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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 […]
Around the Open Air Market
Market Bucks return to support Stockbridge families and local vendors by Kristen Stromski Market Bucks are back, and with them, we bring even more opportunities this market season! Thanks to the generous support of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation and the Tri-County Office on Aging, Stockbridge community members have the exciting opportunity to receive Market […]
Clyde’s Corner: I love July! For me, it’s filled with so many memories.
by Clyde Whitaker Who doesn’t love July! The month holds some special memories for me, so I thought I’d share a few. One big memory in July was my dad’s birthday, July 22. Dad wasn’t a big party guy, but he did enjoy the special treats he received, not to mention all the hugs. He […]
Dear Gabbie
SCN’s “Dear Gabbie” column is not meant to replace the advice of professionals…especially your mom! Dear Gabbie: I have noticed people are much more free and loose about dropping the F-bomb and other swear words in conversation, and I’m trying to relax about that since it doesn’t seem to be going away. But the one […]
Positive Parenting: Transform a craft into a STEAM project with your child
by Kelsey Rasmussen “I want to help,” is a child’s invitation to be included in the meaningful work around him. Sometimes this means we won’t get loaded into the car on time, so we decide to do the task ourselves and skip the teachable moment. Other times, we slow down and let our child(ren) engage […]
Active Aging
Strong leadership builds strong communities: The dedicated SASC board of directors is a perfect example by Rachel Stanley Behind every successful community is a group of dedicated individuals working quietly and faithfully to guide its mission. At the Stockbridge Area Senior Center, that leadership comes from a deeply committed board of directors whose contribution ensures […]
Outreach in Action: Christmas in July donations double ability to help Outreach clients
by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall Almost 10 years since its inception, the annual “Christmas in July” matching donation drive is still going strong at Stockbridge Community Outreach. Beginning as a fundraising program exclusively financed out of the pockets of Outreach board members, the effort has grown from a match of $3,000 In 2017 to […]