Chairman’s Corner: Happy Holidays from board of supervisors and all county staff

Let’s set aside our daily concerns and worldly problems for a moment, shall we? This is the season where we should focus on family and friends, and the things that make up the foundations of our lives.

There’s a lot to think about at this time of year. People we miss, people we are happy to have around us, things we can do to improve ourselves … you get the idea. Aside from that, don’t forget to stop and take a moment for yourself, and remember what it is you are thankful for.

It’s pretty amazing — all other holidays are celebrated for a day, and then we move along. The holiday season, however, carries on for a month or so.

While I would advocate that throughout the year shoppers keep local merchants in mind, there’s no time like the holidays to see what they have to offer.

Not only does a local purchase keep your money in the community, with all the benefit that has for the local economy, but there’s a better than even chance that you’ll stumble upon that special gift not available anywhere else. We are extremely lucky in Columbia County to have such a wide variety of small businesses offering unique selections.

As I noted last year, we should all be proud of Columbia County’s rich history of providing for those less fortunate.

I would like to recognize the efforts of the Santa Claus Club, the oldest such club in the United States, in Valatie; the Marion Stegmann fund, which delivers gifts and food to those in need; the Edith Casey Stocking Fund, coordinated by the Columbia County Department of Social Services; and all the various organizations that collect and distribute children’s toys.

On behalf of the county Board of Supervisors and all county staff, I wish a healthy, happy, and safe holiday for all.

Reach Matt Murell at matt.murell@columbiacountyny.com.