This edition of Newark Life features stories about the city’s rich heritage and bright future.

Gene Pisasale, a writer and historian, explores the very beginnings of Newark’s history when the Scots- Irish settlers made the area their home in the New World in 1694.

Writer Richard L. Gaw profiles web designer and social media manager Heather Cox, one of thousands of students whose careers -- and lives -- have been positively impacted by their participation in the University of Delaware's Professional and Continuing Studies program.

In our Q & A, we introduce Leann Moore, the executive director of The Newark Partnership, whose work in the Newark area since 2019 has connected people and facilitated great ideas for Newark's future.

Writer Ken Mammarella profiles Newark resident Scott F. Mason, whose annual -- and elaborate -- Christmas designs transform his home into a winter wonderland.

We also feature a story about the big future for Cooch’s Bridge. The plans that the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge have for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site go far beyond what happened on Sept. 3, 1777, in Delaware’s only major Revolutionary War battle. Delaware owns the site, near Glasgow, and plans to turn it into the sixth museum run by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, joining the John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum, Old State House and Zwaanendael Museum.

We always like to shine a spotlight on some of the success stories in the community, and a story about Autumn Arch Beer Project reveals that dreaming big can pay off. There’s a spirit of optimism and big dreams at Autumn Arch Beer Project, a name that was designed to keep the business forward-thinking, with a goal of producing a new beer every week.

For the past 84 years, the Delaware Park Racetrack has been the home where graceful majesty takes center stage in the beautiful form of four-legged athletes who do not say a word. Delaware Park is the subject of the photo essay.

As always, we hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we enjoyed working on them. We’re always eager to hear your comments or suggestions for future stories. We’re already looking forward to the next edition of Newark Life, which will arrive in the spring of 2022.