Brett Surerus is the Reporter’s Person of the Year Credit: Peter Waldner)
Selecting a single Person of the Year for 2021 has been particularly challenging because so many Islanders reached beyond their own households to help others.
We salute all those who stepped up, day after day, and continue to do so, as we move toward an end to the pandemic in 2021 and a return to some semblance of normal life.
But one very unassuming person stood out, because of efforts made during the pandemic, and his previous contributions to the community that he has called home all his life.
A Christmas angel graces Midway Road.
Sculptor Hap Bowditch’s work brings light to a corner of the Island and to all who pass by. (Credit: Eleanor P. Labrozzi)
This time of year, many of us try to make donations to support nonprofit organizations and that support is needed this year more than ever. 2020 has been what many nonprofit leaders call “a perfect storm,” when all the worst factors come together to their detriment.
The COVID-19 pandemic closed down or severely curtailed many local restaurants, businesses and services, meaning residents who would gladly work saw their income drop sharply.
The need for school to close meant a lot of parents couldn’t leave their children home and go to work.