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Methodical mentorships

Local Columns

Rough weather weekends in January which keep me off the ice often have me planning out adventures for the months to come, but they also give me an opportunity to look ahead for those times I can share the outdoors not only with my kids, but the next generation of hunters and anglers who might not otherwise get the opportunity to get out there in pursuit of fish or game. While such an endeavor can seem monumental, when kept incremental or done with the help of other experienced anglers, shooters or hunters, the mentoring process can come with greater ease, especially once you’ve got a ...

Let’s come together

Local Columns

It always inspires me when I experience it. While having a coffee chat recently, I was sitting with a pal and we were, obviously, solving all the issues surrounding us. As people entered the coffee shop, they would smile as they heard our amazingly intelligent talk. Every once in awhile, someone would actually join our scatter brained discussion, and the laughs multiplied. The ongoing humor was outstanding, and it dawned on me it was happening again. What was that “it?” We were coming together. Naturally, we knew some of the folks who would briefly join our conversation, but ...

The purse

Community Voices

Astronomers tell us that somewhere out in the vastness of space there are curious objects known as black holes. Formed during the collapse of super-huge stars, these things are so massive and their gravity so intense that nothing — not even light or Harry Houdini — can escape the clutches of their immense gravity. When I first heard about black holes, I got that funny feeling called déjà vu. This is because I thought that they were describing my wife’s purse. If women are an enigma wrapped in a mystery, then their purses fall into the realm of the unknowable. As any married ...

The emotional hurdles of retirement

Local Columns

Retirement is often seen as the long-awaited reward for decades of hard work — a time to relax, travel and enjoy life on your own terms. Yet for many, the transition into retirement brings unexpected emotional challenges. While financial preparation is critical, it’s just one part of the equation. As a financial adviser, I’ve seen firsthand how addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement can be just as vital in helping clients thrive in this new chapter of life. Redefining identity and purpose. For many, work isn’t just a paycheck, it is a source of ...

Anniversary of Star Trek brings back basement memories

Community Voices

Sometimes I’m surprised by parade units in the Tournament of Roses Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It might be a band from the Upper Midwest, a new giant balloon, a colorful float or some other attraction. There’s usually at least one surprise each year. Earlier this month the Rose Parade included a float commemorating one of my favorite childhood television shows. It’s the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, 60 years since the Enterprise first appeared on television screens. I was a big fan of Star Trek reruns in the late 1970s. I was a Trekkie. I had the Enterprise play ...

Country School Kids – Verlane Willard Ross and Lois Willard Giles – Play and work on the farm

Local Columns

We have begun learning about Verlane and Lois Willard growing up with their three sisters on their farm in Sodus Township, Lyon County. The Willards had a large farmhouse, but sleeping quarters were tight with their Grandma Willard living with them. (Lois) “Iva and I always shared a bedroom. (Verlane) Fran, Fern, and I always slept together. There were three of us in bed and Grandma’s (room) was down the hall to the right. (Lois) Mom and Dad’s bedroom was downstairs.” The Willard sisters enjoyed played together. (Verlane) “We’d play in the grove in the summertime. ...