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📣Let's keep the conversation going! Just click above AND I'll send you a message back! ⬆️⬆️⬆️

I'm so excited to be back with Season 5! 🎉 Whether this is the first episode you have listened to or you have been following my podcast from the beginning, Thank you!! ❤️

Send me an email 📧with suggestions or if you want to share your story! [email protected] ❤️

• www.kathrynmjones.com - Kat's website ( ✅ out her hitchhiking tips! 👍)
• https://www.youtube.com/kathrynjones  - Kat's YouTube channel ( ✅ out her videos she created from her hikes! 🥾🏔 )
• https://www.instagram.com/kathrynmjones - Kat's Instagram profile ( ✅ out her a m a z i n g photos/insights from her adventures! 📸 )
• https://www.instagram.com/gentscafe - ( ✅ out "An Intentional Approach to Men's Lifestyle - slowly brewed, poured into your inbox" ☕️)
• https://www.instagram.com/guapo_the_amazing_gato - Guapo's own Instagram profile! ( ✅ out his beauty, grace and claim to be Miss United States! 😹🐾)

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Heartfelt connections and the power of storytelling highlights a journey through caregiving and dementia in this episode. 💜 We discuss personal experiences, insights from the Alzheimer's Association, and the importance of community support. 🫶

• Chatting 💬 with Jessica DesRosiers - Director of Programs for Alzheimer's Association Central New York Chapter
• Reflecting back about caring for my beautiful mom who battled Alzheimer's 
• Overview of free Alzheimer's Association resources
• Importance of community engagement in dementia awareness
• Examine the need for early diagnosis & treatment 
• Calls for action: connecting with local chapters & 24/7 free helpline 📞800 272 3900 🗣talk to a dementia expert - over 200 languages  

📣📣LINKS!! 📣📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

•  podcasthon.org - ✅out this groundbreaking non-profit initiative where you will find out more details about this global 🌎movement!

• alz.org - ✅out this wonderful non-profit organization to learn more about facts, education, treatment & finding your own community support near you 💜

• [email protected] - send me comments, suggestions, or share YOUR OWN STORY 📧

📣📣 Central NY Residents‼️⬇️⬇️⬇️

• https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ResourceView/Index?id=3480299&profileDefinitionId=93  - Dementia Care 2025 Conference: Doubletree Conference Center - East Syracuse NY
• Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT 
• Price is $25 for in person attendance and $10 for virtual 
• Vendors price is $100 - *** very limited spots open***

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Anthony J. Mohr shares his journey growing up between two very different fathers, exploring the emotional complexities of blended family dynamics. The conversation reveals insights into love, resilience, and the impact of diverse parenting styles. Thank you to PR by the Book, Emily Williams -  Assistant Publicist, for the introductions to this heart warming memoir and Tony.  ❤️

• Examining the emotional toll of having two fathers
• The pivotal role of his mother in navigating family dynamics
• Reflecting on childhood experiences
• Insights on resilience from a dual family upbringing, along with step siblings
• The connection between personal life experiences and professional judgments that guided Tony to become a Superior Court of California judge, in the County of Los Angeles 

LINKS!!  📣📣WHERE TO BUY TONY'S MEMOIR!! 📣📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

• www.anthonyjmohr.com 
• You will find Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bound links 🔗on Anthony's website 

• https://prbythebook.com/experts/anthony-j-mohr/  public relations agency that helps authors elevate their relevancy and create buzz 

• [email protected] send me an email 📧with any comments, suggestions or if you want to share your own personal story to be featured on an episode! 

• www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast send me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤

• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ✅out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝🔗

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Could discovering a buried family secret reshape your entire existence? Join me, as I recount my journey of uncovering the truth about my biological father.

I'm also thrilled to feature Alesia Weiss, a retired RN, an Army vet and writer, who has dedicated her life to supporting NPEs (Not Parent Expected). Alesia founded a resource center website - NPEN -  nursing for NPEs as well as a Facebook group called DNA Identity Surprise and This NPE Life, offering invaluable support to those facing similar life-altering revelations.

 Whether you're navigating your own NPE journey or are simply intrigued by these powerful stories, this episode offers a beacon of support and community. 🫶
📣LINKS! 📣

⬇️⬇️⬇️

• [email protected](send me your own personal story! I would be honored to share it, with your permission, on a future episode!)
•  www.nursingfornpes.com ✅out Alesia Weiss' resource center website 
•  www.facebook.com/groups/thisnpelife✅out this private Facebook group for NPE's 
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-well-with-sheila-hamilton/id1456050183?i=1000668877839 ✅out Alesia's interview with Sheila Hamilton's podcast Beyond Well 
• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast Please leave me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤

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Have you ever wondered how your childhood memories shape your present relationships? Join me on a heartfelt exploration of my formative years in Brownville, New York. ❤️ You'll hear about unforgettable incidents, like breaking my arm while returning Pepsi bottles, and my father's gentle care during my bath time. These reflections aim to inspire you to cherish your past as a way to navigate the present and future connections in your life.

This episode also delves into my personal experiences with family nicknames and the journey towards gratitude and self-love. Listen as I recount a defining moment when my mom courageously stood up against hurtful names at a family dinner. Plus, I'll share the transformative experience of meeting my biological father, Joe, five years ago, which filled a significant gap in my life. Hear how a powerful quote by Sylvester McNutt about controlling effort and attitude resonates deeply with me, and why surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people is crucial. Join me for an episode filled with personal anecdotes and insights aimed at inspiring you to reflect on your own relationships and past. ❤️
LINKS!

•  https://www.sylvestermcnutt.net ( best selling author, podcaster, public speaker, course creator, and father )
• https://www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅out my website for more  episodes & show notes/links! 📝)
• [email protected] ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! 📧I would love to hear from you! ❤️)
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message - up to 90 secs 🗣I'll send you one back! 🎤)

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Can music truly change your life? That’s the question we explore in this heartwarming episode of Nearest And Dearest Podcast.❤️ Meet my granddaughter Eloise, a young and passionate Swiftie, who shares her incredible journey of inspiration fueled ⛽️ by Taylor Swift's music. 🎶
From the soothing melodies of "Evermore" to the upbeat anthems from "1989" and "Lover," Eloise demonstrates how Taylor's songs 🎤 have the power ⚡️to uplift spirits and motivate dreams.💭🫶
LINKS!

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkD20ajVxnY ( Song Tim McGraw - Taylor Swift )
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXLgZZE072g ( Taylor Swift's song Evermore )
• https://www.taylorswift.com/ ( Taylor Swift's official website )
• [email protected] ( send me any comments, suggestions, or if you want to share your own personal story to be featured on a future episode! )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
•  www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

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How does one transform an abandoned historic villa into a modern marvel while preserving its timeless charm? 🤔 💭 Join me, as I sit down with Ron Clapp and Janaina Leite, the passionate couple behind the monumental restoration of the Carleton Villa on Carleton Island.  This episode unveils the captivating journey of discovering this unique property through a simple real estate email 📧 and falling in love with the property once they stepped foot onto this historic gem! ❤️
We'll explore the innovative ways modern technology, like drones  and 3D scanning, is revolutionizing the renovation process, offering precision and efficiency that traditional methods can't match. Listen👂 as we recount memorable moments like camping 🏕 on the villa's grounds 🌌 and the excitement of uncovering hidden treasures  during a simple tree survey 🌲. This episode is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the joy of discovery, the beauty of Carleton Island, and the unwavering support from the Cape Vincent community. 🫶

LINKS!

• https://facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's Carleton Villa's personal Facebook page )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( Some history about William O. Wyckoff , contact info for general inquires & further info )
• https://abnb.me/F9qjb9TsmDb ( HomeOnTheLava - Off-Grid Ocean & Volcano Views - Hawaii - Ron & Janaina's Airbnb unique property )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message  🗣 up to 90 seconds ! ⏱ I'll send you one back! 🎤 )

📣📣 I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/ small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/  all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/  Thank you! 🤩 📣📣

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Embark on a historical journey as I unfold the intriguing tale of  William Ozmun Wyckoff, a man who rose from humble beginnings to build an architectural masterpiece on the serene Carleton Island. This ⭐️RE-RELEASE episode promises to immerse you in literally rich history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring stories of preservation.
Learn about Wyckoff's rise to prominence in the typewriter industry, his opulent villa, the tragic fate that his family endured, and the villa's interesting history - including nearly becoming a federal prison 😳 and being considered as a summer camp ⛱ 🏕 for  General Electric Company 💡employees.
The past doesn't always determine the future...Let's step 🩴🩴 into the present as we navigate through the tranquil beauty of the Mighty St. Lawrence River 🌊, taking a boat ride  🚤 around the island. Feel the nostalgia and tranquility as we watch life ebb and flow on the river. So, come along and lose yourself in the captivating narrative of  Carleton Island's past and present!

I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/ small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/ all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/ Thank You! 🤩

LINKS!

• https://memoryln.net/places/united-states/new-york/cape-vincent/historic-home/wyckoff-villa/ ( Memoryln.net's article about the villa )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires & further info )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( Ron Clapp's CarletonVilla's personalized link on FaceBook )
• [email protected] ( send me a question, comment, or share a personal story! 📧 I would love to hear from you! ❤️ )
• www.nearestanddearestpodcast.com ( ✅ out my website for more episodes & show notes/links! 📝 )
• https://www.speakpipe.com/NearestAndDearestPodcast ( please leave me a recorded message! 🗣 I'll send you one back! 🎤 ) 

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Carleton Island has some mystery about it. 🔮When James H. Durham decided to take on uncovering the true origin of The Old Fort in 1889, he was diving into a not so clear path of discovering the easy answer.
The island had several names, Buck, Deere, Isle aux Chevreuils and Carleton Island. I purchased the book titled, The Old Fort Carleton Island In The Revolution, written by James H. Durham in 1889. It was reintroduced and reprinted by the St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation in 2010.
The Golden Age 🌉 of the Thousand Islands was just beginning during this time period. Cape Vincent was a booming village with a train station and the first port on the western edge of the Thousand Islands.
The entire area was becoming a summer ☀️ ⛱ 🏊‍♀️ playground for some of the major industrialists and social elite of the late 19th century. ☕️ 🥮
Many excursions and tourist vessels 🚢 streamed in and out of Cape Vincent. Major Durham found the markings of a fort that was so massive in construction that it would have required thousands of people to construct it! 😳
I would like to credit the nature sound effects titled waves hitting the rocks - (Cagan Celik) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/waves-hitting-the-rocks-16680/ birds singing/calm river - (Sounds For You) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/birds-singing-calm-river-nature-ambient-sound-127411/  small waves onto the sand (DennisH18) https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/small-waves-onto-the-sand-143040/  all via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/ Thank you! 🤩

LINKS!

• https://thousandislandslife.com/books/ ( where you can purchase The Old Fort  and other books about the Thousand Islands  )
• https://www.srhf.info/  ( non-profit corporation - St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation  to promote research & education regarding maritime history of the St. Lawrence River )
• https://www.forthaldimand.com/ ( history of Fort Haldimand  along with various dates of past and present events, and souvenir store items )
• https://shipwreckstories.com/hms-ontario ( various shipwrecks including the HMS Ontario that was lost in 1780 )
• https://timuseum.org/ ( Thousand Islands Museum - Clayton, NY - no charge for admission - modern gallery of permanent & rotating exhibits, a Research Library, older duck decoys, a display by the local diving club and more! )
• https://www.carletonvilla.com/ ( the story of the Carleton Villa - some history about William O. Wyckoff - contact info for general inquires and further info )
• https://www.facebook.com/CarletonVilla ( link to connect to Carleton Villa's Facebook page )

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I am so happy to be back again to our favorite forever home on the St. Lawrence River! 🌊  I find myself surrounded by nature's simple yet profound joys. Picture ducklings 🦆 learning to swim, and the harmonious dawn 🌅 chorus of robins 🎶— showcasing the wonder of nature! As I prepare for my 40th high school reunion 🤯, memories of cherished relationships from my past, particularly my late sister JoJo, 🤍  and dear friend Jolene, 🤍 bring a bittersweet comfort. 🦋🕊
 In this heartfelt episode of  Nearest And Dearest Podcast, I also reflect on reconnecting with old friends and the significant impact of my early days with Woody. Join me as we honor Memorial Day, 🇺🇸 celebrating the deep connections that shape our lives through a family cookout that underscores the essence of togetherness. 🫶

LINKS!

•  [email protected] ( send me YOUR story! 📧 I will share it on a future episode! ❤️)
• https://youtu.be/vTnWFT3DvVA?si=RiqXTiVRi4CnQPXt ( Carrie Underwood's See You Again video )