by Kym Byrnes
The end of the year always seems to come crashing in with a mix of sparkle and chaos. Among the holiday gatherings, the deadlines, the shopping, and the unpredictable weather, it’s all I can do to keep up with the glee and the exhaustion of it all. But this year, I’m determined to pause and reflect before the confetti flies.
And I’d like to reflect with you. I’m proud of what we do here at Carroll Magazine. The publishers — brothers who’ve kept a small business thriving on Main Street in Westminster for decades — lead a small but mighty team dedicated to telling the stories that make Carroll County such a special place. Every issue gives us a chance to shine a light on the people, places, and passions that define life here, and I’m so grateful to work with such talented storytellers who help bring these stories to life.
As I look back on 2025, a few stand out. In this issue, “Velma Green: A Pillar of Compassion for the Community” introduces us to a nonprofit leader whose lifetime of service reminds us what compassion in action looks like. In our February/March issue, “Power Struggles” took a deep dive into the proposed power transmission lines and how this complex issue brought Carroll Countians together.
The April/May issue’s “Behind the Scenes of the K9 Unit” gave us a glimpse of the hardworking dogs and handlers who serve our community. For Father’s Day, “Life Lessons from Dad,” in the June/July issue, offered heartfelt wisdom from local leaders about the guidance they’ve received from their fathers.
As someone who does not generally spend a lot of time with horses, I surprise myself by becoming a huge fan of horse racing when it’s Preakness Stakes time. I was excited about “From Westminster to the Winner’s Circle at Preakness” in our August/September issue, a story about Nik Juarez, a local grad who made it to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
You can read all these stories in the 2025 digital editions of Carroll Magazine online at Carroll.News/2025-editions. As we close the book on 2025, I invite you to pause and reflect, too. What moments made this year meaningful for you? What stories — personal or community — are worth carrying into the next?
If you have ideas for stories you think Carroll Magazine should tell in 2026, I’d love to hear them. Here’s to a joyful, bustling holiday season and a peaceful, hopeful start to the new year.
Have feedback? Email your ideas to: readerswrite@carrollmagazine.com
