About On Deck

On Deck is a space for thoughtful conversation rooted in the culture, character, and contradictions of
Clifton Forge and the Alleghany Highlands.

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We’re not here to shout. We’re not here to posture. We’re here to sit with the questions, listen to each other, and speak plainly—like neighbors do when they’re looking out over the water or passing time on a back deck.
 

In an age of political noise and online outrage, On Deck offers a slower kind of discourse—grounded in local voices, lived experience, and a belief that the health of our democracy depends on how we treat each other here at home.

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You’ll find essays, interviews, and reflections on life in the Highlands—how it’s changing, what’s worth preserving, and what kinds of conversations we still need to have. Some posts may feel personal. Some may feel political. But all of them aim to be honest, respectful, and clear-eyed.

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This blog is written with the hope that we’re not as divided as we’re told. And that if we can meet each other with a little humility, a little context, and a little courage—we might still find common ground worth standing on.