By Mike Rainone for the News
As we wind down from hopefully another wonderful Christmas celebration with family and friends, we are now certainly looking ahead with somewhat excited anticipation as to what we might look forward to in 2020, despite the countless changes and challenges that will come our way from all fronts. Then again, we will no doubt look back to see what we accomplished in 2019 and then surge on ahead with the usual resolutions, wishes, and promises for the new decade that will soon be unfolding in front of us.
I have never done well with resolutions over the years, usually getting through the first month or so before finding an excuse why I can’t complete all those lofty promises I made at the annual New Year’s Eve bash.
Like many of the rest of you and no matter what age we may have been, we will quietly admit that that over the years and with very good intentions, and even a few side bets we boldly set all sorts of New Year’s resolutions, and then avidly set out to accomplish them on each and every January 1st. Along the way I guess the most popular and traditional promises for most of us going into a New Year ahead might include: to quit smoking, to lose weight, to get more exercise and rest, to take better care of our bodies, to save money, to treat family and friends with respect, to work and play hard at a safe, even, and fun pace, and on and on.
Whatever the case, please don’t be too hard on yourself as you set your well-meaning promises and goals for 2020, keeping in mind that in order for them to be a success, they must be good for you and yours, and that there will always be a few glitches on any given day. Here are a few of the Hammer’s resolutions, wishes, hopes, as well as a few fun shots for what will hopefully be a great year ahead.
To our soldiers, law enforcement, and all emergency services personnel … our ongoing support, prayers, and co-operation as you proudly serve your country and communities in the most dangerous occupations in the world.
Provincial government …Why are you so bent on trying to change the economic outlook of our great province in one sudden stroke of your political pens? Since you just took over the big show, why not get organized a little better and do some smart four year future planning and figure out your priorities, which at this particular stage must include the health, education, employment, safety, and welfare, and well-being of each and every deserving citizen.
To all generations … let’s encourage each other to shut down our cell phones, joy sticks, iPads, computers, T.V.s and all the rest for just a little while. Then, just maybe, all of us might find some quality time to take part in a real game that needs some physical energy and activity, as well as including lots of fresh air and real live face-to-face communication and companionship. Good luck also to our countless minor sports organizations, volunteers, and sponsors whose energetic year-round programs offer exciting and unique opportunities for thousands of our youth to have fun playing the game or activity of their choice.
President Trump … Unfortunately you have tweeted off more than you can chew, and now instead of being a hard rock, you may become a peach.
To our town and county councils … peace, harmony, good will, and more successes around your council tables, with a lot more help and common sense from the government gurus in their plush offices up on the hills of Edmonton and Ottawa.
To the NHL … play the game and forget about the politics. It doesn’t always make sense that if the team is losing the Coach gets fired, but that the under-performing players never get a pink slip or a cut in their outrageous wages.
Ponoka News … Another fifty-two “good news” weeks in 2020, featuring the countless and colourful exciting pages full of the stories, photos, and advertising that salute the ongoing successes and family-friendly lifestyles of our dedicated town and county. Continuing success and community support to the “super News staff,” all of whom I have had the wonderful pleasure of working with for close to 20 years.
Federal Government … quit trying to impress or tick off everyone in the rest of the world and get down to the honest and upfront business of getting our once well-established, most successful, and fiscally strong and free nation back to where it used to be on the world scene.
Ponoka Stampede Association …When they open the gates and let ‘em all out for Canada’s largest seven-day rodeo this summer, everyone will certainly be on board for the 84th edition of the Ponoka Stampede. The wild west of ‘36 show-down will go from June 23 to July 1, with lots of action for the whole family up at the grounds, around town, and over at the complex and the multi-busy Calnash Ag Event Centre.
Volunteers … young and old, you are such a vital gift to the well-being of our community all year round. Thanks for the super dedicated efforts and care.
To our kids … always stay young and frisky, and don’t forget to invite the old folks along for the ride once in a while.
To friends and family … you are like fine wine that gets better with age. True companions should last for a lifetime, no matter what.
For the Hammer … to try to stay busy and active at a pace that I can keep up with, to stay in touch with my coffee buddies and the appreciation and joy of always having the loving support and patience of my wonderful wife and family and to make sure that I keep right on having fun getting older. All the very best to all of you going into the New Year 2020, but in the meantime, in between time, have a great week, all of you.