Gracias! Many thanks! – Up Front

As we wrap up another year, it’s a great time to reflect back at a year that seems to have flown by. For most of us, 2011 has been a year filled with ups and downs, from special people passing away to celebrations of new babies coming into the world. Whether your year has been filled with gains or losses, positives or negatives, rights or wrongs, there is still so much to be thankful for, including the New Year ahead.

It was the great John Wooden who said, “It is a very simple one-syllable word that is often used without feeling, but when used with sincerity, no collection of words can be more expressive or meaningful—THANKS!” So with that quote in mind I would like to say, “Thanks, muchas gracias, thank you.”

Thank you volunteers, philanthropists and church and nonprofit employees. Thanks to all of you who get out and support cultural endeavors. Thank you to people who watch, listen to and support public radio and television. Thank you to the people who perform mission work here in the United States and abroad. Thank you to those who support your alma mater and education initiatives. Thank you, artists who constantly donate your time and work for local auctions and causes. Thank you to all of our police officers, firefighters, first responders and servicemen and -women who put your lives on the line daily to protect us. Thanks, all of you who are passionate about promoting the health and safety of our children.

Thanks to the volunteers who serve meals to the poor and elderly. Thank you, moms and dads, for working at your children’s schools and coaching children in sports. Thanks to those who teach people to read, and thank you for reaching out to those with disabilities. Thank you for our parks, museums and libraries. Thank you for our LSU Tigers and Southern Jaguars. Thank you, restaurant owners, who not only serve some of the best food in America, but who believe in donating food to help others. Thank you to people who are foster moms and dads to children—and to homeless animals. Thanks to all who put American flags on the graves of veterans. Thanks to lawyers who volunteer and represent the poor and defend abused children. Thank you, doctors and nurses, who go above and beyond to deliver the best healthcare. Thank you to those who raise money for cancer, at-risk kids and services for the blind. Thanks to all of you who are working hard to make Louisiana and Baton Rouge a better place to work and live. Thank you, faithful 225 readers, who every month allow us to show you the people, places and events that make our city great. Muchas gracias!

Unforgettable photos

The Readers Photo Contest this year is the best one ever. More than 160 people submitted some amazing photographs in eight different categories. Our judges pored over all the photographs but eventually chose seven category winners as well as a grand prize winner, a moving photo of a recently adopted child about to board a jet for the United States and a new life with her adoptive family. There are plenty more powerful, moving images, as well as some light-hearted and humorous ones. We think you’ll enjoy how your fellow readers see Baton Rouge through their unique lenses.

Get into the holiday spirit

Nothing can put you in a Christmas mood quite like driving around with the kids to see all the dazzling displays of light and decoration around people’s homes. This year, we’re taking that experience to another level. We’ve created a sight-seeing map on our web page that you can use as a tour guide to catch some of Baton Rouge’s most brilliant, radiant holiday displays. Check out the work of a few aspiring Clark Griswolds in this issue. To submit your display for inclusion in our online map, email [email protected] with your address and why your display deserves to be included. Then, hunker down and watch as 225 readers roll slowly by your home to behold your holiday handiwork.

Don’t be that parent

We’ve all seen parents at youth sporting events who seem to take it all a little too seriously—who seem more interested in winning than being good parents. In fact, in our six years in print, 225 has run two cover stories tackling the widespread issue of over-zealous parenting of youth athletes. Recently, the Baton Rouge Soccer Association invited a respected author and expert on parenting child athletes to speak to parents, coaches and kids. We can all learn a thing or two from Jeremy Boom, author of Parenting Your Best, in this issue.

Something new

If you have enjoyed our 225 Best Eats email (225besteats.com), then you might enjoy a new free email from our sister publication, inRegister magazine. In January, inRegister will begin “inRegisterVIP” with special offers from some of the top local businesses to help you enjoy the good life. If you sign up by Dec. 15, you will be eligible to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Sign up today at inRegisterVIP.com.