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For Deann Cartwright of Hastings and her father Brad Gromelski, New Year's Day is truly a new beginning each year because they share Jan. 1 as their birthday.
"It's the Big 4-0 (age 40) for me and 75 for Dad," Cartwright said. "I've liked (the birthdate) because I've always had something to say back to people. On my 30th, I finally said, 'Heck with New Year's, it's my birthday.' "
Cartwright said she is looking forward to the spending the first day of the new year with her family.
"I will be on the couch with the kids and waiting for my breakfast in bed from Emily's (daughter) new waffle maker," Cartwright said. "I hope everyone has a year of true happiness an health."
Ossining Mayor Bill Hanauer is working for a continued downtown revival.
"We want to continue the renaissance of downtown Ossining," Hanuaer said. "We will make the top of Spring Street from Maple Avenue to Main Street a two-way street. We also will continue the development of village with economic stability and further improvement in the village."
Devon Lopez, the star quarterback for the Sleepy Hollow High School varsity football team who led his back team to the Section 1 playoffs this fall, said 2014 is a time for spiritual growth.
"I want to be more focused Christian, continue learning and distance myself from negatives," Lopez said. "I just want to narrow my path with God and have a more intimate relationship with him."
Yonkers native Gilbert Pena, who played his college football at the University of Mississippi and was signed and then released by the Green Bay Packers last spring, is looking forward to making a pro team in 2014.
"I'm focused on getting stronger and more explosive than ever," Pena said. "I'm working out 3-4 times a week and my agent is working diligently. Hopefully, I'll be back in the NFL in a few weeks."
Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams hopes to complete work started in the village and supporting business and education.
"I am excited and looking forward to our continued work with the Village Officials Committee in coming up with new ways to share services to save the taxpayers money, finishing up of the Streetscape Project, partnerships with the schools and businesses, and most of all serving the Great People of Elmsford," he said.
Yonkers sisters Mirna Flores and Gehysi are targeting health and education as goals.
"I want to go back to Westchester Community College to study interior design," Mirna Flores said.
"I'm going to stop eating late at night and lose some weight," Gehysi Flores said.
Hastings Mayor Peter Swiderski hopes to find spend quality time with his loved ones.
"Do something new and fun with one or more members of my family at least once a month," Swiderski resolved.
Here are more resolutions from Westchester residents and officials:
Terrence Murphy, Yorktown Councilman: "Personally, to keep my family healthy and happy in 2014."
Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor: "To try to win over some of the longstanding critics of town government. There are a lot of people in the town who devote lots of time and energy making suggestions. We don't always have to agree. But, everyone (including me) needs to work harder at listening to constructive suggestions. I'm going to reflect on the comments my critics make and try to be the best supervisor possible.
"I'm going to be open-minded, respectful, not arrogant. The goal: Let's stop the fighting. If we could all work together at solving problems our town will be a better place. No one is always right. No one is always wrong."
Elmsford School Superintendent Joseph Ricca: "I resolve to continue to work collaboratively with the Elmsford community for the benefit of every child in the Elmsford Union Free School District. Building positive relationships that will support our children and our educational community will remain a critical part of our work in 2014. Together, we can open doors to limitless opportunities for our children.
"Professionally, I want to thank the people for the opportunity to serve for another four years and letting me have the ability to do that for them. I want to keep Yorktown on the road we’ve taken it down past the few years promoting businesses, lowering the tax rate and prospering through business activity, taking care of services and using common sense and doing the right thing for town who I am here to represent."
Diana Sainvil of Greenburgh, the reigning Miss Black New York said, "My New Year's Resolution is to always finish what I've started and never quit regardless how challenging it can be."
And Peekskill's Mayor Mary Foster has a simple goal.
"To get in shape," Foster saod.
Sam Barron also contributed to this report.
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