On New Year’s Eve we celebrated a time warp between the past and the future. The old year is
gone, the new, as yet, mainly uncharted territory. That gives us great opportunities and great
challenges. Throughout history people have celebrated the coming of each New Year. They have had plenty of reason to do so. Think of it, people who suffered the black plague or foreign oppression celebrated because everyone needs a dream of better things to come. Some of us were putting our lives on the gambling table of life, hoping that our number would turn up. More of us were planning and scheming to ensure that things improve for us and ours. Yet more of us were satisfied and grateful for the way things were.
The world has a big party every New Year’s eve. It’s as though we are wishing and praying for
something better. Yet whatever our creed, culture or belief there can be few of us who don’t hope that somehow there is a better way. Every New Year is a symbol of that hope.
Perhaps when we were celebrating we forgot that the New Year should also be about thanksgiving. Those of us who have family and friends have much for which to be grateful. Those of us who have food and shelter have every reason to appreciate our lot. Most of us do appreciate these blessings.
Yet in the humdrum business of daily life our appreciation becomes a little blunted. Let us take
stock tonight of all that is good in our lives.
Look at the world with new eyes. See the magic of electricity. Hear the wonder of radio. Pause and think of how the Internet has changed our world and brought us closer. Then think of the things that never change, the wonder of a new baby’s cry, the love of a parent and the daffodils in spring. Our world is full of wonders if we have the eyes to see them.
New Year Eve’s parties around the world probably ensured that many of the celebrants were red-eyed because undoubtedly they celebrated well, but perhaps a little unwisely. We are all citizens of the same world. Everything each one of us does affects someone else. New Year’s eve is a night, perhaps, to think of what we can do for others. Can we, in our own small way do something to protect our seas and air? Can we do something to promote understanding and communication even if it is only with one other person? Maybe now is the time to think of the fact that we are not living the way we should. Perhaps if we did the world we share would be a happier place.
Starting a new year is a time when we should have dreams. It’s a time when we can say to
ourselves, “We can do better.” Maybe we can decide to patch up differences, start afresh. New Year is a night when we think of new ideas, new ways of achieving things. Few of us individually will save the planet or feed the world’s hungry but perhaps all of us together might do so. This is a time for ideals. It’s a time to share with those around us the feel good factor that now is a time for optimism and hope.
We have, in the last years, made great strides in technology and science. Let us hope that we all can use that knowledge to build rather than destroy. Let us hope for more tolerance and understanding between the nations of this earth. Nowhere can this be better achieved than by the sharing of fun and laughter and social occasions like this holiday. Obviously then we can all enjoy ourselves tonight in a good cause.
One lesson learned since the beginning of the great recession of 2008 and 2009 is that we should keep things in context. Every big phase of economic expansion has its share of downturns, and new technological advances frequently bring with them a share of over-exuberance. The recent and substantial real estate, technology and investment downturn mirrors similar episodes that affected railroads, steel, automobiles and radio in the past. In this context, its not surprising that, as early as 1995, Bill Gates wrote in his book about what he called the “Internet gold rush” and predicted both enormous long-term advances and substantial short-term setbacks, saying “Gold rushes tend to encourage impetuous investments. Although the current downturn is far from being a short term, we will need to hope and pray for a better tomorrow. At Dodge Park Rest Home we are very bless that we were able to improve our services through innovations, educations and support and at the same time improving quality of life and employment benefits to all of our employees. We would not be able to do all the above without the support of our wonderful customers, supporters and friends. Your trust, conviction and enthusiasm about the services provided at Dodge Park Rest Home make the all different in the world. As dictated in our mission statement, “At Dodge Park, we are committed to achieve excellence and provide our residents with a home of comfort, safety, dignity and quality of life, where wellness of the body, mind and spirit is strived for each day by our dedicated staff”
Ladies and gentlemen please raise your virtual glasses in a toast to this New Year. It is ours to do with what we will. Let us do ourselves proud and pray for a wonderful 2012.
Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being our customer and supporter. We have a very unique care program at Dodge Park Rest Home and we hope to spread our dedication to the entire industry. Special thanks to our medical staff, Dr. David Weinstock, Dr. Philp Gotlieg and Dr. Lavanda , our director of nursing Carrie Lindberg RN, BSN, and all our dedicated managers and employees. We look forward to continuing our great relationship in the coming year, and continue providing the best possible care in our area.
All the best to you and your family,
Micha Shalev, MHA and Ben Herlinger
Administrators/Owners
Dodge Park Rest Home
The Adult Day Club
Dodge Park At Home
Dusk To Dawn At Dodge Park
