20 Days of 20 Notes: A Gratitude Project

Gregory Hines leans on one bended knee and relaxes his elbow on the other. He is wearing a white shirt and slacks, and his bright red jacket mirrors the brilliance of his smile. The celebrated African-American dancer, actor, singer and choreographer, w… Continue reading

How Five U.S. Communities Celebrate the 4th of July

Bring on the red, white and blue bunting, make way for the floats, strike up the bands and get ready to “ooh” and “aah” at the fireworks on the 4th of July as we celebrate our country’s 243rd birthday. In 1777, on the first anniversary of the Declarati… Continue reading

Voices From the Stonewall Era

(Editor’s note: Covering LGBTQ issues is an ongoing Next Avenue priority, and this June, during Pride Month, we are publishing a special LGBTQ-focused series. We started with a guide to LGBTQ allyship, followed by a Q&A with Frank DeCaro about his … Continue reading

Wedding Dress Reboot: When Your Daughter Wears Your Gown

If you’re a married woman over 50, your wedding dress brings back treasured memories of walking down the aisle and saying “I do.” Most likely your gown has sat untouched for years. And if you have a daughter, you might even dream of her wearing it some… Continue reading

Should I Accept a Date By Text?

Editor’s Note: In April, we asked Next Avenue readers to submit their questions about dating and relationships after 50. We received many thoughtful inquiries that touched on a wide range of topics. With this story, we are launching a six-part series c… Continue reading

One Son Raised a World Apart Brings His Two Mothers Together

On a late Sunday afternoon, people weaved in and out at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, lugging suitcases with the usual faraway expressions. Many were traveling to see family and friends for the busy Memorial Day holiday. At the International Arriva… Continue reading

The Glamorous History of Drag

(Editor’s note: Covering LGBTQ issues is an ongoing Next Avenue priority, and this June, during Pride Month, we are publishing a special LGBTQ-focused series. The first article in it: How to Be an LGBTQ Ally.)  Drag in all its sequined, feathered and b… Continue reading

Curating the Milestones of Actors’ Lives

Part of the VITALITY ARTS SPECIAL REPORT Picture this: You’re a working actor. You master tricky pratfalls and stunts, memorize reams of lines, sing, dance — and do all of this in front of a live audience eight times a week. Sounds exhilarating, yes? M… Continue reading

In the Blink of an Eye, Childhood Is Over

Shivering under a blanket, knowing the only bathroom nearby was a Porta Potty, armed with extra tissues and plenty of hand sanitizer, I cheered when my daughter’s team made a goal and groaned when they didn’t. I prayed to the soccer gods that my child … Continue reading

A Daunting Task: Cleaning Out a Late Loved One’s Home

After a parent or another loved one dies, one of the hardest tasks is cleaning out their home. Whether or not it’s the home you grew up in, the house or apartment will likely hold some memories and going through the contents can be emotionally draining… Continue reading