Brian Ortiz recognized as Rockwall’s J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Father of the Year

Brian Ortiz recognized as Rockwall’s J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Father of the Year

Rockwall, TX (July 10, 2025) – Each year, YMCA branches across the country recognize an outstanding “Father of the Year” and following numerous nominations, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall announces their recipient – Brian Ortiz! “There are dads, and then there are goal dads,” says brother, Edward. “Brian is the the kind of father every […]

From the Gridiron to Legacy Leadership: One man’s lifelong connection to the Rockwall YMCA

From the Gridiron to Legacy Leadership: One man’s lifelong connection to the Rockwall YMCA

Rockwall, TX (June 25, 2025) – For Brett Packer, the YMCA has always been more than a place to play—it’s been a second home, a leadership incubator, and a place where generations of his family have found connection, purpose, and belonging. His story began in 1970, as a boy running drills on the football fields […]

Pup Culture: Dogs & their Dads

Pup Culture: Dogs & their Dads

Rockwall, TX (June 24, 2025) – This past Father’s Day, Blue Ribbon News invited the community to help us honor all kinds of fatherly love—including the kind that comes with tail wags and belly rubs! Here’s a round of a-paws to all the guys who throw tennis balls, share snacks under the table, and never […]

Local leader, Alicia Vega, appointed president of two community organizations

Local leader, Alicia Vega, appointed president of two community organizations

Rockwall, TX (May 21, 2025) — Rockwall Capital Group is proud to announce that its President, Alicia Vega, has recently been appointed to serve as President of the Rockwall-Heath High School Orchestra Booster Club (effective May 20, 2025) and President of boys team charity – Lakeside League (effective May 1, 2025). These leadership roles reflect Alicia’s ongoing […]

Remembering Ann McNabb, beloved family member, Rockwall entrepreneur, and community servant

Remembering Ann McNabb, beloved family member, Rockwall entrepreneur, and community servant

Rockwall, TX (May 8, 2025) – Ann McNabb’s remarkable 89-year journey came to a peaceful end on April 14, 2025. Born on March 1, 1936, Ann lived a life defined by service, hard work, and hospitality. Ann is survived by her children, Jack “Bryan” McNabb Jr., Bruce McNabb, Meg (McNabb) McKniff, and Amy (McNabb) Van […]

Eric Stacey, HomeBank’s Chief Lending Officer, named YMCA Volunteer of the Year

Eric Stacey, HomeBank’s Chief Lending Officer, named YMCA Volunteer of the Year

Stacey has served on the Rockwall Y’s board of managers for two years ROCKWALL, TX (April 21, 2025) – HomeBank Texas is excited to announce that HBTX Chief Lending Officer Eric Stacey has been named Volunteer of the Year for the J.E.R Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. While thousands of volunteers support the YMCA’s diverse programs […]

YMCA of Metro Dallas honors 23 volunteers, including Rockwall recipient, at 139th annual celebration

YMCA of Metro Dallas honors 23 volunteers, including Rockwall recipient, at 139th annual celebration

Dallas, TX (April 21, 2025) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas hosted its 2025 Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 17 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum to recognize volunteers who have dedicated their time in service to the Y’s mission and vision. While thousands of volunteers support the YMCA’s diverse programs annually, only a distinguished […]

Nominate deserving seniors, and those who serve them

Nominate deserving seniors, and those who serve them

Rockwall, TX (March 25, 2025) – Meals on Wheels Senior Services is gearing up for the nationally recognized Older Americans Day. This year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging.” Each May, organizations in Rockwall County, along with the five city mayors, the city government, and individuals, nominate several outstanding seniors—or those who serve them— […]

Comfort & Care: Seniors stitch hope for children in need

Comfort & Care: Seniors stitch hope for children in need

Standing, from left: Jerry Welch, Rainbow Room Board President; Lissa Robertson, Highland Meadows Activity Director; and Cindy O’Reilly, Rainbow Room Board VP of Projects, with ‘senior sew-er’ residents of Highland Meadows Rockwall, TX (March 20, 2025) – Residents of Highland Meadows Health & Rehab, located at 1870 S. John King Blvd. in Rockwall, have turned […]

Royse City’s New Hope Baptist Church honors trailblazing RCISD alumna during Black History Month

Royse City’s New Hope Baptist Church honors trailblazing RCISD alumna during Black History Month

Royse City, TX (February 27, 2025) – New Hope Baptist Church celebrated Black History Month by honoring Rev. Earnestine Reece Scott, a local legend and a beacon of inspiration. Scott, the first African American female valedictorian of Royse City High School’s Class of 1969, was recognized for her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to her […]