Life + Culture

Decoding Dog Body Language

Learn to recognize the subtle signals your dog uses everyday. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers A dog's body language can speak volumes, but the message isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While many owners recognize obvious signals like a wagging tail or a growl, the quieter cues that come first are often missed.  Learning to recognize those signals not only strengthens the relationship between people and their pets but can also help prevent...

Life + Culture

Practical Treats, Happy Dogs

Natural treats born from one entrepreneur's everyday walks with his dogs. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Photographs courtesy of Barry Rosenberg Some of the best business ideas begin with a problem that seems almost too small to notice. For Barry Rosenberg, founder of Sensible Rewards, it started during his daily walks with his four dogs. Every outing meant breaking a single dog biscuit into four uneven pieces, leaving crumbs in his pockets, and making something as simple as...

Life + Culture

Inspiring Young Imaginations

One author's journey from simple questions to unforgettable stories. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For author Hannah Barnaby, great stories don't begin with elaborate plans. More often, they start with a simple question. "One day, while I was watching the kids run around, I thought, 'What if there was a boy or girl who was proud of being a bad guy? What would happen?'" Barnaby said. That spark of curiosity eventually became Bad Guy, one of several...

Finance + Legal Services

Planning with Purpose

John Flick, Iron Eagle Advisor's founder, revisits mid-year finances in a second installment. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Financial planning can sometimes feel restrictive, but it can also create freedom. How do you help clients balance preparing for the future while still enjoying life now? I’ll be honest with you: nobody has ever walked into my office and said, “I’d really love to spend the next hour talking about spreadsheets.” And yet, those...

Life + Culture

Trail Town Together

Discover trails, waterfalls, and small-town charm the whole family will love. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For families looking to unplug, reconnect, and spend time outdoors together, Damascus offers the perfect getaway. This charming Southwest Virginia town has earned the nickname "Trail Town, USA" because seven major trail systems converge there, including the famed Virginia Creeper Trail and the well-known Appalachian Trail. As a result, it’s a...

Travel

Ready for the Road

Smart and stress-free travel starts with a well-prepared vehicle. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Summer is the prime season for road-tripping, but for the smoothest and safest vacation, drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for the miles ahead. Shawn Roberts, General Manager of Volvo Cars of Charlottesville, gives some expert tips on how to prepare for a long drive. Before heading out on a summer road trip, what are the most important...

Life + Culture

Step Into Virginia's Past

A journey through some of Virginia's most storied destinations Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers From the Virginia250 Passport to myriad events around the Commonwealth, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the role that Virginia played in shaping the country in the 1700s. For one window into the 18th century, consider visiting Virginia’s oldest taverns that hosted prominent Revolutionary figures and served other...

Finance + Legal Services

Exploring Finances at the Halfway Point

Iron Eagle Advisors' John Flick gives advice for midyear money check-ins. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Midyear is often when people realize their financial goals have shifted. What are some of the biggest surprises or wake-up calls you see clients experience around this time of year? Midyear has a way of holding up a mirror. January feels full of possibility, and people set intentions with the best of energy behind them. But by the time May and...

Life + Culture

Festival Spirit in Focus

Capturing the spirit of Rooster Walk 2026 Article and Photography by James Lisowski Rooster Walk 2026 featured over 45 bands across six stages at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia. Highlights included headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones and moe., along with standout performances from Dumpstaphunk, Kitchen Dwellers, Keller Williams, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, and many more. Part music festival and part charitable mission, the 16th annual event delivered another unforgettable...

Travel

Curves, Culture, and Quiet Beauty

Ride, relax, and uncover Southwest Virginia's hidden experiences Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers If your ideal Virginia getaway includes winding mountain roads, unforgettable scenery, small-town charm, and experiences that feel a little off the beaten path, Tazewell deserves a spot on your list. Tucked into Southwest Virginia, this corner of the Commonwealth invites visitors to slow down, stay awhile, and explore. For many travelers, the journey begins...