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New year’s resolutions are good intentions, not vows
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By KATIE SEMINARA
Set aside the sweets and get out the scales — it’s resolution time in 2009.
The midnight kisses and clinking of champagne glasses may be over, but now the New Year’s resolutions begin.
Each year many people promise to lead healthier lives, quit bad habits, work harder and make other changes in the year ahead.
Behind every resolution is an eager person ready to follow through with fresh plans for 2009.
It’s a big year for Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, as his term is ending and he will find himself on the ballot once again.
“I’m resolving to run a successful mayoral campaign both in May and November,” said Williams.
The outcome of this resolution is up to the public, but Williams said he’ll be making a “compelling case.”
As the new year begins, Williams also hopes to remind his staff of a few essential goals.
“The importance of making sure we’re doing things in the city first and foremost for the citizens, but also to send a very strong message of redefining what this city is about,” said Williams of thoughts his staff should keep in mind as a whole in 2009.
On a more personal level, Williams, along with many other area residents, is vowing to be more conscious of physical health. Many of the personal and career resolutions made by Williams blur together.
“My wife often reminds me of that,” he said, laughing.
In 2009 Williams hopes to remain “physically, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically fit” so he can be a better mayor and individual.
Other city officials shared their intensions for the upcoming year, including Youngstown Councilwoman Annie Gillam, D-1st, who shared Williams’ sentiment of being a bit healthier.
Gillam also said her goals as a councilwoman are focused on creating a solid image for the area.
“I want to make a city that people want to come back to and live in,” she said.
“And stop the crime — just make our young people see that there’s a better way,” Gillam said.
Councilwomen Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th, and Janet Tarpley, D-6th, also added their aims for ’09.
“I’m hoping for a great year and a prosperous year for the city,” said Rimedio-Righetti.
“In my personal life I want to be more positive with everyone I come in contact with,” said Tarp- ley, who is also looking to build more block watch groups in area neighborhoods.
Jason Loree, Boardman administrator, set his resolutions based on an important event in 2009.
“To de-stress and lose some weight for my upcoming wedding,” are the goals Loree is hoping to achieve. He is to marry Abbey Beach on Aug. 1.
Phil Kidd, creator of Defend Youngstown, disclosed his personal resolution, which is simply to “eat more fish and less pirogi” in the new year.
A newcomer to the political scene, Joe Schiavoni said his new position as a state senator for the 33rd District is going to push him to work harder than he did last year.
“I know I have a lot of work to do, and that’s what I’m going to do,” said Schiavoni of his 2009 resolution.
Some people resolve to learn something new each year, such as a talent, trade or hobby. Why not start with some facts about New Year’s resolutions?
The history of New Year’s resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. and the mythical Roman king named Janus, according to 10millionresolutions.com. Janus had two heads and was placed at the head of the calendar where he could look back on the past year and forward to the new year.
Romans considered Janus the symbol of resolutions and looked to him for forgiveness and also exchanged presents before the start of each year, according to the Web site.
Not everyone around the world celebrates their new year on Jan. 1 — only the cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar.
In America, today does in fact mark the start of our calendar year, and residents in the Valley have come up with a variety of intentions for the 364 days ahead.
“I’m a single father with three little boys, and I want to be a better dad,” said Stanley Jones, 40, of Youngstown, while trimming hair at Legends Barber Shop on Belmont Avenue.
Across the shop and above the sounds of buzzing razors, fellow barber James Kershaw, 28, chimed in his resolution.
“Mine is to quit smoking and make it to work on time,” said Kershaw, of Youngstown.
Owner of the shop, Manuel DeBose II, 31, of Youngstown, liked the sound of Kershaw’s resolution to be on time, but he had his own for 2009.
“I want to do more to impact the community [in a positive manner],” said DeBose, who wants to influence younger individuals and help stop violence in the area.
Patricia Cobbin, 65, of Youngstown, was also at the barbershop but didn’t have a resolution to share.
“I don’t make any resolutions because I don’t keep them,” she said.
Joyce Collingwood, of Struthers, agreed with not having a New Year’s resolution, on the same grounds that they are simply difficult to follow.
“I figure whatever happens, happens,” she said.
“I just hope it’s a good year,” Collingwood said.