Age-old tradition of resolutions continue
The seemingly timeless tradition of making promises to oneself at the start of the new calendar year is alive and well in Shepherdstown. Folks have been eager to share their goals and hopes for 2012 as they reflect on the past and voice their hope to improve themselves in the future.
The tradition of resolutions is said to have begun with the early Babylonians with today’s most common goals focusing on better health and more exercise. The effort to quit smoking or drinking is also a common resolution.
Bob Keller is one Shepherdstown resident who hopes to improve his exercise goals by planning to walk at least three to four miles per week. Sandy Sponaugle has the personal goal of being able to do the splits by year’s end.
“I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve been taking tap and ballet classes and my goal is to do the splits,” she said. She also shared that she hopes to try one to two new recipes per week, which could be a very big deal because normally her husband does most of the cooking.
Mike Austin shared several goals or resolutions he plans to set for himself in the coming year. Many revolve around the treasures he has collected over the years and efforts he plans to make to document those treasures as well as to catalog his library and professional papers.
Reconnecting with old friends and keeping a daily journal on how he spends his time have also made it onto Austin’s 2012 list. In addition, he said he hopes to spend at least two hours per day writing, drawing or using other tools he has collected.
“I also want to increase the survival rate of my bee colonies and their productivity and take back my garden from the deer, groundhogs, rabbits and stink bugs,” Austin said.
Sponaugle shared that her business goals for Platinum PR include writing one to two blogs per week, something she says her company does for clients but does not do enough of for themselves. She also hopes to encourage each of her team members in attaining their personal goals in 2012.
Michelle Palmer voiced a wish that could be shared by many who overextend themselves throughout the year. She hopes to commit to doing less and spending more time with the family and what is truly important.
“I want less commitment, less meetings and more time around the dining room table playing board games or snuggling on the sofa watching movies with my family,” she shared.
Sue Pellish said that she hopes to become more physically active in the coming year as well as to become more involved in the community. As for her husband, Walt, who serves as a Jefferson County Commissioner, Sue shared what she believed would be his resolutions including training the new puppy, playing more and better golf and listening more closely to his constituents.
“I also want to be more aware of my everyday blessings,” Pellish said “and to forgive myself when I don’t keep these resolutions.”
Judy Olsen summed it up by simply stating her resolution is “to turn around and start going the other way.”
The continued success of Shepherdstown as a vibrant and safe community ranks at the top of the list for town officials and residents alike. Jack and Martha Young, who moved to the area in 1999, wish to continue to support Shepherdstown community programs, especially Shepherdstown Area Independent Living (SAIL) and Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning.
Police Chief David Ransom looks forward to moving the Shepherdstown Police Department in a positive direction and providing service and protection to the the citizens of the town while Mayor Jim Auxer’s main goal for 2012 is to continue to make the 250th anniversary a great success for all to enjoy.