As 2015 nears an end in Charlotte County, the last days of the year should be a time for reflection about local memories that have come and gone within the year.

In 2015, the county saw an abundance of positive attributions to the county, as well as a few farewells to longstanding constants.

This year proved to be a time of steady growth and change locally. The Town of Charlotte Court House has seen a busy year with the discussion of a new courthouse project and a consolidated school.

Drakes Branch received good news when it was announced that a Dollar General would be built in the town limits, and longstanding local business, Jackson’s Hardware, closed its doors in Wylliesburg for good just this past weekend.

Even the local school board saw a change, with the welcome of three new members.

Traditionally, most individuals celebrate the upcoming year as a fresh start. Charlotte County should be proud of the memories and accomplishments made in 2015, while looking forward to 2016 as a new year for even more progress and growth.

As a community, Charlotte County has always been diligent about preserving the history of the county. Symbolically, the New Year is a time to reflect on the past, but to also build on what has been learned over the year so that we can push forward in the future.

Many people will make New Year’s resolutions and vow to become a better person overall in 2016; however, there is no specific set time frame when it comes to improvement.

Although 2016 will be regarded as a new calendar year and psychologically a fresh start, let us remember to take what has been learned in 2015 into the future and strive to promote change and growth as citizens of the county.

Italia Gregory is a staff reporter for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at italia.gregory@thecharlottegazette.com