Diets, campaign promises, community service, more time with family and friends and eating more garlic–those are some of New Year’s resolutions from GIlroy business owners, residents and politicians for 2017.
“Do one thing at a time, and do it well,” said Project Director of South County Cal-SOAP, Erin Gemar.
For Councilwoman Cat Tucker, her New Year’s resolution involves accomplishing promises she made to Gilroy during her campaign.
“That first phase will be to focus on the downtown, to really push the discussion on reducing impact fees for the downtown corridor by looking into redoing the fees by district. As far as New Year’s resolutions go I’m involved in doing what we can for downtown, and doing what we can for dealing with issues that are going to come from the budget. And that’s coming up.
Of course we have to make sure that the city functions, but we need to deal with the issues for downtown, and we need to deal with it once and for all, and if this council is not agreeable, I want it out in the open now.
Secondary, is to really look closely at the high-speed rail and what it’s going to cost us. Let’s really be honest here, we’re talking about a lot of stuff, blocking off streets, maybe, maybe not, paying for millions of dollars for restructuring streets.
That in and of itself is a big enough task. I’m absolutely focused on those things, and of course keeping our city running is one of my top priorities as well.”
Staying fit is a priority for many at the beginning of the year, and Kassi Swalboski, owner of CrossFit Gilroy, intends to help those folks with that goal in mind, succeed.
“My New Year’s resolution is to improve the quality of life for Gilroy residents by encouraging them to workout at CrossFit Gilroy.”
Keeping healthy is also a big part of CouncilmanPeter Leroe-Munoz’s New Year’s resolution.
“My New Year’s resolution for 2017 is to eat more locally-grown and locally-produced food. We have such a bounty of fresh produce, incredible wine, and amazing cuisine here in Gilroy. I want to make sure that I am enjoying as much of it as I can!”
Bobbi Jo Palmer, editor of Out & About magazine and publisher of the Gilroy Dispatch, has always done a New Year’s resolution, which focused, for the most part, on weight loss, and getting in shape, but this year is a “particularly different year”, for Palmer.
“I’m going outside of my self-absorbed box. I’m pledging to be more forgiving and more loving. I’m going to choose LOVE over HATE, and PATIENCE over ANGER. I’m going to take up causes for all women, and stand strong with the disadvantaged of all colors. I’m not going to be sad, scared, or be a victim.
“I’m a survivor, and a fighter, and I’m ready to fight the good fight and look forward to the challenge. I’m determined to make 2017 a very good year. Who’s with me?”
Linda Williams, owner of The Nimble Thimble, envisions increasing her involvement in the community for the New Year, and beyond.
“My New Year’s resolution is to do more volunteer work, because I don’t think I do enough,” Williams said.
“I think our city is on the verge of great things, things are changing around here, and if we don’t keep the momentum up, I think it’s really easy to lose momentum, so this is the time to do more.”
Owner of First Street Coffee, Konni Thomas, normally doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions, but this year she did.
“My New Year’s resolution is to drink more coffee, First Street coffee,” Thomas said with a smile.
Owner of two local businesses, Yoga Bella Studios, and Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic of Gilroy, Ahnna Goosen’s resolution focuses on the spiritual side of her life.
“Well if I were to pick one, it would be having more awareness of the presence of God in my life in every aspect of my life, even the little things,” Goosen said.
“To call that energy into every day life in all aspects, paying bills, teaching classes, treating patients, commuting, doing the dishes, pretty much having that being more of a part of my life, not that it hasn’t been, but being aware of it, and conscious of it.”
Jane Howard, Executive Director of the Gilroy Welcome Center, looks forward to her 2017 resolutions, which for her are easy to remember.
“All of them begin with the first letter of my last name (H) – Be (H)appy, Stay (H)ealthy, Practice (H)umility, and Always be (H)ospitable. Most important however, is remembering to begin each day by praying the Lord’s Prayer.”
Gilroy Downtown Business Association Coordinator, Melanie Corona, has a combination of personal, and professional, resolutions for 2017.
“My resolution for the New Year is to be more present. Instead of trying to multi-task, and not give full attention to anything, my goal is to pick something that requires my attention and give it all of my undivided and unencumbered attention,” Corona said.
“Really this mostly pertains to my kids. I am always trying to finish a work project, prep for a meeting, take any number of phone calls all while “helping” with homework, or chauffeuring to after school activities, or being a mom in general. I don’t feel like I am giving anything quality attention, and certainly not my presence.
“My hope for our community is that after an especially challenging election season we can unite and work toward the common goal of making Gilroy the best place it can be for our children, our residents and our visitors.
“The community that we call home is rich in tradition and our friends and neighbors are so generous giving of their time and effort. I hope we can all remember this, even if we have different approaches to challenges.”
Hotranatha Ajaya, owner of Book Buyer’s, also has the community in mind for the New Year.
“I have a resolution, but it’s not a New Year’s resolution, it’s a several years resolution. I made it over two years now, but my goal, which is by the time I’m 80, which is six more years away from here, I want to see this,” (the store), “flourishing, and be a viable community asset,” Ajaya said.
“And everything will be focused on the whole family, in the community. Everybody’s invited, even the family dog. If I can’t retire at 80, I’ll keep going if I can, but I’ve kind of set it as my goal.”
The saying, “Great things never came from comfort zones,” is the inspiration behind Itty Bitty Beauty Boutique, owner, Lynne Mosley’s, New Year’s resolution.
Her plan is to do exactly that, move out of her comfort zone, and move forward toward great opportunities, and even greater success.
Executive Director of Rebekah Children’s Services, Christophe Rebboah, is focused on his family and RCS’s continued community support.
“My family is my blessing. As such, my goal is to spend more time with my beautiful wife Julie, my amazing son Christian, and my precious daughter Gabrielle,” Rebboah said.
“Professionally, my goal for Rebekah Children’s Services is that all children and families in our care, and community, continue to flourish, as we build pathways to hope, happiness, and well-being.”
For Lead Pastor of New Hope Community Church, Malcolm MacPhail, his marriage, and his health, are forerunners for his New Year’s resolutions.
“It’s our 35th anniversary next year, so I want to get in shape, and go to
Hawaii, and hike the mountain in Hawaii,” MacPhail said.
“So that’s the deal, and plus it keeps me in shape, and the goal is to get to Hawaii at 35 years of marriage. And if you would ask Kathy,” MacPhail’s wife), “she would say it’s been nothing but bliss and joy.”
Councilman, Paul Kloecker, the city’s newly elected official, is ready and willing to provide support to Gilroy and its residents in the New Year.
“I’ll support and encourage others to thoroughly consider the complex issues facing our city government, to result in sound objective decisions to benefit our citizens,” Kloecker said.
“Also I’ll participate and encourage others to support the programs of the many charitable and service groups serving the homeless, less fortunate, and needy families of our community. These efforts will result in a better place for Gilroyans to live and work.”
Kloecker added one additional resolution to his list.
“Lastly, eat more garlic of course!”
