The paper collected New Year’s resolutions from community notables: mayors, librarians, activists, business people and artists.
We asked “Could you send us a sentence or two capturing the hopes, intentions and wishes you have for your community, your self and, maybe, the world, please?” They wrote back about promise, continuing to improve, being thankful and humble.
I hope to continue to work for the Citizens of Christiansburg to make our town a better place to live, work, play, shop and raise family. I don’t make many New Year’s Resolutions except to continue to be the best Husband, Father and Grandfather s my family could ask for. I wish our citizens to continue to in good health and to enjoy the freedoms living in our town and country provided by those who serve, have served and will serve. Importantly, I wish all of our first responders a safe New Year and to thank them for all they do our citizens.
–Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber
2019 looks like a year full of promise . . . I expect we’ll soon have a workable development agreement in place for the Old Blacksburg Middle School site. Citizens have initiated efforts in recent months to support community resiliency – things that range from mental health supports; activities to grow place attachment; and cross-cultural gatherings. Also, Dr. Tim Sands and I have established an ongoing dialogue that will help us address town and university issues with creativity and a high level of trust. As the new year begins, we’re in a really good place. There is no place I’d rather be living than right here, right now in the New River Valley!
—Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith
My hope for Radford in 2019 is that we continue to grow and thrive and find new pathways to prosperity and success. My resolution is that in my service to our community, I will do my best to help lead this effort and move us to the next level as a City. Jobs for the 21st Century, improved quality of life for all, and stronger relationships between our Radford family will be priorities.
–Radford Mayor David Horton
As the New Year approaches I strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly alongside my community.
—Chris Sanchez, Director of Communications Christiansburg Institute Alan Fabian,
“Our board is deliberate to align our actions with our mission and vision, and we will strengthen the voice of the business community through the 2019 Program of Work. We will reduce our debt to less than $10,000.” The Chamber has repaid 88% of the loan that was taken following the discovery of embezzlement and mismanagement of funds that occurred from 2002-2009. “The reduction in debt will enable us to invest in more programming to support our business members.”
— Alan Fabian, 2019 Montgomery County Chamber Board Chair and CEO of LewisGale Hospital – Montgomery was thoughtful about the question posed regarding the Chamber’s New Year’s Resolution.
RPL wishes our Radford community a wonderful 2019! As a community-building library, we endeavor to be responsive to and supportive of our patrons as we offer opportunities, education and entertainment for all ages! Please let us know how we can make it a better year for you. Whatever personal resolutions our individual patrons may set for themselves, RPL is here to help you get wherever you want to go! #Reconnect#Refresh#Read
–Elizabeth Sensabaugh, Radford Public Library director
