Real Estate

A Place to Belong

From opera stages to open houses, Jennifer Pedersen helps families find their perfect place Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield When Jennifer Pedersen relocated to Greensboro in 2019 for her husband's job, she was on the cusp of one of life's biggest transitions. Just two weeks before welcoming their first child, they arrived without deep local roots or a built-in network. Like many families starting over, they were searching for something more than a house: they were...

Shopping

For the Love of Animals

All Pets Considered remains a trusted resource for pet owners Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield Pets hold a special place in our hearts and homes. We love them, care for them, and want the very best for them. That's why it's important to find trusted professionals who care about our pets as much as we do. All Pets Considered is one of those places. Owner Alison Schwartz recalls one customer saying that walking into the store felt the TV show Cheers , where everybody...

Local Services

Champions for Children

These local nonprofits are actively transforming young lives Article by Kari Smith From meeting basic needs to opening doors to new opportunities, these local nonprofits are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our community. Learn more about who they are and how they help. BackPack Beginnings BackPack Beginnings connects children and their families with resources needed to thrive. Founded in 2010, they serve more than 27,000 children annually...

Education

Ready, Set, School!

Alexandra Premeaux, counselor at St. Pius X Catholic School, shares tips for helping children thrive Article by Kari Smith What are a few simple ways families can help children build confidence before the first day of school? Let them take part in the preparations. Allow them to choose their backpack and help set up their new pencil case or lunchbox. The more autonomy and inclusion they can take part in, the better. How can parents help children adjust to changes such as a new teacher...

Home Services

Just Outside Your Door

Piedmont Decks creates outdoor spaces worth exploring Article by Kari Smith | Photography by JDB Films Productions Perhaps unsurprisingly, decks remain one of the top value-enhancing improvements you can make to your property. In fact, the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report by the Journal of Light Construction found that decks can deliver a 95% return on investment. Beyond the numbers, though, decks and outdoor spaces can serve as a natural extension of our living areas. One local man is helping...

Finance + Legal Services

Beyond the Courtroom

A Greensboro defense attorney finds purpose in both advocacy and exploration Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield; Christon Halkiotis For many, law is a profession. For one Greensboro attorney, it’s also a calling shaped by service, perspective, and a willingness to explore — both inside and outside the courtroom. Originally from Chapel Hill, Christon Halkiotis arrived in Greensboro in the mid-2000s to begin what would become a 15-year tenure as an Assistant District...

Travel

Exploring the World, One Step at a Time

Linda Carnell is helping people everywhere explore more freely through her mobile walking tour app Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Linda Carnell; Annabelle Hartwich Photography For Linda Carnell, exploration isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. She’s traveled the world and lived in various cities across the country, now calling Winston-Salem home. Her journey has been shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to understand the world more deeply. That spirit of discovery is...

Travel

Travel Notes

Tips and reflections on what makes exploration meaningful Article by Kari Smith | Photography by City on a Hill Photography Local realtor Kaye Brinkley has moved across the country and has traveled the globe. Here, she shares perspective (and photos) from years of exploration. What's always in your carry-on? Lip balm, iPad, chargers for everything, and snacks. Window or aisle seat? Window seat, always. Watching a new destination come into view never loses its magic for me. One travel...

Life + Culture

Side By Side

This father-and-son team in Greensboro brings a personal touch to retirement and financial planning. Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield When it comes to navigating your finances or planning for retirement, working with knowledgeable, trustworthy professionals is essential. Alpha Omega Financial offers that — and more. Managing Partner and Retirement Specialist Scott Graham and his team bring a personal, family-centered approach to helping clients reach their goals. With...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Ballfield

Business owner, coach, and father Andrew Kearns is making an impact across the Triad Article by Kari Smith It’s a sunny day in North Carolina during baseball season. The sky is blue, filled with the distinctive ping of bats and cheers from the stands. In the middle of it all is Andrew Kearns, coaching his 13-year-old son Flynn’s team — something he’s done since the early days of T-ball. Off the field, Andrew is the owner of Surface Specialists of the Triad. The company focuses on repairs and...