"Let's try having it once more," said Human Resources specialist Beth Nunes at the Dec. 5 meeting of the Alpine County Board of Supervisors. She was expressing her wish for a renewed holiday potluck lunch to mark the last Board of Supervisors meeting of the year.
Several years had elapsed since the celebratory lunch was held, but employees at the county administration building wanted to host the potluck again.
On Dec. 19, after the supervisors meeting, the normally quiet and formal foyer of the administration building was transformed into a party place, as board members, county employees and members of the community sat down at tables and shared food and lively conversation. County employees resolved that this jubilant get-together will become a tradition again.
Since resolutions for the New Year are traditional, I persuaded some of the party organizers to divulge their personal pledges.
Carson City resident Beth Nunes, who works at the county administration building on personnel and the safety program, resolves to "spend more time with my family and be nicer to myself."
Auditor/ Controller and Woodfords resident Randi Makley plans to "fit in more exercise, including yoga."
Markleeville resident Barbara Howard, who is the county clerk elect replacing soon-to-be-retired County Clerk Barbara Jones, takes charge of minutes and agendas for the supervisors, oversees elections, marriage licenses, passports and fictitious business name statements. She has her own version of a New Year's pledge, explaining that she intends to be "more mindful that each day we are given on earth is precious; enjoy life."
Deputy auditor Jeanette Millar, who lives in Gardnerville and handles payroll, intends "to be more consistent with my physical exercises."
Gardnerville resident and administrative assistant Deb Goerlich does tax collection, recordings and treasury and vows "to be content with what I have and count my blessings."
Ed Daley, who lives in South Lake Tahoe and is senior appraiser, wants "more fitness and sleep."
Markleeville resident and Alpine County Assessor Dave Peets explains his work, "My office arrives at a value for your property for tax purposes." His resolution is to show more patience with his family.
Assistant to the supervisors Judy Molnar humorously gives her job description as being "juggler, jester, analyst, catalyst, antagonist, scapegoat and magician." Molnar declares that in the New Year she will "work hard, play harder and go more places."
According to legend, Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, initiated the custom of making resolutions for the New Year in 153 B.C. Janus was represented as having two faces; therefore, he could look back at the past and forward to the future.
I do believe that it's important to balance the knowledge of history with hope for a better future. If only we would all learn more about historical events and why they occurred, and then shape the future harmoniously, the world would be a better place, wouldn't it? Happy New Year!
n Gina Gigli is a Markleeville resident. Reach her at ginagigli@villagigli.com
