In 1621, Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. This is generally acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies (although Native American groups are believed to have organized harvest festivals and other celebrations of thanks centuries before the arrival of Europeans). And while days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states in the years that followed, it was not until 1863 that President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be held on the last Thursday in November.

            Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has authored a compelling Op-Ed  piece in yesterday’s New York Times arguing that this country needs to make a greater financial commitment to finding medicines that will delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or, better yet, cure it.  The likelihood that a person will develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia doubles every 5 years after age 65.  One of every two persons over age 85 is afflicted.  This disease is 100% incurable and robs people of their memory, judgment and dignity.  It depletes families both emotionally and financially. 

            It's back to school time again.  Do you have a college student getting ready to leave home?  What about a niece, nephew, or neighbor that is ready to begin the college journey?