Garden Spot of the World

A question about the town motto sparks an organization, beautification and community involvement
By SUSAN WILLIAMSON

A little over four years ago, my husband and I found our retirement nest: 10 acres with a creek, pastures and blueberry bushes in Rural Hall, North Carolina. After settling in, we noticed that the local welcome signs proclaimed Rural Hall… »

Good Neighbors

By LESLIE SMITH TOWNSEND

“Harriet’s moving,” Loren, my husband announced, walking through the front door.
“Where to?” I asked.

“Minnesota. One of her best friends lives there and talked her into it. She wants to get her masters in nutritional science. The house goes on the market next week.”
I felt stunned. Would Harriet be moving if we’d been… »

Lessons in Neighborliness

By BRIAN LOWRY

A few years ago I attended the Healthy Foods, Local Farms Conference sponsored by the Community Farm Alliance of Kentucky. Amish farmer, naturalist and writer David Kline gave a wonderful speech that day. A question and answer period followed. The topic of technology came up. Of his people, David said, “We allow technology… »