Shank’s Take: New Year’s Reminders for Strong Routines and Stronger Patriotism for the Start of America’s 250th Year

Thursday, we officially  said goodbye to 2025 and launched a new year. 

Many achievements affecting the Kansas State Fair were realized in 2025, and January 1 gives us a fresh start to continue the upward progression of positivity. 

For many, it is a time to put into place plans for improvements both on a personal and professional level. 

Writer Shira Gill known for her expertise on everything including, decluttering, offers her readers five goals worth consideration: Eat healthier, drink more water, sleep more, drink less alcohol and save money for financial emergencies. 

Also, Gill admonishes those people working on new year’s resolutions to remember the 21/90 rule. It takes 21 days to establish a new habit and 90 days to make that habit a part of one’s permanent lifestyle. 

Dr. Michael D. Farris, an author, says we need to be proud to be Americans and has 10 reasons why. 

  • America was the first nation to introduce a constitutional government to the world. 
  • We are the first nation to protect religious freedom for all. 
  • Never forget, America defeated Nazi Germany in World War II. Had it not been for America, the war may have been lost. 
  • America stood down Communism during the Cold War.
  • Without a doubt, America is the most generous country in the world. 
  • We lead the world in technology and can lay claim to having been the first nation to fly and even to the moon, first to introduce mass production to factories while inventing the internet and cell phones. 
  • America is home to the best medical care in the world. When foreign leaders become ill, they often come to the United States for treatment. 
  • America has made great progress on racial programs. 
  • In America, we can be born on the wrong side of the tracks and succeed beyond all expectations. Kansan Dwight D. Eisenhower grew up south of the tracks in Abilene and would lead the nation to victory in World War II and serve two terms as President. 
  • America remains the beacon of hope for the tired, poor and the huddled masses yearning to breathe freedom. 

Happy New Year to all. May 2026 be the best year of all as we pause July 4 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. 

Our greatest days are on the horizon and yet to come. 

-Richard Shank
Kansas State Fair Ambassador
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Member

About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.

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