At the stroke of midnight tonight, we say goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010.
Needless to say, we’ll be welcoming 2010 with open arms.
While 2009 is leaving us with some pleasant memories, it mostly was a tough year.
Joblessness topped 10 percent, in McHenry County and across Illinois, for much of the year.
Many businesses and industries struggled to maintain profitability.
Home foreclosures continued to mount.
Partisan rhetoric and incivility seemingly reached all-time highs.
The H1N1 virus scared the heck out of us.
And, the Blackhawks aside, our Chicago sports teams just didn’t fare very well.
Yes, we look forward to a better 2010.
In the hours building up to the new year, plenty of parties will be thrown. Noisemakers will be blown, confetti thrown, food eaten, and, of course, adult beverages consumed.
There’s nothing wrong with celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of a new one.
But we can’t forget to do so responsibly.
If you go out tonight and plan on drinking, make sure you have a safe transportation alternative. Designate a sober driver, spend the night where you’re drinking, or bring along a phone number for an area taxi service. Sharp Auto Body offers free towing service on New Year’s Eve for those who have consumed too much and did not have an alternative plan. You can reach them at 847-526-5500, or 847-526-6699.
Have fun ringing in the new year tonight.
But the most important thing about your New Year’s Eve celebration today is making sure you can enjoy whatever’s planned for New Year’s Day tomorrow, as well.