Author Archive

Stores open, prices slashed, bonus dollars, later hours, payment plans, never better offers, and the hype continues from late summer through December. Before sales, after sales, lowest prices ever, and while we’re still celebrating one season, we’re shoved into the next. January, particularly in the Midwest, has a way of bringing the mayhem to a...
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Dear Santa Claus, Yes, I know you’re a very busy man in December and probably wondering why a woman my age would be writing you a letter. Sentimentality for one reason and a genuine fondness for the season is another. You charmingly represent that which is good in society. You’re for all ages, just watch...
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Love is a basic tenet of Christianity and Reverend Steve Barch has devoted his life to sharing God’s love with others. The paths of such a vocation have been varied, but the journey continues to offer him many opportunities to share the Good News. Reverend Steve was born in May of 1966 in Detroit, the...
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Interest in travel was introduced to me by my mother. My father was supportive, but not keen on seeing the world and didn’t understand the appeal. My mother was more of an armchair traveler although she did visit my sister in Germany and visited other European cities. For high school graduation, my parents gifted me...
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Plans commenced months ago. While not previously a faithful reunion attendee, I wanted to be part of our 45th high school class reunion. I also hoped to encourage some of my dearest classmates to be there so I began checking dates and called my friend Mary whom I’ve known since...
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Numbers can give reasons for unfavorable decisions, but they can’t tell the stories of how such decisions affect people’s lives. If the income is not enough to pay the bills, a business or agency closes, even when much good is generated from that facility. The numbers can explain the “why.”...
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Conversations with Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard and Rabbi Daniel Bogard are full of words like “amazing, caring, fortunate, warmly, welcoming” and others of similar sentiment. The energy between them is easy to sense as they describe their work, their aspirations, their marriage and son, Gavriel, and their personal interests....
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Dear Emma and Lili, When I think about you, my two angel granddaughters going to kindergarten, my heart just flip-flops. I remember vividly that exciting moment when your Papa and I were told we were going to be grandparents. And then about a month later, we were told another grandchild...
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Wisdom arrives more easily when I’m surrounded by silence. Early morning provides excellent opportunities for contemplation. A cup of coffee, a view of the rising sun, and reflections on times past are excellent components for soul searching. While such introspection is awkward for some, I enjoy the mental journey. As...
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Dying isn’t optional; living to the fullest is! When I was in grade and high school, my Dad insisted once the 4th of July was over, summer picked up speed. That meant I’d be back in a classroom much before I was ready. True about the school situation, but I disagreed...
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