Recently I walked to the new riverfront park for the first time since its opening in April. I had every intention of going to a quiet place to read. I placed my book on the bench — and never picked …

My sister Adele had a rough life. She passed away in late January of 2024, just days before the movers were to take my wife and me to Fernandina Beach. In order to truly appreciate the kindness …

Once in a while, a book comes along that sweeps you off your feet. When you read it, you don't want it to end. And when that book's theme is kindness, for me, that's the clincher. A dear friend …

Did you know that most of the winter tomatoes we buy at the store or eat at fast food places come from Immokalee, Florida? And did you know that Immokalee means “my home” in the Seminole …

Twenty-five years ago, I traveled to the South Pacific for about six months. My son was living in Manila in the Philippines, and I had spent three weeks with him before traveling to Brisbane, …

Many of us have been there. A long night alone in the ICU waiting room, watching the first pale light of dawn start to glimmer in the window. I was worried, tired, disheveled, cranky. And scared. My …

Have you ever been in a public place and witnessed an angry customer? My guess is that you have. An airport, a restaurant, a grocery store — it can happen anywhere. I was recently at the post …

In this world of hustle and bustle, it is rare to meet someone whose kindness stands out so brightly that it leaves a lasting mark on all who encounter them.

A few years ago, my wife and I received an invitation from friends to join them on March 19 to celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph. I was ecstatic to receive this invitation, as I had not celebrated …

Kindness makes a difference — in our community, in our lives, and with the people we love. Being kind is something we do. "Be kind" requires intention but also a commitment to being a kinder …

Have you ever seen the movie "You've Got Mail"? It's an oldie but goodie — a story that pits the owner of an independent bookstore against a CEO of a large corporate chain. I suspect that most …

Over the last year, many of my original neighbors have moved away. Each time a new neighbor moves in, I bring them a freshly baked goodie and welcome them to the neighborhood. I share information on …

Think about the most moral person that you have met. What characteristics do they have? When you compare them to other good people, what characteristics do they all have in common? If you are like …

A few weeks ago, I decided that I would look back over the previous week and try to write down seven kindnesses that people had shown to me, and seven kindnesses that I had shown. Here is what I came …

Most of you have received Christmas and holiday cards with the proverbial annual letter. These letters often relay special events and other happenings that recap, for the sender, the highlights of …

Just before Christmas, a vigil was held in front of the city courthouse to remember and honor our unsheltered neighbors who lost their lives this past year. Four members of our community were honored …

As we ring in the new year, I wanted to center myself on finding gratitude for the things in the world going in a positive direction. It only took three hours into 2026 when I encountered a group of …

When I first moved to Fernandina Beach in September of 1985, I remember thinking to myself, “What an amazing place to discover by accident!” I have lived here off and on since then — most of it …

I do not remember a time when, as an Italian family, we did not have homemade goodies. Ravioli, meatballs, gravy, stuffed cabbage, and more. All made with love and kindness. As the years went by, …

Like so many, I have had a tough year. My beloved husband Steve passed away in February. I was blessed to have shared over 43 years with him. It's a time of grief laced with bittersweet memories. …