Local Recipes: Fireworks, Flavor, and Family
WHAT BETTER time to indulge in the ultimate celebration of all things American: backyard barbecues, July Fourth festivities, and the comforting flavors of home? Let’s salute the classic dishes that...
Food Critic: Piezan Pizzeria Italiano
FOR MOTHER’S Day this year, I went to dinner with my youngest daughter at Piezan Pizzeria Italiano, located on the square in downtown Winchester. I wasn’t going for pizza, though. I wanted to be...
Ray Cobb: A Lens of Courage
A YOUNG RAY Cobb, barely out of his teens, crouches behind a sandbag in a mock Vietnamese village. Sweat beads are on his forehead, and condensation gathers on his vintage camera lens. The distant...
Syrenna Patrick: A Veteran’s Voice
IN THE pitch-black darkness of an Iraqi night, with the desert sand swirling around her, Syrenna Patrick found herself in a surreal moment of clarity. Bullets zipped through the air, mirroring the...
Letter From the Editor: Vacation in Franklin County
SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...
Coffee, Cocktails, and Unexpected Sisterhood
THREE YEARS ago, on Aug. 11, 2021, Angela Averett planted the seeds for a harbor of connectivity in the Franklin County community. Her simple post on the Nextdoor app aimed to connect newcomers,...
A Look Inside Huntland Methodist Church’s Treasured Grocery Giveaway.
AN ABUNDANCE of conversations ripples across the church parking lot, punctuated by the rattle of car trunks opening. Every third Saturday, Huntland United Methodist Church (UMC) buzzes with...
Jerry Little Reflects on Cherished Memories at Woods Reservoir.
THE EARLY morning sun cast long shadows across the still waters of Woods Reservoir in Franklin County. A gentle breeze ruffles the surface, creating soft ripples that shine brightly in the golden...
Drafts & Watercrafts: Eat Like You’re on Vacation While Being Minutes From Home
I LOVE THE water. It can be any type — a swimming pool, a beach, or a lake. Birds flying, wildlife drinking, and people enjoying activities bring so much joy to so many. What better way to spend an...
The Lucas House: Reviving Belvidere’s Hidden Gem
FOR NEARLY seven years, John and Janie Lovett watched with sadness as the old Lucas house, rumored to be one of the first homes in Franklin County to be electrified, slowly withered away behind...
Family Traditions Emerge at the Elk River
AS SUMMER approaches, families eagerly anticipate the break from daily routines, preparing to embark on new adventures. Friends load up their RVs, ready to hit the open road and create unforgettable...
The Bondurant Family: Fresh Air, Sweet Treats, and Family Fun
STEP INTO the Bondurant family’s world: a serene escape where the ebb and flow of Tims Ford Lake ownership has shaped not just a marina but a legacy. With roots embedded in the waves since 1984, the...
Letter From the Editor: The Impact of ‘Shop Local’
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
Where the Music Meets the Mission
AS YOU step out of your car, the atmosphere at Clark Memorial Elementary School seems to beam with positivity. You take a deep breath as you stand outside the school, absorbing the electrifying...
Mountain Mobile Meals Is on the Rise.
ΤHE SCENT of simmering garlic and oregano hung heavy in the air, clinging to the worn denim apron tied around his 16-year-old frame. Condensation gathered on the stainless steel counter as he sliced...
A Local Child Care Center Cultivates Imagination and Empathy in a Cozy Bungalow.
A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED Craftsman home, painted in a calming sky blue with crisp white trim, reflects the friendly, bright, and refreshing atmosphere awaiting young scholars. Annette Martinez once...
Make Time for Memories: Recipes
THE FIRST dogwood blooms unfurl while other trees wake up from their long winter nap. Images of Easter, spring break, and picnics flood our feeds and keep us daydreaming of the warmer days ahead....
Taqueria Los Olivos: A Mexican Odyssey
IN 2018, a new addition to our local culinary scene emerged, bringing with it the authentic flavors of Mexico that have since captivated the taste buds of many. Some say if you blink, you may just...
Franklin County’s Trusted Paint Expert Defies Setbacks and Builds a Community Mainstay.
A SHROUD OF pre-dawn darkness blanketed Southern California as Monday morning arrived. As the rest of the world slept, Tony Stone, a soldier turned civilian, sat at his kitchen table, bathed in the...
The Danley Family Has Kept Homes Cozy for 50 Years.
MICHAEL T. Danley the current owner of Danley Heating and Air, didn't initially plan to follow in his grandfather's (Edward Thomas Danley) and father's (William "Bill" Thomas Danley) footsteps in...
Winton Auction & Realty Has a Future Rooted in Service and Collaboration.
FOR OVER seven decades, Winton Auction & Realty has been a cornerstone of Franklin County, its weathered brick facade whispering tales of community spirit and dedication. Founded in 1948 by Bob...
Debbie Edens Brings Comfort and Joy Through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
FOR MOST of us, sleep comes easily. We lay down at night, heads meeting our soft pillow, cocooning us like warm clouds. Our tired muscles loosen, welcoming the plush embrace of our mattresses. We...
Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club’s Hands-on Approach to Community Involvement
ORIGINATING IN Chicago, the Rotary Club movement, now a global force, was initially conceived to unite business leaders in service to their communities. The Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club...
Jefferson’s – Winchester’s Opening Day Review
AS A food enthusiast, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Jefferson’s - Winchester, a new gem that recently graced our local scene. Nestled in Winchester’s downtown square, this...
Exploring Summer Magic at St. Andrew’s Sewanee
WHEN ENVISIONING summer camp, what image comes to mind? Is it the smell of the half-burnt marshmallows perched atop the bonfire, yearning to unite with graham crackers and chocolate Hershey bars? Is...
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