Readers, welcome to our final issue of 2024. From planning and writing to editing and seeing the past 12 editions of Woodbury Magazine come to life—it has been a delight to bring you all the wonderful joy from our community. I’m excited to continue bringing this happiness to light, so it’s fitting that this issue is themed giving back and family.
In these pages, you’ll meet many local families who are sharing their gifts with the community. I welcome you to meet Arvilla Lang, also known as the Hat Grandma, who crochets more than 80 hats for local kindergarteners each year. Then, meet the Carachuris, a family who has donated thousands of pairs of shoes, clothing items, toys and more to their roots in Cozumel, Mexico. You’ll find that both families are deeply committed to making a positive impact—whether that’s right here in Woodbury or worldwide.
Now, I’ve shared some of my holiday traditions with you over the years—and I’m letting you in on another: When December rolls around, my husband and I always keep a lookout for the holiday house. You know the one—its holiday lights are usually visible from the corner of Valley Creek Road and Woodbury Drive.. We love driving past the house, oohing and aahing at the never-ending sea of lights. I’ve always wondered about the display—and now I know more. I had the pleasure of speaking with John Kaiser, who’s been decorating his Bridgewater Court home since moving to Woodbury in the ’90s. Learn more about the Kaiser home and its seasonal cheer here.
From our team at Local to you, dear Reader, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, peace and happiness.
See you next year,
—Hailey Almsted
