by Amanda E. West | Dec 13, 2024 | Cover
The parking lot of Gateway Church on Madison Street is abuzz with activity as homeschooling parents unbuckle their toddlers and strap them into their strollers while their other children grab their book bags and lunch sacks. Young mothers slide their infants into...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 8, 2024 | Stories
Christmas day was rapidly approaching, and my husband and I were seniors in high school. Warm candlelight bathed the stucco walls as the waiter jotted down our orders. When he emerged sometime later carrying my side salad on his tray, a whispered hush fell over the...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 8, 2024 | Stories
WHEN THE late Kenneth “Kenny” Cooper opened his first shop with two employees, his dream was simply to make a better life for his wife, Faye, and two sons, Gary and Barry. He had no idea the impact that he — and that decision made in faith — would have on his family...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 8, 2024 | Stories
WHEN SOMEONE mentions Emmy’s Restaurant, my taste buds become excited. I immediately begin fantasizing about the hand-cut sweet potato fries served with a dipping bowl of melted butter and brown sugar paired with a smoked brisket sandwich with gooey cheese oozing over...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 8, 2024 | Cover
For Harris Middle School (HMS) librarian Megan Lawell, extending kindness to others is more than an incentive to focus on one week out of the year. For her, it’s a way of life worth teaching to others. “Kindness Week is a nationally recognized week that we wanted to...
