Things That Matter

   Reflecting on things that were good in 2012, the response on the South Fork to the continuing needs of its residents and neighbors is most heartening. We made a list of other milestones that stood out.

    The bright spots include the astonishing response, in fund-raisers, donations, and effort, of East End Cares, other groups, and individuals after Hurricane Sandy. In other notable achievements, new senior citizen housing is about to open in Amagansett, the Town of East Hampton resumed in earnest its land-buying efforts, and Sag Harbor finally appears ready to do something about pollution at Havens Beach. We praise, too, the involvement of the Group for Good Government in keeping a sharp eye on East Hampton Town Hall.

    In the arts and culture, 2012 saw the opening of the new and renewed Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill. The music scene continued to grow and become more interesting. The oddly titled “slow” food movement kept great produce on our tables. And last but hardly least, Montauk got its own craft brewery.

    With all this in mind, we raise a glass to the good of 2012.