The new year is a time to reflect on the one that just ended and to pledge changes that will improve our lives in the future.
Yes, new year’s resolutions are a tradition. Some stick. Some don’t. But they are worth the try, and here are some suggestions for resolutions we’d like people in our region to consider.
VOTE: We don’t have to remind our readers that 2020 is an important election year in which the next president will be decided. As we see it now, it’s likely Donald J. Trump seeking re-election versus whoever the Democrats choose from those trying to defeat him.
Whatever your choice, it is imperative to vote.
Of course, there will be races for national and state positions.
Voting was a hard-fought right in our nation but unfortunately many take it for granted.
This resolve also applies for local elections, whether it’s for candidates, bylaws or Proposition 2½ overrides.
Get informed and make the choice that best represents you.
FOOD: Grow your own, but if that isn’t possible, buy from those who do, whether at farmers markets, farm stands or the produce section in those supermarkets that buy locally.
We are fortunate to have so many people in our region who make their living off the land — vegetables, fruits, maple syrup, beef and other animals, dairy products. Buying from them keeps them growing.
SHOP LOCALLY: It’s so quick and easy to go online to buy whatever we want. But there are consequences for such convenience — it takes business away from local stores.
Last year, Wilson’s president Kevin O’Neill announced the downtown department store would close after 137 years due to his retirement. He also noted the retail market is challenging.
Certainly, we can’t find everything we need locally, but it is worth a look.
VOLUNTEER: Small towns depend on volunteers to fill positions, whether they are elected or appointed. They couldn’t afford to run well without them.
But the continuing trend is the lack of people willing to step up. Another is that one person will hold a few positions. And rarely do we have a race for an elected position.
Yes, serving their community this way can be time-consuming and the pay, if any, is likely a stipend. Sometimes they have to make hard decisions that draws criticism.
But for those who have the time and interest, here is a chance to be involved.
SERVE: Speaking of serving, Franklin County and the North Quabbin have many opportunities to make a difference by being a volunteer at the non-governmental level. It could be mentoring the very young, giving the elderly a helping hand, the list goes on. It’s a matter of finding one to match your skills and interests.
BE INFORMED: We understand many people are so fatigued about what is happening in the news, they have cut themselves off from reading, listening or watching current events. But that is playing into the hands of those who don’t want people to be informed, especially about politics.
We say choose your news sources carefully and with a bit of skepticism.
GLOBAL WARMING: It’s not a myth. We see the effects locally on earlier maple sugaring season and later seasons for local crops. Our winters are warmer. Summers are often wetter. Assess what can be done on a personal level. Fortunately, we have local groups like Greening Greenfield and Transition Town chapters that have useful information.