So, what is your story? Come on; everyone has a story to tell.
Writer and photographer Dave Labelle was determined to prove this point. His first idea was old school—randomly picking a name out of a phone book—but phone books are hard to come by these days. Instead, he hit the road in December and visited the small community of Vernonia, Oregon. His mission was simple: Write a story about the first person he met. He found Dean Schaumburg. Dean’s story has a little bit of everything: tragedy, love and a community that rallied around one of its own.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your story? While we certainly don’t have room in the magazine to tell everyone’s story, I enjoy hearing about your life’s unique aspects. Perhaps you have experience in an area that could add to one of our upcoming stories.
A few of our 2023 topics include repair cafes, pickleball, Honor Flight and farm-toschool programs. Or maybe you have a friend or neighbor with a great story. You can fill out the Ruralite and Currents Story Ideas Form to submit story ideas.
Love Is In the Air
Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is February 14. Are you ready to look for love somewhere new this Valentine’s Day? On page 30, find tips to keep in mind if you are thinking about dating a farmer.
Speaking of love, if you love auto racing, check out The Fast Lane by Vicki Hillhouse on page 12. Learn how youth are revitalizing junior racing programs from Alaska to Florida.
Mike Teegarden
Editorial Director