The Journey

Left to Right: Mike McDonnell, Lori Sickenberger, Paul Shellaway, Candy Tomes, Ron Thornton, Ron Tomes, Bill Sickenberger “I can’t write or speak, but I can bake,” said a 90-year-old woman arriving at a fundraising bake sale with two Pennsylvania Dutch Funny...

What if every 4th grader in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario, and Quebec followed the lead of the 4th graders in Zeeland, MI and launched a “Don’t Let it Fly or the Great Lakes Will Cry?” campaign to eliminate...

What if everyone knew Mylar balloons, when released, can float into power lines--where Mylar’s metallic coating can melt, become tangled, and result in power outages? even spark fires? What if they knew power companies from California to Virginia are concerned about...

Thursday, I had the privilege of being in conversation with David Ullrich at the Union League Club of Chicago, discussing my book, Uncharted Waters. My goal—in addition to talking about the book—was to plant a seed.  I would like the city of Chicago to...

On Thursday, February 7th, I will be the luncheon guest at the Union League Club of Chicago. It promises to be a lively and informative event as I am to be in conversation with Great Lakes advocate and ambassador  David Ullrich*. For more information,...

On Tuesday, December 4th, Michigan’s Senate passed Bill 1211, legislation that eliminates protection for lakes and wetlands, allowing for the dredging, filling, and development of nearly a half a million acres of wetlands and more than 4,000 lakes.  This...

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about writing fiction when I floated the possibility of The Box in July’s blog. As you may recall, it was Rubin’s idea . . .  “I’m telling you, you need to write fiction,” he said from the cockpit of our sailboat...

The waters of Lake Macatawa in September. While duckweed is not an alga and is not harmful, an overabundance does indicate high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus caused largely by agricultural runoff. Is green the new blue? Is that okay? Inspired, in part, by Dan...

I spent last week on my first official author tour, travelling across northern Michigan talking with people about the Great Lakes--about our beaches, our dunes, cliffs, wildflowers, parks, and the quality of life alongside these bodies of water. It was energizing to...

This morning, like most mornings, I ran inland for roughly an hour. It is part of my daily ritual, providing me time to reflect, to meditate, and, of course, to sweat.   My cool-down walk along the shores of Lake Michigan is my treat to myself. My heart...

In my former life as an executive, I served as a board member for the company’s Political Action Committee (PAC). Professionally trained to influence Congressional leaders, I joined our Washington D.C. lobbyists in advocating on behalf of renal patients needing...

Absorbed in the hunt for the blazing fire of the hawkweed and the velvety pouch of the Lady’s-slipper,at first, I do not see the stubby legsof the snapping turtle digging so purposely in the stony soil. That can bethe...