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Mandy Straussberg is sweet and intelligent, but does have a stubborn streak. She’s had her share of disagreements with her best friend, Liz Horton. But the two of them have been there for each other, even through the tough times. Mandy’s brother, David, is sometimes too cynical for his own good.

“Whit” is an inventor, author, entrepreneur and owner of Whit’s End—an ice cream shop and “discovery emporium” where kids can be kids. His wise counsel, inventiveness and insight have made him a trusted friend and confidant to everyone in Odyssey.

Tom is an old friend of Whit (he calls him “John Avery”) and owns an apple farm outside of town. He coached many of Odyssey’s sports teams, and ably served as Odyssey’s mayor through its most difficult times. Tom is known for his wisdom and “country sense.”