Life + Culture

Operation Forward

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Texas Artisan Group Article by Stravos Kaplaneris | Photography by Courtesy of Operation Forward For many veterans, coming home is not the end of the journey. The uniform may come off, but transitioning into the next chapter of life can bring challenges that are difficult to face alone. Operation Forward was created from a simple belief: honoring those who served should be more than something we say. It should be something we do. Founded by Stavros and...

Education

Educator of the Month

Q&A with Dr. Christina Bradford, Region 10 Middle School Principal of the Year Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Courtesy of Dr. Christina Bradford Dr. Christina Bradford been a principal for 13 years, with 10 of those in Rockwall—two as an assistant principal and eight as a principal. She was recently selected by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) as the Region 10 Middle School Principal of the Year. School administrators are nominated based upon exemplary...

Life + Culture

A Life Well-Lived

A lifetime of faith, family, and service has taught one man what matters most. Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Catarina Smith: Glimmering Images A Life Well-Lived There's a saying that you should “enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things.” This is certainly true for Rod H., whose granddaughter, Rachel Chappell, is Rockwall City Lifestyle’s new publisher. At 79 years old, after a lifetime filled with love, hard work...

Life + Culture

Gratitude in Action

One veteran turns military lessons into helping business owners thrive. Article by Faye Trice | Photography by Catarina Smith: Glimmering Images Most people don't think about freedom until they don't have it. My time in the military taught me that. Military service teaches you many lessons: discipline, accountability, responsibility, leadership, and how to keep moving when things don't go according to plan. But one of the most important lessons I carried with me after my service was an...

Finance + Legal Services

Thankful Today for Planning Ahead Yesterday

Insurance Advisor Cherie Jones helps clients prepare for life’s unexpected moments, finding coverage that provides protection and peace of mind. Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Patti Lane-Faulhaber November is a time to be thankful for all the wonderful things in our lives like family, friends, and, above all, our health, which gives us more time with those we love. Few people understand the value of health insurance better than licensed health insurance agent Cherie Jones. Her...

Local Services

Feed the City

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry and Granite Article by Saanavi Shah | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Feed the City Grab your keys, grab a friend, and go make a sandwich. This simple vision has empowered Feed the City to help provide meals for over 8 million people in need and break three Guinness World Records. “Our mission is to educate, nourish, and empower communities through healthy and nutritious food,” said Nick Marino, the volunteer executive director of...

Life + Culture

Good Human of the Month

Local Rockwall Resident Kevin Busher Steps Up in Times of Need Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Busher Family Throughout the state, a local Rockwall resident is doing what he can to help others—particularly those impacted by natural disasters. Kevin Busher explains, “I’ve been helping people for as long as I can remember. It’s just how I was raised. If somebody needed help, you showed up. You didn’t wait to be asked, and you definitely didn’t expect anything...

Food + Beverage

Where Every Ingredient Has a Purpose

Sear Steakhouse pairs scratch-made cuisine, a no-waste philosophy, and thoughtfully selected drinks to create a unique Rockwall dining experience Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Ty Harper Photography Long before the dining room fills for dinner, the work at Sear Steakhouse & Lounge at the Harbor in Rockwall has already been underway for hours. Steaks are inspected and cut by hand, live lobsters are broken down, stocks simmer, sauces take shape, and ingredients are transformed...

Food + Beverage

Champions of Breakfast!

Best Local Spots to Start Your Morning Off Right Article by Angi Burns Best Bagel: The Bagel Lady What began with a Rockwall mom making bagels from home became a local favorite serving authentic New York-style bagels, scratch-made spreads, and hearty breakfast sandwiches. Best Coffee: 5013 Coffee This mother-daughter coffee shop pairs specialty coffee and fresh baked goods with a cozy atmosphere perfect for your morning caffeine or conversation. Best Avocado Toast: Belle Vie Bistro ...

Event Planning + Services

Holiday Hosting Without the Hassle

The Linden makes party hosting easier with flexibility, style, and service Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Christian West: West Images Claire Larson-Lu knows a thing or two about throwing a party. “I love to throw a party,” she says. That love of entertaining inspired The Linden, a Rockwall event venue Larson-Lu envisioned as a middle ground between traditional wedding venues, hotels, and corporate meeting spaces. The Linden, located off of 276 in Rockwall, has an upscale art-deco...