RESOLUTIONS To the new year

A note from our production editor on this week’s cover design

ATHIYAH AZEEM Production Editor

The Lunar New Year was one of the biggest holidays I celebrated back home in Singapore. I remember the thunder of drums and chimes as the lion dance made its way across our residential districts — I could hear them from my 12th floor apartment. As a student, we dressed in red to attend school, forgoing our usual uniform and always gave each of my teachers two oranges, never four.

Born in the year of the rabbit, I like to say it’s the reason why I have two large front teeth. Even though the Lunar New Year celebrations were not a part of my ethnic heritage, I was always excited to celebrate it as part of our collective diversity.

I illustrated this edition’s Lunar New Year cover to bring attention to the holiday week, which started on Jan. 22 and ends next month. And I hope everyone appreciates this wish of prosperity and wealth.

New Year’s resolutions

ROCHELLE WALKER

Artist/Vendor

It’s 2023, a whole new year. I wish each one of you decides to always help somebody when you can. We should also pray for the president of the United States and our country. I will pray for our police departments. I will pray for the end of Covid-19 and the vaccine that will finally end it. I will pray for the end of gun violence and for all the homeless to have something to eat. I will pray for the sick, the peacemakers and the givers and takers. Lord, please send your people out to the streets to meet, feed and clothe not only the homeless but anyone who needs it. Meet their needs, Lord. Together we can make a change for not only the world, but for ourselves too. Forgive us, Lord, for the things we didn’t do or say in 2022, and give us strength to change in 2023. Lord, extend your arms to protect our little children.

Perspective

GIGI DOVONOU

Artist/Vendor

I couldn’t forget about those nights

They haunted me

Sometimes, I asked myself, did I fail or did they fail me?

Many questions rose up in my mind

Until I found an answer

Stay steady

I know I made some mistakes

I got the right to back up

But I cannot accept returning back to those times

I must stay steady

Focus on the future

2022 is gone

2023 is here

I know the New Year will and should be for New challenges and changes

A new touch, a new life

I know I’m gonna make it

I’ll leave the past year and Its hauntings

I’ll stay focused on the new I’m motivated, I’m ready

I believe in myself

I know I will make it

Ssm Family Updates

• The next vendor meeting will be on Friday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m.

• The office follows the government for severe weather delays and closures. Search online for “opm. gov/status” or call the main office line.

• Vendors continue to receive free papers for proof of vaccination.