It’s a new year, which means, of course, it’s time to recommit ourselves to accomplishing a resolution that will improve ourselves or our community.
Need some inspiration? We asked some local notables to show us the mountains they plan to scale in 2016.
“My New Year’s resolution is to retire. And I mean it this time. Maybe I’ll go to Africa again next year but I’m not sure. I don’t make plans.” — Bill Austin, octogenarian Poulsbo booster and historic preservationist
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“I have the same one every year: follow my dreams. Easier said than done.” — Beth Brewster of Kingston, one of the top finishers in the 320-mile Ultraman World Championship, Nov. 27-29, in Hawaii
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“My personal resolution: I would like to spend more time with my family, get more exercise and return to an old habit that somehow was lost when I became a mayor: read one book a week. My public resolution: fiscally conservative government, maintain and nurture social safety nets, enforce environmental laws protecting Liberty Bay, support greater public open spaces, encourage constructive business development and continue to listen carefully to my constituents.” — Becky Erickson, mayor of Poulsbo
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“My New Year’s resolution for 2016 is to see that there is permanent supportive housing made available for victims of domestic violence and their children in Kitsap County.” — Denise Frey, executive director, YWCA of Kitsap County
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“To be my own worst critic and hold myself to what is right.” — Joe Kennedy, Bremerton High School assistant football coach. The school district suspended him for joining his players in prayer on the sidelines after football games; he is suing the school district, alleging his constitutional rights have been violated
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“I have to figure out a Christmas shopping list before I get a New Year’s resolution.” — U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer of Bremerton (we caught up with him on Dec. 23 in Kingston)
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“To increase my efforts to put a face on homelessness … and to finish my second book.” — Richard LeMieux, Bremerton, author of “Breakfast at Sally’s”
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“I actually stopped making New Year’s resolutions 27 years ago when I began writing down my affirmations. I continue to develop affirmations to this day, and the reasons why are: First, a resolution only lasts until you eat that piece of chocolate, gain a pound instead of continue to lose, eat that carb or get that speeding ticket. Secondly, people get in a funk when they don’t keep their resolutions. Instead, affirmations are positive. They do not have to be reached until the last day of the year. There is no pressure and exercising can start and stop and still you can reach a goal.
“Now, my affirmations for 2016 are: sleep more hours each night, print less paper copies from my computer, and create excitement through education for annexations and the 30-minute passenger ferry.” — Patty Lent, mayor of Bremerton
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“If I had to choose one resolution it would be this: Keeping balance in my life, divided between career, family, fun and travel.” — Debbie Macomber, author, Port Orchard
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“To walk every day. It’s the only thing that’s going to keep me sane.” — Mary McClure, new member of the Port of Kingston commission
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“I hardly ever make New Year’s resolutions, but I hope to continue to have community support for Morrow Manor so we can support more battered women and children, and hopefully save one more child. If we keep doing that, then life will be worthwhile.” — Ardis Morrow of Poulsbo, longtime advocate for domestic violence survivors
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“A resolution isn’t a wish for the world, but I’d rather have that … I wish there was a way to contribute to help the world settle into a place of respect and dignity for all.” — Patty Page, superintendent, North Kitsap School District
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“My New Year’s resolution for 2016 is to strive to keep my work and personal life in balance, and to express appreciation to the wonderful people (and animals) in my life.” — Eric Stevens, director, Kitsap Humane Society
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“I want to continue the active economic growth and community projects occurring in Silverdale. It is these efforts — from the Harrison Hospital expansion to revamping Kitsap Mall to new service options at the new The Trails development, as well as efforts to improve facilities for Central Kitsap School District, Silverdale Library and C-STOCK — that make the future for residents even better.” — Edward E. Wolfe, District 3, Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners
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And our favorite …
“In light of the historic climate change compact signed in Paris in 2015 by the many governments of the world, I figure if we on city councils in Kitsap County agree to reduce our speeches we make by 2 percent as well, we can do our share of reducing global warming by curtailing hot air! Deal?” — Ed Stern, member, Poulsbo City Council
From top, Beth Brewster, Becky Erickson, Joe Kennedy, Patty Lent, Debbie Macomber, Ed Stern
