Once in a lifetime, if we're lucky, we experience a friendship that transforms us. Such a friendship is built on trust, on mutual understanding, and ultimately on love. Larry Bienemann was my …

What if a thousand dollars could change everything? For most people, a thousand dollars might cover a month's rent or a car repair. But in the hands of someone with a dream and the right …

This happened just as COVID came on. My son-in-law, Michael, has always been a dog guy. After he had met our Chai, our newly rescued Goldie mix, he wanted to own a dog again, especially now since his …

Sometimes, there are people who come into our lives who are so memorable and admirable that they stay with us even though they have passed on. My Amelia Island best friend Mari was such a person. She …

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and gratitude. We count our blessings, give thanks for food and clothing and shelter — and spend quality time with friends and family in …

I grabbed my coffee and sat down to check emails — my morning routine. My computer booted right up but no matter how I moved my mouse, or pounded on it, I couldn’t find my cursor on the …

The sissy bar and my pink banana seat made my adventures — a mile down Sterling Avenue in my little village — seem like the yellow brick road to a land of wonder. The library was my …

There is a local "club" called the ROMEOs. It is a small, informal group of Retired Old Men Eating Out, and they meet every Friday morning at the Beach Diner for breakfast and conversation. My …

Many of you no doubt take advantage of the McArthur Family YMCA here in Fernandina Beach. It's a great facility with state-of-the-art equipment, a heated pool, indoor gym, and many classes tailored …

In September 1999, Hurricane Floyd, a storm the size of Texas, was hurtling towards the East Coast.  Evacuation from our barrier island seemed prudent. My husband sent me ahead early from our …

I grew up in the hard coal country of northeast Pennsylvania. We were a noisy, happy Italian family whose ancestors came to Ellis Island. We respected and valued our elders for their wisdom, …

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I had a wonderful childhood. My dad died when I was four, which was hard for my mom. But her three unmarried sisters, who lived together, stepped up and became …