Giving Thanks This Month…
November is the month when we gather with friends and family to give thanks and reflect with gratitude for so many of our blessings throughout the year. Originally modeled on the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Today, gratitude is not merely a courteous acknowledgment of blessings, but a profound recognition of the benevolence that permeates every aspect of our lives, from the food on our tables to the cherished relationships that sustain us.
November is also about gearing up for the upcoming festivities. So, our cover story this month introduces several local businesses that are not only handy to know, but there to help you get ready for this busy season. Whether you want whiter teeth for all the galas and parties, need to book a restaurant for an office gathering or order some special sweets, Let’s face it, like it or not- the holidays are here!
As the season of shopping approaches, we encourage Swoon readers to support small businesses and “Shop Local”. So, we created a second feature shopping guide starting on page 29. Learn about some of the small businesses that are right in your neighborhood. These are great places to find hostess gifts, teacher gifts, one-of-a-kind gifts or even a special little something to put under the tree for yourself!
Our November “Noteworthy Neighbor” features Heather Scholl, a co-founder of Boot Campaign and the owner of The Villages Gym. Then in “Where Are They Now”, we talk to Memorial High School’s first All-American, Lonnie Schiller, and to top off the issue, we have a special pie section we know you will gobble up. Wait until you see the gorgeous Pie Crust Creations our creative Director Desiree Lonsway teaches us for this year’s holiday dessert table. The beauty of these pie crusts is that they are surprisingly simple to achieve, yet the impact they have is nothing short of showstopping.
All of us at Swoon wish you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. We are truly grateful for our readers, our community and all the wonderful families and businesses that call Memorial home.
Sincerely,
Lara Bell, Publisher & Editor