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New Years Day began its celebration on January 1 in countries, which use the Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western
calendar or the Christian calendar which is now the internationally accepted calendar. The Gregorian calendar was actually introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, whom the calendar was named after on February 24, 1582.
With the expansion of Western culture to the rest of the world during the twentieth century, the January 1 New Year celebration
date became global, even in countries such as China and India who also have their own New Year celebrations on other days.
At present, the celebration of the New Year is a major event worldwide. Many large-scale events are held in major cities around
the world, with many large fireworks events on New Year’s Eve. There are so many ways around the world in which we celebrate the beginning of a New Year. I have attended London’s New Year celebrations which centers
around the London Eye, with an impressive fireworks display while Big Ben strikes midnight. In New York, of course the celebration continues to focus around a large crystal ball that descends in a one minute
countdown in Times Square. In Scotland, Edinburgh (which I hope to attend some day) plays host to one of the world’s largest Hogmanay (Scottish word for last day of the year) events. The celebration last for four
days and attracts people from around the world to take part in street parties and attend concerts. I read that in Rio de Janeiro every year around two million people get together in the sands of the famous
Copacabana Beach just to watch a fifteen-minute fireworks display to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
No matter where we live or how we celebrate the beginning of a New Year, we all have an opportunity during this time to make
change. Changing calendars is a good time for reassessment. How did last year go? What do we want to do differently?
Last year was a wonderful year for the Whiteside County Senior Center. The year was filled with numerous accomplishments such as:
$450,000 for Transportation in Downstate Operating Assistance Program funding
$1.2 Million for the renovation and construction of a new bus storage and transportation facility
Developed and opened a new satellite center and transit facility in Fulton
Received 2 new lift equipped mini-vans to be used to transport individuals
Increased rides provided to individuals who reside in Whiteside County from 80 per day to 235 per day to community and out of
county resources
Linked 1,861 individuals to Medicare Part D and State Pharmaceutical programs to assist with the high cost of prescription drugs
Linked 2,296 individuals to other services to assist them in remaining independently in their own homes
Provided assistance to 124 individuals who provide care to a loved one
Distributed food to 6,778 individuals through our agency’s food pantry/commodities program
Prepared noon meals for 10,683 individuals
Served around 700 individuals at our 1st annual Santa’s Workshop
Wow what a year, how do we top that? Well, I guess we will look at expanding social activities and educational programs. Begin
development of a fixed route system between Sterling and Rock Falls. Prepare for the constructing of our new transit facility and acquire additional vehicles for our fleet, to say the least. We will also continue to
broaden the marketing of our agency and look eagerly forward to another successful year.
If you haven’t been to the senior center in awhile I encourage you to come and see the benefits your senior center has to offer
you. You have made your difference to the world now let us be your in 2011.
Happy New Year!
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