Area residents reflect on memories of 2022

by Tina Cole-Mullins

As 2022 comes to a close, many take time to reflect on the past year. For some, it was a year of heartbreak. Others had personal success. Some changed their lives for the better while others faced new difficulties.

I ended 2021 receiving the SCN “Readership Award,” which highlighted my ongoing work in mental wellness. Receiving such an accolade not only “buffed up” my professional portfolio, it also prompted me to step outside my comfort zone of local news and submit a very personalized piece to the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program at Michigan Medicine. The work, titled “Bipolar: (My) Duality Dance with my Devil,” was published. For me, this serves as my best memory and biggest personal improvement in 2022.

That caused me, in turn, to ask several local community members: “What was your best personal improvement or, alternatively, your best memory of 2022?”

Some worked toward improving their health in 2022.

“Resuming exercise and making progress towards a healthier body,” Jen McClure, Mary Kay director, responded. She also noted her writing and the launching of her book “Wisdom from the Wilderness.”

Vanessa Hoard, co-owner of Smitty’s Hell Saloon, said allowing time for self-care was her biggest improvement. Her best memory of 2022 was finding a balance between being a working mom and a first-time business owner. “One thing I learned is you can’t fill from an empty cup,” Hoard said.

Mandy Urquhart, chairwoman of the Stockbridge Township Planning Commission, also focused on her health, as well as finding satisfaction in her work on the township planning commission. “This past year I have come to the realization that self-care isn’t selfish,” she said. “I’m learning to take better care of myself and putting it into practice for 2023.” Her best memory of 2022 was being a part of the township planning commission and getting the Township Master Plan and Wind Ordinance completed.

Some area residents found business success in 2022.

Shannon Murray, Bunkerhill Market coordinator, said seeing new faces as a lot of new people came in to check out the market was her highlight of the year. “I just enjoy seeing lines out the door, new food trucks and our community getting together and supporting local small businesses,” Murray said.

Wade Pregitzer, of Pregitzer’s Farm, said, “The best thing about ’22’ was my engagement to Zaneta Craft, of course. … She has added a new energy and sometimes a different perspective to the business and generosity of Pregitzer’s Farm.” Pregitzer added, “The fall activities were the best, as we experienced such a great turnout and memories of all our customers.”
Others took on new challenges during the past year.

“The best thing about 2022 was joining the Village DDA and being able to further help the community I love,” said Jason Stevens, a local business owner.

Personally, this past year has been a trying one, with many up-and-down moments, heartbreak, and loss. Yet, I, like others, also found growth and personal achievements. Undoubtedly, we share the love and support of our community. This makes Stockbridge and the surrounding community the place to be in 2023. Happy New Year!

Author’s Note: “Bipolar: (My) Duality Dance with my Devil,” can be found at https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/prechter-program/bipolar-my-duality-dance-my-devil