Congratulations, everyone, we have finally made it to year’s end. 2021 is quickly coming to a close and somehow, some way, we have all managed to survive another challenging and tumultuous 365 days during year two of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As all of us know all too well, it wasn’t easy, and for many, it may not have been much fun. But good for each and every one of you for your sticktoitiveness and determination to ensure you and your loved ones survived another 12-month cycle. Let’s hope in 2022 we not only survive, but thrive.
For in 2021, we worked diligently to guarantee the survival of many things: There was our physical health; our mental health; our families; our pets; our homesteads; our finances; our jobs; our businesses; our education; our social networks; our communities — all of these things we worked hard to see that they made it through what has unquestionably been a trying year.
A number of these things may have gone through some changes, been modified for the times or perhaps, not quite been able to make it through in tact. Maybe you have hopes of them returning in another form sometime in the future. If so, we wish you the best of luck.
Whatever the case may be, it’s been no easy task. You should be downright proud of yourselves for accomplishing so much under such strenuous conditions.
Really, think about all you have been able to do this past year to protect yourself, your children, your spouse or partner, your friends, your neighbors, those in your community, your co-workers. You’ve probably been wearing masks, trying to social distance, keeping yourself and those around you as healthy as possible.
Now it’s the holiday season and many have been supporting local causes; local businesses; local holiday parades; Christmas tree lightings; Menorah lightings; festive dinners; church services; nativity scenes; concerts; chances to take photos with Santa; and all sorts of wonderful wintertime events.
It’s a magical time of year, somehow made even more magnificent through the efforts of our towns and villages; our local merchants and restaurateurs; our community centers and school districts; our fire companies and police departments; our VFWs and American Legions; our churches, temples and nonprofits; and, of course, the people who call the Harlem Valley home.
It’s those who live and work here who seem to possess that special something, that innate ability to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, to put aside their differences when it matters most and focus on what’s important.
What’s important today, and what will always be important, is family, community and supporting one another. Knowing we hold those values dear, as those in the Harlem Valley have shown time and again when it matters most, gives hope as we transition into 2022.
We wish you all the very best as you gather together this holiday season with your loved ones. We hope you experience good health, good cheer and a good life.
Here’s to a better and brighter New Year in 2022!
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
