Honestly Speaking-Truth Matters

Latest Episodes:

More Than a Barn: Jennifer Wallace and the Heart Behind Hollybrook Farm Jul 07, 2026

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Episode Title: More Than a Barn: Jennifer Wallace and the Heart Behind Hollybrook Farm

Horses don’t just teach, they heal, empower, and transform lives, a truth Jennifer Wallace has witnessed firsthand throughout her decades in the equestrian world.

In this episode of Honestly Speaking, hosts Rachael Manners-Pratte and Chris Ann Sarrubbo sit down with Jennifer Wallace, owner of Hollybrook Farm, to discuss her 30-plus years in the equestrian world, her passion for teaching, and the vision that has transformed Hollybrook Farm into so much more than a riding lesson program.

Jennifer shares stories from her journey through dressage, horse training, judging, and mentoring, while giving listeners an inside look at the many programs offered at Hollybrook, including riding lessons, camps, Pathway Program, Equestrian 4-H, after-school programs, and beginner-friendly trail experiences.

The conversation also highlights the farm’s newest initiative, the Hollybrook Farm Pathways Program—an Equine Facilitated Learning program designed to support children with disabilities, including autism, sensory-friendly experiences, and military families. Jennifer explains how horses help build confidence, emotional awareness, communication skills, and self-regulation in ways that continue to amaze her.

One of the most touching parts of the episode focuses on several beloved former Seven Lakes Stables horses that have found a second home at Hollybrook Farm. Jennifer shares how these retired horses continue giving back to the community by teaching, comforting, and inspiring a new generation of riders and participants.

Filled with laughter and heartfelt stories, this episode celebrates the remarkable partnership between horses and humans and reminds us that every horse and every person has the potential for a meaningful next chapter.

Whether you’re a lifelong horse lover or simply curious about the healing power of these incredible animals, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Honestly Speaking – For Residents, By Residents of Seven Lakes when the truth matters.

Quasi Judicial and What It Means Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description

Understanding the Special Use Permit & Quasi-Judicial
Process:

RA-USB and Quasi Judicial
In this episode of Honestly Speaking, hosts Chris Ann and Rachael explain the
Special Use Permit (SUP) and quasi-judicial hearing process using the proposed
Holly Grove Pines subdivision as a real-world example.
This episode helps listeners understand how land-use decisions are evaluated through fact-based evidence rather than opinion, and why quasi-judicial hearings follow a very different structure than typical public meetings.
The episode also explains why community presence remains important, even when only abutting landowners may testify, and shares details about the upcoming hearing.

Topics include:

• What a Special Use Permit is and why it matters

• What “quasi-judicial” means

• Who is allowed to speak and why evidence is critical

• The six findings a developer must prove for approval

• How zoning classifications such as RA, RA-USB, and GC-SL affect development

• Why photos, maps, and site conditions matter

Holly Grove Pines Quasi-Judicial Hearing
February 3, 2026 • 5:30 PM
Historic Courthouse, Carthage (Second Floor)

Additional resources are available at www.slrare.com.
Questions or episode ideas may be sent to honestlyspeaking@gmail.com.

This episode is intended to inform listeners and help community members understand how land-use decisions affect existing neighborhoods and how to engage with the process constructively.

Honestly Speaking – For Residents, By Residents of Seven Lakes when the truth matters.

GC-SL UDO Amendment Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Honestly Speaking – For Residents, By Residents of Seven Lakes, we’re unpacking one of the most important issues facing our community right now — the proposed amendment to the Gated Community – Seven Lakes (GC-SL) zoning district within the Unified Development Ordinance. This amendment would allow major subdivisions inside gated communities in Seven Lakes.

Honestly Speaking – For Residents, By Residents of Seven Lakes when the truth matters.

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