Dess Alt Yohr is now fer-bei; wos now aw-fongt is yoh gons nei.

Mier leava un mier wolda, fom Neia biss tzu’m Alta. Darrich feel Ongsht un Druvvel; darrich Tzittera un darrich Farricht. Darrich Grieg un grossa Schrecka; dess dutt de gons Welt be-decka.

The old year is gone; what is now beginning is all new.

We live through much fear and trouble; through nervousness and through fright; through war and through terror this covers the whole world and we leave this to the disposition of God from the new to the old.

***

This Pennsylvania Dutch New Year’s wish, many generations old, shows the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Fear, trouble, war, terror all have visited this nation and its citizens before. All will visit again.

What is important, however, is our national and individual resolve to remain strong in the face of these destroyers of spirit.

Topping my wish list for 2016 is for the nations, tribes and peoples of the world to take a small step toward understanding and cooperation.

While political agreement may not be achievable between countries and ideologies with such vast differences, let’s at least agree to stop the slaughter and terrorist acts of destruction.

May this new year bring the light of love to those who choose to remain on the dark side, filled with evil and hate.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press