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Reading Between the Lines: In ‘Shelterwood,’ alternating timelines eventually lead to a satisfying conclusion
by Mary Jo David Shelterwood was picked for me. That is to say, upon agreeing to lead the next month’s book club discussion, I thought it best to read the book first! Although I was familiar with author Lisa Wingate, I was not aware of this particular book in her list of works. In fact, […]
Staff Spotlight: For Stockbridge school bus driver Meredith McManaman, keeping kids safe is non-negotiable
by Mary Jo David Many things stood out while interviewing school bus driver Meredith McManaman, but the most notable is that, in the life of a bus driver, every minute counts. McManaman drives Bus 17-04, better known to younger kids in the Stockbridge School District as the “Lion” bus. She starts her day at 5 […]
Bridge to Wellness: Wellness Coalition pursues feedback and ideas, announces new board members
by Matt Pegouskie In January, 37 community members joined Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC) to learn more about what the coalition does, its history, and how people can get involved with coalition planning and activities. The evening started with pizza from four different restauranteurs in the Stockbridge service area and music provided by Paul Crandall. […]
Rural Perspectives: Found mostly year round, common song sparrows are quite melodious
by Diane Constable The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is our most common native sparrow—and most vocal. Its scientific name is ancient Greek for “song finch, melodious.” This sparrow is found throughout the country—with some variations in appearance—in more than 30 known subspecies across North America. Those in our area have a streaky breast with a […]
Outreach in Action: Meal of the Month is back by popular demand
by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall “We tried it, they liked it, so we’re doing it again!” –Cindy Ashley, Outreach pantry coordinator In 2025, Outreach piloted a monthly cooking program for five months, inviting 30 regular Outreach pantry shoppers to join this Recipe-of-the-Month cooking club—now fondly referred to as “Meal of the Month.” The effort […]
Clyde’s Corner
‘Dad, I cut my hand’: A summer to remember in 1967 by Clyde Whitaker My story this month should resonate with all of you who worked on the Krummrey Farm in Stockbridge at one time or another, while providing insight to others not familiar with life on a muck farm. In the summer of 1967, […]
Matters of the Heart
Linda and Gary Topping celebrate 50 years and a family farm legacy by Mary Jo David “Party at the Red Light! Be there or be square!” How many times did Stockbridge teens in the ’70s utter those words? “Mention the Red Light to anyone from our era in Stockbridge, and they’ll know exactly what you […]
Matters of the Heart
Gary and Roberta Ludtke: College sweethearts celebrate 50 years of marriage by Joan Tucker In 1972, Roberta and Gary Lutdke met at Alma College in Michigan. Roberta majored in education and Gary in business. One day, Roberta and her roommate wanted to meet the handsome young men on the other side of the campus, so […]
Woah Nellie!
‘Jam Coffee Cake’ is just the ticket for winning over your Valentine by Mary Jo David Woah Nellie continues to focus on recipes found in community cookbooks in our area. And at the risk of showing my age, I admit that today I became sad thinking how future generations may never know the joy of […]