, lol), I would go out and find the […]
WHERE’D ALL THE LEADERS GO?
Is student leadership taken for granted? What really goes into school activities? How much time is really spent making sure the school is covered in orange for Homecoming or dressed in black for Coming Home? Often, it’s the quiet leaders that make these projects happen. They spend hours toiling away just so the staff and […]
Active Aging: April is a month for renewal—personally and at SASC
by Stacey Mason I am, like many of you, looking forward to “real spring.” Real spring—in contrast with “fake spring” when a random 70-degree day shows up in March followed by 30 degrees, again! I want consistent sunshine, moderate temps, and flowers! For me, spring often brings to mind a new chance. Almost more so […]