From the Editor’s Desk: Happy New Year!

I know, that’s a strange headline to see in the middle of August. But for me, this time of year feels much more like the start of something new than January ever does.

As a parent with kids in school, the beginning of the school year brings the same sense of starting fresh. It’s a new calendar, new teachers, new routines, and new possibilities. Here in Albany, our lives seem to naturally revolve around school, sports, church, and Fandangle. So when classes begin again, it’s not just the kids who get a reset—it’s the whole town.

Looking back, July always seems to be the month that throws everything off balance. May and June still carry the steady rhythm of baseball and Fandangle season, keeping us on track. But once July rolls around, that rhythm fades. Vacations, late nights, and summer activities take over, and the structure we’ve been holding onto slips away. By the time the month ends, it feels like things have jumped the rails entirely, and I find myself more than ready to get back to something steady.

Then August comes, and with it, a good routine begins to settle back in. Schedules are made, alarms are set, and life finds its order again. For me, this is the real “New Year.” It’s a natural time to reflect and set goals. I find myself energized and ready to make resolutions; be healthier, get a much-needed haircut, spend more time reading my Bible, and work toward being a better father and husband.

I think there’s something valuable in marking this time of year as more than just the start of school. It’s a moment to pause, take a breath, and decide what we want the coming months to look like. So I’ll extend this challenge to you: as the school year kicks off, take a little time to set your own resolutions. Maybe it’s getting more involved in the community, finding more time for family, or simply slowing down to enjoy the everyday moments.

There’s no rule that says January gets all the credit for fresh starts. Around here, August does a pretty good job of it.

Keeping Albany Beautiful

Downtown Albany is a special place. It feels like something out of a magazine or a movie. It is a charming setting that draws visitors in and makes locals proud.

I want to take a moment to commend someone who plays a big role in keeping it that way. Every day, you can find Stan Sargent, an employee of the City of Albany, hard at work cleaning the streets and making sure our downtown stays neat and inviting.

Stan is a great asset to our community, and his dedication helps keep our downtown looking sharp. On behalf of all who enjoy this special part of Albany, thank you, Stan.

-David H. Waller, Editor