Each of us every day, week, month and year face challenges. Sometimes those challenges seem to be like insurmountable barriers. They can be quite overwhelming and can really create a situation where we flag, become despondent, and at times just give up. I hope this year is one where each of us has both the courage and the mettle to confront challenges, master them and turn them into celebrations.

I also hope that we have the courage to say “no“ to things we might do that we know to be wrong. I hope that we are going to be there for each other and that we will put a great deal of stock on the importance of togetherness and being a group, society, rather than individuals with shortsighted and selfish concerns