by Michelle Delaney, SLT Editor
Today is the final day of 2022 and what a year it has been!
I can’t say I’m sad to say farewell to 2022. These past few years haven’t held many magical moments but have proven, Americans are Resilient.
This year, Floridians witnessed the launching and return to Earth of NASA’s Artemus 1 Rocket Orion spacecraft, leading the way for the upcoming landing of Artemus III on the moon. 1992 was the last time a man landed on the moon.
Florida has had 2 major hurricanes this year, Ian and Nicole. It was the 3rd warmest July and the 2nd coldest Christmas on record.
After a terrible holiday performance, SouthWest Airlines’ scheduling fiasco appears to be under control and customers are coming home, with or without their luggage.
The lack of affordable housing, low incomes and the rising costs of goods has increased homelessness in south Lake County and across Florida. This year, local organizations such as the Neighborhood Center of South Lake, Find Feed Restore and New Beginnings of Central Florida have been actively helping those in need and working on finding solutions.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEAR’s RESOLUTION? With no Covid restrictions in place, people are looking forward to choosing how they will celebrate the coming year. Whether it’s walking more, spending time with friends and family, helping in the community, or doing that special project you’ve been putting off, it’s your year to choose what you want to do and JUST DO IT!
POSITIVE CHANGES: Start the new year, by devoting a little time to making a difference. Here are only a few of the challenges facing us in 2023:
Climate change, inflation, food insecurity, mass shootings, political tension, inequality, alcoholism and drug abuse, the rising cost of healthcare, pandemic preparation, gun control, women’s rights, and immigration reform.
Perhaps, your first resolution could be made on New Year’s Eve. “Don’t Drink and Drive” Wake up on the first day of the new year, healthy, happy, and without a hangover.
Suggestion: Write your resolutions down on a sheet of paper and tuck the paper somewhere safe. Next New Year’s Eve, retrieve the paper and see how you weathered 2023.
People who passed in 2022, leaving a worldwide legacy were Barbara Walters, Pele, Queen Elizabeth II, and Pope Benedict. Other notable celebrities who have passed include Franco Harris, Kristie Alley, Gallagher, Angela Lansbury, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, James Caan, Bob Saget, Meat Loaf, and my sister Mary.
Be creative, pick your New Year’s resolutions and Make a Difference in yourself, your community and your world.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
