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

Left to right: Treasurer, Cathy Lipa, Pat O’Connor and Corresponding Secretary, Jan Zimmer.
St. Clair Women’s League to host community fundraiser event at Rivercrab restaurant

The St. Clair Women’s League includes residents giving back to their community by raising funds through charity events. Attend their yearly fundraising event at the Rivercrab restaurant on November 7.

Captain speaking to one of the veterans aboard at a previous Boat4Vets event.
Boat4Vets gives back to veterans providing a day on Lake St. Clair

Boat4Vets enjoys serving Blue Water area Veterans by sharing their boats and opening their decks to US Veterans to thank them for their service.

Port Sanilac Harbor.
St. Clair County author highlights thumb area attractions in new book

Leslie Cieplechowicz has published her second book highlighting Mighigan places to visit in Michigan Revealed - Exploring the Mitten’s Thumb. It's scheduled for release in October.

Stacy Miotke stocking clothes.
Soaring Dreams Thrift Store provides workplace for adults with special needs

St. Clair resident Vicki Helhowski provides workplace experience and friendships for the community's special needs adults at her thrift store and ice cream shop in Riverside Plaza.

(Left to right) Jason Stier, SCAA Vice President, Cathy Ingles, SCAA Office Manager, and Dave Fry, SCAA President.
“There will be something for everyone” at St. Clair’s Art Fair this weekend

This year marks the St. Clair Art Association’s 53rd annual Art Fair featuring unique handmade crafts from 150 talented artists, displaying items at Palmer Park, Riverview Plaza, and the Alice W. Moore Center for the Arts.

Display of flowers at Palmer Park done by the St. Clair Garden Club.
St. Clair Garden Club adds charm to the city through floral landscaping

The city of St. Clair is well known for its beautiful landscaping and it is their very own garden club members who are the behind-the-scenes artists investing their time to beautify their beloved town.

Nate Perry, owner of Michigan Honey Hole Fishing holding a King Salmon.
Michigan Honey Hole Fishing provides individualized fishing experience

Lexington resident Nate Perry launched Michigan Honey Hole Fishing in 2022, attracting people from as far as Japan and Australia to glean from his expertise in navigating some of Michigan’s best-known waters in search of all kinds of fish.

A variety of cone options are displayed at Hippy Dippy Creamery, located at 312 E. Huron Blvd. in Marysville.
Hippy Dippy Creamery announces second location in Fort Gratiot

Over Memorial Day weekend, owners Matthew and Jamie Faulkner will open their newest location of Hippy Dippy Creamery in Fort Gratiot. 

Nicole and Rob Fowler, the owners of Fowler's Creamery & Coffee, stand outside their storefront in downtown St. Clair with their children Nash (left) and Harper.
Fowler’s Creamery & Coffee to open in St. Clair this spring

Long-time hairdresser, Nicole Fowler, says she is ready to pursue her dream of opening up an ice cream, coffee, and sweets shop, scheduled to open next month in St. Clair.

Owner of The First Cup Jake Skarbek shakes hands with former owner Don Peterson.
The First Cup: Clay Township coffee shop gets new owner and new look

With a new owner and new name, a long-standing coffee shop in Clay Township has reopened after a brief closure for renovations. Here’s what’s next for The First Cup.

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