2021 has come to a close and many are saying good riddance for a year that saw record Covid rates, inflation, and loss of icons like John Madden and as 2022 was knocking on the door, Betty White left this planet on New Year’s Eve weeks before her 99th birthday.

For me, 2021 started with tremendous loss, but I am choosing to focus on the many blessings I had this year. My dad died on the morning of New Year’s Day last year, and so the first days of the year were dominated by his loss and funeral, but by the end of the first week of 2021, things were looking up.

Here are some of the highlights of my ’21: I helped launch a new show on WTNH with a great team. In the past year on “This Week in Connecticut with Dennis House” we interviewed a vice-president, a mobster, a governor, all seven members of the state supreme court, U.S. senators, members of congress, mayors, CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, authors, radio disc jockeys, a publisher, police chiefs and officers, celebrities, and every day citizens who help make our state one great place to live.

Many came to our studio but I also went to some of them, and we brought the “This Week in Connecticut” crew to Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New Britain, New London, West Hartford, West Haven, Torrington, Meriden and Middletown and so many other communities.

I visited my first marijuana shop, tracked down and chased my first bear, and went into Connecticut factories, the state capitol, small businesses, and took you along for the ride.

Many of segments led to change, and others tugged at our heartstrings. My toughest interview was with West Hartford Police Sergeant Chris Tyler, who knew he was losing his battle with cancer. He died a few weeks later.

I invite you to join me this Sunday morning, January 2, at 10 on WTNH News 8 for a look back at a year of newsmakers and compelling stories.

2021 I also helped start a new podcast for Seasons Magazine, called “Conversations with Dennis House,” where we focus on positive vibes.

Some great things happened in 2021, for which I am truly grateful. We celebrated my mother’s 80th with family and friends in our hometown of Norwood. It was a fun gathering and my mom was in her glory with friends dating back to the first grade. Two of her close friends passed away unexpectedly later in the year, so those pictures from the party have extra special meaning.

I won an Emmy for my role in anchoring coverage on the day accused murderer Fotis Dulos took his life. I was also honored by viewers with accolades in Connecticut Magazine and Hartford Magazine. Grateful.

2021 saw the return of family gatherings, golf tournaments and charity events, and it is always an honor to be asked to emcee the latter.

I spent some quality time with the family and my bride, and friends old and new. I made a bunch of new friends at News 8 and beyond, and strengthened and nurtured my old friendships.

It was a good year, and hoping 2022 is even better. Wishing you and your loved ones the very best.

Here are some of the guests we had on This Week in Connecticut in 2021.