column
Black-eyed peas and greens for New Year’s resilience, growth, renewal
by Alexa M. Ten Eyck Black-eyed peas and greens are often linked to the start of a new year, a tradition born in American agricultural and rural communities out of necessity. Both foods are valued for affordability and reliability. Black-eyed peas thrive in tough conditions. Cold-hardy greens, like collards, kale, and spinach, return early after […]
Faces of Addiction: From a drug court to a culture of recovery
by Tina Cole-Mullins (Editor’s Note: Faces of Addiction is a continuing series about people who experience drug addiction and the difficulty of recovery. By telling their stories, they hope to help others who are struggling and encourage them to seek treatment and healing.) Last month, we revisited the Wright family, reflecting on how recovery is […]
Positive Parenting: Recognizing creativity and the impact of ‘mind energy’ on shared tasks
by Tiffany Snyder The last time this column focused on creativity (SCN, October 2018 edition), we debunked the myth that creativity is inherited. Practicing a growth mindset, persevering through feelings of incompetence, and investing time in any pursuit will improve skills. Modeling use of our creativity develops self-directed, emotionally regulated, engaged, and connected children. Using […]
Clyde’s Corner: The ‘crash’ heard around Stockbridge, Munith and Gregory
by Clyde Whitaker This story begins about 50 years ago, on a cold, winter night in January 1975, on the ice-covered Michigan 106 road leading into Stockbridge from Munith. But first, let’s go back to September 1974. I had a great job at Libra Industries in Jackson and was making some decent money, enough so […]
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: It drives me crazy when people chew with their mouths open. Am I being too picky? Should I tell my friend to stop doing this? […]
Rural Perspectives: The tufted titmouse often found at feeders in winter
by Diane Constable The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) can be seen at local bird feeders year-round. The scientific name is very descriptive; it means “small tufted, two colors” in ancient Greek. They can be found everywhere east of the Mississippi. Favorite spots are woodlands, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. Not being a migratory bird, they often […]
‘The Wide Wide Sea’: Captain Cook expands England’s knowledge of the Pacific Islands and the Arctic Circle
by Don Porter In his book “The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact, and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook,” author Hampton Sides paints an interesting picture of Cook, who was renowned for his seamanship, and as a scientist and excellent cartographer (aka: map maker). Highly respected in England, by the Royal […]
Faces of Addiction
Season of recovery: A home for the holidays by Tina Cole-Mullins (Editor’s Note: Faces of Addiction is a continuing series about people who experience drug addiction and the difficulty of recovery. By telling their stories, they hope to help others who are struggling and encourage them to seek treatment and healing.) December isn’t just a […]
Superintendent’s Desk: Thank you for supporting the school bond
Dear Stockbridge Community School District, We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for supporting our recent bond initiative. Yourinvestment in our schools means a great deal to us, and we are committed to using theseresources responsibly while meeting the needs of our students and caring for our districtfacilities. Our goal is to address immediate […]
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 […]