Growing up in nearby Webster Groves with its annual Turkey Day Game against rival Kirkwood and accompanying festivities, Thanksgiving has always been a big deal to me. It’s a time for food, family, friends and football, and there’s nothing quite like cozying up each autumn surrounded by such.
This time of year is also nostalgic, bringing memories of holidays past to the forefront of one’s mind. It’s impossible not to reminisce, especially when family gatherings continue to shrink in size.
Above all, however, this season is about two things — the two words that make up the holiday’s name: “thanks” and “giving.” As always, I am thankful for the wonderful readers of The Call. Without you — whether you hail from Oakville, Sunset Hills, Crestwood, Green Park, Concord, Affton, Lemay or the surrounding areas — there would be no Call Newspapers.
Though this year has surely had its ups and downs, it’s been one of enormous growth for me. As our dedicated readers know, I took over as news editor this past year, a challenge I was not anticipating, but am forever grateful for. I give thanks to the entire Call Newspapers team for their support, grace and constant dedication to getting news to the South County community.
This brings me to my next point: giving.
According to the Associated Press, as of Oct. 20, “some 136 newspapers in the United States have closed in the past year, news deserts are expanding and web traffic to the nation’s top newspapers has dropped markedly this decade.” For a small, locally and independently owned newspaper without a paywall to rely on, this is scary news.
The Call is one of the only remaining newspapers in the area still covering school districts, fire districts, local city governments and the County Council at a hyperlocal level. If you enjoy our community-focused coverage, please consider donating during this season of giving. No contribution is too small.
To wrap it up, it would be remiss of me not to mention this year’s iconic Home for the Holidays Recipe Contest, now in its 31st year. Check out mouthwatering dishes created by South County’s own on Page 10A.
Happy Holidays! I truly hope it’s a season full of joy for all.
