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The finger of fate

The campy 1980s fantasy classic “Willow” was one of my favorite movies growing up. I’d think it’s more so my brother’s favorite in the genre, as he often quotes a number of the memorable lines from it whenever he feels I need to be put in check on the water or in the field. Beyond those jabs in the film which have become cult classics among its fans, however, there’s an endearing and enlightening moment in the show where the town wizard, known as the High Aldwin, is seeking an apprentice and holds up his hands to the candidates, including the title character, asking each of ...

Forty-five Valentine’s Days

A crucial national holiday is looming on the horizon. Ignoring this holiday could imperil your current and future happiness, especially if you’re a guy. Valentine’s Day is a boon for the greeting card, floral, and jewelry industries. Sales could be tripled if their stores’ sound systems played “Mandy” by Barry Manilow on a continuous loop. One guy, after hearing that sap-drenched song for the first time, said, “It made me want to call all of my old girlfriends and beg them for forgiveness.” I mentioned that quote to my wife and she replied, “You darn skippy he ...

Updates, highlights at Marshall Public Schools

As we begin the second half of the school year, I want to share an update on the many things happening across Marshall Public Schools. January has been a month filled with student achievement, staff dedication, and continued progress toward our district’s goals — even as we work through difficult financial decisions. Districtwide update: Budget reductions Over the past year, we have been transparent that budget reductions would be necessary without a successful referendum vote. These decisions are not taken lightly and have been made with much consideration. Every position and ...

Turning retirement dreams into travel realities

One of the most rewarding aspects of retirement is the opportunity to reclaim your time and invest it in pursuits that bring joy, fulfillment, and personal growth. For many retirees, travel is not just a leisure activity but is a long-held aspiration and a central part of their vision for this next chapter of life. If traveling in retirement is on your to-do list, the following considerations can help you evaluate your options and build a strategy that supports your desire to explore the world on your financial terms. Be strategic about timing. When it comes to retirement travel, ...

On the Porch

This year, the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial” of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation. “America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imaging what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to ...

Country School Kids – Verlane Willard Ross and Lois Willard Giles – Beginning school at District 84

We have been learning about Verlane and Lois Willard growing up with their three sisters on their farm in Sodus Township, Lyon County. Beyond their extended family and church community the other, major social experience in the Willard girls’ lives involved attending their country school. Verlane explained how she began school early. “My country school days began at the age of five. My older sister, Iva, refused to go another year by herself unless I went too. I was ready to go and was ready to run home after school. Iva made me walk with her. She was three years older, so what ...