Local Services

When Listening Becomes Lifesaving

How BRRC Takes Action Against Bullying Article by Valerie Bianculli When Dru Ahlborg speaks about bullying, she does so with clarity, compassion, and lived experience. As the Executive Director of the Bullying Recovery Resource Center (BRRC), her work is rooted not in theory, but in a deeply personal journey that began when her son was in middle school. “When my son was in seventh grade, his behavior started changing,” Ahlborg recalls. “He stopped hanging out with friends. His grades dropped...

Life + Culture

DIY Valentines

Ideas that are easy-to-make and beautiful to give. Article by Anne Hebert Children love to be creative and are especially proud of gifting an item they’ve made themselves. With a little planning and some basic craft materials, parents can help kids make beautiful Valentine greetings for their special people. Homemade cards are fun to make at any age and offer a chance to infuse each with creativity and personality. Construction paper and doilies, safety scissors, colorful crayons or markers...

Professional Services

Black Belt Representation, In Practice

Why Ed Lomena Refuses the Easy Win Article by Valerie Bianculli | Photography by Courtesy of Edward Lomena For Ed Lomena, the courtroom isn’t a place for shortcuts. It’s a place for preparation, patience, and principle. “I’ve always believed in what I call value integrity,” says Lomena, CEO and Founder of Lomena Law. “If I work on a case, get to know a client, and I believe the case is worth a certain amount, I’m not going to settle for less.” It’s a mindset that has defined Lomena’s 20-year...

Food + Beverage

Valentine’s Day: What We Want

Dieter's Local Chocolate Article by Irene Middleman Thomas | Photography by Irene Middleman Thomas In most of the world where Valentine’s Day is celebrated, couples and friends give each other chocolates as the must-have gift. Chocolate has been commonly believed to be a mood booster since the era of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations centuries ago. The chocolate we know and love today comes from the pods of cacao trees, which grow in a small band around the equator, known as the “Cocoa Belt...