Feature stories

Janine Pettit: Launching a movement to help women camp like a girl
“Your dream doesn’t have to be something that’s going to take over your life. And you don’t need to have every detail worked out in advance to begin. You just need to take that first step to move forward.”

Eric Pearson: Putting his decades of training, experience to work as a substitute teacher
“You may not think you’re getting through to kids or having any impact at that the moment. But, later, you discover they really were listening and you’ve influenced the direction of their lives,” Eric said.

Michele Stanford: Helping people live longer with a healthy diet, better choices
Michele discovered a lot of helpful information about America’s food supply, toxins in the environment and how they work to impact a person’s health. The situation went beyond genetically-modified organisms and confined animal feeding operations that attract a lot of media attention.

Jim Akers: Have ‘Godfidence’ to pursue your purpose
“When we sit idly and just go through the motions of life, God is often begging us to talk to him. Because I was comfortable, I didn’t approach God for that conversation and didn’t realize he had other things for me to do,” said Jim.

Betty Mills: The mutual benefit of mentoring teens
“Years ago, I heard a story about writing your own eulogy and imaging what you want people to say about you when you’re gone. Once you figure that out, then it’s a matter of working on becoming that person,” said Betty.

Steve Hurwitz: COVID ended his job, so he started a business
“When you think about it, 50, 60 and 70 are just numbers. You’re truly as old as you feel. If you have the passion to do something, then do it,” he explained. “Any hobby can be turned into an occupation.”

Al Hesselbart: Museum curator starts new life as a performer
“Don’t put yourself in a box,” Al explained. “Maybe it’s a hobby or a job opportunity. But the two most enjoyable things I’ve done in my life are things I started after turning 50.”

Chris & Chris Clement: Preparing for a lifestyle of adventure
Once they are free of their career responsibilities, the Clements want to make one or two RV trips to determine what they want to see first, then they’re going to support their lifestyle by Workamping.

Jeff Kramer: Breaking the bonds of perfectionism
If Jeff had to start over again, there is one thing he’d definitely do when launching his business. “I’d get out of my way a lot quicker and quit worrying about whether or not something was good enough,” he admitted. “I’d just get on with it.”