Sharon Kennedy

Although I was tempted to call the city and inquire if any plots were still available, I nixed the idea. My gardening days are over. For many years I planted, weeded and watered vegetables and flowers in my front and back yards. I enjoyed everything involved in growing gardens, but those days are gone. I think it's wonderful that the Soo offers a dedicated space for people who want to grow their own vegetables. Every time I walk along the canal, it will be interesting to watch the progress of plants and to stop for a moment and chat with the gardeners.

I suppose it isn’t the length of time we spend with someone that we get to know their worth, but the words they express.

Some folks come into our lives and leave a lasting impression. I didn't meet Rich until I moved into an Avery Square Apartment 18 months ago. I suppose it isn't the length of time we spend with someone that we get to know their worth, but the words they express. Two weeks prior to his death, we shared our last conversation. He told me he always tried to remember the name of each person who regularly walked by. He said he wanted people to feel special. It didn't matter if they patronized his café or if they were employees of Chippewa County's Community Action Agency walking by on their way to work. When they passed his way, he made a point of calling a greeting that included their first name. He stressed the importance of letting folks know they had not been ignored.

For three years I kept my distance from the political arena. I don't intend to step into the ring now, but I think we've lost our common sense. The new paradigm has shifted so far to the left or right it's no longer considered “normal” in the traditional sense. There used to be a general consensus that right was right and wrong was wrong and kindness trumped all. We learned that from our parents, many of whom had no formal education beyond grade school.

It’s taken decades to realize the futility of regret and to learn that life and friends are gifts.

At 44, Gregor Krause of Sault Ste. Marie longed for a home of his own. His dream was not unlike that of many other Americans with one major exception. Gregor is paralyzed from the chest down. Born with spina bifida, his dream seemed highly unlikely if not impossible, but he had already overcome challenges that would have defeated others with less tenacity. Through research, his family found a state-run program called “Key to Own Homeownership.” This is part of MSHDA and allows qualified renters to transfer their rental subsidies into monthly mortgage payments. Gregor met the qualifications. Then the hand of fate intervened.

Sharon Kennedy | Community Columnist July 14 came and went and did you celebrate National Tape Measure Day? Probably not.

Sharon Kennedy | Community Columnist At one time or another most of us have experienced worry.

I have plenty of time to ponder myriad issues of the day but have yet to understand the nature of man and his inherent ability to blame someone, anyone for tragedies. We were unprepared to face the forest fires in Ontario and our own country. We were angry that numerous outdoor activities and events were cancelled. We forgot that smoke was also drifting from Minnesota. Our anger was directed at Canada's Prime Minister Carney. Some saw the Ontario smoke as retaliation for tariffs our government had slapped on Canadian products. Could any rational being believe that our closest neighbor and former ally intentionally set out to choke us? Whether for tariffs, differing political opinions or merely out of spite, that line of thinking is not normal.

I have plenty of time to ponder myriad issues of the day but have yet to understand the nature of man and his inherent ability to blame someone, anyone for tragedies.