Life + Culture

Rockwall PAWS

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Granite & Masonry Article by Molly Brodnax | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Carlos De Leon Many children learn some of life's most important lessons through their relationships with pets. Compassion, responsibility, patience, and unconditional love often begin with the wag of a tail or the purr of a cat. In Rockwall County, Rockwall PAWS helps ensure that more families, and more children, have the opportunity to experience those special bonds...

Life + Culture

Little Lantern Press

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Granite & Masonry Article by Little Lantern Comics | Photography by Images Courtesy of Little Lantern Comics Stories That Shine in Difficult Times Little Lantern Comics was created with a simple belief: stories can bring light into dark places. Founded as a purpose-driven publishing initiative focused on children and families, the organization combines storytelling, community outreach, and charitable giving to help place comics and graphic novels...

Life + Culture

Artist of the Month

Shanna Upchurch Uses Children’s Book to Inspire Honeybee Conservation Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Dallas McNeal Ask people in the community about Shanna Upchurch and you’ll hear the words “passionate” and “advocate.” While there are many in our community who help kids and pets, Shanna advocates for something a little smaller: the honeybee. Shanna moved to Texas in 2012 and currently lives on a small homestead in Rockwall. When asked why she began to...

Home + Design

Parks, Pets, Playgrounds, and Outdoor Pastimes

Local Realtor Shares Why Rockwall Is Great for Kids, Pets, and Outdoor Family Fun Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Heather Caplick: Heather Lanae Photography For many families, choosing where to live is about more than square footage and a nice yard. It's about Saturday mornings at the playground, evening walks with the dog, and finding a community that makes it easy to spend time together.  That's one reason families continue to gravitate toward Rockwall. "Rockwall is surrounded by...

Life + Culture

Building Confidence with Manners

Five Important Social Skills for a Successful School Year Article by Leslie Riggs | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Malarie Hall Photography As summer comes to an end, many families are shifting from relaxed routines, later bedtimes, and slower schedules back into school structure. While backpacks and school supplies get a lot of attention, some of the most important back-to-school preparation cannot be found in the school aisle. The skills that often make the biggest difference are the...

Life + Culture

Leadership Rockwall Class of 2026's Legacy

Leadership Rockwall Class of 2026 Leaves a Lasting Legacy Through Ag Barn Renovation Article by Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Rockwall Chamber of Commerce One of the most powerful aspects of leadership is the ability to leave something better than you found it. That spirit was on full display as the Leadership Rockwall Class of 2026 completed its class project: the renovation and enhancement of the agricultural barn facility at Rockwall ISD. For...

Life + Culture

Lemonade Stands to Business Leaders

Lemonade Day Junior Market Continues to Grow in Rockwall County Article by Rockwall Chamber of Commerce | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Rockwall Chamber of Commerce One of the greatest traditions in American entrepreneurship is the humble lemonade stand. For generations, it has served as many children's first introduction to business ownership, customer service, and financial responsibility. In Rockwall, that tradition has evolved into something much bigger through Lemonade Day, a...

Life + Culture

Staying Safe Online

Digital Safety Tips from the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County Article by Amy Busch, Community Engagement and Training Specialist, CACRC | Photography by Photography Courtesy of CACRC At The Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County (CACRC), we are passionate about stopping abuse before it starts. While we lead the critical work of coordinating Rockwall County’s response to child abuse, we are equally dedicated to empowering families with the knowledge needed to prevent it. ...

Arts + Culture

Turning the Page on Parenting

Four unique books offering insight, encouragement, and practical guidance Article by Angi Burns Parenting doesn't come with a handbook, but the right stories and perspectives can provide encouragement when we need it most. The books featured here explore a wide range of parenting experiences, from raising children with unique abilities to helping young people develop confidence, purpose, and emotional resilience. Each author draws from personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to offer...

Home + Design

Dreaming of Better Sleep

Snooze Mattress + Wellness Brings Dream Mapping Technology to Rockwall Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Patti Faulhaber For many people, mattress shopping can feel overwhelming. But at Snooze Mattress + Wellness, owner John Adams hopes a technology called Dream Mapping can simplify the process and help people sleep better in the process. Q: What exactly is Dream Mapping technology? A: “This mattress has an electrical grid underneath this cover, and that measures your pressure...