independence

February 12, 2019February 14, 2019

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Day

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Full disclosure: I think Leif Erikson Day is far more legitimate than Valentine’s Day. Even though its popularity stems from the fictional universe of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” at least its ... Read more

February 5, 2019February 1, 2019

Acquiring More Independence Is Exhausting, but Worth It

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

If someone asks me to speak in front of hundreds of people, I say “no problem.” Stick a needle in my neck for a Spinraza injection, and it’s no ... Read more

January 28, 2019January 24, 2019

My Journey Toward Greater Independence

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

A few weeks ago, a friend told me I had to see “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” It was everything I loved, with amazing graphics, she said, so I couldn’t ... Read more

January 21, 2019February 4, 2019

With the New Year Comes Home Renovation

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I don’t think I could live in the middle of nowhere. My parents want nothing more than to raise a few goats ... Read more

November 20, 2018November 19, 2018

My Adventures at the 2018 North Carolina Comicon

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Recently, I attended one of my favorite events of the year, the North Carolina Comicon. I’ve attended this show for five years in a row, and every staff member, ... Read more

October 15, 2018October 12, 2018

Poetry Readings and Wonder Woman

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I’ve quoted my favorite poet, Ada Limón, several times throughout the history of this column. Her poems “The Leash” and “Instructions on Not Giving Up” have been key parts ... Read more

September 17, 2018September 14, 2018

Success with My ‘Hamilton’ Adventure

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I was nervous about “Hamilton.” For one thing, I’d listened to the original cast recording so many times I was worried I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the touring ... Read more

July 25, 2018July 20, 2018

Ella Had a Lovely Time at MDA Camp

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Ella and I sat at Dunkin’ Donuts, conversing about MDA Camp. (MDA is the Muscular Dystrophy Association.) She thoroughly enjoyed camp for all the wonderful activities she did, and ... Read more

May 10, 2018May 9, 2018

Failing to Learn from Others’ Mistakes

Columns, Refined By Fire - a Column by Ryan Berhar

As the famous proverb goes, “Experience is the best teacher.” While that makes sense, I prefer to say, “Other people’s experiences are the best teachers.” Why go through the ... Read more

May 2, 2018April 30, 2018

I Am Encouraged by My Daughter’s Alone Time

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Ella spends much of her day on the first floor. She races around from the living room, through the kitchen or front hallway, and into the family room, or ... Read more