Editorial: A Season of Change
By • December 11, 2024 0 180
Musing upon the changes before us in the new year, we can hear Ecclesiastes (or is it the Byrds?) in the distance, reminding us: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
We have entered a season of change, which can translate into modification, adaptation, correction, repeal, break with the past, conversion. And it seems that change happens faster each year.
Here in Georgetown, a search has begun for Georgetown University’s 49th president, as John DeGioia retires, having served for 23 years. He leaves big shoes to fill.
On the commercial side, we have the Georgetown Business Improvement District interviewing for a successor to Joe Sternlieb, who leaves the BID well positioned to continue its work for the landlords and community in general. “Georgetown is hot,” says Mayor Muriel Bowser — and most agree.
On the nonprofit side, Georgetown Ministry Center, which “seeks lasting solutions to homelessness one person at a time,” bids farewell to Kelly Andreae, another executive director who made her organization and the town better.
In the neighborhood itself, we suspect there may be a billionaire or two buying a home near yours soon. This high-end trend can be good and bad — property values rise, while the dumpsters remain the same.
Of course, being in the nation’s capital, we have a front-row seat at the change in political parameters, with the 45th president becoming the 47th president. For many, Mr. Trump is full of sound and fury. Locally, his Republican colleagues on the Hill are seen as a threat to home rule in the District of Columbia. His disruptive Cabinet members seem poised to make their mark. Will they drain the swamp or fill it?
Other changes are afoot, such as climate and AI. Admittedly, there is a lot on our plates.
But — turn, turn, turn — the holidays are a reminder that what’s important is to take things in stride and respond to events and opportunities as they come, each in its own season.
