Happy New Year!

I think 2021 will be great.

There… I said it out loud. Before you start thinking that I must be a “glass half full'' kind

of guy, let me tell you that I don’t think I am. But I think next year is different. Here’s why.

Think about 2020 for a moment. Put the past year in focus as people usually do this

time of year. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is COVID 19. How could it

not? Our lives - everyone’s lives - have been undeniably impacted. What else? The

insanity of the Presidential race jumps out next for me. It told me a lot about people i n

general. So, did the Black Lives Matter Movement and reactions and adverse reactions

to it. And all three things will still be hanging around but most people would probably

describe 2020 with those three thoughts in there someplace.

For me, here’s the key. Think about how much we’ve learned because of all three. We

experienced people’s reaction under pressure, our own versions of what’s right and

what’s wrong and the inner workings of governmental and medical systems. We used

actions from the past, that impact us now and will drive our direction in the future. I

believe that 2020 will be remembered as the year that taught us a lot.

2021 will be the year that we put those lessons learned into positive actions. Why?

Because we are now seasoned veterans. I’m not saying it won’t be an uphill battle at

first. Of course it will. But, we are stronger, smarter and know the end goal is off in the

distance and we can see it. That makes us work even harder. We will help those who

lag behind and mourn those we’ve lost on the way. But it will be a happier and very

satisfying year. I promise.

Michael Clark,

Executive Director