features
Women of Note: Gwen Reid helps the community provide food, services, and compassion with a smile
by Mary Jo David Recognizing those who run Stockbridge Community Outreach is not easy. Everyone wants to remain in the background so Outreach as a whole can be recognized—and rightly so. Outreach does so much good in the community; the nearly 50 volunteers, including its board, all deserve recognition. But there’s something to be said […]
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 […]
Stockbridge Mayhem youth wrestling takes third in Mayhem Madness Tournament
by Melissa McPherson Over 500 wrestlers, from 43 different clubs in and around Michigan came to Stockbridge on Jan. 11 to compete in Mayhem Madness, the first ever MyWay tournament hosted by the Stockbridge Mayhem Wresting Club. The club, made up of students in grades K through 8, has experienced rapid growth since 2022, expanding […]
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, […]
Two new members sworn in to school board in January
compiled by Mary Jo David Introducing school board member James “Jimmy” Chapman Hello Stockbridge friends! I am one of the new board of education trustees. My appreciation of education could not be greater. For a portion of my over 20-year career in the construction industry, I was heavily involved with training. As a training instructor […]