Well, 2025 has finally arrived! In looking over the past year, it seems there has been a lot of change.
Seeing some of the catastrophes in the world and around our country, I guess many of us can consider ourselves lucky to have come through 2024 relatively unscathed!
The floods on the east coast, the fires here, there, and (it seems), everywhere, personal tragedies and deaths- all have given us a different outlook on life.
It is quite impressive, to see how people have stepped up to help others in need. Prime examples are our local service organizations and their members. The Ruritans, The Lions Club, the Chimney Rock VFW, along with local churches, and just plain individuals, have been front and center, jumping in to organize help for the flood victims in NC, Tennessee, and parts of VA.
Again, end of last year, Court Manor opened its doors and heart to host holiday teas to raise money for the Lacey Spring Pantry. Touring the historic manor is something I look forward to each year, and the volunteers who donate their time are exceptional.
The heart of small-town living is very evident, in times of strife, and each and every day.
Whether it be a wave from strangers as we pass each other on the road, a plate of delicious baked goods dropped off at your door, a fundraiser to help a sick child or someone’s beloved pet, jars at local shops asking for donations for backpack projects to feed school children, local folks showing up in classrooms to read to the kids, Scout food drives, there is always something demonstrating the goodness of people.
The heart of the community is in the hearts of its residents. And, unlike The Grinch, whose heart was famously two sizes too small, our local residents, not unlike the people of Whoville, have large hearts, inspiring those to follow along.
The monetary donations for flood victims, the donations of goods and trucks to haul it all, the donation of time, the delivery of Christmas baskets, the firewood ministry, the tireless efforts to get a firehouse built smack dab where it is needed most- it’s actions like these that give us hope for the future and the coming year.
So, as 2025 commences, let’s be thankful for what we have, what we see, and what we can do in the future. Don’t make silly resolutions that are rarely kept, establish a way of being that will carry us all through the year- be kind to one another, and help when you can.
Thanks for reading us this past year. We at the Chimney Rock Chronicle are looking forward to, and do so love, bringing you all the heartwarming good news and informative stories that will come our way this new year!
All is well at Mountain Meadows, this chilly morn, sending good thoughts to all, for this first month of 2025!
