Welcome to December!
As always, I would like to thank our contributing writers. Enjoy the work of Dan Neizmik, David Hume, Maryann Nunnally, Gerald Decker, Nancy Bryans, Doug Ensley, Chuck Bins, Janet Stiegler, Victor Fernandez, Dan Mask, Katie Steve and Lisa Mote.
As I mentioned last month, some new things are happening in 2025. First, our name will change to just “Cape Fear Voices.” The “old” Teen Scene will be published under this name. Also, starting in January, we will update our website with stories and things of interest bi-monthly. We can’t wait to get started and keep our site new and fresh for our readers. If you would like to contribute something, send your story to [email protected].
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to look back on 2024 and count our blessings. If you have had milestones, celebrations, or new additions to your family this year, congratulations. If you have struggled this year, we hope that 2025 is better for you. It’s a new year; think positive, and keep your fingers crossed!
We have some fun and thought-provoking stories for you in this issue. In his story, “Are Holidays Over Commercialized?” Gerald Decker talks about how fast holidays between Halloween and New Year’s come and go–especially in retail establishments. I think he’s right and so did those of you who took our poll on the subject. The poll feature is something you will see us using more often. We want to ensure we are listening to what you have to say and providing what you are interested in reading about.
In her column, “Laughing In The Golden Years,” Maryann Nunnally does a “point/counterpoint” inventory of how she and her husband look at “Christmas.” And, Like Maryann, Janet Stiegler examines how different people express themselves during the holiday season, with her story, “Poking Holes in the Dark – A Christmas Story.”
In the story “Westminster Dog Nappers,” Chuck Bins takes us on a journey of mystery and heart-tugging happiness, showing us that love and kindness come in many forms.
In her story, “Christmastime,” Nancy Bryans gives us a look at a family Christmas that feels like the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” yes, things go wrong, but it all works out in the end! My story, “All I Want For Christmas.” shows you the changes I’ve made in my list to Santa Claus and what I’m hoping to find under our small tree this year. Lisa Mote tells us about learning from a lifestyle change in her story, “Things I’ve Learned From Living in a Camper!” Doug Ensley meets a lot of different characters in his story, “Commuter Rail,” including a talking mime, Jesus and Viola Davis. Doug travels in some very interesting circles!
Finally, mark your calendars for April 12, 2025, for our annual Awards Banquet. We are excited to share what we’ve been up to in the past year.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday.
Jan Morgan-Swegle
Editor, Cape Fear Voices
