Longtime couple Mert LaBounty and Tammy Yonkers never met an obstacle as large as the pandemic-related U.S.-Canada border closure. Since March 20 of last year, the couple have had to rely on technology to communicate. This reached a breaking point for LaBounty, which he recounted. “I got into this wicked depression where all I couldContinue reading “U.S.-Canada Border Separates Couple During Pandemic”
Tag Archives: inspiring
Connecticut Native Seeks to Brighten Up Community
New Haven, Connecticut brought longtime medical professional Doreen Abubakar positive memories as a child. Today, Abubakar makes the revitalization of one of its deprived neighborhoods her life’s work. The Newhallville area was a thriving working-class community before the 1980s. Like many working class areas across the country, an economic downturn left the area in direContinue reading “Connecticut Native Seeks to Brighten Up Community”
COVID Survivors for Change Founder Shares Story
Lawyer and gun control advocate Chris Kocher pivoted when the pandemic hit New York City the hardest last spring. After seeing friends survive COVID-19 or lose loved ones, Kocher knew there was a need to address the emotional trauma. “I wanted to see if there was something I could do to support families most impacted,”Continue reading “COVID Survivors for Change Founder Shares Story”
Gay Consultant from High Falls Shares Coming Out Story
Writing consultant Jay Blotcher came out 40 years ago to his adoptive mother. He then went on to be an activist and writer fighting for LGBTQ+ causes. While he now lives life as a happily married gay man in High Falls, NY, the Massachusetts native initially came out as bisexual to his mom. Blotcher wantedContinue reading “Gay Consultant from High Falls Shares Coming Out Story”
Grief Stories: Theodore “Tree” Arrington
Theodore “Tree” Arrington was a leader. A giver. A friend. A mentor. A husband and father. As the founder of Poughkeepsie’s R.E.A.L. Skills Network, Arrington made a real difference in the time he lived. He died shockingly in April of last year at age 66. Yesterday, people gathered to watch the unveiling of a muralContinue reading “Grief Stories: Theodore “Tree” Arrington”
Anxiety Book Creates Movement
A book designed to eliminate anxiety stigma started a movement last year at a time of heightened anxiety. Lentini, 58, co-wrote the book Anxiety Insights with her daughter Nicole, a psychiatrist based in Chicago. They each documented their own human struggles with anxiety, alongside those of other family members and loved ones. “One of myContinue reading “Anxiety Book Creates Movement”
Rare brain disorder changes family’s perspective
When their son Eli received the diagnosis of a rare brain disorder in September 2019, time stopped for parents Scott and Ilissa Reich. Once the initial shock dissolved, they dove headfirst into finding a cure. Eli, 2, has FOX G1 Syndrome, a condition that causes severe cognitive impairment. Symptoms include nonverbal communication, immobility and seizures.Continue reading “Rare brain disorder changes family’s perspective”
Graduates Reflect on their Pandemic Senior Year
Ashley Sanchez, Isabella Crow and Anastasia Zhurova had a senior year of school like no other. Each of the Hudson Valley residents did not know what to expect from their milestone year. Cornwall Central High School graduate Crow is currently working at Camp Lookout in Frankfurt, Michigan. She will attend the University of Michigan thisContinue reading “Graduates Reflect on their Pandemic Senior Year”
Community Gardens in NYC Offer Wellness Benefits
Community gardens bring nature, beauty and serenity to New York City. They also provide mental wellness for millions of New Yorkers. This was no more evident than during the pandemic. New York City native Donald Loggins, 69, a founding member of the environmental group Green Guerillas, explained how the presence of multiple gardens helped wearyContinue reading “Community Gardens in NYC Offer Wellness Benefits”
Spotlight on: The SourceNY Wellness Center
At The Source NY, you will find yourself welcome to the sight of connecting with your inner self. While the Poughkeepsie-based wellness center boasts massage facilities, meditation and yoga, its main feature is the Aura-Soma Studio. Meaning light and body, Aura-Soma is a Kabbalist-inspired treatment that uses light and colors to help people heal fromContinue reading “Spotlight on: The SourceNY Wellness Center”