Lake City area residents share New Year’s resolutions

Residents are shaking bad habits and making a commitment in 2009 to positively shape their lives, reform character and become healthier.

Retired public school teacher and administrator Dr. Patricia M. Chandler said she will eat more of the foods she grows on her farm as well as buy products, such as furniture from locally owned stores, instead of chain stores.

The Chandler Farm is home to such food items as cabbage, onions, potatoes, turnips and spinach.

“Some people call it the 100 mile rule,” Chandler said, explaining the it means eating foods and buying products grown and manufactured 100 miles away from your home. “It’s more eco friendly and requires you to use less fuel when traveling,” Chandler said.

Peebles sales associate Myisha Cameron said in 2009 she wants to finish her undergraduate degree in English at Claflin University and began her career.

“I’m blessed and certainly look forward to a lot of positives in spite of all the dire prophetic warning signs we are seeing,” said retired public school reading and language arts teacher Gloria V. Gaskins, explaining the state of the economy. “There is always a bright light at the end of the tunnel.”

“I want to be more like Jesus,” Lake City Police Department dispatcher Debra Murray said.

Lake City Clerk of Court Caroline Alford said she wants to continue to be in good health and exercise more.

“I want to become physically healthy,” Peebles store manager Shana Casey said.

“I want to be a happier person and lose about 20 pounds,” Lake City Public Library circulation clerk Bettie Gamble said.

Lake City Police Department Clerical Assistant Letha Daniels said she wants to be more aggressive, energetic, loyal and ambitious. “This is the year for the overflow, and I’m going to continue to reach for the stars,” Daniels said.

Peebles Sales Associate Darrell Cooper said he is going to strive to be on the Dean’s List at The Citadel in 2009 where he is a Business Administration major.

Lake City Senior Citizens Center Front Desk Receptionist Johnell Myers said she is hoping 2009 will be a better year for her health wise.

“I have a few ... too many to name but the most important one is spending more quality time with my family and friends,” said Merle Norman Cosmetics & Gifts Studio Owner and Make-up artist Leigh Flowers.

Olanta Mayor Betty Sims said she plans to start Christmas shopping and decorating earlier in 2009, instead of waiting to the last minute to do it in previous years.

Lake City Assistant Police Chief Bobby Williams said in 2009 he plans to establish a closer relationship with God, become physically fit and to continue to protect and serve the citizens of Lake City in a professional manner.

Lake City Public Library circulation clerk Erica Speller said she wants to save money in the New Year and have a better attitude.

“I’m going to try to be more kind and understanding of everyone,” Peebles assistant manager Theresa Graham said.

Lake City Fire Chief Tony Singletary said his New Year’s resolution is to become more physically fit.

First Citizens Personal Banker II Janice C. Eaddy said she is going to exercise more and follow her diet plan consistently.

Lake City Senior Citizens Center Custodian Vickie McGill said he has received blessings in 2008 and hopes 2009 will be a better year for him and everyone.

“I want to gain a closer relationship with my sisters,” Lake City Police and Judicial Departments custodian Mary Barron said.

“Smile more, laugh louder and save money,” Lake City Public Library circulation clerk Shaquanna Brockington said.

“I want to become a better person,” Peebles assistant manager Sharon Matthews said.