Education

Starting Strong

Setting Teens on the Right Financial Track Article by Tina Lesniak Kenny Gott is the author of the book Bottom Line Financial Planning: Manage Risk And Fund The Good Life...Your Whole Life, and president of Piatchek & Associates, a family-owned financial services firm serving Springfield since 1972.   What are the top tips for teenagers as they begin to manage their own money? 1) Educate yourself on financial planning basics, especially budget and debt planning, tax management, and...

Wellness

A Little Dirt, A Lot of Reward

Beth Combs on Why Gardening Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make Article by Hunter Jazz | Photography by Provided Investing in Your Garden: A Beginner’s Guide with Beth Combs of Arlie’s Farm Beth Combs, the passionate gardener behind Arlie’s Farm, believes that gardening is more than just a hobby—it's an investment in your family, your health, and your community. In 2018, Beth and her family purchased Arlie’s Farm with the goal of sharing their love for gardening with others. Named...

Life + Culture

Investing in Culture

The Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival Celebrates Global Traditions Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Provided by Springfield-Greene County Park Board Every spring, the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park transform into a breathtaking display of color and culture for the annual Cherry Blossom Kite and Pinata Festival. What began as a simple kite festival has blossomed into a celebration of Springfield’s sister city relationships, blending the...

Fitness

Investing in Your Future Self

The Power of Physical Therapy Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski Terra Gegg didn’t set out to be a business owner. In fact, she never imagined herself in entrepreneurship at all. But looking back, the seeds were always there. Growing up, Terra was an only child until she was 13. Her parents divorced when she was just two, and for much of her early years, it was just her and her mom. Things changed when her stepdad entered the picture around the time she was ten. He owned...

Beauty

A Salon Worth the Investment

Calm, Care, and Connection Article by Hunter Jazz | Photography by Tiffany Enowski The moment clients walk into THE BEAUTY FACTORY, something feels different. It’s not just the atmosphere—it’s the ease, the sense of being exactly where they should be. The rhythm of the space is familiar yet calming: the ambience of conversation, running water, the well-curated playlist that sets the tone. It’s a place where people can relax, with a level of comfort, where they don’t have to be on all the time...

Arts + Culture

A Historical Day Trip

Exploring the Historical Connections of Mansfield Article by Tina Lesniak As the weather warms and the days get longer, the need to get back outside and explore our larger home starts to grow. After being inside the same four walls for much of the winter, it's a great time to venture just a little beyond Springfield - far enough to explore something new but close enough to easily travel in a day. The town of Mansfield beckons. With its small-town charm and historical landmarks, it offers a...

Home + Design

Timeless Home Designs

Chad Holgerson: The Heart and Craft Behind Keystone Creative Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Leigh Love Chad Holgerson, a professional building designer with a distinctive mustache, is the driving force behind Keystone Creative. With a deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship and design, he pours his heart and soul into every project, ensuring that each client’s vision is realized in a home that will stand the test of time. “I want to do what’s best for my clients,” Chad explains. “This...

Professional Services

Where Design Meets Lifestyle

The Family-Owned Flooring Boutique Redefining Home Design Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Mountain Pine Studios Render Flooring is not just a place to buy flooring and tile; it's a space where relationships are nurtured, and every detail of a home’s design is given careful thought. The family-owned boutique flooring store has become a go-to destination for homeowners and builders in the Springfield area, thanks to their approach to customer service. “We always start by talking to our...

Home + Design

Beyond the Blue

How Donna and Craig Fishel Built a 50-Year Legacy of Family, Friendship, and Pools Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Tiffany Enowski One could say Donna and Craig Fishel’s romance was a match made in a water heaven. Donna was living in an Atlanta suburb, working as a marketing and public relations professional for BioLab, a swimming pool and spa water care company, when she first met Craig at a dealer meeting in 1988. One of her friends who worked at the company auspiciously told...

Life + Culture

Unique Date Ideas

New Experiences on Valentine's Day Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Photos provided Creative Escape Glass, 1700 South Campbell Ave, Suite H, Springfield “Our most popular special event is our Valentine's Date Night when couples tend to make more of an effort to find something unique to share,” explains Rebekah Santiago, owner/artisan at Creative Glass Escape. “Not only do they enjoy the experience of creating something together, but they will have that beautiful glass piece forever...