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hen I slow down long enough to think about it, 17 years is a long time, and even longer in terms of local publishing, which we affectionately refer to as “dog” years. This issue does memorialize 17 years for Lifestyle Magazine … and we are delighted to bring it to you.

What you will not see in this issue is any form of celebration, and we are feeling rather disappointed about that. Although we discussed and planned on having a special issue, between many of our friends and neighbors feeling the physical, emotional and financial effects of the pandemic, only to have recently suffered through the fear and devastation of losing homes and possessions caused by the fires, we decided that it just was not the right time.

We hope that you understand and know that we hurt right along with you. My own sister lost her home and all of its contents when the Alameda fire blazed through the town of Phoenix, Ore., destroying nearly everything in its path. The only thing that has lifted our family out of the grief is the fact that she and my brother-in-law escaped without physical harm and, for that, we are so very grateful.

We do look forward to an anniversary issue next year, or when the time is right.

We are always as appreciative as can be of every homeowner who has allowed us into their private living spaces so we can share photos and their stories with you. If you have not experienced having a small tribe of writers, photographers and editors invade your space, let me tell you that it is not always as fun for the homeowner as one might think. We appreciate the time that our Home Tour subjects afford us. We could not do this without you.

This month’s feature is the home of Kerry and Dan Hydash. I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest in the Hydash home both pre- and post-remodel, and they are always the consummate hosts. During my last visit where I saw the transformation, I just knew we had to bring it to you. I mean, come on, as soon as you walk in the door, you’re greeted by a beautiful oak bar; it just screams hospitality. Kerry, CEO of Family HealthCare Network, and Dan, head baseball coach at Redwood High School, along with their two young sons, live among a gallery of sports memorabilia, and we are sure that you will want to read “Perfectly Eclectic,” found on page 24.

Is it safe to presume that everyone is COVID-19 weary and that even the most introverted of us is looking forward to getting together with friends, family and attending our favorite philanthropic events? Since social distancing and the elimination of large gatherings has seriously affected all of our local charities that rely on these events for their fiscal survival, we have seen a number of them find creative ways to connect to the community and their donors, Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation being one of them. Faced with the reality that its annual Heritage Club dinner would not happen as usual, the staff got creative by personally delivering dinners to members’ homes, some as far away as Clovis. Kudos to them photos and story starting on page 40.

None of us knows how long the pandemic and its governance will last, but we are a kind and giving community, and we are proud to be part of it. All of us are experiencing the hardships differently, and our hope is that we continue to lift up our neighbors as everyone is doing their best to stay safe, stay healthy and stay open.