Resolutions and Hot Dogs All around

By Dianne Williamson
Telegram & Gazette
December 31, 2012

http://www.telegram.com/article/20121230/COLUMN01/112309802/1101/local

The mother of one of my oldest friends died of cancer last week. Jacqueline Brunelle Sharry was 86, funny and warm, with a succinct way of expressing herself that led to phrases dubbed “Jackieisms” by her kids.

She never went to college or worked outside the home. Instead, she raised 10 terrific children, all of whom adored her and were by her side as she passed. Looking back, she never made the raising of such a big, boisterous brood seem anything but effortless.

Mrs. Sharry was also one of those moms who made her children's friends feel welcome in her home, where she was always quick to set another place at the dinner table. Last week, she was asked by her daughter Nancy how she managed to raise such a large family and still have the energy to host all the neighborhood stragglers.

She shrugged and seemed puzzled by the question.

“It was easy,” she said. Then she added, “What's another hot dog?”

I loved this final Jackieism, and believe the world would be a better place if we carried that simple sentiment into the New Year. So with that in mind, I offer the following resolutions for local folks who have appeared in this space in 2012, either voluntarily or under duress:

Matthew and Adele Smith, the local couple who christened all their children in a gown made from Matthew's World War II parachute, resolve to remain utterly delightful.

Bill Weld resolves to run for public office.

Norland Martinez, the Worcester teen who overcame hardship to become a dedicated dad, resolves to raise a son as stellar as his father.

Phil Palmieri resolves to be clear and concise on the council floor; in other words, to try something new.

Konnie Lukes resolves to chill out about medical marijuana dispensaries.

As a good-will gesture, Mitt Romney resolves to buy everyone who voted for him their own island.

Self-styled celebrity Christina Andrianopoulos resolves to avoid international travel

Scott Brown resolves to be grateful for good timing.

The NRA resolves to buy a silencer for its spokesman.

Don Peters, the Worcester priest who exposed a fellow cleric, resolves to continue to follow his conscience. And the people who ostracized him for doing so resolve to be ashamed of themselves.

Elizabeth Warren resolves to never, ever hold a press conference as lame and evasive as the one she held two days after her election.

Disgraced state chemist Annie Dookhan resolves to take an ethics seminar.

Patty Provost, my high school coach at Notre Dame Academy, resolves to continue her winning ways.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester resolves to use the proceeds from the sale of the former House of Affirmation to buy a wedding gift for Barney Frank.

Dr. Helen Carter, the local doctor who made national headlines for refusing to treat fat people, resolves to hold free office hours once a week at Weight Watchers.

Jose Canseco resolves to retire from baseball but stay active on Twitter.

Jet Blue resolves to land in Worcester and never leave.

Worcester Police Chief Gary Gemme resolves to confine his use of social media to routine notices posted on the WPD bulletin board.

Jeffrey Lassey resolves to continue his efforts to inspire troubled youths.

Prosecutors resolve that this is the year they finally charge someone with the 10-year-old murder of Candace Scola.

The City Council resolves to give non-union shops a break on local construction jobs.

Annette Rafferty, the spunky former nun who runs Abby's House, resolves to keep fighting the good fight.

Local boxer Edwin Rodriguez resolves to swing away and make Worcester proud.

Peter Matysiak, president of Emuge Corp., resolves to keep sticking it to the banks.

Lt. Gov. Tim Murray resolves to run for governor, but to always use a full-time driver.

Now that the project is successful, the West Siders who went nuts over plans to revamp the busy intersection at Forest and Salisbury streets resolve to feel just a little bit sheepish.

The ice-skating oval behind City Hall resolves to be more forgiving when middle-aged women fall on it.

The GOP resolves to expand its tent, invite more people to the table and remember the wise words of Jackie Sharry. In the scheme of things, what's another hot dog?

Loyal readers resolve to keep Yours Truly informed of all provocative, engaging or otherwise scandalous goings-on in 2013.