Dining Around Greer 2025 © Weinberg Studios

James Van Der Beek, best known as Dawson Leery from "Dawson's Creek," has died at 48 following a courageous fight with colorectal cancer.

His wife Kimberly shared that James passed peacefully, facing his final days with great courage and grace.

After revealing his stage 3 cancer diagnosis in November 2024, Van Der Beek became an outspoken advocate for early detection and screenings, urging men over 45 to get regular check-ups.

His candidness inspired the Hollywood community and brought national attention to the disease.

Actor Paul Walter Hauser organized a fundraiser to help with treatment costs, showing the tight-knit support among industry peers.

Van Der Beek’s influence reaches beyond acting—his advocacy continues to spark conversations on colorectal cancer awareness.

Local residents are encouraged to seek screenings through healthcare providers, honoring his legacy by prioritizing their health.

This February, Regal theaters in Knoxville invite families to revisit favorite classics on the big screen, with a line-up of beloved animated hits showing each weekend.

Guests can catch The Land Before Time, Trolls, Sing, and Minions at special matinee showtimes for just $7.99 per ticket.

Alongside the fun, moviegoers can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America by donating $1 for limited-edition SpongeBob popcorn buckets and cups at concessions through March 6.

Advance tickets are available at theater box offices, kiosks, online, or in the Regal app.

Regal Unlimited subscribers enjoy these movies as part of their membership, making family outings both affordable and flexible.

Regal’s ongoing commitment to exceptional movie experiences ensures Knoxville families can enjoy both new releases and timeless favorites all month long.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of advancing childhood literacy across the globe.

Launched in Sevier County, Tennessee in 1995, the Imagination Library now delivers over 3 million books monthly to children in five countries, including the United States and Canada.

Research shows that enrolled children in the U.S. are far more likely to engage with books and participate in shared reading, while in Canada, children in the program are read to more frequently and often initiate reading sessions themselves.

Locally, the Imagination Library's presence in New York is growing.

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region confirms over 10,000 area children are receiving books, with nearly 60,000 distributed since May 2024.

Grants from the New York State Library, totaling close to $500,000, are boosting local efforts.

The Imagination Library’s mission persists—providing free, high-quality books to children under five and building strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Square Baby has unveiled a vibrant new campaign, “Deez Nuts,” spotlighting the crucial benefits of early allergen introduction for infants.

Anchored by a playful, two-minute rap video featuring toddlers and scientists, the campaign highlights research showing that offering peanuts and other allergens to babies as young as four months can lower allergy risk by over 80%.

Founded by dietitian Katie Thomson and genetic counselor Kendall Glynn in Bend, Oregon, Square Baby has been a leader in science-based, transparent baby nutrition since 2018.

Their menu features balanced meals designed to safely introduce the top eight allergens, giving parents evidence-backed options for their little ones.

The "Deez Nuts" ad will reach local audiences during the Big Game halftime and expand across digital platforms, reinforcing Square Baby’s commitment to challenging old norms and empowering families in the baby food aisle.

Bend also hosts upcoming health-centered events, including the SOUPer Bowl 2026 and the Bend Health Fair, echoing the campaign’s mission of proactive, community-wide wellness.

Red Roof is extending its partnership with Canine Companions through the ongoing Room In Your Heart initiative.

From February 2-26, 2026, travelers can save up to 15% at participating Red Roof properties by booking directly and using code 628903.

In addition, 5% of every qualifying stay will support Canine Companions, helping to provide trained service dogs to people with disabilities.

Canine Companions’ Jeanine Konopelski underscores the urgent national need for these service animals, highlighting how this program gives guests a chance to make a meaningful difference.

Since 1975, Canine Companions has placed over 8,400 service dogs, significantly boosting independence for countless individuals.

Red Roof’s Julie Sukosd reiterates the company's dedication to giving back, with previous campaigns aiding causes like St. Jude and the USO.

This partnership continues Red Roof’s tradition of supporting communities nationwide by making guest stays more impactful.

Punxsutawney Phil emerged at Gobbler’s Knob on February 2, 2026, spotting his shadow and signaling six more weeks of winter for Pennsylvania and beyond.

The Groundhog Day tradition, stretching back over 130 years, drew tens of thousands of bundled-up spectators eager to witness this quirky seasonal forecast.

Rooted in European folklore, the event marks a beloved annual moment for the local community, even as Phil’s accuracy rate of just 35% sparks friendly debate each year.

Phil’s tendency to predict extended winters continued this season, echoing last year’s call and reflecting his historic habit of warning of more cold days ahead.

This lively tradition, especially popularized by the 1993 film Groundhog Day, has cemented Punxsutawney as a destination for visitors seeking a blend of celebration, history, and a dash of weather folklore.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena, dazzled with historic wins and dynamic performances.

Bad Bunny broke barriers by winning Album of the Year for "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," marking the first time a Spanish-language album claimed this honor.

He used his emotional, bilingual acceptance to urge support for immigrant rights.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther" earned Record of the Year, cementing Lamar as the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z.

Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, celebrated her immigrant heritage in her inspiring speech.

The night featured electrifying acts from Rosé and Bruno Mars, theatrical flair by Sabrina Carpenter, and a touching tribute by Ms. Lauryn Hill.

Lifetime Achievement Awards honored icons like Chaka Khan, who received a moving on-stage tribute.

Trevor Noah wrapped his final hosting year with a political flourish, capping a Grammy night that blended musical brilliance with bold social messages.

Catherine O’Hara, beloved for her iconic roles in “Home Alone” and “Schitt’s Creek,” has died at 71 in Los Angeles after a brief illness.

O’Hara’s five-decade career began on Canada’s “SCTV,” where her comedic brilliance first caught public attention.

She became a household name as Kate McCallister in the “Home Alone” movies and later won hearts worldwide as Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.”

Her work in “Schitt’s Creek” earned her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, highlighting her unique talent.

Colleagues from Macaulay Culkin to Pedro Pascal paid tribute, calling her a “genius” and expressing deep gratitude for her influence and warmth.

O’Hara’s legacy lives on through the laughter, kindness, and unforgettable characters she shared with the world.

She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke.

Vision boards are making a powerful comeback, combining classic collage techniques with modern goal-setting.

Once limited to cut-out magazine images, today’s boards can be tangible or digital, showcasing ambitions through photos, quotes, and personal symbols.

Placing these boards somewhere visible—on a desk, bedroom wall, or phone screen—keeps dreams front and center and fuels daily motivation.

This trend has sparked fresh excitement for print media, with Nylon magazine returning to print in 2024 after years online.

Workshops are springing up for 2026, including sessions at the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture and Adventures in Bloom, where participants create vision boards and custom keepsakes.

The revival of this practice highlights the enduring appeal of visualization, offering renewed clarity and inspiration for the year ahead.