The New Year is a time of resolutions. It's a time when people commit to making a change in their life. Losing weight, changing jobs, saving money, making money, a new relationship, getting in shape, going back to school, or giving up smoking, are just some of the goals people set for themselves on January 1.

Although it's possible for anyone to make a change or a new start, it takes determination, commitment, and persistence. A new goal must be your own. You have to really want it. Without a burning desire, your motivation will fade quickly. It's virtually impossible to make a change due to external pressure.

You may agree to what someone else wants you to do, but it's very difficult to succeed without an internal drive. So, in order to successfully make a change or reach a goal, you have to make sure it's what you really want.

Don't start off on the wrong foot by making excuses as to why you will probably fail. If you don't truly believe you can do it, you won't. People who do this will say something like, "I'll try to do it, but …” Or you may hear, "I tried before and it didn't work but I'll give it another go." Before you begin, make sure the only things you are telling yourself are, "I can," "I will," and "I will do whatever it takes."

A new beginning is a three step process. You have to first know what you want, formulate a plan to achieve it, and then take the necessary action to get it. Setting a specific goal is essential. The more detailed the better. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want a new job, what will it be and how much will it pay? If you want to save money, how much and how often?

Next, you need a plan. Just like your goal, your plan must be as detailed as possible. If you are going to lose weight, what will be your menu each week? Are you going to go on a specific diet, cut out certain foods, or just eat less? For finding a new job, what will be your strategy? Do you need a new resume? Will you look on line, in the classifieds, use an employment agency, network, cold call, or all of these? If you want to save more money, in what areas will you cut back? Do you know where your money is going? Have you created a budget?

You want your plan to be doable. The smaller the steps are, the more likely you will be to succeed. Any time you feel a step is too big, break it down further. It doesn't matter how small each step is so long as you keep going and never give up.

Losing 20 pounds may feel overwhelming, but dropping two pounds a month doesn't seem too bad. If you keep at it for 10 months, you will reach your goal. Saving $3000 might appear beyond reach, but cutting back $9 a day on family spending is manageable.

Finally, you must take action. The best goals and greatest plans will go nowhere without action. The reason you divided your plan into small sections is so it would be easy to take action, one day at a time. All you have to do is keep going, until you achieve your goal.

Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. ©2011 Bryan Golden

Towanda, PA - Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga Area Agency on Aging Executive Director, William Farley, is pleased to announce that Kristin Hamilton of Tioga County is the Agency’s new Resource Development/Community Relations Coordinator.

Farley stated “it is important to ensure that people know where to turn when they or their loved ones have questions or need help for older people in our communities. At the same time, it is critical that the Agency plan long-term for the future.” Farley explained “that with both of these goals in mind, the Agency will utilize this position to move forward. “

Ms. Hamilton will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Agency’s plan to enhance the public’s awareness of their services, and will champion their fund raising and community partnership activities.

Ms. Hamilton is a graduate of Mansfield University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Child and Family Services. Most recently she was employed by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). During her time with CCAP she served for five years as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of County Human Services Administrators and for two years as the GIS/Technology Research Director.

Farley also noted that “Kristin is actually coming home in some respects,” as she was an employee of the Area Agency on Aging from 1987-2004. During that time she had the opportunity to work with the Agency on the development and launching of several of their programs including the Family Caregiver Support Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Waiver Program and the Foster Grandparent Program.

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Commissioners. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging and their services contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-982-4346.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation recently announced significant support for area emergency first responders with a total of $25,000 in direct monies to Springville Volunteer Fire Company, the Elk Lake Volunteer Fire Company and the United Fire Company in Montrose. This support from Cabot represents the first in a series of planned contributions to first responder organizations throughout the region.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation External Affairs Director George Stark addresses leaders and volunteers from area volunteer EMT and Fire Departments at a community event announcing $25,000 in support for first responder organizations.

“We are so grateful to the men and women committed to meeting the emergency needs of the Susquehanna County community. Our first responders are on the front lines every day keeping us safe and secure,” stated George Stark, External Affairs Director at Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation. “It is very gratifying for our company to be of assistance to them as they strive to serve with excellence.”

Pictured (l-r) above: Chris Vanerson, Elk Lake Volunteer Fire Company; Preston Sprout, United Fire Company Montrose; Dan Smales, Springville Volunteer Fire Company; George Stark, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation.

The Springville Volunteer Fire Company [SVFC] will receive $7,500 in support and will utilize it to purchase, install and license a radio repeater which will significantly enhance radio communications. The SVFC originated in 1944 when local businessmen saw a need for fire protection and a fire company was established. Today, there are approximately 30 active members responding to calls. The fire company has a very active Ladies Auxiliary. SVFC is not only a fire service, but also provides a medical service (QRS), staffed with EMTs to assist ambulance crews on medical incidents. On average, the SVFC will run 150 to 200 calls per year, both fire and EMS.

The Elk Lake Volunteer Fire Department [ELVFC] will receive $8,500 in support to upgrade 4 current radios to function with the new system planned for 2012 and purchase 4 new portable radios. The ELVFC also plans to purchase 15 new state-of-the-art pagers for first responders.

United Fire Company, Montrose received $9,000 in support towards fully funding its Rope Rescue Gear project. United Fire Company is located at 6 Monument Street, in Montrose, Susquehanna County's seat. United Fire Company provides fire and rescue services in the Borough on Montrose, Township of Bridgewater and portions of Dimock, Franklin and Jessup Townships.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas is a leading independent natural gas producer with its entire resource base located in the continental United States. For additional information, visit the Company’s Internet homepage at www.cabotog.com.

Ms. Kathleen Estabrook (maiden name Lindsey) of New Milford announces the engagement of her daughter, Miss Bethany Estabrook (also the daughter of Mr. Randy Estabrook) to Dr. Jonathan Tyrrell, son of Dr. Glenn Tyrrell, of London, England, and the late Wendy Tyrrell. A Summer wedding is planned.

CHICAGO - Today, more than 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. At least half don't even know they have it. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world, second only to cataracts, and the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans. According to research funded by Prevent Blindness America, glaucoma costs the U.S. economy $2.86 billion every year in direct medical costs for outpatient, inpatient and prescription drug services.

As part of January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Prevent Blindness America is joining with other leading eye health organizations in encouraging everyone to educate themselves on the disease as well as make a New Year’s resolution to make eye health a priority.

Glaucoma has long been termed the “sneak thief of sight” because it slowly takes away vision, often without the patient even realizing it. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve which sends information from the eyes to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, peripheral vision begins to diminish. If left untreated, over time, glaucoma may also damage central vision. Unfortunately, once symptoms are detected, the effectiveness of treatment diminishes. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

Risk factors for glaucoma include advancing age, family history, nearsightedness, eye injury or surgery and the use of steroid medications. Race is another major risk factor as, according to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in blacks than in whites and blacks are four times more likely to go blind from it. Hispanics are more likely to develop glaucoma after age 60 than any other group.

Prevent Blindness America provides free resources to educate consumers on glaucoma, including treatment options and general information at “The Glaucoma Learning Center,” a free website at www.preventblindess.org/glaucoma. Free printed materials are available by request including the “Guide for People with Glaucoma.” This comprehensive booklet serves as a handbook for patients and includes information on what to expect during treatment and even a list of questions to ask the eye doctor.

The Glaucoma Learning Center also hosts the “Glaucoma Web Discussion Forum” that allows patients and caregivers the opportunity to discuss online all subjects related to the disease. Topics range from general information on the condition and its treatment, to shared experiences and emotional support.

“We want to stress to everyone that vision can be saved from glaucoma through early diagnosis and treatment,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Please visit our website or call our toll-free number to get all the free information you can to educate yourself on risk factors, treatment options and even Medicare coverage. Let’s all commit to make 2012 the year to make our eyes a priority and save our sight!”

For more information on glaucoma please call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit preventblindness.org/glaucoma.

The Susquehanna County 4-H Horse Judging Team made their trip to the Eastern National 4-H Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky. The team, consisting of Nathan Moyer, Samantha Turner, Stephanie Koloski, and their coach Kelli Agler had a wonderful experience in Kentucky and at the national competition. They were able to visit KESMARC, a state of the art equine rehabilitation center, as well as the Kentucky Horse Park. It offered many great educational opportunities and experiences of a life time.

Team Coach Kelli Agler with Stephanie Koloski, Samantha Turner and Nathan Moyer.

The competition went well. They looked very professional and went into the ring with confidence. They made the top twenty in the placings. Their coach Kelli Agler states, “the team did great; I am so proud of each one of them. They all worked very hard to get to the national competition. No matter what they had placed, the experience and knowledge they gained is worth more than anything.”

Ray Telnock, president of the New Milford Area Rotary Club recently presented a check for $250 to Great Bend Hose Company president Bob Loucks to help in the purchase of a new brush truck. Pictured (l-r) above are Rotarian John Reynolds, Joe Carlson and Ray Telnock; Bob Loucks and Rotarian Luke Gorham.

HARRISBURG - Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) applauded the signing of a new law that further protects Pennsylvania children from sex offenders.

The new law, signed by Gov. Tom Corbett, closes loopholes in the state’s Megan’s Law and enacts federal guidelines for sex offenders.

“With our communities so close to the state border, we ran the risk that sex offenders registered in their home states could jump the border into Pennsylvania. Because of the previous state law that did not require out-of-state offenders to register under Megan’s Law, our communities - including local law enforcement, schools and parents - may have been kept in the dark about whether or not a sex offender from somewhere other than Pennsylvania lives in our neighborhoods,” Pickett said. “This new law closes those loopholes and makes our communities safer.”

Under the new law, out-of-state and homeless offenders will be required to register under Megan’s Law. The new law also would require homeless offenders to register as “transients” every 30 days with the state police at approved registration sites, be photographed and provide information about where he/she may be located, such as parks, public buildings, restaurants and libraries.

For the past 15 years, Megan’s Law has required that all sex offenders be registered with the state police. This registry includes both sex offenders and sexually violent predators who reside, attend school or are employed within the Commonwealth. The state police also maintain an Internet website to allow the public to access information about registrants.

In addition, the new law enacts changes made by the federal government a few years ago to implement a uniform and comprehensive set of standards regarding sex offender registration and notification programs.

Under this federal law, known as the Adam Walsh Act, sex offenders would be placed into a three-tiered system depending on the severity of the offense committed. The worst offenders would be required to register for life, while those found guilty of less serious offenses would register for 15 years.

Offenders in the various categories would be required to appear regularly in person, be photographed and update his or her registration information. The registry information would then be shared with law enforcement, probation and parole offices, schools and social service agencies responsible for protecting children. It also would authorize the state police to release information on its website for the public to search for sex offenders in a given ZIP code or geographic radius.

“Pennsylvania’s adoption of the state requirement of the Adam Walsh Act ensures continued federal funding for law enforcement grants, and allows our state to share a wealth of information about sex offenders with other states,” Pickett said. “In our efforts to keep our children and communities safe, knowledge has been our most powerful weapon to fight these criminals.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more home structure fires in the cooler months than any other time of year. As pine needles begin to drop on living room carpets, NFPA is offering suggestions for safe storage and removal of holiday decorations.

“It’s not uncommon to see residents keeping lights and Christmas trees up past December,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “The reality is, continued use of seasonal lighting and dried-out Christmas trees can pose significant fire hazards in and outside the home.”

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they have a higher chance of being deadly. NFPA recommends getting rid of the tree when it’s dry. Dried trees should not be kept in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

In 2005-2009, holiday lights and other decorative lighting were involved in an annual average of 150 home fires, 8 civilian deaths, 14 related injuries, and $8.5 million in direct property damage. To reduce the risk of holiday light fires and keep equipment in good condition for next year, follow these storage suggestions:

To unplug electric decorations, use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets. Doing so can harm the cord’s wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical shock or fire.

As you’re putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.

Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year’s use.

Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard.

Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February, according to NFPA's Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment report.

NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Learn more information about the organizations’ joint safety campaign, Put a Freeze on Winter Fires, at http://www.nfpa.org/winter.

Santa (Brandon Adee) and his helper elf (Shaun Chandler, boy scout) were spotted ringing the bell outside of Schneider's Market in Susquehanna on December 17!

The Salvation Army would like to thank all volunteers that generously gave their time this season to ring the bell, and hope that they will return next year. Thanks are also extended to the community for their overall support during these trying economic times.

Plans are already in the works to bring Santa back next year. Throughout the year the Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers to help out for a great cause. Any one interested can contact Lynn Solomon at 853-3135 or Brandon Adee at 465-3620.

At the PennDelAHMA Fall Management Conference, held at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, Trehab representatives Charity Field and Mary Depew accepted a 2011 Excellence in Property Management Award on behalf of the agency. The award was presented to Trehab for its work with the Oak Ridge Townhouses project in Towanda, Bradford County. The development, which opened for occupancy in 2009, provided the community with 40 new affordable living spaces. Oak Ridge is part of Trehab's ongoing initiative to address the current Marcellus related affordable housing crisis.

Properties considered for the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency (PHFA) award were rated in three specific areas: finances, general management and physical condition. The awards were given based on the combination of these scores. Oak Ridge's scores earned it a "Superior" rating. The plaque states that the award was presented "in recognition of overall excellent performance as a provider of affordable housing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."