Sometimes it seems like all we do is spin our wheels and make little if any progress.

That can apply to our private lives, our businesses or our communities. We have noticed some projects around the county that have moved forward or have even been completed this past year.

Let’s mention a few. The new lights on Main Street in Butler are done, and hopefully that will be a 20-year or more solution. It wasn’t the most popular project with everyone, but it’s done, so enjoy it.

The bus station was relocated to a spot on North Street instead of Cunningham. That helped to ease some of the traffic congestion that would occur with the buses parking, loading and pacing their route times. That was a nice, less visible change that is completed.

The Sons of Italy building on Main Street undertook an improvement to its appearance and the members will enjoy that for years if COVID goes away.

The city also now has a solution in the works for the ladder truck issue. Not everyone is happy (that’s always the case), but it is no longer a stalemate.

Two smaller towns continue to do well and always seem to be improving their appearance. We speak of Slippery Rock and Zelienople. The word quaint often gets used when referring to either, and the people in those communities have much to be proud of. The community leaders are focused and also encouraging of investors that put their trust in each other to make positive plans for the future. Saxonburg is another charming town with plenty of activities, growth and positive attitudes. They reaped a grocery store this year, making them the envy of several other areas in the county and even some city neighborhoods.

There were a number of parks and playground improvements undertaken, too. The Rotary Club of Butler did a very nice job on Rotary Park improvements, including a new pavilion and playground equipment, and the AM Rotary Club of Butler once again overachieved and performed some wonderful improvements at Memorial Park. Ritts Park was cleaned up and pickleball courts added for those seeking a new alternative form of exercise, while Alameda Park continues to improve the biking trail offerings for those seeking a challenge with some thrill thrown into it.

Positive occurrences and advancement happened even through a pandemic. If we can take our minds off national politics for a while and focus a little more on what our community continues to do even in bad times, we might realize how lucky we are to live here in Butler County. Try to enjoy what we have a little more in 2021.

And, please, wear your mask.

— RV