Do you get depressed at Christmas time too?

Do you get depressed at Christmas time too?

I’m sorry I am a sucker. I really can’t tell you if the man pictured on this month’s cover is truly a former millionaire. All I know is he was beaten and robbed less than a block from my home off Third Street, and I have sympathy for him. But this is not why he adorns this month’s cover. I chose this unlikely fellow because he has "PMA", Positive Mental Attitude (he told me so). Every day this fine gentleman walks from Third and Kelker to Strawberry Square, and back. Rain or shine. He is a dedicated man. He enjoys life. He always has kind words to say, and he makes me smile. Underneath that scraggly exterior is a man that deserves to have friends. People who care about him. As do many folk that receive help from the state.

This man graces our December cover because I want him to be a reminder for you this holiday season. Have you ever noticed how much more people smile at strangers, and even say hello, during the holidays? How about all those folks that sacrifice their Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days to work in soup kitchens and missions, aren’t they great? I want you to look at this month’s cover and do something nice for someone else this holiday season. This is a personal request. But there is more. You see, the holidays will come and go, and sadly, so will most of the holiday cheer. But our friend on the cover will still walk to Strawberry Square everyday, in the rain, in the snow, often in the dark. So when you see him in his plaid pants, cowboy hat and familiar "Pennsylvania, America Starts Here!" sweatshirt, remember the holiday spirit and do something nice for someone. Open a door, say hello, buy a sandwich, volunteer at a soup kitchen when they really need it, in the dead of winter. I like to be nice, and I love it when others are nice to me. I’ll tell you one more time, if you haven’t read All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten... you should, it’s fine advice for adults. So, as I step off my soapbox, I add in admiration, thank you. I’m sure someone out there will read this and take action, thus making Harrisburg a better place to live.

Speaking of taking action and doing something nice for those that need help. Read the article on PASSAGE, the Harrisburg area artist’s compilation CD to benefit the Delta Housing Program (the one that aids homeless women and children). 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the CD go to Delta, and you can buy it at several Harrisburg retailers. It would make a fantastic holiday gift.

Finally, I would like to share a reaffirmation of the mission statement of MODE magazine. It is important for me, as the publisher to make sure that my advertisers and readers understand why MODE is here.

MODE magazine is for the common person. It is business ideas and tips for people who work for a living. It is entertainment information for people who value their free time. Our number one goal is to make sure every advertiser in MODE is 100% satisfied, for they alone put the food on our table. Our second goal is to provide content for our readers that is positive, timely and informative, for they will ultimately decide our fate. Our final goal is to be true to ourselves and our goals, and this we work on everyday. Everyday. (Thanks Duane.)

To everyone, I wish a safe and joyous holiday season.

Scot Giambalvo, Publisher

P.S. About the headline. Yes, I am one, in those countless statistics, that sometimes gets depressed around the holidays. I don’t know why, really, but I do know that my family and friends help more than I can ever express. If you have a tough time during the holidays, stop in at our MODE magazine offices. We can visit for a while, maybe even talk if you like. Don’t be a stranger, a smile and a friendly hello go a loooooong way.