Jesse Duffie describes growing up in the Old Village as "pure bliss," filled with quintessential childhood moments like skateboarding, playing sports at Speights Field, and spending summer afternoons at Capers Island. However, the neighborhood later became an escape route as he battled internal struggles. He frequently ran away to Alhambra Hall or the Pitt Street Bridge to be alone. This same bridge is significant to his adult life: it's where he first asked his now-wife, Becca, to be his girlfriend in 2011, and where he proposed in 2023. Now, in his "Jeffie 2.0" life, the Old Village represents healing and connection. For Jesse, the Old Village remains a magical and meaningful place that anchors his transformed life. The parting wisdom for the community that Jesse shared in the feature article is simple yet powerful: "Love over fear. Always." Because someone out there might just be waiting to be helped—by you.

Lilypad Cupcake, the Bearded Dragon, was scaling the town searching for a new family and she clawed her way into the Dailey family's life! Emma and Jack and their friends named her and what started with Lily grew into her cute funny name! "Princess" Lilypad Cupcake demands crickets, worms and greens cut straight from the family's garden, and they gladly obey.