Publisher’s Perspective – November 2024

My heart is heavy as I write this month’s note to you. Like many of you, I’ve watched Hurricane Helene leave its mark on our families, friends, coworkers, clients, and communities. While the devastation is hard to bear, I couldn’t be prouder to call North Carolina home. The outpouring of generosity and strength we’ve seen is nothing short of remarkable.

Though I can’t possibly name all the heroes in our community, I want to highlight just a few who have truly touched my heart. First, Josh’s Farmer’s Market, which many of you are already familiar with, has made a commitment to continue collecting and transporting supplies for those in need as long as our community keeps supporting them. Their dedication is inspiring.

Another hero is Greg Biffle, NASCAR driver and athlete, who, along with his wonderful wife and family, has quietly done so much to support relief efforts. There aren’t enough pages in this magazine to fully capture the impact they’ve made.

Amidst all of this, we’re honored to have the incredible Vanessa McGovern grace our cover this month. I won’t spoil her story—head over to page 28 to read more about her inspiring journey!

The pictures below were taken the weekend before Hurricane Helene, at the beautiful Glamping Wild in Creston, NC. We spent the weekend hiking, making s’mores by the fire, and playing games, while the dogs lived their best lives. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, check out their ad on page 83 and book now for spring 2025—we can’t wait to visit again!

Lastly, with the holidays around the corner, don’t miss our Holiday Gift Guide starting on page 46. It’s filled with unique ways to support and shop local this season—let’s come together as a community in more ways than one.

With gratitude,

Keela

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Keela Johnson

Hello! I’m Keela Johnson, the founder and publisher of Forsyth Magazines, a family of three publications that began in 2005 in Forsyth County, NC. After living in Clemmons for 30 years, I "retired" to Lake Norman and discovered a vibrant, active community filled with friendly people and new hobbies like paddle boarding, walking, and gardening. But with publishing in my blood, I quickly recognized an exciting opportunity to engage further with the wonderful Lake Norman community. Now, as the publisher of LKN Magazine, I’m thrilled to be part of a growing platform that celebrates the Lake Norman area. My daughter, Brooke Eagle, now co-owner and publisher, has been instrumental in helping take our family of magazines to new heights, and together, we’re continuing to share stories and promote local businesses in meaningful ways. At the heart of everything we do is the belief in the power of community. We’re passionate about creating a platform where local businesses can grow organically and meaningfully, and we’re excited to bring that same vision to the Lake Norman market. LKN Magazine proudly serves Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, from Statesville to North Charlotte. In addition to print and online advertising, LKN Magazine offers a comprehensive range of services to help tell your story—including editorial features, social media promotion, and a monthly newsletter. You can subscribe to our newsletter at lkn-magazine.com to stay connected with all that’s happening around the Lake Norman community. We’re so grateful to be part of such dynamic communities in Forsyth and Lake Norman, and I’m honored to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep sharing stories, supporting local businesses, and building something meaningful together. Here’s to many more years of growth, connection, and celebration!

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