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Reading between the Lines
Can’t Go Wrong with Vera Wong by Jessica Martell Vera Wong is one of the most charismatic, outrageous and lovable characters in contemporary fiction. Set in a fading corner of Chinatown in present-day San Francisco, “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a laugh-out-loud murder mystery featuring a victim who had it […]
Camping or glamping—the choice is yours
by Mary Jo David After many enjoyable years of tent camping and then pop-up camping, our kids grew up, and we morphed into cushy campers, meaning we switched gears to trailer camping with real walls and a television! Some may consider our current mode of fifth-wheel camping as “glamping,” but if you’ve ever seen celebrity […]
Woah Nellie!
What happens overnight in the kitchen stays in the kitchen! by Mary Jo David Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Well—not exactly a chicken dinner, but something that could maybe go with a chicken dinner. This month’s 100-year-old recipe is Nellie Maxwell’s “Potato Pancakes (Russian)” from the May 3, 1924, edition of the Stockbridge Brief-Sun. And I […]
From Small Town to the Sun: Stockbridge FFA Students Launch Satellite to Capture Solar Eclipse
by Eliana Johnson For Stockbridge High School senior Jason Gruber, studying space isn’t a simple hobby; it’s a complete and utter obsession. Gruber always has loved space. The mysticism, untold stories, and endless opportunities waiting to be discovered have constantly drawn him in. “It’s always been fascinating because you never hear stories about students doing […]
Active Aging: 3-Week Dementia Caregiver Series begins in June at SASC
by Christine Histed, Tri-County Office on Aging Have you ever wondered what the difference is between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, and simply put, dementia is an overall term for a group of symptoms related to memory difficulties. Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific disease that causes brain changes that result […]
Bridge to Wellness
Mental health issues: Recognizing signs, symptoms and strategies for coping by Jennifer Matthews May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, which was established in the U.S. in 1949 to help expand awareness and decrease the stigma associated with mental health issues. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings, both locally and […]
Clyde’s Corner: Rediscovering a special ‘Everyday Diary’ from 1936
by Clyde Whitaker Well, admittedly, I don’t think I can top my story from last month about my grandfather, but this story is special, too. It’s about a local educator from long ago—Emma L. Smith—and her beloved 1936 diary. Many, many years ago, my mother-in-law, Alice McGinn, was at a garage sale in Chelsea and […]
Rural Perspectives
Fleabane daisies are tiny, tall, and prevalent in spring by Diane Constable Native plant Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) blooms in late spring and is found in fields, recently disturbed areas, and along our roadsides. The fleabane belongs to the composite family of flowers and is related to asters. The white rays, or outer flowers, are […]
Positive Parenting: Ensure your kids don’t lose learning momentum this summer
by Will Bower The air is warmer and the days are longer, which means the end of the school year is coming! This change can be joyful for students but can also bring challenges. Here are some ideas for young people to make the most of the summer months. Find a couple that fit your […]
Outreach in Action
“I need help.” These words hold so many meanings. by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall “I need help.” Difficult words to say—and hear—but common words heard in the Stockbridge Community Outreach office. Sometimes the words indicate someone needs a financial hand with utility bills or filling their food needs, but other times, these words mean […]