Some wishes for 2013

At the beginning of each new year, it’s not uncommon to look ahead and think about what goals one might want to reach by the end of that year. What is on your wish list for 2013? Material goods, peace on earth, peace of mind? Whatever you may wish for, here’s hoping it is achievable and that you reach your goals.Here are some wishes for the Northwest Corner in 2013:For Cornwall, that the power will stay on throughout the winter, and there is enough snow to keep Mohawk Mountain going strong but not so much that skiers have a hard time getting there. It is also to be hoped that a new use is found for Trinity Conference Center, and that the senior housing at Bonney Brook is completed and filled with content elder residents.For Falls Village, a wish for the finalization of the plans for the Water Street/Amesville Bridge, hoping it will be on its way to completion as a new single-lane span. And that the town’s cultural and community center finds the support it needs to be finished and to become the resource and destination for the region it is sure to be. The continued success of Music Mountain, the Falls Village Inn and all the town’s businesses and events will surely continue to draw people to this vibrant little place.For Kent, that the Kent Memorial Library board, and all the town’s nonprofits, continue to host fabulous fundraisers, such as those they presented this past year. And that the changing of the guard at anchor downtown businesses, such as Belgique, Doc’s Trattoria and the Millstone Café and Bakery, is successful and beneficial for the town. For North Canaan, let’s hope the Canaan Child Care Center finds a new, enlarged home, and that Mountainside and Beckley House additions are finished on schedule and are successful endeavors. With the new eligibility of people under 55 to buy into Blackberry River Commons, that those units fill up and provide useful necessary housing for area residents.For Salisbury, a wish for some harmony on its Board of Selectmen, along with a renewed legacy from the late, long-serving Board of Finance head Carl Williams (who passed away in January 2012) of some spirit of fun while governing. And, that the center of town maintains its higher level of activity, with both longtime and newer businesses as well as events such as the SWSA ski jumping competition and the Fall Festival, and Lime Rock Park, drawing people from across the region into town.For Sharon, that town road repairs are completed, as much as such things ever can be, and the Mitchelltown Road bridge is repaired and reopened. TriArts Sharon Playhouse and Sharon Audubon should have continued well-deserved success, as should all the new and old businesses that have energized the downtown and made for a welcoming atmosphere for all.For Region One, at all six elementary schools but especially at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, a fervent wish for the right balance of academic achievement for students and the caring, dynamic involvement of educators, board members and administrators to help students set and achieve their goals.Happy New Year!