County residents resolve for healthier new year | News

Some Schuylkill County residents are looking forward to the new year with resolutions to be healthier and happier in 2021.

Mary Ann Mullen, New Ringgold, said she always resolves to stay in shape and be healthy.

This year, she added that she hopes to be able to move forward past the pandemic.

“No more COVID and a healthy new year,” Mullen said. “I hope everybody moves on in the new year.”

John Vadyak, Schuylkill Haven, said he is happy 2020 is ending, and he hopes next year will be different.

“I want to be more healthy and to be able to get out and about more,” Vadyak said.

For Lacie Hemerly, Pottsville, this year has been difficult, and has shown her that “life’s too short.”

“Just to live life every day,” Hemerly said of her resolution.

Hemerly said despite the challenges of this year, she is optimistic for the new year.

“I’m looking forward to being with my family and friends,” she said.

Mary Jane MacLaughlin, Schuylkill Haven, said her resolutions are to exercise and have a healthier diet, which she said she began to do during the pandemic.

“Because of the pandemic, we were out exercising more,” MacLaughlin said. “During a pandemic, that’s an important part, taking care of yourself.”

MacLaughlin hopes next year will be better with the promise of the COVID-19 vaccine and an end to the pandemic.

Lisa Soliday, Tower City, said she has been focused on moment and has not yet thought about what her resolutions will be.

“I’m just in the present right now making sure everyone’s healthy,” Soliday said. “I want everybody to have a healthy new year.”

Soliday said the past year has taught her one thing that she will keep in mind in the new year: “to be more kind.”