Writers learn to follow leads for stories. I wrote this article about Scott Elzey for Collector News magazine after a friend had told me about Mr. Elzey’s tree with a bicycle hanging in it at the end of his lane to his home. Yes, a bicycle hangs among the branches of his big hackberry tree.... Continue Reading →
Paul Zurcher– Christian Businessman Extraordinaire
Paul Zurcher might be 88 years old, but he is still considered a national leader in his field of industry, namely the tire business. The way he learned to be a successful businessman and help others see their dreams come true was inspiring. It was a pleasure and honor to interview him this past summer... Continue Reading →
Family shows love through car restoration
This is a sweet story about Kenny Edwards and what his family did for him one Father's Day. This story appeared in the Summer issue of Senior Living, pub'd by the Bluffton News-Banner. Kenny Edwards of Zanesville always wanted an antique car. “I was not loyal,” he said. “Any kind of old car would... Continue Reading →
First Church of Christ assists families with Back-to-School Needs
Here is a great way for churches to minister to families at the beginning of a school year. If it's too late to get something going at your church, focus on a single family who needs help and assist as you're able. God will bless your efforts. Students needing backpacks and supplies for the beginning... Continue Reading →
Zach Bertsch Fights Cancer with Grace, Faith
Writing this story was a challenge for me. I’ve never met Zach Bertsch; we did the interview via phone. But he is the same age as my daughter and to think of what he has come up against causes me to experience a myriad of emotions – anger, fear, doubt. I don't understand why Zach... Continue Reading →
Mark Weinert- Norwell High School teacher and world traveler
“My philosophy is that each kid in my classes is worth my time and effort,” said Mark Weinert, biology and chemistry teacher at Norwell High School (NHS). “I give them my best attention even if I don't feel well or they don't earn great grades.” Weinert has taught biology and chemistry at NHS since 1988.... Continue Reading →
Mandy & I Present Demonstration of the Culture of Indonesia
Last night my daughter Mandy & I presented a talk/demo about Indonesia to patrons of the Wells County Public Library. We showed Indonesian items Mandy has brought home and talked about the importance of crafts in that culture. I then showed some of the crafts middle school students made with me for my book, Recipe... Continue Reading →
Judy Clausen- Value of Exercise
This story of a friend appeared in a new publication, Sr Lifestyle. It is a powerful of the effectiveness of regular exercise. Do you exercise regularly? What have been benefits to you of regular exercise? ** When Bluffton resident Judy Clausen began walking for her health 37 years ago, she had... Continue Reading →
Thanks to the US Military!
It may sound like a cliché, but I am VERY proud to be an American! Yes, we have our problems, but we are still the greatest country on earth. Today I listened to the moving song, ‘God Bless the USA.’ The accompanying video moved me to tears with photos of the twin towers, soldiers... Continue Reading →
Angela Witte and her best friend
This is a story about 2 people who have a special relationship. Read it and see if you don't feel good inside because of their love for each other. They call each other “besties” This is not a referral to a pair of tweens who tweet and send numerous Facebook posts to each other. Cathy... Continue Reading →