Special to the Courier-Herald:

Fall is here. The trees are turning to an amazing blast of color. The breeze has a bite to it that suggests colder weather is on the way. The weather forecasts are predicting endless days of rain. More and more as we drive through our community we see garage doors closed and no one on the streets chatting with neighbors, or struggling with the weeds. We are starting to close ourselves in our homes and work on “inside” projects. We all get so busy this time of year preparing for the big holidays that take most of our attention and energy the last few months of the year. Let’s make an early resolution this year. Let’s plan to stay connected to all our friends and neighbors during the next few months. Please make it a priority to interact with each other. Let’s not say so long to friends until the spring. Can you plan an informal gathering at your home? Will you be willing to invite friends into your home to help prevent possible depression that is so prevalent this time of year? We can all do our part to chase away the winter blahs. Conversation and shared food can be relaxing, inexpensive and therapeutic.  Let’s not forget those in the greater community who are far less fortunate than ourselves. Helping others not only blesses them, but is a blessing for yourself as well.

Norma DeVita