Feb 7, 2018 3 min read

It’s always great to see an area native do amazing things. And it’s even greater when we get to connect with that person and find them to be genuine and down to earth. Paige Spara, a 2008 graduate of Washington High School, graces the cover of this issue.

If she looks familiar, that’s probably because you are a fan of “The Good Doctor” on ABC. It debuted last fall and was quickly hailed as a top new show. In fact, Variety reported that the season finale of “The Brave” on NBC had 1.1 million fewer watchers than a repeat of “The Good Doctor.”

The Friday before Christmas, I returned from lunch and set out to wrap everything up (no pun intended) so that I could have a relaxing holiday vacation. Just as I sat down at my desk that afternoon, staff writer Karen Mansfield called me and told me that Spara was home for Christmas and available the very next day. We quickly pulled together plans for a Dec. 23 interview in our offices and a photo shoot at her alma mater. Mansfield said that Spara thanked her for being available the day before Christmas Eve.

To me, that’s a testament to Spara’s character. I’ve been a magazine editor for a long time, and it’s nothing for us to jump and rearrange our schedules to accommodate a last-minute interview or photo shoot. And I can’t say that I’ve personally ever been thanked for doing it, nor can I think of a time that one of my writers or photographers was – that’s because we are always so appreciative of a star of Spara’s caliber making the time for us that we typically begin by thanking them for taking the time out of their hectic schedules.

Mark Marietta’s photos, as you can see, are gorgeous. But, the photos that Spara’s mom, Kim, lent to us for the piece are nothing short of adorable. You can read Mansfield’s interview and check out those exclusive family photos on page 16.

Shifting gears, let’s talk about cheese. I cannot think of a cheese that I haven’t liked – aside from spicy cheeses, but I blame the heat, not the cheese. We here at Observer Publishing Co. were thrilled when Emerald Valley Artisans opened a retail shop across the street from us right before the holidays. Though we were familiar with the cheesemongers, this was their first foray into a retail space. We’re happy to report that though it could have been a temporary, holiday pop-up location, it looks as though the Fava sisters and their cheese will be sticking around on Main Street. Staff writer Rick Shrum tells their delicious story on page 20.

Football fans will definitely want to read Shrum’s piece on the Pro Football Hall of Fame on page 26. Canton, Ohio, is a quick drive for us here in Washington County. And even though football season is over and we’re disappointed that the Steelers didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, we can get our football fix with a road trip to the Hall of Fame during the offseason. Plus, you can learn more about the four local stars who have been inducted.

Until next time,