It scarcely seems like four years ago that the world was transfixed with the idea that we were entering a new millennium and now we look back and wonder what all the shouting was about. Still, every new year brings a promise of a new beginning, like the new note books you used to get when a new school year began. There they were, no blots, no mistakes, no erasures, brand new pages. So we approach each new year, as hope, once again, triumphs over experience and "springs eternal." So we hope for good things for all, for peace, health and tranquility for our country and for all the world, in spite of the tragedies, natural and man-made, we witness every day. We hope those we have elected to govern us, whether on the national, state or local levels will have the foresight, intelligence and character to use their mandates wisely and for the greatest good for the greatest numbers. We hope our service organizations and civic organizations will attract new young members to swell their ranks. We hope wise decisions will be made about our schools. In the words of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,

"Let us then be up and doing.

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor, and to wait."

Happy New Year.

E.F.B.