The Roanoker Nov/Dec 2024 - 8

editor's note
Savor the Season
written by Liz Long, Editor Celebrate the season with festive shopping guides, dazzling holiday
lights and inspiring stories of local generosity.
A
s the holiday season approaches, our hearts and homes
begin to sparkle with celebration. This issue is
especially meaningful as we embrace the festive
spirit while continuing our celebration of The
Roanoker's 50th anniversary! It's a remarkable
milestone that reflects our commitment to sharing the
vibrant stories of our community for half a century. We are
truly honored to be a part of your lives, and we thank you
for your continued support throughout the years.
Inside this issue, we spotlight the 2025 Dining
Awards winners, as voted on by you, our readers! Thank
you for the record-breaking votes that highlighted your
favorites, both old and new. In this issue, you'll find
a carefully curated foodie guide filled with delightful
treats that are perfect for everyone on your list, thanks
to Layla Khoury-Hanold (page 72). She also dives
into the world of sweet treats and hardworking bakers
who put their hearts into every creation (page 68),
while Lindsey Hull takes you behind the scenes in
your favorite kitchens (page 64). Each dish and gift
recommendation is crafted with love and passion, and
we're excited to celebrate the local culinary scene that
makes our community shine.
As for the holiday season, Laura Wade takes you
on a captivating tour to discover the beautiful holiday
lights that brighten our neighborhoods and add a
magical touch to our winter evenings (page 81). There's
something truly enchanting about driving through our
streets, soaking in the festive spirit. Stephanie Fallon
also shares some creative DIY decor ideas to add a
personal touch to your home this year (page 98). And
contributors
don't miss Anthony Giorgetti's piece celebrating the
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest
Virginia anniversary, where he explores meaningful
ways to give back during this season of generosity (page
88). Together, we can make a difference and spread joy
in our community.
In addition to these festive highlights, we're thrilled
to present a financial section packed with insights to
help you navigate the upcoming year. Aila Boyd shares
intriguing stories from private investigators that offer a
glimpse into their fascinating world (page 28) and gives
us a chance to learn about the legal eagles among our
up-and-coming young professionals (page 32). Plus,
financial expert Michael Shelton helps you understand
your side gig income throughout the year, ensuring you
start 2025 on a sound note (page 36). These insights can
empower you to approach the new year with confidence
and clarity.
We celebrate the local flavors and vibrant spirit that
make our community truly special on every single page.
Here's to savoring the season, supporting our local gems
and reflecting on the rich history that has brought us
to this moment-because the best gifts are often found
right in our own backyard.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with
warmth, laughter and the flavors of home!
Warmly,
tell us about...
your favorite holiday experiences!
Maybe it's creating or sustaining
family traditions, donating to
those less fortunate or gathering
friends together for celebration?
Share your thoughts on our social
media pages!
we want to
hear from you
Questions, comments or feedback
about The Roanoker? E-mail llong@
leisuremedia360.com
follow us on social
roanokermag
roanoker
roanokermagazine
Aila Boyd
is an educator
and journalist
who resides in
Roanoke. She holds
an MFA in Writing
from Lindenwood
University. See
her Do You
Know...? piece on
page 12, and her
features on Private
Investigative Work
on page 28 and
Legal Eagles on
page 32.
Anthony Giorgetti
is a writer, marketer,
and owner of Power-Up
Online Promotions. He
got his start writing
independent comedy but
one day realized it would
be good to have money.
He lives in Roanoke with
his wife Felicia, dogs Om
and Shanti and cats Lucy
and Oliver the Hellion
Bean. See his piece on the
Ronald McDonald House
anniversary on page 88.
Lindsey Hull
grew up in the
Roanoke area and
currently resides
in Boones Mill with
her family. She
primarily reports
on events, arts
and culture and
outdoor adventures
in and around the
Roanoke region.
Read her feature on
Behind the Kitchen
Scenes starting on
page 64.
John Park
is a Financial Planning
Veteran and Co-founder of
the JPG Agency.
John's passion for food
takes him on exciting
journeys across the
Southeast, where he hunts
for those unforgettable,
mouthwatering bites.
Capture his culinary
adventures by following
his Instagram handle @
Hungryasianrke. See John's
dining photos on our cover
and in our 2025 Dining
Awards.
Michael Shelton
is a Registered
Financial Consultant,
tax specialist and
owner of 360 Wealth
Consultants. His
firm specializes in
providing retirement
planning and
wealth preservation
strategies for
business owners and
astute individuals.
Read his feature on
Side Gig Income Tips
starting on page 36.
Dan Smith
is an award-winning
Roanoke-based
writer/author/
photographer and a
member of the Virginia
Communications Hall
of Fame (Class of
2010). He has authored
eight books and is a
former Virginia Small
Business Journalist
of the Year. See his
pieces in our Gist
department starting on
page 16.
Georgianne
Vecellio
lives in Salem, but
enjoys adventuring
all over the
Roanoke area. She
enjoys exploring
and does her own
stunts. Read her
tips on building the
perfect holiday gift
bags for everyone
on your list starting
on page 86.
Laura Wade
founder of Thrive
by Heart, is
passionate about
her family, holistic
health, personal
transformation
and sharing ideas
to inspire others
to live their best
lives. You can reach
her at soultogoal@
gmail.com. Read
her feature on
holiday lights
throughout the area
on page 81.
8 november/december 2024
TheRoanoker.com

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The Roanoker Nov/Dec 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker Nov/Dec 2024