Tonight, when the clock strikes 12 and 2014 becomes history, people in Lander County and around the world will be celebrating a new year that could be packed with all sorts of wonderful things.
First and foremost on many people's minds is making resolutions of things to improve their lives in 2015. Lander County residents had all sorts of resolutions from quitting smoking and losing weight to eating more vegetables and making the community better.
Lorrie Sparks said she will aim to treat everyone with kindness.
"You never know what fight they may be fighting," she said. "I would like to be remembered for giving people life rather than sucking it away from them. You know, how some people fill your bucket while others take from your bucket?"
Donna Stienmentz was directed by her doctor to lose 30 pounds, something she plans to take seriously. Her other resolutions consist of traveling more, having good health and seeing her eldest daughter wed.
"My New Year's resolution is to be more patient with my kids - especially my 14 year old," said Tami Johnson.
For Casey Gunther, becoming more involved in the community is at the top of his list.
"While my wife is from Battle Mountain and we have a ton of family here, I would like to become more involved at many levels," he said. "Sady, with the chamber, has been generous in involving me in community events and I would like to continue to do so. One of my other New Year's resolutions is to make a decision if whether or not I want to pursue my MBA, and also to continue to grow and learn as a father and husband to make my family's lives better ... the pursuit of happiness."
Rod Davis, extension educator for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in Lander County, will be looking to find better accommodations for the local cooperative extension office.
"With the new courthouse being built I am resolved to find a new home, if needed, for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension to meets the needs of our current and future programs that is compatible with the missions of both the university and the county," he said.
Linda Hartzell has a large goal in mind.
"My family's News Year's resolution is to stop smoking so that we can possibly donate a kidney to my son," she said.
Shannon Berumen just wants to spend more time with her family while Elisabeth Gonzalez is hoping to promote peace and harmony among her co-workers and family. Kelly Pullin is aiming to have a more positive attitude.
Julie Trevizo said, "I'm going to be more active and healthier this year."
South county resident, Karlene Andreola, who is on the hospital board, said she has many resolutions.
"Just working so hard with the hospital board and getting the Kingston clinic open," she said. "Between that, and still working on the emergency services here in Austin, there are a lot of projects we are working on and hope to see come into fruition shortly."
Fellow hospital board member Pat Brickley echoed Andreola's feelings on the new Kingston Health Center.
"Well, I guess my New Year's resolution would be to see the Kingston health clinic get off to a great start," Brickley said. "That's about the biggest thing."
Natividad Camacho plans to work on improving a local program that is near and dear to her heart.
"Just to continue to work on making Shop With a Cop a little bit better and hopefully we can get our local businesses to participate," she said.
For Joy-Lynn Cole, the new year will be about better health and focusing on those who are close to her.
"At the first of the year, exercise and not so much junk food," she said. "And just lovin' up on our friends and family more and more, making time for our relationships."
"My New Year's resolution is to watch a lot less television and start exercising," Vickie Ray added.
Sady Tingey wants to embark on service, encounter a healthier life style and "cherish every moment with family, creating lifetime memories."
For one Lander County resident, his 2015 resolutions are already history.
"My New Year's resolutions have all been met," Phillip Girgis said. "I have retired my New Year's resolutions because I have already reached the top. My goals were wife, family, friends, love and all that. That's what brought me inner peace."
Sadie Sullivan summed up her resolutions with a quote from John Burroughs: "One resolution I have made and always try to keep, is this: 'To rise above the little things.'"
Contact Heather Hill at h.hill@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
