Caley Smith

The other day, I walked into a restaurant and noticed a sign on the door: Cashless Business. Credit Cards and Mobile Payments Only.

Fifty residents picked up paintbrushes and joined forces to transform one of the neighborhood's mail pavilions into a colorful community landmark. The hands-on mural project brought together families, local businesses and community partners for a day focused on creativity, connection and neighborhood pride.

The other day, I walked into a restaurant and noticed a sign on the door: Cashless Business. Credit Cards and Mobile Payments Only.

Making friends as a child seems effortless. You show up at school, join a team, sit next to someone in class and somehow friendships form naturally. As adults, however, making new friends can feel surprisingly difficult. Between careers, marriages, children and the endless responsibilities that come with adulthood, finding meaningful connections often takes a back seat.

Somewhere along the way, hard work stopped being rewarded and started being exploited.

Caley Smith reflects on the joys and challenges of family road trips, showing how the unexpected mishaps, shared adventures and simple moments along the journey often become the memories children cherish most

Somewhere along the way, hard work stopped being rewarded and started being exploited.

Eirlys, a six-month-old Golden, and Torx, an adult Malamute, assist their mom in picking out a beverage. For cooling down the pups, there are multiple water stations, as well as buckets of ice cubes to snack on and big misting fans.

Caley Smith reflects on the joys and challenges of family road trips, showing how the unexpected mishaps, shared adventures and simple moments along the journey often become the memories children cherish most

For many Nexton residents, finding a quick meal often means choosing either convenience or nutrition. Julie Boone hopes her newest business proves they can have both.