| January 1, 2021 -- I am prepared to sing a joyful song at 12:01am January 1, 2021, to celebrate the end of a brutally difficult year for our country and our world. Of course, you may have realized this optimist is not able to wallow in the misery so I decided to compile some of the positive takeaways that made us and our world better. Yes, I do realize we did not completely elect these changes but they have made positive improvements. I am listing my favorites but I am sure you can think of many more that happened in your life.
Drive-in movie theaters made a comeback while drive-in concerts became a thing. Restaurants shared their secret recipes so we could make them at home. Wearing sweatpants and tees became acceptable fashion choices all day, every day. A day at work on a video call means you only need change your shirt often.
We rediscovered our love for baking and gardening. American animal shelters were emptied for the first time because people rushed to adopt and foster pets in need. Puzzles and board games became cool again.
Distilleries, both small and large, around the country used their resources to produce badly needed hand sanitizer. Major companies such as 3M and Apple pooled resources or shifted production to make millions of masks to help keep people safe. Ford, GM, Tesla and other automakers were able to make ventilators and other medical devices to help with the pandemic.
We learned that homeschooling is hard and finally recognized teachers for the heroes that they are. We gave health care workers and essential workers their due and recognize them for the heroic work they do keeping our country moving forward. We came up with creative ways to celebrate big milestones like drive-by birthdays and Zoom parties.
And my Favorites: Grangers of ALL ages joined Zoom meetings. Many worked through their discomfort with technology and big changes, to see friends and share stories and operate as a part of the Grange family and do Grange work. Thousands of masks were made just by Grangers in Connecticut for people who needed them most. Terri Fassio hosted many opportunities for people to get comfortable online and play games. Lots of laughs and smiles as we all learned more about each other, the Grange, our traditions and were able to cross the state virtually and see friends we rarely are able to see. As the Membership Committee and I get rolling this New Year I hope to report many more profound Grange changes and a relief that life is getting back to usual. Wishing you all a happy start to your new year. May you be blessed and your prayer answered in this coming year.
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