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Magic Valley Residents Make New Year's Resolutions

By Julie Wootton, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho on

Published in Senior Living Features

TWIN FALLS -- Now that 2015 has arrived, many Magic Valley residents are coming up with New Year's resolutions.

For Brian Higgins, reflecting on goals doesn't just happen at the start of a new year. "For me, it's an ongoing process."

Higgins, senior instructor at Success Martial Arts in Twin Falls, has led goal setting workshops for nearly 20 years.

So what should you keep in mind when making resolutions? A good strategy is to set goals incrementally, Higgins said.

"The trick is to start out with something so ridiculously small that there's no way you can talk yourself out of it."

Vowing to do something differently forever is difficult, "especially when habits are moving in another direction," Higgins said.

Another key factor: Environment control. For instance, if someone is trying to lose weight, going to a buffet probably isn't a good idea, Higgins said.

Also, guilt and shame aren't great motivators, he said. "It's more about figuring out what you want and how to get there."

Here's a look at some resolutions Magic Valley residents are making:

Alice Schenk of Rupert

Last year, she participated in the Boston Marathon and plans to do so again in 2015.

Schenk said she's a huge dreamer and goal setter. "It's not about the destination as much as the journey."

In 2015, her goals include rejoicing and praying more in everything, to run 2,015 miles, aiming to read 100 books and investing time in writing. Also, "I'd love to memorize at least one new scripture every month for contemplation when I run."

Donna Cleland, vice president of marketing and membership for YMCA and facility director for the Elizabeth Street branch

Cleland said she wants to lose 10 pounds, eat better and exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.

Wallace Keck, park superintendent for City of Rocks National Reserve

For City of Rocks, the goal is to have a finalized general management plan this year. At Castle Rocks State Park, plans are underway with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to build a fishing pond and an archery course in 2015.

Outside of work, Keck has a faith-related goal.

"On a personal note, each year I read through the Bible in a different version/translation. I will be reading through the Bible in the English Standard Version for 2015."

Delores Smith of Hagerman

"My resolution is to go to Cuba to fish for bonefish and to bird before development takes place."

Jeff Fox, president of the College of Southern Idaho

Fox is entering his second year as the college's president.

"The first year was a busy one for me, to be sure, and in the New Year I hope to find a balance for family, health and work."

Tevian Kober, Jerome County treasurer

Kober said she wants to validate the people in her life more.

"I see them every day or even just once in a while and just take them for granted. I want to let them know I love or appreciate them for being a part of my life."

For the Jerome County treasurer's office, a collective resolution is "to become more versed in Idaho Codes and to participate in ongoing training opportunities" to better serve taxpayers, Kober said.

 

Shawn Barigar, Twin Falls city councilman and president of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

The chamber is excited about the opening of the new visitor center in 2015, Barigar said.

"Our resolution with this new center is to better meet the needs of visitors and to utilize the center as a tool to promote our local business community and attractions year-round."

As for a personal resolution, Barigar said he wants to get into a more regular fitness routine.

Donna Bywater of Twin Falls

"I want to work on managing my time better in this new year."

Zeze Rwasama, director of the College of Southern Idaho's Refugee Center

Rwasama has four work-related resolutions: Building good working relationships; staying up-to-date with knowledge, best practices and standards; building a team approach to help refugees be self sufficient; and empowering newly-arrived refugees to play a significant role in their own success.

Cathy Roemer, Jerome County commissioner

She's setting job-related resolutions: Doing more research and information gathering when making decisions as a commissioner, looking for more opportunities and programs to benefit the county, and updating the county's comprehensive plan.

Camille Barigar, fine arts special events coordinator at the College of Southern Idaho

Barigar said she plans to keep her personal resolutions simple this year: "More coffee and creativity; less wine and binge watching Gilmore Girls."

Nikki Halverson, Art & Soul of the Magic Valley chairwoman

"One of my (ongoing) resolutions is to continue to spread the word about the huge economic impact that the Magic Valley Arts Council's annual event 'Art & Soul of the Magic Valley' has on our community."

Halverson's goal is to have everyone in town participate in some way -- whether through voting, entering a piece of art or appreciating the pieces on display.

Don Hall, mayor of Twin Falls

For a personal resolution, Hall said he hopes to eat better and exercise more. He also hopes to make himself more available to his family this year.

"It always seems that those most important to us get the least attention when we get busy with life."

As mayor of Twin Falls, he said he hopes to do his part "to continue our economic development so we can have good-paying jobs for our citizens."

And as an assistant professor of law enforcement at the College of Southern Idaho, Hall said he wants to continue to improve the program to better serve area law enforcement agencies and students.

Bill Maikranz, executive director of United Way of South Central Idaho

He said he wants United Way to be more directly involved in the community in 2015 and make lasting changes.

"We want to be able to change the odds for children and families in our community so they may have the opportunity for a better life."

(c)2015 The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Visit The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho) at magicvalley.com

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(c) The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

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