Alex Bends, a member of Circle of Friends, lives life with several disabilities. She is autistic, bipolar, and has Crohn’s disease, along with other challenges. After feeling broken and like the weird kid, she said everything changed for her when she found the nonprofit Circle of Friends. “Now I don’t have to wonder if someone’s out there, if someone understands me. Now I have … [Read more...]
The Times, They are A-Changin’
In my 15 years as mayor of Woodstock, and four years before that as a city councilman, I've never received as many questions about one issue as I do concerning the Morgan's Ace Hardware site. A week doesn't go by that the question isn't asked, "What's going to happen at the site?" or, "When is Morgan's moving out?" Here's the scoop: We don't know exactly when they are moving … [Read more...]
Here’s to a NEW YEAR!
Local Santa Appears in New Movie
A new holiday movie is available this season, and I had the opportunity to play Santa Claus in it. “Charlie’s Christmas Wish,” available on DVD at major retailers and on demand, is about a soldier, Sgt. Maj. John Frost, who is discharged and sent home a month early from his deployment. While he is happy to be home for Christmas, he discovers his wife, Jill, and son, Jimmy, … [Read more...]
Looking Forward to Brighter Days Ahead
December is here, and 2020 almost is over. It’s been a tough year that’s tested us in many ways, and yet I believe we’ve met the test well. As we prepare for the holidays, we’re all looking forward to better days in 2021. When 2020 began, we knew it would bring a presidential election and the usual related political strife. But, differences among the people in our nation … [Read more...]