Local Services

Preserving Family Legacies

Hill Country Heirlooms Gives the Gift of Memories Article by Lauren Wydler | Photography by Ninth and Main Think back for a moment. What’s one memory that, if you could, you would relive just to feel it again? Maybe it’s the sound of your child’s laughter echoing through the house, your mother’s comforting smile, or your grandparents’ voices sharing stories filled with wisdom and love. Can you still picture the moment? Can you hear their voices clearly, or have the edges of those memories...

Finance + Legal Services

18ten

A Heart for Empowering Central America Article and Photography by Abigail Thomsen In Dripping Springs, a quiet but transformative effort is underway. Alongside his wife and family, Dripping native David Sahl and his team of friends founded the nonprofit organization 18ten (referencing Matthew 18:10) in 2014, which works tirelessly to bring sustainable change to communities in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and beyond. What began as a simple trip with a burden to help children in Central America has...

Education

Transforming Our Community

One Butterfly and One Book at a Time Article by Christina Thompson | Photography by Ashley Scott Photography Dripping Springs Community Library (DSCL) is fundraising to build a new library building to meet the needs of the growing population in Dripping Springs. Instead of traditional donor recognition through something like brick pavers, DSCL has partnered with renowned Texas glass artist Carlyn Ray to create a permanent art display featuring glass butterflies in the new library. Donors can...

Life + Culture

Giving Hope

Strengthening Foster Care Through Community Support Article by Kristen Hafner Foster Village was born from the hearts of real foster parents, Chrystal and Nick Smith, who deeply understood the overwhelming challenges of the foster care system. Chrystal saw firsthand the gaps that left families struggling and children without the support they needed to truly thrive, which spurred her into action. With this experience in mind, and with the support of her husband and other local foster parents...

Food + Beverage

Homemade Holiday Joy Worth Sharing

Cinnamon Chip Swirl Loaf and Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Article by Crystal Myers | Photography by Kristen Hafner   Cinnamon Chip Swirl Loaf Supplies: Kitchen scale Large bowl Bench scraper Banneton Razor blade   Ingredients: 380 grams organic unbleached bread flour plus 40 grams whole wheat flour  306 grams water  85 grams active sourdough starter at its peak (two to three times its original size); please feed your starter 12 hours prior 10 grams salt  Rice flour (for...

Life + Culture

Where Hope Grows

Roam Ranch Article and Photography by Abigail Thomsen A grasshopper symphony hums its song in the Texas Hill Country. On a green oasis, wild bison, turkeys, ducks, pigs, butterflies, and other creatures live in harmony.  “WHAT GOOD SHALL I DO THIS DAY?” is posted on the inside of a four-wheeler—a reminder to give back to the land and living things that give us so much.  This is Roam Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas. Founded by Taylor and Katie Collins in 2017, Roam Ranch stands as a...

Shopping

Hometown Finds

Holiday Gifts Close to Home Article by Molly Maller Lucky Son Co. When four local, childhood best friends moved to different parts of the country for college, they sought a way to stay connected. Drawing from their fondest memories of times spent outdoors together, they created Lucky Son Co., an apparel brand that’s about much more than clothing. It’s about camaraderie and staying true to your roots while embracing the adventures ahead. Every Lucky Son Co. piece is a small testament to...

Life + Culture

A League of Their Own

Youth Baseball League Builds Character and Community Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Tate Gebhart On a warm Sunday morning, a team of young boys, clad in maroon caps and jerseys, gathers on the baseball diamond before their game begins. The coach gives his athletes some pointers and a pep talk, and then something unusual happens. Players from the opposing team join the circle around home plate. The boys remove their caps, pray together, and share a quiet time of devotion.  These...

Fitness

Fit for the Holidays

How to Stay Active While Giving Back Article by Angie Lyngso | Photography by Kristen Hafner The holiday season is a whirlwind of celebrations, family gatherings, and delicious food. But amid the festivities, it’s easy to lose sight of our fitness goals. This December, we want to remind you that it’s possible to stay active while enjoying everything the holidays have to offer—and even better, you can combine fitness with giving back to your community. Here’s how to maintain your fitness...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail

Article by Allison Woodward | Photography by Kristen Hafner Ingredients: Ice 4 ounces cranberry juice 2 ounces vodka ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup Rosemary sprig, lime wedge, and/or fresh cranberries for garnish   Instructions: Prepare the Glass: Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Mix the Drink: In a shaker, combine the cranberry juice, vodka, and rosemary simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well until chilled. Strain and Serve: Strain...