Many Locals Ring in the New Year Close to Family
By: Dana Chicklas
Updated: January 1, 2013
"We usually just sit around as a family and we watch the ball drop, and we count down," says Madison Bare, a fifth grader.
"We went to another family and we played poker and watched the ball drop," says Janine Jakob, a Swiss exchange student.
When asked how they're spending the holiday, many said they're shopping.
"We are going to watch a movie, and shopping," says Jakob.
"We're going on a shopping spree, first time shopping in 2013, with my little sister," says Ashley Ronneberg, a college sophomore.
"I got some shirts and went to Finish Line," says Bare.
Sales are advertised throughout the Valley Mall, but it doesn't guarantee you'll find what you're looking for.
"We get the slim pickings," adds Ronneberg.
Some say they've made resolutions and they're sticking to them.
"College; get through it and good grades hopefully," says Ronneberg.
Others say, forget it! Either way, many are hopeful for positive change in the new year.
"I hope for a great year for my family and my sons, and the country as a whole; that this country gets together and gets straightened out," says Mr. Smeczer, a local resident.
"I just retired to keep my grandchildren, so I hope for a wonderful, prosperous year with my grand babies," says Guilene Smeczer, a local resident.
Cheers to a very happy new year.



