Category: Words of Wisdom

EDITOR’S NOTE: Given the state of federal government and the upcoming 4th of July holiday, I took a prompt that NPR sent out to readers “What does Freedom Mean to You?” and…

OIOpublisher EDITOR’S NOTE: With the Pioneer’s server upgrade, we missed Neal Lemery’s “words of wisdom” from June 13, 2025. It’s always a good time to reflect on what it means to be…

By Neal Lemery Another election season is upon us, with an infusion of lawn signs for local school boards and bond measures, overflowing town hall meetings, and an abundance of social media…

By Neal Lemery While May has a strong tradition in American life of celebrating workers and advocating for the organized labor movement, the day is also celebrated to honor the rule of…

EDITOR’S NOTE: The times right now are a lot for everyone, and I’m especially blessed with a tribe that “checks-in” to make sure I’m handling it all well. Neal Lemery sent along…

By Neal Lemery This week, life gave me some perspectives of my role in community building and healing.  It was time for me to be in school, and to get reacquainted with…

By Neal Lemery Often, a disaster turns into a positive asset, and life improves, comes into focus, and good things emerge from the gray somber atmosphere of disaster. Such change comes unexpectedly….

By Neal Lemery “Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minute…including you.” – Anne Lamott I needed to follow that advice last week, as I realized I was…