Author

Rita MacDonald

Rita MacDonald is a U.S. Army Veteran and a full-time Oncology RN who attributes Irish and Scottish heritage to her love of storytelling. She is "Mum" to two sons, “Gummy” to her six grandchildren, loves talking with anyone who will engage in a conversation, and “eats life with a shovel!” In addition to her work with The Keel, Rita is a past contributor for the Thumbprint News, an author of three books, and writes a blog at kitchentabledevotions.com.

Rita MacDonald's Latest Articles

A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio is located within Birchwood Mall in Fort Gratiot, Michigan.
A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio expands business with new location in Fort Gratiot

Previously located in Marysville, A Little Hobby Ceramics Studio has reopened with a new home at Birchwood Mall offering more opportunities to learn and explore ceramic artmaking.

Several of Gloria Pitzer's publications
Late St. Clair resident Gloria Pitzer leaves flavorful legacy with copycat cookbook series

Lifelong St. Clair resident Laura Emerich shares the story behind her late mother’s culinary journey “putting St. Clair on the map” through Gloria Pitzer’s copycat cookbook collection.

Michelle Welsh, owner of Sparked with Purpose Permanent Jewelry.
Breast cancer survivor’s diagnosis sparks creative new venture

Blue Water Area resident and entrepreneur Michelle Welsh credits her health diagnosis as the catalyst for creating her permanent jewelry business, Sparked with Purpose, which helps support those battling cancer.

Rachael Johnsick, owner of Lake House in Fort Gratiot.
A journey of solace and art inspires local entrepreneur’s new business, Lake House

Blue Water Area resident Rachael Johnsick never imagined that her passion for gathering lakeside treasures would evolve into her latest venture opening a new storefront in Fort Gratiot spotlighting her and other local artists’ unique creations.

Owner Amy Schmidt (back) poses for a photo with Nicole Jaqueline Pauly and Bill Schmidt.
Lexington couple launches Your Mom’s House, a new food truck specializing in gluten-free fare

A Lexington couple has transformed their experience with food allergies into an opportunity to help other Blue Water Area residents facing similar challenges with their new food truck, Your Mom’s House.

Marysville Blast From The Past is located at 1315 Gratiot Blvd. in Marysville, Michigan.
Multigenerational passion for antiquing leads to new business, Marysville Blast From The Past

New Blue Water Area antique store Marysville Blast From The Past continues the tradition of a shared passion for antiquing across multiple generations.

The Attic Finds is located off of Dixie Highway in Fair Haven, Michigan.
Family-owned business The Attic Finds is set to expand offerings

The Attic Finds and General Store, located on Dixie Highway, originally started as a store specializing in refurbished furniture and gift items. Over time, it has expanded to encompass a clothing boutique, an arts and crafts consignment shop, and is soon set to introduce local produce to its offerings.

Port Huron hometown author makes her debut with superhero romance novel

Meghan Wiley, a former elementary school teacher turned author, recently debuted her first book which gives a nod to her hometown in a fictional romance novel that delves into the world of superheroes.

Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker are a two-person band from St. Clair County, Michigan.
Meet life-long friends and talented musical duo, Smith and Tucker

High school rock band turned entertainment duo, Ron Smith and Doug Tucker of Smith and Tucker have deep roots in the Blue Water Area, drawing crowds to sing along with them and their guitars, mandolins, and harmonicas.

Becks Farm and Produce is located at 5021 Beard Rd. in Clyde, Michigan.
Corn maze, tractor pulls, hay rides, & more agritainment fun at Becks Farm and Produce

The Beck family has transformed the 100-year-old McNaughton Estate in Clyde into a 12-acre agritainment destination offering a fall experience that’s fun for the whole family.

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