Back in 1976, when I was 12 years old, the nation celebrated its 200th anniversary in so many amazing ways. I remember my parents telling me, early in the year, that it would be a…

A participation prize??? All I won was a lousy participation prize??? I believe I was the only adult who participated in the July 4 sandcastle building contest on our beach today. For sure, I can…

Why is Patti Grumpy and why is she speaking out at public meetings? Check out my latest essay, below: At 62, I have finally – FINALLY – become a loudmouthed badass. And that’s Ms. Badass…

This is just a friendly reminder: Just because Pride Month is over, it doesn’t mean we stop celebrating our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community. A few years ago, I met a new business owner who…

“I bought a new pair of skates today,” Dad told me. “Good!” I was happy to hear that my then-60-something year old father was joyfully planning to continue playing ice hockey. “These will be the…

Robyn Limberg’s path to becoming a veterinarian started when she was a child and her family dog, Greta, got hit by a car. Luckily, Greta survived, but only thanks to the skill of a Marine…

When Sadie Russell walks into a classroom, she knows she is needed. For the past seven years, Russell has served as a volunteer through the Foster Grandparent Program administered by the Council on Aging, Serving…

I was in high school, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in 1978 when a friend first came out as being gay to my circle of friends. He was open about his attraction to other…

“I think I want to see my name on the Stanley Legacy Wall someday.” So said the 14-year-old granddaughter of a community leader whose name already appears on the legacy wall that honors leaders in…

It appears my life has finally reached the third act of a three-act play. Okay, so, no, I’m not announcing anything here. You’re still stuck with Patti Samar for, well, as long as I continue…