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Paws and Claws: Your pet’s teeth, gums should be checked annually
by Cindy Anderson, DVM As concern for pets’ health has increased, so has our awareness of the importance of their dental health. Studies have revealed an obvious correlation between the health of our pets and oral disease. Animals with clean teeth live longer lives. As a way to focus on the importance of this often […]
Rural Perspectives: Turkey vultures return to our area in mid-March
by Diane Constable Although turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are not the prettiest birds, they perform a priceless function. The scientific name, which means “cleansing breeze,” points to the fact that they are the cleanup crew of the natural world and help prevent diseases. These birds are uniquely equipped to eat carrion as their main food […]
From free Thanksgiving Day dinners to coaching several Stockbridge sports teams, Erin Smith prides herself on giving back
by Hope Salyer The free Thanksgiving Day dinner has been a staple in the Stockbridge Community for years, providing a free, hot meal to community members in need or who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. For the past five years, one woman has overseen the planning and execution of this important annual event. While […]
Women of Note: Bonnie Davidson ensures Stockbridge teens and tweens have a place to thrive
by Mary Jo David Ask someone if they know Bonnie Davidson, and the first thing you’ll hear back is likely something along the lines of “Oh, I know Bonnie; she’s so nice. And she does so much for the kids.” Nice is great, but it’s her work with the kids that makes Davidson such a […]
Women of Note: Betti Wetherell makes sure area seniors have a place to go for meals and camaraderie
by Terry Sommer Leaving their home in Trenton in 1997, Betti Wetherell along with her husband, Edward, and their children Terry, Ronnie, and Lisa, became Stockbridge Township residents. After the family settled into their new home, Betti and Ed became active in helping the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce by focusing on the Day in […]
Staff Spotlight
Parapro Amy Van Schoiack loves being part of a family of helpers by Mary Jo David Amy Van Schoiack is coming up on 15 years as a paraprofessional with Stockbridge schools. She began her career at Smith Elementary and is currently a longtime parapro at Heritage School. Parapros work alongside educators to help maintain a […]
Women of Note: Exercise and gardening keep Nancy Cooper grounded
by Judy Williams Nancy (Wise) Cooper, a resident of the Gregory area since 1968, is known by gardeners all over the state for her beautiful daylily garden, but she is much more. She is a kind and bighearted person who works as a volunteer and has touched the lives of many students. Growing up in […]
Bridge to Wellness: The alphabet soup of nutrition services
by Sarah Wilczynski Research shows that nutrition can greatly impact our physical and mental health, so it’s important to make healthy food choices. These include choices that provide us with energy and proper nutrients, choices that leave us feeling full and satisfied. This can be hard, and it’s easy to get lost in the alphabet […]
Outreach in Action
TEFAP vs. First-Friday CSFP (for seniors) food distributions explained by Michelle Lantz The February “Outreach in Action” column contained erroneous information with regard to the differences between TEFAP and the First-Friday CSFP food distribution for eligible senior citizens (at Stockbridge Community Outreach). Michelle Lantz, CEO of the Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) has provided clarifying […]
Take time to be still and learn to live with yourself
by Jill Ogden Winter brings limitations, making it more difficult to get around. The days are shorter and the lack of sunlight is known to factor into depression. But winter can serve a purpose in providing time to regroup. It’s a time to prepare for the excitement of the birth of spring and the bounty […]