Michael Sperger

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Episode 34: Unresolved

This January weekend arrives in Neighborful Station with gray skies and steady rain, and a temporary reprieve from the cold that has dominated the winter so far. You are sitting in Cafe Frances at the Union Hall with one of the Jessicas, who has invited you to join her for

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Neighborfully: Accent on You

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Episode 33: Jolabokaflod

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, you and your Mom are on the tram heading back to your house from the train station in town. She has just arrived to spend the holiday with you. The tram is decorated inside with intricate paper cut snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, swaying

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Neighborfully: Winter Light

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Episode 32: Parade of Lights

You are standing on the corner of College Avenue and Stevens Lane, across from Johann’s Pizza. All around you, neighbors are gathering beneath the night sky for Neighborful Station’s annual Parade of Lights, which takes place in the days before the winter solstice. You are wearing a reflective

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Neighborfully: Longest Nights

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Episode 31: Reunion

This is a crossover episode with The Stick, a memoir blog written by Frank Walter. To learn more about Ian and the start of his visit to Neighborful Station, read the post Old Friends. ☺️ You are walking up to Johann’s Pizza on a brisk December afternoon, to pick up

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Neighborfully: Crossing Over

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Episode 30: Holiday Swap

On this damp and breezy November day, you are cozy under the covers, reading a book as you enjoy a slow morning in bed. You have a cup of chamomile tea with a bit of honey steeping on the nightstand next to you, and your comforter is gathered around your

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Neighborfully: Coincidences

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Episode 29: Founders' Day

Today is the 150th anniversary of the founding of Neighborful Station. You are standing on an empty stage, set up at the foot of College Avenue. There will be a dedication ceremony for the gigantic mural covering the street, telling the history of the town, from here all the way

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Neighborfully: Stocked Cabinets

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Episode 28: Yard Signs

You are walking through a gentle November rain with your neighbor Grace, who is pulling her family’s careworn red wagon with wooden side panels. The two of you are gathering political yard signs from the houses on your block. Election Day has come and gone this past Tuesday, and

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Neighborfully: Generous Policy

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Episode 27: American Chestnut

You are hiking on the Ridgeline Trail, along with Darryl and Kerri, who work together at the Land Trust. They have invited you along for a visit to a rare American Chestnut tree, which lives in the rugged forest on the very edge of town. As the three of you

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Neighborfully: Your Gifts

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Episode 26: Tunnel Treats

You are walking down your street on this last weekend in October, heading for College Avenue to take part in the Tunnel Treats Halloween celebration. Jayda and DeAndre have requested that you wear an animal costume, so you are dressed up as a giraffe. There is a gorgeous light show

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Neighborfully: Yellowstone

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Episode 25: Homecoming

You are standing in the bleachers at Thaddeus Stevens High School, where the Neighborful Station girls’ varsity soccer team is playing their Homecoming game. The opponents tonight hail from the town of Aberlin, on the other side of the county. Your neighbor Olivia is playing in the game, as the

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Neighborfully: Forks

Episode 24: Canadian Friendsgiving

Saturday evening in Neighborful Station, You are about to head out the door to the baked potato buffet along with your Mom, who is visiting with you for the weekend. The two of you have made mushroom cornbread stuffing, at the request of Grace, who usually does not ask anything

Easter Egg Fridays: The Library

Hello, You - On the suggestion of a loyal listener, I'm moving the Easter Egg Friday postings over from BlueSky to right here on the Neighborful Station website. This way, they will be a little easier to read and revisit later. This new format also gives me the

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Neighborfully: Worlds of Wonder

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Episode 23: Harvest Festival

You are standing outside the Union Hall on this first weekend in October, taking in the sights of the Harvest Festival kicking off all around you. There is a communal cider press happening on College Avenue, which has been closed to car traffic for the weekend. People from all over

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Neighborfully: Grandma-Nomics