Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County Public Schools 2015 | Page 5

Start Off ‘Small’ When Setting New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that
strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. While it’s tempting to make
big goals, it’s essential to start small. Set goals that are attainable,
easy to sustain and lead to big benefits over time. As a communityserving organization here in Gaston County, we see how things
such as getting involved in with the community and making lifestyle
changes can change someone’s life for the better. Here are five New
Year’s Resolutions the Gaston County Family YMCA recommends for
2015:

1.
Eat Healthy: Make water your drink of choice (supplemented
by age-appropriate portions of 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat
milk) and eat more fruits and vegetables. Keep it interesting and
create some variety by mixing and matching fresh, frozen and canned
fruits and vegetables.

2.
Commit to Community Service: Giving back and supporting
neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally
rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to
meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your
community, such as cleaning the neighborhood park or distributing
food at a local food bank.

Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television,
3.
video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two
for activities. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the
park, or have a game night at home with family or friends.

4.
Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at
least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults).
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more
time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and
well-being.
5.
Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods
or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry,
closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or
community outreach programs.
“At the Y, we are committed to strengthening communities and
believe this begins with strengthening the people within the
community,” said Freddie Mibelli, Association Teen and Family
Director, Stowe Family YMCA. “Setting a goal to achieve any one of
the Y’s recommended five New Year’s
Resolutions can help improve one’s
health and well-being.”
For additional tips or to learn more
about how to get involved with the
Gaston County Family YMCA contact
704.822.9622 or visit
www.gastonymca.org.

www.gastonymca.org

Board of Education welcomes newly-elected members

Time

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Five citizens who were elected to the Gaston County Board of
Education in November took the oath of office.
Dot Cherry (At-Large), Kevin Collier (Riverbend Township), Lee Dedmon
(Gastonia Township), Chris Howell (South Point Township) and Catherine
Research
Roberts (Dallas Township) were sworn in along with other elected officials
are more s
during a ceremony at the Gaston County Courthouse. The swearing-in
ceremony marks the beginning of their four-year term of service.
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Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Board held an organizational
meeting at the Gaston County Schools Central Office. The Board elected
to achieve
Kenneth Lutz (Crowders Mountain Township) to serve as the Board
diligently t
chairman and Jeff Ramsey (At-Large) to serve as the Board vice-chairman
for 2014-2016, continuing the leadership roles they have held since 2012.
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The two other members on the nine-person Board of Educatio