Local Services

Women in Need

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite Article by Women in Need | Photography by Photography Courtesy of WIN Across North Texas, Women in Need (WIN) stands as a lifeline for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Serving Hunt, Rains, and Rockwall counties, the nonprofit provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education offering survivors the resources, support, and hope they need to rebuild safe...

Arts + Culture

Strings, Stories, and Southern Soul

Navy Veteran Brandon Bamburg Shares Music, Community, and Heartfelt Connection Article by Saanavi Shah | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Brandon Bamburg What first inspired you to start singing country music? “I grew up with George Strait, Alan Jackson, and those guys, and I really enjoyed their music, but I’d never really considered doing it as a career. I was always ‘gung-ho military.’ It wasn't until I saw Merle Haggard [perform live] for the first time that it had me hook, line...

Shopping

Christmas Gifts That Dazzle

Willis Fine Jewelry Sparkles as Brightly as the Season Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by TinTin Wynn Photography & Films Diamonds may be a girl's best friend.  But  when it comes to Christmas, Willis Fine Jewelry is every shopper’s best friend. Their stunning selection of fine jewelry ensures you’ll find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list, whether it’s a sparkling diamond ring, a unique timepiece, or a statement gold bracelet. At Willis Fine Jewelry, you'll discover...

Beauty

A Season to Shine, A Reason to Feel Beautiful

At Merle Norman Rockwall, Beauty Begins with a Conversation and Ends with Confidence Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia When holiday lists start to grow, there is no better gift than something personal. At Merle Norman Cosmetics in Rockwall, owner Gail Fletcher believes the perfect present begins with helping those you love look and feel their very best. With more than fifty years in the beauty industry and eight of them serving the Rockwall...

Entertainment

Holiday Magic, Chauffeured Comfort

Experience the Best and Most Luxurious Holiday Lights Tours Article by Lionel Carrion | Photography by Photography courtesy of Premier Elite Transport There’s something special about the moment the city begins to glow in December. Twinkling lights line the streets, neighborhoods come alive with color, and familiar places transform into something magical. Families bundle up to explore, couples head out for cozy evenings, and friends gather to share the sparkle of the season. But this year...

Health + Wellness

Giving Back to Heroes

Organizations That Support Veterans in North Texas Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Various Organizations Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 5,000 veterans in Rockwall County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This roundup highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits dedicated...

Home + Design

The Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Holiday Decorating

Avoiding Circuit Overload When Hanging Christmas Lights Article by Fatima Durrani On any given day, we turn our stoves on to fry a few eggs or crank up the heat on our griddles to flip some pancakes without a thought. At night, we automatically flick on the light switch so we don’t stumble in the dark or turn down the temperature if it gets too hot.  Yet most people take our electricity for granted. Today, at least 1.18 billion are “energy poor” and unable to use electricity according to the...

Food + Beverage

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Dodie's Rockwall: 2067 Summer Lee, Rockwall, TX Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with a Cajun twist, with Dodie's special Cajun fried turkey breast, classic sides such as cornbread dressing and green beans amandine, with bread pudding for dessert. Cracker Barrel: 845 East Interstate 30, Rockwall, TX  Just like Thanksgiving at Grandma's house with favorites such as a golden, crispy-fried...

Education

One Unit Strong

Students Find Belonging, Mentorship, and Purpose in Joint JROTC Program Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Rockwall ISD Rockwall ISD’s Marine Corps JROTC program is only in its second year, but it is already making its mark on the community and students by blending students from different schools, backgrounds, and abilities into one unit. District leaders worked for years to secure a JROTC program in Rockwall before its debut in 2024. Unlike many JROTC programs...

Home + Design

Homes for Heroes

A Real Estate Agent’s Mission to End Misinformation and Help Veterans Purchase Homes Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Photography Courtesy of VBRG Veterans often bump into considerable obstacles when trying to purchase their first home. Whether that’s due to misinformation, miscommunication, or plain old ignorance, it behooves both veterans and real estate agents to check the facts–twice.  Reading between the lines isn’t easy, especially for veterans who may be slowly transitioning...