Kari Apted
Kari Apted has been writing for The Newton Community Magazine since its inception. She began writing professionally in 2005 when her work was chosen to appear in "Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families," an anthology sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kari’s portfolio now includes blogs, feature stories, humorous newspaper columns and a plethora of home design articles. She’s currently working on her first book. Kari adores her husband, Donnie, their four mostly-grown children, and the family’s pack of rescued mutts. When she isn’t writing, Kari loves creating artwork, traveling, and hosting paint-and-sip parties.
Community Lifelines
911 dispatchers are an often overlooked but vital part of any first-responder department. With an incredibly stressful work environment and the ability to multitask at levels few ever master, they
The Genteel Rebirth of the Blue Willow Inn
by Kari Apted The Blue Willow Inn has served many purposes since it was built in 1917. It has been a private residence, church, social hall and restaurant. Closed in
Primal Progress
A true outdoor adventurist and an expert in primitive camping, Jeannine Marchesseau embraces a simpler way of enjoying nature and its bounties. She can also claim the title of award-winning
Vessels of Healing
Restoration happens one hoofprint at a time at Norman Farms in Jersey. There, physical therapist Lauren Norman and her small group of horses have been the key to many children
Trust Fall
Moniqueka Rucker experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: the death of a child. Learning how to navigate life without her firstborn son was devastating, but Rucker was determined not to let
When Mercy Reigns
Dan and Lillian Howard moved to Georgia a few years ago, bringing an incredible story of sorrow and forgiveness with them. When their 18-year-old son was brutally murdered by someone
Dog Daze
East Newton Elementary School media specialist Meghen Bassel serves as pet parent to beloved support dog Booker T. Pug. However, her canine expertise extends far beyond the library’s walls—all the
Homeschool, Not Alone School
by Kari Apted Dr. Annise Mabry’s children were the driving forces behind her development of Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative. As an LGBTQ-identifying individual, her daughter, Ally, was the victim
A Force for Learning and Justice
Dr. Annise Mabry has a wall full of diplomas. Those degrees have opened dozens of doors throughout her life, but her innate ability to find solutions to insurmountable problems drives