VERO BEACH - We asked community movers and shakers for their resolutions, hopes, or goals for the New Year.
Teacher and musician James Broxton
My New Year’s resolution is to be more involved in activities and events that bring our community together. I will use my music to unify my community and be a conduit to provide positive outings for the people of Indian River County.
Ballet Vero Beach founder Adam Schnell
My New Year's resolution is to continue to work at showing the beauty that exists in the world through art!
Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival founder Jerusha Stewart
This year, I'm listening with an open mind and my whole heart for ideas and inspirations to make this year's Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival more fun than anyone ever thought possible!
School Superintendent Mark J. Rendell
Personal resolution is to spend more quality time with my family. To make this happen we are scheduling some family only events out of town to get away and get unplugged.
Professional resolution is to be in classrooms to interact with teachers and students more often. I have to maintain a connection to the work on the front line if I am to be effective in my role.
Pareidolia Brewing Co. owners Pete and Lynn Anderson
We look forward to increasing our contributions to local charities by holding bigger and better events in our new location. We also are looking forward to brewing more good beer for more good people!
IGNITE Wrestling owner Kim Artlip
Going into 2018 determined to establish Vero Beach as a sports entertainment destination through IGNITE Wrestling.
Theatre-Go-Round Dinner Theatre Artistic Producer Jon Putzke
It is my goal to broaden our audience base at Theatre-Go-Round Dinner Theatre by reaching out to potential patrons further north as well as south of Vero Beach. We are thrilled to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year and hope to increase our patronage from Melbourne to Stuart. My goal is to reach out to them and invite them to join our circle of "regulars" who attend all our dinner theatre productions. Last year was a banner year for TGR and I thank Vero for their ongoing support.
School Guidance Counselor and Bacteriologist Valerie Brant-Wilson
In 2018, it is my desire to seek first the kingdom of heaven and do my very best to advocate for the least among us. In other words practice Matthew 25: 31-46.
Vero Beach Councilmember Laura Moss
The people of our city gave me the energy and the confidence needed to pursue the sale of Vero Electric to FPL this past year. Everywhere I went, their constant encouragement and support spurred me on. They re-charged me on a daily basis! I hope that they know how important they have been in moving the sale forward. My resolution for the coming year is to represent them with continuing determination and enthusiasm, always protecting their best interests - the Public Good.
Sebastian Vice-Mayor Linda Kinchen
My new year’s resolutions are to make Sebastian the best place to live in 2018 and to treat everyone like family and not just unknown residents.
Cultural Council Director Barbara Hoffman
My new year’s resolution is to increase the community’s exposure to the arts, as 73 percent of Americans say the arts are a positive experience in a troubled world.
Audibel owner Kim Harris
My new year’s resolution is to continue to help as many people as possible through better hearing. This brings so much satisfaction to my life and to theirs.
Vero Beach Regional Airport Director Eric Menger
All of us at Vero Beach Airport wish everyone in the Treasure Coast area and beyond a peaceful and prosperous New Year! For 2018, the Airport hopes to reach out to a larger market and further develop our passenger base while continuing to support our long term successful general aviation businesses. Our goal is to reduce the stress of traveling by air while emphasizing convenience, commerce, and community.
Florida House Member Erin Grall
In 2018, my resolutions are to focus on the beauty of God’s world in each moment, to love my family and friends more deeply, to laugh harder, to see opportunities not obstacles, and to elevate the conversation.
Veteran and entrepreneur Michael Haggerty
In 2018 I hope to “be the helper” more than I have been in the past. I hope to be an advocate for open discussion and free speech and to share my love for diversity which is America’s greatest strength.
Chairman of Indian River County Board of Commissioners Peter D. O’Bryan
I am looking forward to the completion of our Osprey Acres stormwater park and the initiation of a stormwater project on the north relief canal, beginning construction of the Phase I septic to sewer conversion project in Sebastian, receiving the engineering and permits for Phase II, and moving forward with our plans to provide parking, trails, kiosks and other amenities to our conservation lands. All these projects will benefit the lagoon and provide public access to the green spaces the county has purchased over the years, making for a higher quality of life for our residents.
Photographer David Bazinet
My New Year's Resolution after years of procrastination is to finally learn how to play my guitar like Neil Young or Pete Townsend, and to stay out of the way of hurricanes!
Activists Laura and Celeste Guttridge
My daughter Celeste and I both have a shared New Year's resolution! We want to spend more quality time outside, playing together with our companion animals, and breaking away from electronics! Celeste would also like to finish reading the entire book series of Warrior Cats.
Fellsmere Police Department Chief Keith M. Touchberry
To grow the excellent partnerships we have forged with numerous non-profit, for profit, and government agencies and continue our efforts to increase literacy, reduce crime, and address a variety of social problems that impact us all. While much has been done in this regard, important work lies ahead if we are to improve our quality of life together.
For The Love Of Paws Director Ted S Pankiewicz Sr.
For The Love Of Paws to expand our Paws Meals on Wheels Pet Food program to help more Senior Citizens, Veterans, the disabled, and to double our rescue efforts, giving peace of mind to senior citizens when they can no longer care for their pets.
Save the Manatee Club Director of Science and Conservation Katie Tripp
Teddy Roosevelt said it best, "… work hard at work worth doing."
Democrats of Indian River Chair Kim Lorimier
Significantly increase membership of the Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) and volunteers, from 33 to 80. This would achieve my goal to have two captains for each of the 36 county voting precincts and 10 volunteers. Develop a winning campaign strategy to support viable candidates and get out the vote! A sharper focus on fundraising this election year. To inform and energize the electorate!
ASPCA Community Initiatives Director for Florida Joan Carlson-Radabaugh
My goal for 2018 is to seek new opportunities that will benefit the welfare of animals and people in crisis.
Publicity professional Earle Beasley
For as long as I can remember, my mother, Hazel Beasley, would simply declare, "I just want everyone to be happy." It didn't matter whether her wish would succeed. What mattered was that she earnestly wished happiness for the entire world - and the wish came from her heart. Now, in my first holiday season without her, I guess it is time for me to echo her wish. It comes from my heritage. It comes from my heart. I just want everyone to be happy.