Lifestyles Features »

Contributed photo JOHN AND LAUREN Smeltzer prepare to leave for their 7,730-mile motorcycle trip outside their Charleston home. Below, the father-daughter duo pulled their motorcycles to the side of the road to take in the view along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. On the left is John’s bike, and Lauren’s is on the right.
Father-daughter take cross-country trip together
John Smeltzer had another experience he needed to check off his bucket list. His daughter, Lauren, had just graduated from high school and was looking for a big way to celebrate before starting c...
Aug 26, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
CAROLYN RIDDLE and her daughter Joy Benson, left, belong to the famous Hatfield clan whose world-famous feud with the McCoys has been turned into everything from movies and music to novels and tour trails. Riddle, the daughter of Elizabeth Hatfield, whose grandfather was a fourth cousin to “Devil Anse” Hatfield, said the family traced their roots back to England.
Hatfield-McCoy feud may predate American history
The Hatfields and McCoys’ bitter feud made a lasting impression on American folklore and history, but there remains another side to the story that deserves more attention, according to Carolyn Ridd...
Aug 26, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 34 34 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
CHRISTINE NOE received an all-expenses paid trip to Walmart’s 50th anniversary celebration in Fayetteville, Ark., where she was housed in a University of Arkansas dormitory, took a tour of Walmart’s headquarters and enjoyed mega-stars like Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie and Steven Tyler for entertainment. The part business function, part music festival gave the 83-year-old Cleveland resident something special to talk about when her customers visit her at register No. 23 in the northside Walmart in Cleveland. Above, Noe proudly displays her Walmart World 50th Anniversary issue. Banner photo, WILLIAM WRIGHT
Christine Noe: Active senior living better, loving life
Receiving an all-expenses paid trip to see Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler and Aerosmith, Lionel Richie and Cheap Trick — and hosted by superstar Justin Timberlake — was b...
Aug 22, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 31 31 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
THE NEILSON AND BISE FAMILIES enjoyed an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World as a result of a submitted entry by Trish Neilson about her former teacher Rick Bise. From left are Lindsey Bise, Debbie and Rick Bise, and Tish and Matt Neilson with their children, Jackson, Thea and Tristan. The Bises live on their miniature horse farm in the Hopewell area.
Student’s letter wins trip to Disney World for two families
Two families recently enjoyed an all-expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., because a student remembered her teacher from 20 years ago. When Tish Neilson of Knoxville heard abou...
Aug 22, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
LINDA KENNEDY sat with her son, Ronnie, and daughter, Sharon, as they discussed their journey into a cycle of kindness that has found four generations of family members reaching out to help those in need. Each holds a stray pet that is cared for by Kennedy who also has a homeless man living at her residence.
Linda Kennedy: Showing kindness to strangers
Taking in stray animals is one thing, but taking in a homeless, destitute stranger is quite another for most people. Yet no one ever said Linda Kennedy is most people. The 72-year-old Cleveland res...
Aug 19, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 34 34 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
ASHLEY HEALD, a 17-year-old Cleveland native, is a home-schooled high school senior who balances her duties as Distinguished Young Woman of Cleveland with part-time college classes and a love for writing romance novels and dancing ballet.
Meet the multitalented Ashley Heald
Ashley Heald, a 17-year-old Cleveland native, is known for winning the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Cleveland for 2012 and placing as runner-up in Tennessee’s state competition. But there ...
Aug 19, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
JOHN CRAIGMILES, 77, has been a friend and adviser to many in the Cleveland-Bradley County area since his return to Cleveland in the late 1980s. The Korean War veteran is known for his affable approach with everyone he meets. Below, John Craigmiles posed with his two tall daughters, Sonja, left, and Tara, right. The two siblings live in Chicago, said their father, who added he is very proud of all his children.
John Craigmiles: Walking tall as a friend to all
Looking up to John Craigmiles has little to do with the fact that he stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and was once a bouncer in several Chicago nightclubs years ago. The Cleveland native has earned the...
Aug 17, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 33 33 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
Banner photo, WILLIAM WRIGHT STUDIO IMPACT co-owners Lavon Kemp and Everett Mosley recently opened a nightclub featuring positive Christian music, Jazz Nights, Latin Dance Nights and Hip-Hop Nights for the community. The alcohol-free hot spot for positive entertainment in downtown Cleveland is inviting musicians of all styles to perform clean music for compensation.
Local night club brings clean music and all that jazz
Studio Impact has become the new hot spot for cool entertainment in Cleveland for college students, adults and youths who prefer a faith-based atmosphere. Lavon Kemp, co-owner of the month-old club...
Aug 15, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 33 33 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
THE YOUTH GROUP, left, from South Cleveland Church of God pose with youth minister, Josh Lane, left front, and some of the people at the Poza Rica orphange. Below left are Tony Lane and one of the Poza Rica young men.
Tony Lane: Bringing hope to orphans in Mexico
When Tony P. Lane made his first trip to the orphanage at Poza Rica, Vera Cruz, Mexico, his heart was touched and he knew at once it was not a “one-time” visit. His mission trips started with his d...
Aug 15, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend
full story
MEET THE PRESS went both ways as writers from the Cleveland Daily Banner met with writers in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland’s new journalism program. Front left, are Olivia York, Daykota Smallen, Chris Neal, Johnny Wehry, Wyatt Reeves and Desmond Simpson. Middle left are Sasvance Baker, Shianna Kimpson, Amyia Brown, Salijacee Porter, Tyeisha Graham, Zane Moore and Nick Johnson. Back row left are Preteen Director Annalicia Alexander and Ellissa Lawson.
Local Boys & Girls Clubs teach kids to write their own ticket to success
The next group of professional writers seeking careers in journalism may have gotten their earliest start from the local Boys & Girls Clubs by means of a new initiative for youths interested in wri...
Aug 12, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 31 31 recommendations | email to a friend
full story