Resolutions made for New Year’s
By Angela Randazzo

With all the presents unwrapped and the Christmas cookies eaten, local residents turn their sights to New Year’s Eve. Along with the dropping of the ball in the Big Apple and the popping of corks comes that other tradition: the New Year’s resolution.

An informal poll on the streets of Simi Valley found most residents wishing for peace on earth.

“To have a wonderful life this year, to have happy healthy thoughts, a loving family and peace on earth,” said Victoria Hertkop who’s lived in Simi Valley for five years and works for the school district.

“Charity in my heart to all,” said Bob Melvold, a retiree from the aerospace industry. Melvold and his wife, Carol, have lived in Simi Valley for 40 years.

“To continue to do my aerobics and make sure I keep healthy and make sure I do something that’s kind to other people and cheer them up,” said Carol Melvold, a retiree from Farmer’s Insurance.

Realtor Joe Beckerle and his wife, Betsy, have lived in Thousand Oaks for 21 years. Betsy, who works for a sameday courier service, promised to continue touching people’s lives and going out of her way being a nice person.

“I don’t have a resolution,” her husband said. “I just try to be a good person year around.”

Retired from a career in the Army, James Holloway recently moved to Simi Valley from Kansas to be with family. “To have a prosperous new year,” said Holloway.

Flight attendant Sandra McNeely’s New Year’s resolution is understandable since air travel can be a hassle especially during the holidays. “My resolution is to be calmer,” said McNeeley, who’s made Simi Valley her home for 13 years.

With all the tempting cookies and candy during the holiday season, Darleen Hoover’s resolution is a popular one.

“To exercise more,” said the 38year-old, who’s lived locally all her life. Hoover’s son, Sean, a student at Atherwood Elementary School, had other ideas. “To play more with my friends,” said the 5-year-old.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get better grades in school and get into the college I want,” said Sarah Hays, 17, a Royal High School student who works at Lassen’s health food store.

Samantha O’Neill, 15, a sophomore member of the Royal High School cross-country team, said, “I want to eat healthier so I can get in shape to run faster.”

Her sister, Emily, 12, is a 7thgrader at Hillside Junior High School. “I just want to get closer to God and my religion,” she said.

Phaedra Nguyn, a nurse at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and her husband, Minh, a land developer, didn’t come up with New Year’s resolutions. “I’m done with resolutions,” said Mihn Nguyn.

Rick Monsour, who was shopping with his family, had the final word. “My resolution is to not make any resolutions,” he said.