features
Fresh Food Initiative Plans to Increase Quantities
by Karen Smith Although the Fresh Produce distribution doesn’t officially begin until 5 pm, the parking lot at Jeruel Baptist on April 13th was full at 4:30 and masked, hardworking volunteers started filling cars with pre-packed boxes. By 5:12 pm, all 125 boxes had been given away. Unfortunately, some went away empty-handed. Previous distributions at […]
Community shares in a ‘Show of Love & Support’ for Ralph and Chris Sally family
by Tina Cole-Mullins On Sunday, April 26, at a time of social distancing, an emotional celebration of love and support sprang forth to honor Ralph Sally of Stockbridge. The big-rig horn blasts could be heard for country miles as the community joined together for a “gravel-train parade.” “It was definitely bittersweet and emotional,” shared Sally’s […]
Superintendent Karl Heidrich’s decision to postpone retirement provides stability in trying times
by Amy Haggerty Karl Heidrich, superintendent for Stockbridge Community Schools, made an honorable decision this week when he rescinded his previously announced retirement decision. Instead of retiring this June, as planned, he will stay on as superintendent for the 2020-2021 school year. A notice was distributed to school staff by school board president Carrie Graham […]
StockBIZ: During the COVID pandemic, small markets have a big presence in the area
by Mary Jo David Now, more than ever, it’s easy to see how Stockbridge area markets are considered “essential businesses.” With no grocery store in the immediate area, residents of Stockbridge and the surrounding communities are relying on the smaller markets during this COVID-19 pandemic to provide them with much-needed supplies. Since March 23, when […]
Stockbridge native, no stranger to trauma, serves on COVID-19 team
by Patrice Johnson Watching somebody walk into the hospital under their own power and then completely decompensate in just a matter of hours to the point of requiring the placement of a breathing tube connected to a ventilator is very sobering. Despite mechanical ventilation, many of these people simply can’t get oxygen into their lungs, […]
I need a word
by Mary Lou Clifton Calling all wordsmiths. I need a new word. It needs to be a feeling word. Here I am in week four or maybe week ten of sheltering in place, and I’m feeling how? I don’t know how I’m feeling. I need a new word. Throughout my life I’ve felt the feels […]
Deanna Kruger: Ready, willing and a force of nature
by Jo Mayer “…in all difficult times our community rallies and does what it does best – help each other.” –Deanna Kruger Deanna Kruger is no stranger to serving her community, even in strange times like these. From helping to organize the Community Thanksgiving Dinners to instigating and coordinating the Stockbridge light pole decorating contests […]
Acts of selflessness: Kim Reid personifies the phrase
by Karen Smith “This is what 288 yards of elastic looks like,” Kim Reid said. “It’s so much bigger than I was expecting, If you are making masks that you are donating to those in need and have run out of elastic give me a holler, and I’ll cut you off a hunk.” That’s just […]
Staff Spotlight: Sue Gasieski fills the hearts and tummies of Smith elementary students
by Amy Haggerty Preparing lunches for hundreds of elementary students is not an easy task. Cooking is just a small part of the responsibility. Just ask Sue Gasieski. She does it all—maintaining students’ lunch accounts, receiving money, preparing and serving the food, and operating the different kitchen equipment, all while following government guidelines. This isn’t […]
Stockbridge ‘Home Town’ video competes for HGTV prize
by Tina Cole-Mullins “Some call it a one-horse town Some call it rural I’ve called it my only home since I was a tiny girl To me it is perfect…the best place in this world.” So began Marsha (Allen) Williams’ poetic introduction in a video submission about Stockbridge for a contest entry to Home & […]