VALDOSTA – New Year’s Eve could be the day of universal connection, as people all around the world stand on the horizon of a new day, a new year and possibly a new era.

For many, this day is a time of reflection, a time to review the passing year. Some end 2006 with a sense of accomplishment while others take circumstances encountered to push toward change in the year ahead.

Here in Valdosta, as people were out and about Saturday, enjoying the day with their families and friends, some stopped to shared their visions for 2007, and the blessings they hope the new year will bring.



FAMILY

Names: Hiram and Jean Griffin

Ages: 56/50

Occupations: Huddle House owner / teacher

Hometown: Nashville

We’ve been married for five years now, and this year was a great year. It was awesome for us. In 2007 we just hope for greater peace and harmony together, in our family and our friendships.



Name: Alice Gung

Age: 26

Occupation:

photographer

Hometown: Valdosta

My family has a long history in Valdosta and they’ve worked really hard this year as well as the past 25. I hope that in 2007, they take more time to relax and enjoy their old age and travel. I hope all blessings come to our family.

l Name: Carol Smith

Age: 45

Occupation: VSU employee

Hometown: Valdosta

For my family, 2006 was pretty good. We had a lot of success and we had trials, but overall, it was a good year with prosperity. We all just watched the movie “Pursuit of Happyness,” and it is a real motivation for people who want to push for something greater. In this next year, I hope that we can learn to appreciate each other. I hope that we not wish for more, but appreciate what we have.



CAREER

Name: William Morgan

Age: 44

Occupation: professional groundskeeper

Hometown: Tifton

All I can ever do is take every day as it comes to me, and in this next year I hope that my business will grow and prosper.



Names: Mac and Rose Rose

Occupation: owners of La Rose Restaurant

Hometown: Valdosta

For us, 2006 was a shakedown cruise. We worked all the kinks out and it seems that its all going to be all right. In 2007, we hope for more prosperity and a wider audience.



Name: Angie Durrell

Age: 31

Occupation: housewife

Home state: Florida

My husband lived here in Valdosta for 10 months during 2006, and that was a strain on my family. We moved here with him just last month. In 2007, he will start a new business, and I hope it goes well for us.





EDUCATION

Name: Kristen Hughes

Age: 23

Occupation: Georgia Military College student

Hometown: Madison, Fla.

Last year in education wasn’t a very good year for me, but this year, I’ve finally got everything back together and hope to start the new year straight, turn over a new leaf.



Name: Teorance Bell

Age: 11

Occupation: Southeast Elementary School student

Hometown: Valdosta

This has been a good year for me in school and I’ve done well in math. Next year, I hope to pass all my classes in school.



Name: Jalisa Robinson

Age: 17

Occupation: VHS student

Hometown: Valdosta

2006 was a good year in education, and the walls are going to be a great addition to our school. I’m very glad that there are more AP course offerings at Valdosta High. I hope that in this next year, the freshmen and underclassmen will take advantage of this opportunity, which wasn’t available to other classes before them.



POLITICS

Name: Larissa Hassell

Age: 19

Occupation: VSU Student

Hometown: military upbringing

I think that 2006 politically left the American public under spirit because of the war. I hope that in 2007, the war will come to an end, and I hope that socially we can advance all classes and races and began to accept our differences.



Name: Konstantin Valchev

Age: 23

Occupation: recent VSU graduate

Hometown: Burgas, Bulgaria

In 2006, it seems that the states (United States) are all reaching out to foreign cultures a bit more. The war on Iraq is closing, hopefully. In this next year, I hope to see a bigger acceptance of different cultures, which is present here at this University (VSU), but not all over.



Name: Shelby Callaway

Age: 25

Occupation: Student

Hometown: Surency.



2006 politically was a bad year for Republicans and a good year for Democrats. It looks like people might be waking up. I’m optimistic about 2007, but politically, I don’t expect too much.



LOVE

Name: Willie James

Age: 39

Occupation: auto service technician

Hometown: Valdosta

This year has been a year of growing for me. I went through a divorce, and I’ve learned to stay humble. I learned that if you fall down, you can get back up. Next year, all I’m trying to do is get closer to God. That’s who I want to be in love with.



Names: Rex and Christa Crawford, just married, Dec. 30, 2006

Occupations: licensed mental health professional/ licensed clinical social worker

Hometown: Valdosta

I proposed in 2006 and I kept everything a secret from her. I told her to pack her bags and we went to Wakulla Springs, to a 1930’s era lodge. The next day, I proposed to her in front of that lodge. In 2007, we hope for comfort, for growing, spending good times together. We hope for a beginning.