Dear J: Toxic Parent
Dear J, My mother is Jekyll and Hyde. She’s been like this as long as I can remember. When she’s up she’s funny and generous. When she’s down she’s mean and sarcastic. There’s always a period of silence where I… Continue Reading
Village Voices
Paris Cemetery Snow: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
 It snowed in Paris yesterday. I’ve only seen it once or twice in my seven years here but it’s magical. And of course, like everyone else here when they see snow falling here in the City of Lights, my… Continue Reading
It’s a Quiet Buzz (in Washington D.C.)
Note from D&K: Below is Susanne Lewis’ blog post from Washington, D.C., where she’s traveled for the presidential inauguration: This is a picture of The Mall, facing the Washington Monument. There were just a few people out and about this afternoon, checking out… Continue Reading
Healthy-Lunch Project, Disability Group
Pair Up for Kitchen, Classes
Bridgette Brick-Wells The Healthy Lunch & Lifestyle Project (HELP) has been successfully producing and delivering healthy lunches, wellness policy support, and nutrition and fitness education to K-8 students in Shasta County since September 2008. Currently, we serve more than 750… Continue Reading
Surname Indexes: A Genealogist’s Best Friend (Part 1)
One of the greatest genealogical finding aids available is surname indexes, but successful research can only be assured by applying certain rules and techniques along with persistence, a dash of creativity, and sometimes luck. While surname indexes are not primary… Continue Reading
Barking Dogs Drive Neighbors Crazy
Dear J: We live in a rural area where a barking dog can be heard for miles. One neighbor has a dog that barks nonstop and it’s driving all of us crazy. What to do? It’s helpful to consider that… Continue Reading
January ArtHop: Have an Art Attack!
Not just for adults, the second Saturday ArtHop is full of kid-friendly activities, especially this month! Art Hop is a fun event for families, and many of the venues have activities aimed at families with kids. Kick off the evening… Continue Reading
How to Stop Conversational Hogs
Dear J: I’ve always wanted to know: What’s the kindest, yet most-effective way to deal with people who hog conversational balls, hold court, lecture, repeat stories (mainly about themselves and/or people unknown to everyone else)? They’ll recite entire passages from… Continue Reading
Beware of PayPal Thieves
Note: Join us in welcoming the newest blog, “My Time of Life – A Baby Boomer’s Observations,” by Darcie Gore, one the founders and team members of Food for Thought: A News Cafe, and a Village Voices contributor. ~ Doni and Kelly Internet shopping is wonderful, especially… Continue Reading
I Have a Dead Tree in my Living Room
The brittle branches droop with the weight of candy canes, glass orbs and plastic snowflakes.  I’ve always loved decorating Christmas trees, but putting away the ornaments, colored lights and decorations isn’t as enjoyable. It’s a reminder that I’m packing away… Continue Reading
