Pieces of our distant, and not so distant, past. Real people, real stories that made local headline news, touched our hearts, made us laugh or cry. Several more will publish often. We'd love your suggestions of other memories to include on these pages.

ASHLEYS RIDE IN MEMORY OF ASHLEY SEXTON

After the death of their daughter Ashley, Kelly and Randy Sexton of Mancelona organized a motorcycle ride to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis. The first ride was held in 2008. Hundreds of bikers from Michigan and beyond met in Mancelona for a day-long tour across northern Michigan, ending in Mancelona for their banquet. Traverse City Record-Eagle's editorial staff commended the Sexton's for their efforts with this editorial, which ran August 8, 2011 in Cheers:

• To all involved in the fourth annual Ashley's Ride in Mancelona organized by Randy and Kelly Sexton to raise money to help find a cure for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disease that claimed their daughter, Ashley, 21, in 2007. The campaign raised $79,000, which includes donations from 500 contributors and the $20,000 raised by the 250 motorcyclists who rode in the event. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow along nerves, on or under the skin.