Health + Wellness

Celebrating 50 Years of Strengthening Rockwall

The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Article by Courtesy of the YMCA | Photography by Heather Caplick: Heather Lanae Photography For 50 years, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Rockwall community—creating a place where families grow stronger, kids thrive, and neighbors connect. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Y is guided by its mission: to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. From the earliest age, children can...

Local Services

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Andrea Elizabeth Photography – www.andreaelizabeth.com or 469-927-0225 Capture the first precious weeks with newborn photos you’ll cherish forever, from stunning color-saturated artistic shots to first smiles to black-and-white photos of ten perfect, tiny toes. Rockwall Lactation – 1101 Ridge Rd. #244, Rockwall, TX Let certified lactation consultant Dodie Hamrick, IBCLC, MPA...

Health + Wellness

More Than Man’s Best Friend

Service Dogs Offer Lifeline for Children with Special Needs Article by Ken G. Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of Craig Hanna Children living with autism, severe allergies, or psychiatric conditions know everyday life can present extraordinary challenges. But with the help of specially trained service dogs, many of these children are gaining safety, independence, and the confidence to navigate their world in ways that once seemed impossible. According to experts at United K9, a Texas-based...

Education

Rockwall County's Aspasians

Embodying the Spirit of Service, Community, and Friendship Article by Courtesy of Aspasians | Photography by Courtesy of Aspasians Members Since 1972, Aspasians, a dedicated group of 35 women from Rockwall County, have embodied the spirit of service, community, and friendship. Known for their signature navy blue aprons, the women of Aspasians host the biannual Aspasians Marketplace—an outdoor shopping event that not only supports local businesses but also funds college scholarships for...

Home Services

Life Can Be Messy

Kids and Pets Don’t Come with a Cleaning Crew (But We Do) Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia At 18, Caitlyn was already cleaning homes as a side gig. Little did she know but her future vision for her life and her entrepreneurial skills were already in motion. Soon after graduating high school in 2019, she launched her own business. Elite Diamond Cleaning was born in Rockwall and grew very quickly. It now encompasses a team of 12 cleaners and...

Education

Rockwall ISD Education Foundation

Investing in Innovation Article by Ken Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of Rockwall ISD Education Foundation Since 2003, the Rockwall ISD Education Foundation has championed excellence in education. Led by Executive Director Ashlei Neill, the foundation bridges district needs and community generosity to fund innovative programs, empower teachers, and support student success. Building Awareness, Fulfilling Needs Initially chartered as part of the school district, the Rockwall ISD...

Local Services

Lone Star CASA

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite Article by Lone Star CASA | Photography by Courtesy of Lone Star CASA Meet little Emily. She is young, and afraid and disoriented. The last thing she remembers is that her parents were fighting, as they do…but this time a policewoman was taking her away. Her head is really hurting. Is Mommy okay? Where’s her dog, Muffins? Will she still get to see her teacher Mrs. Grayson? Most of all, where is her little brother, Jack?  Heavy...

Professional Services

Where Heart Meets Home

Growing In and Out of Homes Is Part of Life Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Courtesy of Basil Bouras: Bouras Designs “Buying a home is not just about buying a house—buying a home represents your next phase of life,” reflects Sarah Naylor, who has been helping people find homes for over ten years in the Rockwall and greater DFW area. While we all try to plan out our “next phase of life” as best we can, realistically, changes await us at every turn. Some of these changes can catch us...

Arts + Culture

Striking a Chord in Rockwall

The Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony Brings Music and Meaning to the Community Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Provided: Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony There’s something magical happening in rehearsal halls across North Texas. It’s not just the sound of violins tuning or trumpets warming up—it’s the unmistakable hum of hope, potential, and purpose. Since its founding in 2022, the Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony (GRYS) has become far more than a youth orchestra. It’s a lifeline, a...

Health + Wellness

First Responder of the Month

Partners in Crime Article and Photography by Tiffany Ditto A conversation with Officer Gunnor McGee and his canine partner. Q: How old is Turbo, and how long has he been a part of Rockwall PD? A: “Turbo is a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois who has been an officer for a little over five years. If all goes well medically, he’ll likely retire in two years.” Q: What are Turbo’s duties, and what does he enjoy most? A: “He does both narcotics detection and patrol, which includes tracking...