Local residents share hopes, goals for shiny new year

Answers ranged from spending more time with family, traveling and exercising more often.

“To be able to get out and spend more time with family and to go away on vacation to relax,” said Tammy Imler, Duncansville. Imler said it’s been nearly two years since she and her family have vacationed at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. So, “It’s time to go back.”

Kathleen McIlnay hopes “for health and happiness for myself and my family.” McIlnay, 74, of Hollidaysburg, said she and her husband plan to “just enjoy everyday life” together at various golf resorts in the Lancaster area and in states like West Virginia and South Carolina.

“Hanging out with my family. That’s pretty much it,” said Josh Gurekovich, Tyrone Borough. Gurekovich said his family doesn’t yet have their vacation plans, but he enjoys spending time together with his loved ones at home and hopes to do more of that this year.

McIlnay

“I want to be more active,” said Noah Kanish of Hollidaysburg. “I don’t go to the gym, but I would like to start.” Kanish and his twin brother, Nathan, are sophomores at the Hollidaysburg Area High School. They spent their New Year’s Eve together riding hoverboards through the streets of their hometown.

Noah Kanish is a tennis player, while Nathan is a track runner who enjoys skiing at Blue Knob Ski Resort in Claysburg. “I want to become a better skier and pass my level one exam for PSIA ski instructor teaching,” Nathan Kanish said.

“I’m currently in rehab, so my New Year’s Resolution is to bring peace into town instead of destruction and disorder,” said Dakota

Butler, Altoona. Butler said he hopes to secure a job at Pyramid Healthcare this year to help people in recovery and to spend more time with his children, which is something that brings him joy, he said.

“Just to eat healthier. I’m trying to eat less sugar,” said Altoona resident Michele Beiswenger, who also enjoys spending time with her family and hopes to travel with her husband.

Gurekovich

“To get more exercise and to lose weight,” said Ray Hainsey, who enjoys walking on his treadmill at his Hollidaysburg home and walking outside on trails.

For Rick Stackhouse of Flinton, Cambria County, the goal for 2025 is to “mostly to stay active physically and to travel, hopefully to Alaska.” Stackhouse said he’s been to Alaska before and wants to go on a cruise with friends there this year and visit various National Parks.

Becky Sherry of Saint Benedict in Cambria County is happy with the status quo. “My hopes for 2025 is to continue what 2024 was like, which was amazing. Everybody is healthy in my family, so that’s what I wish for the most.”

Noah Kanish

Nathan Kanish

Butler

Beiswenger

Hainsey

Sherry