Letter to the Editor - The Millerton News - 12-14-23

The season of goodwill – thanking a community

As the weather cools quickly at this time, and we accelerate toward the year-end, we celebrate the holidays, and hope to negotiate around snow storms and work, while clicking on the computer to get those packages shipped in time, and the treats ready to share with family and friends. All of which takes a community!

Thinking back to earlier times, some of the mainstays of communities, especially small towns such as ours, were the people who live and work around us, who are often our friends and neighbors. That has changed little.

The foundations of our communities are the local residents, particularly those who share their skills and time to work in local areas, often providing the dedicated and key roles we rely on.

Especially at this time of year, let’s appreciate and give a thank-you, to everyone who works long hours, sometimes in bad weather or away from their families, to deliver our mail, and massive numbers of packages.

Let’s recognize all the larger, and small business owners and workers.

The health care workers and emergency care providers.

The farmers and growers.

The power and utility providers.

The teachers, educators, and support workers.

The local service providers like waste collection, gas stations, tow services, and plow drivers.

Local government and elected officials.

Religious organizations.

Our volunteer services, and paid services of fire protection, and law enforcement.

Not to forget all of the nonprofit foundations and organizations who work hard to support our communities and fill much needed roles, including our local news and media.

[I apologize for any omissions to this list!].

If any of these people were not there, our lives would be much harder!

Please join me in taking time to thank any of these folks as you see them around this season.

It is probably their busy season, but they do their jobs all year. Now is just a good time to say thanks!

If you get an odd parcel delivered to the wrong address, or mail runs a little late, please give the carriers a break! It will turn up. Going on local social media and having a rant is not helpful or nice.

I am submitting this letter to our local newspaper, but feel free to share it on your social media post if you wish.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Andy Durbridge

Wassaic