The Strength of the Irish Spirit

April 20, 2026

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, my inquisitive brain began to wonder: why are Americans like me, who carry Irish heritage in our bloodlines, so incredibly proud of our Irish roots? Surely it must be more than shamrocks, leprechauns, and a pint of Guinness. As I dug a bit deeper, a few possible reasons came to mind. Could it be the legendary Irish resilience? Their fierce independence? Or perhaps the unmistakable do-or-die spirit that has defined the Irish people for centuries? Throughout history, the Irish have experienced more than their share of hardship and heartbreak. Many of us are familiar with the Great Potato Famine that struck Ireland in the mid-1800s. It was nothing short of catastrophic. The Irish population depended heavily on the potato harvest to feed their families, and when an airborne fungus settled over Ireland and destroyed roughly three-quarters of the crop, millions were left starving. More than a million people died, and at least another million fled the country by ship, many dying during the journey. Even more devastating was the cruel reality that, during the famine, England, the governing authority over Ireland at the time, continued shipping grain, cattle, and dairy out of the country while the Irish people starved. It is almost impossible to imagine watching ships full of life-saving food sail past while your own family went hungry. Ironically, the fungus believed to have destroyed the potato crops may have arrived in Ireland from England itself. Learn More

More than a Musical

April 20, 2026

This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Mifflin County High School Drama Club’s production of The Addams Family, and I was absolutely blown away. The talent on that stage was incredible, but what impressed me even more was the dedication behind it, the long hours of rehearsal, memorizing lines, choreography practiced until it felt like second nature, and the courage it takes to step out on that stage. The commitment shown by these young performers was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Equally deserving of recognition are the directors, crew members, technicians, wardrobe staff, and volunteers working behind the scenes. Their direction and careful coordination ensured every cue, costume change, and prop came together flawlessly, proving once again that exceptional theater is built on teamwork. It was such a powerful reminder that our community’s future is in capable and competent hands. Young people who are willing to dedicate themselves to excellence, to collaborate, to stretch beyond their comfort zones, those are the very qualities that build strong businesses, strong organizations, and strong communities. Learn More

A Four-Hat Day and a Full Heart

February 10, 2026

While others were grumbling and complaining this week about the epic winter storm that blanketed half the nation, I was busy learning valuable lessons, and frankly, having the time of my life. Not only was I enjoying the beautiful views of my neighborhood blanketed in a mantle of white, but I was also savoring the opportunity to connect with those around me in a unique and meaningful way. How often do we wave to our neighbors as they pass by but never take the time to truly connect? This snowstorm offered a beautiful opportunity to do just that, to slow down and connect. After the shoveling was complete, my husband, Blain, looked at me and said, “Are you ready to go sled riding now?” To which I hastily replied, “I sure am.” Fortunately, we live at the base of a ridge with a wonderful sledding bank right beside our house. It took a few trips down to get the path packed just right, and Blain painstakingly worked on building up the sides to keep us going straight. Once we realized just how good the hill had become, it felt only right to share it. Since some of our neighbors don’t have such a grand sledding hill, I sent a quick text inviting them to enjoy our perfectly packed path. The reply came back almost instantly: “Heck yes—we’ll be right over!” Learn More