I just returned from a trip to the Emerald Isle. Two of my dearest old friends were my companions throughout the journey. Words like "enchanting," "spectacular," and "stunning" describe Ireland …

A stroll through the Arts Market on a Saturday morning in downtown Fernandina is a feast for the eyes! There are colorful displays of jewelry, flags, paintings and more crafted by the talented …

It's been another scorcher of a summer. Many of us have retreated to our air-conditioned houses. We venture out early in the morning or late in the evening, but we appreciate the respite of our cool, …

I grew up in a two-family house owned by my grandparents. We lived upstairs and they, along with my Uncle Joe, lived downstairs. Every year my grandfather would put up a garden that was the envy of …

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened to learn of Dolly's passing. I have followed many of the tributes that have poured in for this remarkable woman. The word most often used to describe her is no …

One of the most important areas where we need to promote kindness is politics. Our political discourse at this point in time is cruel and abusive. The closest thing to this in our recent past was the …

A few months ago, a woman needed a ride to work, and I gladly offered to drive her. That woman was Louryne Spaulding. I had met Louryne while volunteering at Hope House, but I didn't know her …

I don't watch much television anymore. When I did, I always enjoyed watching "On the Road" — first with Charles Kuralt, then later with Steve Hartman. They would travel across the country, meeting …

A group of artistic American Beach ladies and children met recently at Barnabas Center, Inc., a non-profit organization in Fernandina Beach, to paint bowls in preparation for the Center's …

After Tiffany Croft passed away suddenly, her girlfriend gave me something I will treasure for the rest of my life: Tiffany’s DriFIT shirt. To some people, it may seem like just a piece of …

Nearly two decades ago, a young Angolan man, Kimba Ngana, fled his native country to escape incarceration and even death for protesting the corrupt government. He fled to Brazil. He had a dream that …

Aunt Helen was getting old. A number of unfortunate incidents had befallen her over the course of a few years. The loss of her mother and father, two brothers, and two of her sisters. A fractured …

A few weeks ago, my wife and I took a trip north to spend time with family and friends. The last three days were spent in Manhattan, visiting with my sister-in-law Laura. On Tuesday of that week, we …

My years in Fernandina Beach were filled with joy and kindness. The biggest challenge for me in writing an article on kindness was choosing which kindness to focus on. One that truly stands out …

I recently returned from a week in Pennsylvania, visiting my family. I've been toying with the idea of moving back to my beautiful home state. When I contemplate such a move, though, I think about …

It's always a good day when I get to spend time with my grandbabies. Charlotte Rose (aka Charlee) is almost 3, and little Chloe (her sister calls her CoCo) is a year and a half. It's an even better …

Since relocating to a coastal town, I go to the beach often and share a video of the ocean with my friends each day titled “One Minute of Zen.” About a year after moving here, I then met Zen …

You've probably never heard of John M. Sweeney. Until a few weeks ago, I hadn't either. One of my fellow Fernandina Observer writers, Deryck Burnett, shared a TEDx talk with me. I listened to John …

When you are taking care of a Loved One, you never know where your source of strength will be. For us, it came as each walked apprehensively into the Caregiver Support Group held at the Nassau County …

I’m 73, and until six months ago, I did not know who my father was. It’s complicated. Families are. Last week, on the day before Mother’s Day, I met, for the very first time, a relative on my …