For many readers, this December issue may be the first time you've seen or read a copy of Fort Dodge Today magazine. Welcome! I'm very excited about the new doors which are opening thanks to this new distribution method for our publication. [Note: Fort Dodge Today is now being included in The Messenger for Fort Dodge city subscribers on the last Friday of the month.]
Fort Dodge Today brings readers stories about the people, issues and events which add character to and pique interest in our community. This month's main feature presents a photographic collection of the works of art created by local and area artists for the 2009 Artful Dodger project. This year's theme, Window On My World, focused on mental health awareness and benefitted the Webster County Disabilities Alliance and Friendship Center in addition to the art department at Iowa Central Community College.
In the spirit of the season, Robert Wolf brings us an interview with Ray Ault who continued his father's tradition of portraying Santa for the children of Fort Dodge. Wolf has also been visiting local congregations in order to discover the people and programs helping our faith communities to reach out. This month he shares the story of Anne Chase who helps the music flow at Grace Lutheran.
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In addition to visiting churches, Fort Dodge Today is going back to school in order to discover the teachers, staff and students bringing excellence to our educational systems. Find out what projects and field trips Kathy Kudron and her students at Duncombe Elementary enjoy most. Bill McIntyre will introduce us to an Iowa Central Community College student each month. This month's student is Blake Erickson.
December often brings with it extra food and feasting. The culinary arts students at Iowa Central have been busy cooking up some great recipes to share with us. This month's offering is Chicken "Panini" with mozzarella and Raspberry Roulade. Samantha Henning from the Nutritional Services Department of Trinity Regional Medical Center offers readers some practical tips on maintaining healthy eating habits during the holidays.
There are many other articles and features, some old and some new to Fort Dodge Today. If you're looking for something to do, don't miss our monthly calendar of events. Check out who has been spotted out and about in our regular "Scene About Town" feature. Discover a great get-away destination or escape with a new book from the public library's collection.
And from all of us here at Fort Dodge Today, Happy Holidays!