“There once was a place called America,” our children’s children will one day write, “a bright and shining city on a hill, divinely placed by God to serve as a beacon of hope to the entire world. A land filled with generous-hearted souls who showered the needy the world over with their abundant blessings.”

How many of life’s problems could be solved or at least made less severe by a simple, kind smile?

The passing of city resident Natalie Comer earlier this week made me pause to consider this question.

The year 2012 went down in history as a first for me — specifically, it was the first time I made a New Year’s Resolution and saw it through to the end of the year.

Most years, 2013 included, I don’t bother to set a resolution as I know I won’t live up to it. But 2012 was different.

Inspired by the formation of the local beard club, the Bellefontaine Body Bearders, I chose to grow out my beard and vowed not to shave it for an entire year.

And I can say I lived up to that resolution, at least in spirit.

Reflection seems to come naturally this time of the year when one has seen as many new years as I.   I did not drag my heels into the 21st Century by any means, but I am far from totally convinced that all “advancements” have been “improvements.”

I’m certainly glad we don’t have to use outhouses, though, and I like fast cars and malls and drive-through coffee. I’ve done my fair share of on-line shopping in my pajamas very willingly. I can send photos on my cell phone with a text message and often do. (I also sometimes accidentally call people, but we won’t go there right now.)

A pair of storied college football programs collide when Alabama and Notre Dame meet Monday in the BCS National Championship game, and there exists no shortage of opinions as to how the tussle will turn out.

It’s been three years ago this month since my grandmother passed away and, though I miss her often, the feeling is never as intense as it is this time of year.

Federal politicians inside the Washington, D.C., bubble sure could stand to learn a lot from a group of local elected officials committed to doing right by their constituents.

Punch and iced sugar cookies notwithstanding, the Nov. 27 joint meeting between Quincy and DeGraff village councils was fierce and, at times, a bit confrontational as both groups sought to get their way in an ongoing difference of opinion over how best to pay the incoming operator at the wastewater treatment plant.