Tim Malone In a world that glorifies hustle and speed, the quiet magic of an unhurried morning often goes unnoticed. Yet within those first golden hours of the day lies a sanctuary—a space where time stretches gently, inviting us to breathe, reflect, and be. To savor the beauty of an unhurried morning is to reclaim…
Category: Features
Features, February 2026
What Is Medical Therapeutic Massage?
Medical Therapeutic Massage is a focused, evidence-informed approach to soft-tissue care designed to help people reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike general relaxation massage, this work is tailored to specific medical concerns, functional limitations, and recovery needs. It blends clinical reasoning with gentle, targeted techniques that respect the body’s…
Features, February 2026
Word of the Month: Meliorist
David Zapatka Reader, friend and fellow bridge player, Maria, writes, “Hi Dave. I came across this word while reading The Road to Character by David Brooks. He was describing the life and writing of George Eliot. ‘She was a meliorist and a gradualist, believing that people and society were best reformed by slow stretching, not…
Features, February 2026
Is Socialization Important?

Rover’s Rest Stop began with the idea of pack living in order to socialize and train, with an outcome of happy, well-rounded Kids. It is frustrating for us to watch Kids struggle with anxiety, new environments, strange people, unexpected noises, and other pets. They should enjoy life, be involved in all family functions, and discover…
Features, February 2026
Decluttering—A Family Affair
Kim Kubsch What activity could bring your family closer, spark laughter and storytelling, ease future burdens, and make space for what truly matters? Try this: Organize a Family Decluttering Day once a year or quarter or month. The purpose is for families to gather and sort through memories, share stories that could otherwise be lost,…
Features, February 2026
‘Theo of Golden’ Book Review
Vy Armour Allen Levi wrote his extraordinary novel Theo of Golden with no plans to publish it and an audience of one in mind. “I thought to myself very consciously: When I die, I will take this manuscript and I will stand in the presence of my God and my Christ, and I will say,…
Features, February 2026
Jacquie’s Corner: Biography of Saint Valentine
Jacqueline M. Ruffino Before I enlighten our readers about Valentine’s Day and how it came about, I will ask each of you to remember your first Valentine card you received or gave out to a cute little boy or girl. I received my first Valentine card at five years old from Gerhardt. Cute, blond hair,…
Features, February 2026
The Remodeling Corner
Janet Cook February’s theme is love. For many homeowners, the laundry room is one of the most-used yet least-loved spaces in the house. With a thoughtful remodel, it can become a room that’s efficient, organized, and even enjoyable to spend time in. Whether it needs a refresh or a transformation, here are ways to make…
Features, February 2026
Diamond Lake Luminary and Food Donation Walk Thank You

Steve and Robyn Moody, Chairmen Unit 36C wishes to send a huge thank you to all of our Sun Lakes communities who donated and attended our annual Diamond Lake Luminary and Food Donation event this past December. Our very generous communities set a record for total non-perishable food items and monetary donations by providing approximately…
Features, February 2026
Janice Lininger

Bowen: An Unfinished Life, a new historical biography by mother-and-daughter authors Janice Rustad Lininger and Kari Lininger-Downs, tells the story of their grandfather and great-grandfather, Murrel K. Bowen, which often mirrors the popular Yellowstone prequel, 1923. In the Summer of 1919, M. K. Bowen was tragically shot and killed at his North Dakota ranch. Although…
