Columns

    One of the absolute joys of living in this part of western Michigan is the abundance and variety of birds. There are few experiences as magnificent as getting up while it is still dark to go for even a…

As millions of Americans head off to work each morning, balancing family budgets, worrying about rising costs, paying taxes, and trying to keep their businesses afloat, there is one group of people who seem to operate under a completely different…

“Eagles don’t flock – you have to find them one at a time.” -H. Ross PerotIf you’ve never had the opportunity to witness Charles Collins tickling the ivories of the Klais Organ, you’ll want to make plans to attend his…

While remembering quite vividly the last parish directory we received, I noticed that many of our fellow parishioners have died, many have moved away, some no longer attend mass, and a number of new people have joined the parish. In…

I used to think alcoholism was the biggest problem facing Americans. Along with drugs it certainly is a disease that affects many of us. However, mental health is a much bigger problem and when you combine it with alcohol. you…

   I always find it a bit amusing when someone, especially one of the talking heads from almost any news station has a hissy fit about what they call ‘revisionist history.’  They change their tone of voice to make it…

For decades, politicians from both parties have defended the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with the same promise: targeted incentives and subsidies will attract jobs, revive communities, and create prosperity. It sounds appealing. If government can selectively help businesses expand, why…

“You can not push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb a little.” -Andrew CarnegieThis June I’ll be starting a new adventure at Beacon Health Care. I mentioned several weeks ago about the “Heart Healthy” program I…

I was recently talking with the daughter of a good friend who has passed and she indicated that she was looking forward to seeing her dad again in heaven when she got there. It reminded me of the belief that…

I recall straight news; newscasters survived only if they were deemed trustworthy and reliable es. That’s why we loved Walter Cronkite plus the pair Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.Even Paul Harvey billed his daily radio show as news and commentary.“All…

I often seek out thought provoking words of wisdom on the internet. Just last week I came across this (by anonymous) and thought I would share it with you. It might not mean much to those that are in their…

“Luck is the residue of design.” -Branch RickeyBuddha was not a Buddhist….Jesus was not a Christian….Muhammad was not a Muslim….They were teachers who taught Love….Love was their Religion.This next Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. On this day we honor…

It seems part of Christian faith that all men and women, sooner or later must make a choice to follow Jesus or not to follow Jesus, to do our best to conform to his teaching the best we can or…

By Scott Sullivan,EditorWater MusicLast week’s Part 3 of our tentatively-titled “Tangram/Canary” series left off with developers Johnny Walker, of Tangram LLC, and his Enclave project near-neighbor Joe Novakowski, COO of Elzinga & Volkers builders, sharing differences near the end of…

Memorial Day Monday, May 25 this year, is nigh upon us. Don’t mistake it for the Fourth of July, when our nation’s 250th birthday will deservedly be feted later in 2026, or Veterans Day Nov. 11 each year.Memorial Day began…

Editor’s Note: I thought I would use my space to sometimes contributor, Jeffrey Brasie. As a Vietnam veteran, he offers a movie, book and TV show that honor best those that served. By: Jeffrey D. Brasie, M.A,This coming Monday, May…

“Show me a thoroughly satisfied man, and I will show you a failure.” -Thomas EdisonIt’s still a month away, but this is something you’ll want to mark down on your kitchen calendar, especially if you are into Pickleball. The Three…

One of the things successful people do is to set long term goals. Even nations set five- or ten-year goals and then make plans to make them happen. Everyone from huge corporations to governments to individuals set long term goals…

Conspiracy theorists have taken time off from party, gender and the usual run of politics to resummon and oldie-but-goodie, UFOs.Given the rancor and stridency such said-hot-buttonConsidering some of the other hot-button topics of sure to generate ranting and rancor, flying…

If anyone still doubts whether one vote matters, they need only look to what happened last Tuesday in Hopkins, a school district in Allegan County. In what some say was a record turnout, a bond issue did not pass because…