Leigh Dyer Contact me: 704-358-5058 704-892-7936 lnmag@lakenormanmagazine.com

I love holiday traditions, but I also try to make sure I’m not so focused on being a consumer that I forget about the needs of the larger world.

That’s why I’m especially pleased by two of the offerings in this month’s issue. In our latest quarterly Homefronts section, we give you some tips on a cool holiday trend: LED lighting. The lights cost a little more upfront, but they use a fraction of the energy of traditional holiday lights (which keeps them cool to the touch). They also last longer, so in general, it’s a product that’s better for the environment. See more from veteran home writer and Lake Norman resident Allen Norwood beginning on page 26.

I’m also glad we were able to bring you the story of Community Food Rescue, a group of dedicated local volunteers who are bringing donated food to the people who need it the most. And after the year we’ve all had, there’s no better time to shed a spotlight on some of the charities who are helping the hungry, from the Mooresville Soup Kitchen to the Huntersville United Methodist Church Pantry to many places in between. Our story beginning on page 36 contains a resource list of agencies you can contact if you’re looking for a way to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

As for myself, I’m going to be doing a little less holiday shopping than usual. The week this magazine publishes is the week I’m expecting my first baby. So, I’ll be taking some maternity leave, but I’ve planned ahead to make sure the next few issues are filled with the same variety of stories you’ve come to expect. Keep in touch at lnmag@lakenormanmagazine.com with your feedback and story tips. My colleagues will be monitoring the e-mails – and I’ll be back to see them soon.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Leigh Dyer
Editor