The week after Christmas and before the New Year is such an odd week. Everything gets lost and seems like it is just moving in a large chaotic tornado. It is even more cluttered for my family since Nick’s birthday is the day after Christmas. It seems like the calendar days just don’t matter and everyone just hits survival mode. I am at work today — both for the Southern Scoop and for my 9-5 as a Criminal Defense Paralegal — however, a lot of places, like banks, schools, offices, and more are closed. We should collectively as a society agree the week between Christmas and New Year is designated revitalization and everything is closed and everyone just recoups before kicking off a New Year! Just my two cents. 

The 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards saw an influx of votes this year — more than triple the number of votes and nominees received last year. I am sorting my way through all of those and hope to announce the winners inside next Monday’s newsletter, so stay tuned for that! 

We have some exciting changes in the works for 2022 — for example a local realtor and I have worked out a 6 month advertising contract that will ensure The Southern Scoop can thrive into 2022 — and likely for the first time since launching, actually be profitable! Typically, it cost me money every month to operate the Southern Scoop — which I do so gladly because you all matter to me — and the news matters to me — but I  would be lying if I didn’t admit I am excited that I can finally say we may just make a few bucks! 

I hope you and your loved ones had a tremendous holiday — however you celebrated. My family and I have been blessed beyond measure this year in more ways than I would ever be able to articulate — and the holiday season was no different. We were invited to volunteer at community events across Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties, and were able to bring smiles to so many faces — and at the end of the day, that is what it is all about. If I could make a living being a professional volunteer — I would do it in a heartbeat! Surprise nursing home visits and fundraisers to help those in need afford Christmas presents is where my heart will always be. Fortunately — by doing the Southern Scoop — I am able to have the time and resources to make those things happen more so than I might otherwise. So in the large scheme of things — it's you all that make that possible too!!    

 Love, Brittney Lofthouse