Opinion

Body Amid the recent snow drifting into the area, children stayed home as parents scrambled to make work arrangements. Others worked from home, and some took the day off to cozy together, watching movies and making homemade pizza.

Body The new year means many things to various people, from city leaders to young children. It means focusing on one personal thing to work on or work toward throughout the year. This year, I have taken it upon myself to work on self-advocacy and mindfulness.

Body When I became the general manager of the newspaper in late 2022, I asked myself one simple question: how do I get to know my community better and be involved? Soon after, as luck would have it, I met Kim Halfhill of Thrive Excelsior.

Body When we think about Christmas traditions, especially those of us with small children, the framework revolves around music, food and generalized festivities, including seeing Santa Claus or driving around to witness the neighbors’ decorations in the evening shadows.

Body Carrie Classon’s, “Blue Yarn: A Memoir,” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine stores. Learn more at CarrieClasson.

Body Thanksgiving seems like a distant past as another major holiday looms right around the corner. Some of us just shut the door on one holiday and before we know it, the crisp frost-bitten air has swept in and transformed the living room overnight.

Body Nobody talks about the melancholy feeling of an older sibling after you move out of the house. You can feel free and light about your new independence, but you don’t want your siblings to feel alone.

Body Carrie Classon’s, “Blue Yarn: A Memoir,” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine stores. Learn more at CarrieClasson.

Body Although winter isn’t set to begin until Dec. 21, the air is already filled with the crisp change of colder weather.

Body When working diligently at your job, have you felt yourself fall more into the character, or personality, that fits it better? If you’re a soldier, have you become braver? If you’re a government official, have you become more open to ideas?