March is Music in Our Schools Month, a great time to recognize the efforts of our students to develop lifelong abilities and their teachers in inspiring them.
Granted, sports help develop such things as teamwork and character - essential for success in business and life. However, musical ability is something that age and infirmity cannot daunt.
Just look at Spanish cellist Pablo Casals or blues guitarist B.B. King. Both practiced their art until the end of their lives - and King still does. Rather than having their talent diminish, it only became finer with age.
And don't forget those "late bloomers" - artists who find their talent late in life. Many people retire from successful careers only to find that music was their real calling. And then it's as though their life begins again.
You just don't know how long it will take the seeds of a love for music at a young age to grow. But instilling a love for and appreciation of music in our students now is a way for that to grow and develop - no matter how late it is in life.
And particularly thank those dedicated teachers who do such a fine job in fostering your children's musical talent.
What's in a middle name?
Today is Middle Names Pride Day. The goal is to tell three people your middle name.
Middle names can be either significant - or maybe not so much - depending on how much thought is put into them. When there is some thought put into them, they tend to be the name of a grandfather or grandmother - someone that parents want to honor.
Some people like their names so much they just use the initial of their first name and go by their middle name. Now those are people who show how great middle names can be.
So tell three people your middle name today. Shout those Alans and Marinuses and Harrises from the rooftops of Emmet County.
Show that we have middle names and we're proud of them!