March has a way of turning the lights on.
The days stretch a little longer. The air softens. And suddenly we start noticing things we somehow ignored all winter — dust on the baseboards, clutter in the garage, and sometimes… clutter in our own head and heart.
If you’ve ever started a “simple” spring-cleaning project and ended up sitting on the floor surrounded by extension cords, old memories, and a sneezing fit strong enough to qualify as cardio — you’re not alone. Our Grumpy But Grateful columnist says it best: spring cleaning doesn’t just organize your shelves… it has a way of ambushing your memories. And maybe that’s part of the gift of this season. The light exposes what’s there — so we can decide what still belongs and what needs to go.
That theme of clearing space for what matters runs straight through this month’s issue.
Our March cover story features Bea Forniss, and I’m grateful for the way her life reminds us that purpose doesn’t have an expiration date. As Bea approaches 75, she’s still showing up with strength, faith, generosity, and a deep commitment to lifting others. From humble beginnings in Pritchard to leadership in education, economic development, and community-building, her story is packed with something our culture is starving for: steady, joyful, service-minded leadership. She doesn’t just talk about legacy — she lives it. And her words will stick with you: “Every day is a gift—an opportunity to help someone, encourage someone, or inspire someone to rise to their best.”
Then, in our feature, The Outrage Loop, we tackle something many of us feel but rarely name. We live in a time when “staying informed” can quietly become staying inflamed. The news is no longer something we consume — it can become something we live inside. And the result isn’t usually greater wisdom… it’s often shorter patience, tighter relationships, and a smaller life.
That article isn’t political — it’s personal. It’s about agency, peace of mind, and reclaiming your attention for the world you can actually touch: your family, your neighbors, your church, your community. Because here’s the truth: being informed does not require being emotionally hijacked.
And finally, Greg Budell takes us back to something simple and good — the love of the game — in his Boomtown column about baseball returning and the passing of Bill Mazeroski. It’s funny, nostalgic, and surprisingly meaningful. Because whether it’s baseball, family, faith, or friendship… most of us are still chasing the same thing we were chasing when we were kids: a life that matters, and moments we’ll never forget.
That’s what I hope this issue gives you.
A little laugh. A little clarity. And maybe a fresh reminder that the best way to “age well” isn’t just to live longer — it’s to live larger.
Open the windows. Let the light in. Keep what matters. Let the rest go.
And if you know someone who would make a great cover profile for a future issue, email me anytime at jason@riverregionboom.com.