In this issue of Cecil County Life, we write about the arrival of two major companies to Cecil County. Amazon and Lidl bring new jobs and a promise for some of the extra benefits that accompany big-name commerce, bolstering the area's economic revitalization efforts. The fact that these companies selected Cecil County for these projects illustrates the vibrancy of the area. Writer Richard Gaw talks to Steven F. Weaver, the president and CEO of Sandy Cove Ministries and Conference Center about its mission and intent to introduce visitors to a life with Christ. We talk to food truck owner Brian Williams about Crave Eatery, a 40-foot mobile restaurant that seems about as big as a building. We profile artist Deb Mackie, who meticulously crafts tiny treasures on a trailer studio at her 14-acre Elkton Farm. We also write about how a Charlestown family lost their daughter in 2006, but are now turning their pain and grief into something positive. We also talk with Jim Racine, who has been part of an auction house and appraisal service in North East since 1988. Racine is a third-generation auctioneer and appraiser. This issue features a story about how the Hilltop Christmas Tree Farm in Conowingo became a Christmas tradition for many families in the area. And we preview the tenth annual Mount Harmon Yuletide Festival that is scheduled for Dec. 2 and 3. We also write about the members of the Cecil County 4-H, who traveled to Indianapolis as part of the Maryland state team to test their knowledge and skills in a horticulture competition.

As always, we hope you enjoy the stories included in this issue of Cecil County Life!