EDITORIAL: Making a difference in the new year

Posted 1/3/17

We do not know the full impact of the election that elevated Donald Trump to the highest office in the land. Nor can we determine what direction the war in Syria will take this year — or any other ongoing conflict in the world, for that matter. Of …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

EDITORIAL: Making a difference in the new year

Posted

And so a new year begins.

After 2016 — which was a rough one by many accounts — there’s reason to hope this new year will be better than the last.

We do not know the full impact of the election that elevated Donald Trump to the highest office in the land. Nor can we determine what direction the war in Syria will take this year — or any other ongoing conflict in the world, for that matter. Of course, we also cannot control what will happen in our own community tomorrow, much less in the coming year.

Most things in life are simply beyond our control.

As 2017 begins, instead of worrying about things we cannot change, it’s a good time to look at how we can make a difference.

Here are just a few ways we can make changes in our own lives and community:

• Be healthier: While certain diseases are incurable and some ailments cannot be prevented, there’s still plenty we can do to live a healthier lifestyle.

Sometimes it simply starts with a commitment to exercise more and eat healthier. For one local resident we featured last month, the daily decision to work out and change his diet resulted in losing 110 pounds within a year.

Our community offers plenty of resources for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, including gyms, the Powell Aquatic Center, personal trainers and physical therapists.

Powell also is blessed with several local health care organizations, including Powell Valley Healthcare, Heritage Health Center and 307Health. In a rural community like ours, it’s unique to have three different medical organizations that complement one another in the various services they provide.

If you’ve struggled with a bad habit, such as smoking or chewing, the Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program offers resources for those who want to make a fresh start in the new year. More information can be found online at www.quitwyo.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT NOW.

The new year is also a good time to recognize the importance of limiting how much alcohol you consume and to never drink and drive. If you struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, local resources are available. Local Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups meet throughout the week. For schedules and contact numbers, see Page 11 in today’s edition.

• Give back: It’s no secret that participation in volunteer activities and civic organizations is dwindling. We saw evidence of this last year when the Powell Kiwanis shut down after serving the community for 63 years.

Many people benefit from groups like Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes, the Powell Rotary Club and other local nonprofits, but these organizations need volunteers and support to remain viable. Giving time or money to a local nonprofit, your church or another worthy cause will go a long way to making our community a better place in 2017.

• Get involved: Living in a small town in the least populated state in America gives local residents incredible access to government leaders. Not only is it possible to get in touch with state lawmakers, but U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis —  and hopefully U.S. Rep.-elect Liz Cheney — also make themselves accessible to Wyoming residents. Of course, you can pretty easily attend a Powell City Council, Park County Commission, Northwest College board, Powell Hospital District board or Powell school board meeting to voice your thoughts to local leaders.

These elected officials make important decisions that directly affect you. In 2016, we re-elected leaders at the city, county and state levels and also chose new leadership for some offices. Now it’s time to pay attention to the decisions they make and to share your input.

• Consider your own attitude and how you treat others: It’s likely that you won’t have control over much of what happens in the coming new year. However, you can control how you respond.

We have seen too many examples of hatred, violence, apathy and negativity over the past year. Let’s instead try to treat one another with dignity, care and respect, even when we disagree.

Comments