Christmas and Hanukkah, 2014 are nearly just a memory. All the preparation, the activities associated, and the spirit have ended yet one more time, but really why should the spirit end? Yes, we need something to make the holidays special, but that should be the activities, special meals, out-of-the-ordinary gift giving. But spirit is something that doesn’t have to be extinguished because the holidays have passed. Simple smiles go a long way when passing even strangers in the halls of your workplace or shopping in Peck’s. Giving to those less fortunate may continue through our local food bank. It’s easy to keep the spirit of the season if you only try.

While you let those spirits soar, look up when you are outside. The eagles have been flying about the river, catching their holiday meals. There are still dedicated fishermen on the river as well. Here it is the end of December, and we have been lucky with the weather even though we have had some pretty cold days. No terrible snow storms, and the predictions are good for the rest of the year. We will have to wait and see what 2015 brings, but let’s be thankful that we have an excellent highway department ready to keep us moving under all winter weather conditions. By the way, someone inquired if the liquid used to control the icing and snowy conditions on the Flats was fracking fluid. The answer is, definitely not! The highway department only uses liquid on the Flats, and it is not fracking waste. Fortunately, Highway Superintendent Glenn Swendsen and the highway men are sensitive to our environment and would not want to contribute to river pollution. Just one more reason to thank the staff of the highway department.

While we are thanking those that we often take for granted, let me take this opportunity to thank you for reading Narrowsburg News and at the same time wish you a happy and healthy New Year. Keep smiling.