Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010

Aside from the obvious annoyances: relative quirks, long lines in shopping malls, crazy traffic on Grape Road, tireless reviews of budgets, the etiquette of who to get a present for when you’re not sure if you’re getting a present from them — the holidays no doubt weigh heavier on the side of good than evil.

There are stories of hope and helping hands, those who have given to those in need and neighbors who help out one another with simple things like a shoveling of the walkway.

Unexpected, random little acts of kindness.

It seems unfortunately all too often, that generosity is saved for seasons like the one that is now coming close to an end.

And so we offer up a suggestion as the time comes to toss the Christmas wish lists for the lists of New Year’s resolutions.

Yes, it is time once again to make a list of where we fall short and where we hope to improve in the coming year.

Eat healthier, live healthier, maybe finally quit smoking, become happier in our own day-to-day lives, improve upon relationships.

Notable and even respectful goals, indeed.

Our humble suggestion to readers this year would be to create more good news in 2011. To give more, donate more and tell us about more good citizens doing good things.

Use your voice and your influence to create better education for our students to give until those who are without are with hope again. We hope you won’t forget about the countless organizations right here at home who are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those who have fallen on hard times.

If you are an employer in need of hard workers, we hope you will work with our local employment organizations, network, talk to local colleges — anything you can do to find the best possible solution within our own local employment pool.

If you are a reader who knows someone who has fallen on hard times, we hope you will find it in you to help however you can long after the tree has been taken down and the snow has melted.

Here’s to good news in the new year. Here’s to better business, better education, better service and generosity that keeps on giving.