The end-of-year holiday season of 2022 is upon us, and again it seems that the wishes of peace on earth and goodwill to all go unanswered.

            Russia is still pounding Ukraine and raining unspeakable horror on the civilian population there. 

            Our elected officials in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg seem more intent on retaliation on their enemies than providing good and sane government for the people.

            COVID keeps sneaking in and out of the news as control of the Pandemic seems to be just out of our reach causing fear, panic, doubt, and contradiction all at the same time.  Who to believe, what to believe, and the arguments that follow your decision.

            Are we getting all of the news in a truthful report from main-stream media?  Are you making it a point to get your news from multiple sources?  What damage has the misuse of social media platforms created?

            Will inflation grow?  Will there be a recession?

            What does the next year have in store for us?

            It must start with those chosen to govern us.  They must provide the right example for each other and remember that their responsibility is to the people they govern – not to their personal agenda or political party.

            I also want to remind everyone that as we celebrate the holiday season, let's begin by giving thanks to all of the individuals and organizations who step forward to help make someone's Christmas a little brighter – a genuine "Thank You" for your heartfelt efforts.  The professions, names, and programs are many, as is the satisfaction and gratitude that goes out to them.  To those who chose to get involved, you are part of what makes a community special and gives hope to the future.  

            In the spirit of the season, TV, radio and newspapers go out of their ways to deluge us with wonderful accounts of people doing good things for other people.  Too bad we can't bottle it and use it throughout the year (and send some of it to our Nation's Capital). 

            There are many individuals and groups whose service won't end just because it's a holiday.  Many of those individuals and groups will stand on the line, teetering between tranquility and trouble on Christmas Day.   

            A safe and quiet holiday season is wished for all members of the United States Armed Forces serving throughout the world, especially those serving in harm's way.

            We wish for a calm Christmas Eve and Day for the nurses, doctors and others who will staff our health care facilities.

            For the police officers patrolling the streets on this holiday, we sincerely wish that the only thing they have to write in their logs is "no incidents today."   May they also find a still moment to call their families to wish them a Merry Christmas.

            To the emergency medical services personnel and professional firefighters who will be on duty waiting to respond to a call for help – we hope that for one 24-hour period they never get it.

            To the volunteer firefighters, who stand ready to drop whatever they're doing and respond to a call for help from wherever they're at and whatever they're doing, a day to complete a meal with their families.

            Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza at this time of year, the staff at the Town and Country News wishes a safe holiday season to all of our readers and our fondest hope for a happy and safe 2023.