The coming of the New Year traditionally is a time to celebrate, in the company of family and friends, the achievements of years past and the hope of a bright future ahead. It is also a time of reflection, a time to whip out the pen and paper to make a list of New Year's Resolutions — the notorious set of goals that are usually forgotten by the time February comes around.

According to a study conducted in 2007, approximately 40 to 45 percent of American adults make a New Year's Resolution each year. Only 46 percent of that percentage manage to keep these resolutions, and at the end of the year only 12 percent achieve their goals.

We personally hope that Township Committeewoman Carolyn Gaziano will be able to fulfill her resolution to gain more equitable per pupil state funding to the township school system. (But we don't really care about those 10 pounds, Carolyn!)

But do we really believe that eight-year-old David Alano, with his mischievous smile, will be able to get through all of 2011 without getting into the teensiest bit of trouble? 

Despite these statistics, Confucius once said, "A journey of a thousand miles beings with a single step." New Year's Resolutions provide a sense of hope, that first step towards a great year, and we never know where this single step may lead. 

While waiting for the Times Square ball to drop, a few Basking Ridge residents kindly shared their New Year's Resolutions for 2011 (click on each person's photo to find out what they say). If you have a New Year's Resolution, feel free to share by posting a comment and/or photo to this article.

I think I'll start this new year by saying I'll be nice to my brother (we'll see how long that lasts). Happy New Year, Basking Ridge! 

      _ with Linda Sadlouskos