META HEMENWAY-FORBES and EMILY GRAHAM Courier Staff Writers | Posted: Monday, December 31, 2001 12:00 am
and JIM STANTON
Assistant Managing Editor
Losing weight, quitting smoking, getting more organized. All three have, for years, topped lists of New Year's resolutions.
But such ambitions are taking a back seat this year to commitments that emphasize on relationships with family, friends and community and strengthening spiritual ties.
The events of Sept. 11 have provided a common theme for New Year's resolutions for the coming year: making every moment count.
"I have resolved to live each day to the fullest," says the Rev. Cathy Young of Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. "I think the events of Sept. 11 are absolutely tragic, but they give us an opportunity as a nation to become more sensitive and, hopefully, to be kinder to one another."
Janet McClain, director of multi-cultural activities and an instructor at the University of Northern Iowa, has similar goals.
"None of us are guaranteed a certain amount of time," she says. "There's a Bible verse that talks about using time wisely, and that's something I'll be focusing on."
Calling on some prominent community members, we heard vows to simplify lives, take advantage of time spent with loved ones and lend a hand whenever possible. Here, now, is a sampling of what they had to say:
Leon Mosley, Black Hawk County supervisor
"Now that I am retired from John Deere, I want to give more of my time helping the people who really need it - those who are downtrodden and hurting. I just want to go out with my life doing good … (God) doesn't care a thing about your titles, your wealth or your glory. It's what you do in the name of God that means anything."
Faye Scott, pastor of Ambassadors of Christ
She wants "a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my daily prayer, but for the new year I resolve to make it even louder so others can hear, since I am to set the example."
Bob Molinaro, co-owner of Warren Transport
Molinaro is resolving to lose 30 pounds. "There's only one thing to do, and that's push away from the table." He also wants to concentrate on more "people causes," including more charitable giving and volunteer work. "I want to give more attention to the people who need a little more this year."
Van Miller, owner of VGM & Associates
Miller wants to write a suspense thriller novel. "Have you ever read a book and was disappointed at the end, thinking you could have written it better? This is the same resolution I've had for three or four years, but this year I really want to do it," he says.
Rev. Dr. Mary Robinson, pastor of Valley View Baptist Church in Cedar Falls
"I stopped making New Year's resolutions because I broke them so quickly," she says, laughing. Now, instead of making specific resolutions, she vows each year to improve her life in a general sense.
Robinson also will continue her New Year's Eve tradition. "I like to try to spend the stroke of midnight in the church or doing something of a religious nature."
Rabbi Sol Serber of Sons of Jacob Synagogue
"My resolution is to find greater and more meaningful ways to inspire the community to understand that we are all family and that we all have to love our neighbors regardless of race, color, creed or sex."
He also wants to inspire people to "remember that the stranger among us must be loved among us as though they were home born among us."
Greg Alan, talk-show host on KCNZ AM radio
"I make one every year, and I keep it every year, and that is not to make a New Year's resolution. I want to be footloose and fancy free," Alan says.
Ron Steele, KWWL-TV
"My New Year's resolution every year is to get in the best physical condition possible, and I always fail. I want to try and stay as healthy as I can," he says.
Paco Rosic, local artist
Rosic would like to get his artwork in exhibits all over America. He already has at least two exhibits in the works.
Dee Vandeventer, president and partner of Mathis Earnest & Vandeventer
Vendeventer wants to get more rest and exercise and to eat more healthful foods, but above all is searching for a more sensible schedule.
"When you run a company, there's a lot of demands on your time, you have a lot of responsibilities. But it's important to have balance to all parts of your life -your family, your husband and your hobbies, as well as your business. So my goal is to bring more balance to my life," she says.
Deborah Berry, Waterloo City Council member
Berry's goals involve her desire to serve her consitutents well, she says.
"I find it's difficult for people to understand that they've got to get involved to really know what's happening, rather than rely on someone else. I want to be the tool to motivate people to get involved."
And with the new council members coming on, she sees an opportunity to extend a hand to people with differing views, she says.
Bobbie Earles, KWWL-TV
"I'd like to read more and worry less. I would like to be able to worry less about the things that could happen and focus on the things I can make happen," Earles says.
John Mardis, Evansdale mayor
"It's kind of a more and less sort of thing. My resolve is to write more, sing more, laugh more and pray more, and to worry less and complain less. Joy is good thing. Sometimes I keep joy away by being grim, purposeful and business-like all the time," he said.