Out With The Old 2016, In With The New 2017
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
As we look back in retrospect at the year that was ‘2016’, it triggers emotions of all kinds and fading memories that we are eager to push under the carpet for one last time. From January through December, there was a mixture of heartbreak, strife, political unrest, a greater outpouring of freedom of expression, a division of beliefs and a hope for a much better tomorrow as each day drove countries further apart.
Celebrity deaths seemed to skyrocket to a record number, giving most of us a stronger appreciation for life and a need to cherish our health and happiness. It marked the final act for such greats as David Bowie, Glen Frey, Prince, Muhammad Ali, Gary Marshall, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, George Michael, Alan Thicke, Antonin Scalia and many more. Unnecessary shootings became all too common on streets across the nation, prompting many to campaign for stricter gun laws. Images of wounded children, impacted by war and hatred in Aleppo, Syria, tore at our hearts in a treacherous way. ISIS-inspired attacks were prompted in Brussels, Nice, France and Berlin, creating chaos and fear and taking the lives of the innocent at venues and scenes, previously considered safe and enjoyable. Who can forget the horrific attack at the PULSE Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which turned celebration into anguish. The ZIKA virus continued to spread, causing worldwide concern. Luckily, as 2016 came to a close, we regained control over the disease as a whole.
The final months of 2016 brought one of the most tumultuous American Presidential elections of all times, becoming bittersweet for political party division, protests, and resulting from a nation desperate for change. It became evident that cyberattacks are the new wars to be fought. A new US President will take to the Oval Office on January 20, 2017. Republican Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States.
No matter, it was not always a grimly painted picture for all to look at. Great events such as the August 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio proved that TEAM USA is superior to their competitors once again. A record number of medals were won in swimming and gymnastics, providing young and driven mentors for those striving to achieve their dreams and aspiring to make their goals. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the very first time since 1908, making fans extremely proud of their determination and prowess. The celebration activities went on for days and days.
The number of colon cancer deaths in the United States decreased along with the disease of dementia and heart disease. More than 800,000 volunteers took a much needed stance towards fighting climate change by planting 50 million trees in India in just one day in India. The U.S. Unemployment Rate decreased significantly to make it the lowest it has been in the past nine years. Fidel Castro passed away, but, the US took the initiative to try and build relations with Cuba just prior to his death, hinting at future possibilities for a more dignified and civil relationship. Humpback whales, giant pandas and manatees were removed from the endangered species list and Sea World agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales.
Leonardo DiCaprio accomplished one of his dreams by earning his first Oscar for his outstanding leading role performance in the film “The Revenant.†Harry Potter fans were ecstatic over the release of a new installment in the popular series they idolize.
And so, the tradition continues as thousands upon millions gathered into Times Square for one of those bucket list events. On December 31, 2016, revelers gathered, writing their most personal wishes on small pieces of confetti that were dropped like snowflakes at the stroke of midnight along with the iconic Toshiba ball. For Times Square 2017, 288 of the Waterford triangles introduce the new Gift of Kindness design consisting of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness. 288 are the Gift Of Wonder design composed by a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder. 288 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity. The remaining 1,824 crystal triangles are the Gift of Imagination design with a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination. Ryan Seacrest continued the Dick Clark legacy as he has for the past 11 years with Jenny McCarthy. Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper had their own party in Times Square for all CNN fans to laugh and reminisce with. Carson Daly took his place in Times Square to usher in the new year.
We saw Mariah Carey and Joe Jonas perform along with Gloria Estefan, warming the atmosphere with their vivacious personalities. All around the nation, no matter what the time zone was, the party continued into the wee hours of the morning. Miami Beach’s historic Fountainebleau Hotel hosted one of the largest pool parties in the world with guest entertainer, Justin Bieber. New Orleans feasted on fantasy and streamers at one of the most celebrated streets in the bayou. Dallas had their own ball drop along with fireworks and plenty of fun and excitement. California welcomed 2017 three hours later than New York City, but, the partygoers may have even topped record numbers as well.
Now we say “Good Morning†to a brand new day, brand new month and brand new year of 2017. Lessons are learned from the past and the script is meant to be rewritten to accommodate the needs and desires for the future. Hanging on to a zest for life, love, happiness, prosperity and good health, may our strong morals guide us to make more intelligent decisions and build more robust friendships throughout this hopeful year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and WELCOME TO 2017
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