FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Locals ring in the new year with thanks and goals for '08
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

With the toasts made, fireworks popped and parties wound down, the time for reflection on 2007 and anticipation of 2008 begins.

Whether it's a promise to exercise more, eat better or spend more time with family, most people set goals as the new year dawns.

Some of those featured in the Friends and Neighbors column were asked about their fond memories of 2007 and their wishes for 2008.

Jim Jackson, youth minister at First Baptist Church of Whitehouse - "What stands out in my mind from '07 is the marriage of my oldest daughter, my middle daughter leaving for college and the passage of my daughter into high school," Jackson said. "In the coming year I look forward to a simpler way of life and a little slower pace where I can spend more time at home with my wife."

Juanece Smith, former Troup ISD school teacher - "We are grateful for our own good health and our friends and neighbors here in Troup," Smith said. "Our prayers for 2008 include good health for all of our family members and we look forward to working in the yard and the garden."

Nancy Duress, realtor/broker with Century 21 - "This past year has brought great progress to the City of Whitehouse and to this whole community," Duress said. "I look forward to continued expansion of our schools and city brought on by the exceptional growth of this entire area."

Bill Lacy, vice president and branch manager of the Troup Banking Center and Troup ISD trustee - "The year 2007 was a great year for our town and our schools," Lacy said. "And the sky's the limit for its future in 2008 and beyond."

Michael Ogg, president of Austin Bank of Whitehouse - "The best thing that happened to me in 2007 is that I got a new hip! It's the greatest thing since sliced bread," Ogg said. "I look forward to a better lifestyle and health in 2008 because of that hip replacement."

Linda Griffin, retired teacher and volunteer in Troup - "As a nation, I am thankful that as Americans we have the right to choose," Griffin said. "Even when we have differences of opinion, we have the right to disagree."

Griffin says she truly looks forward to a year of travel opportunities for she and her husband. "We've finally both completely retired and we're going to take some trips."

(The Tri County Leader wishes a safe and happy new year to all of our friends and neighbors.)