Resolving to resolve in the New Year

What is New Years without resolutions? Just dandy for a lot of folks, including Friends of the Library bookstore volunteer Magda Herlicska and Coastline Pilot food and restaurant reviewers Elle Harrow and Terry Markowitz.

“I am very satisfied with the status quo,” Markowitz said.

Harrow just doesn’t believe in making resolutions.

I do, although I must admit I falter every year. Last year, I didn’t even make it past New Year’s Eve, when I couldn’t resist a generous -- well, to be honest, humongous -- slice of homemade pecan pie, despite my resolution to cut back on desserts.

This year, I vow to show my appreciation more to the folks who take the time to answer my questions and clarify their positions or information I don’t understand, and to be more understanding of those who don’t.

So, even before the New Year begins, I need to say a big thanks to all those who were willing to share their resolutions.

“I am going to join the 20th century, if not the 21st, and get an upgraded computer so I can use the software required for writing screenplays,” said author, humorist and Coastline columnist Sherwood Kiraly.

Laguna Greenbelt Inc. president Elisabeth Brown plans to go back to playing the harpsichord, which she figures she hasn’t touched in six or seven years. She just hasn’t had the time, but she is retiring from teaching writing at UC Irvine. She will continue to teach Laguna Wilderness Park docent classes at Saddleback College.

“My resolution for 2006 is first to ask everyone who cares about ocean water pollution to raise their left hand and join me in stopping it soon,” said South Laguna environmental activist Michael Beanan. “And then with the other hand, reach into your pocket and bring out some resources to help. Those resources can be time, talent or money.”

Linda Humes, co-owner of the Tides Inn in North Laguna, wants to fall in love.

“I want to read every book that is stacking up on my nightstand,” Cheryl Post said.

Councilwoman Jane Egly wants to slow down the hectic pace of her life.

“No more off-the-cuff remarks from the dais that can be misunderstood,” Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman said.

Gene Felder vowed to work toward the creation of an oversight committee for all city capital improvement projects, not just for the landslide funds that will be brought in by the Measure A sales tax hike.

“My resolution in this decade of my life is to cultivate contentment,” Laguna Beach Scholarship Foundation member Diane Kloke said.

Ditto for Laguna Beach Woman’s Club board member Lee Winocur-Field.

Planning Commissioner Anne Johnson will continue to banish clutter from her life.

“I’ve started an assault on clutter, inspired by the Schneiders’ [Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider and her husband, Ernie,] move to their new home and the way she got rid of unwanted stuff,” Johnson said.