Welcome to 2018. If you’re like most people, there are several things you are looking forward to in the coming year.

Maybe it’s a long-planned vacation or a special anniversary. Perhaps you’re expecting a first grandchild in the new year.

I have several things I’m looking forward to this coming year.

In July, I will become the president of the Rotary Club of Wallowa County. It’s an exciting challenge. The group is a fantastic collection of individuals who have made me feel at-home in a new place.

I look forward to taking the helm and guiding Rotary through a terrific year or community service.

Speaking of Rotary, mark your calendars for Feb. 9. That’s the night the club will be sponsoring a Valentine’s night out with lots of food and fun. including the opportunity to have your photo taken. It’s not a fundraiser, it’s a friendraiser. Stay tuned for additional details.

I AM looking forward to my one-year anniversary as editor of the Chieftain. The first year at any newspaper is always a steep learning curve. You let out a big sigh of relief when you reach that point.

Suddenly, things are a lot more familiar, and you’re not experiencing everything for the first time.

I was warned about summers in Wallowa County being a busy period. I was in no way prepared for it. Next year, I will be better prepared.

We didn’t experience one event last summer that we didn’t enjoy. Chief Joseph Days Rodeo was one highlight. We’ve attended many rodeos over the years, big and small. This rodeo is among the best in so many categories.

You have to wonder how the rodeo committee is going to top last year’s event? The bar has been set mighty high.

I AM looking forward to the vote on the proposed library district in 2018. That will come in May. A lot has been said and printed on the topic, and there’s more to come as a stalwart group of folks work to convince taxpayers there is efficacy in publicly-funded libraries.

As a newspaper editor, I put a high priority on literacy. No readers, no newspapers. Literacy is a huge part of what the new library district would attempt to accomplish.

If you haven’t educated yourself on the topic, please take time in these early weeks of the new year to seek out information. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this as the new year dawns.

I AM looking forward to spending time at Wallowa Lake Park. Yeah, I know, it’s not exactly a “get-away,” but we haven’t found anywhere else near or far that is as enjoyable a place to spend time.

Whether it’s an evening walking the trails or a full-blown camping weekend, it’s all spectacular –– fun and relaxing.

We’re already looking at dates for camping reservations. You have to plan and act early for the best spots.

If you’re among those who believe a camping trip means driving three or more hours in one particularly direction, I would encourage you to spend a weekend at Wallowa Lake. I guarantee you will enjoy it. Maybe you could camp next to us. We always have plenty of marshmallows to roast.