Call me a fool, but I’m determined to find bright spots in the new year, even as aggression flares in the Middle East, Australia continues to burn, and other incidents of random sadness leave us shaking our heads. It’s just too dang early to give up on the new decade.

Fortunately, a couple of the bright spots are in these pages, including Betsy Teutsch’s story on the expansion of the Mt. Airy Buy Nothing Facebook group that took place last year. In a departure from the way Buy Nothing groups usually evolve (remember, this is Mt. Airy), they gave their members a choice of three different groups to join, still based in the same general area. Hurray for self destiny!

If you haven’t heard of Buy Nothing groups, do yourself a favor and search for one nearby. Not only do they give people a chance to give away things they no longer need to local folks who actually want them, but their greatest value may be in altering the acquisition mentality that leaves us all with way too much stuff.

Meh, you say? How about this: Legendary WRTI-FM DJ Bob Perkins (a.k.a. “BP with the GM” or “Good Music”) returned to the airwaves in December after a four-month absence to recover from a stroke. The 86-year-old’s self-programmed shifts are a mix of vocals and jazz gems from the ‘50s and beyond. Anytime the state of the world puts you in the dumps, give a listen: He’s at 90.1FM Mondays through Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Still skeptical? One more, and then you’re on your own. The current Shuttle features a Co-op love story: David Cameron and Diana Bayless, who met in Ambler’s produce section almost two years ago. The afternoon of our interview, Dave popped the question in that same spot, placing Diana’s ring inside a pitted avocado. She said yes, and there was much rejoicing.

Catch you in the pages in March.