Gov. Bev Perdue recognized several Currituck County citizens for their outstanding community volunteer work. Six Currituck County volunteers that were nominated by local service and civic agencies to receive this prestigious award from Governor Perdue.  The award winners received a letter, a certificate of appreciation and a pin from the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and the office of the Governor.  You can learn more about the Governor Awards at the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service website.

Mother-daughter team Kim Barbour and Beverly Branch were nominated by the Whalehead Club for creating the Under the Oaks Art Festival. The money from the festival goes to support the Whalehead Preservation Trust.  Jodi Lockhart, nominated by the Currituck Public Library, played a large part in the organizational change of the library.  Lockhart also does a weekly children's program for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The Currituck County Library also nominated April Poyner, who alleviated staff by volunteering to do many of their tasks and has been a boon to the children's summer reading program with her artistic talents. Jean Snider was getting her first award after 12 years because she had received another award from the Currituck Public Library and was only allowed one award every 10 years.  Snider has advocated for services for children with special physical needs, learning disabilities and counseling needs. She has also helped children find loving homes through adoption or helped reunite them with their parents or other family members through the courts. Walter Lee Gallop Sr. was nominated by the Interfaith Community Outreach,  Gallop's constant communication and personal visits ultimately brought together a unified faith community in Currituck County.

 That is the advice of the Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH). According to research, 40 to 45% of adults make one or more resolutions or goals annually for themselves. However, research shows that while 75% make it past the first week only 46% make it past six months.

Although many people break their resolutions, statistics do show that setting goals is good because a person is 10 times more likely to attain a goal than people who don't explicitly make goals.
``Keeping goals small, realistic, and achievable by creating steps and plans increases the chances of goal attainability and, in turn, adopting it as a lifestyle change,'' advises Anne Thomas, DCDPH Director.

The goal of losing weight can serve as an example. To lose weight, a person should resolve to do so 10 pounds at a time, writing down a list of healthy, enjoyable foods and new healthy options to try. Also, dieters should list a range of sensible and fun exercises such as walking instead of driving, swimming, dancing or biking, etc.  People usually do not know what will get them hooked unless they try it. They should concentrate on the positive outcomes, not just in terms of lower weight, but a rise in energy, glowing skin, and well-functioning organs and muscles.
Each time a goal is attained, one should take time to acknowledge the achievement and determine a reward.
For example, a person saving money by smoking less can use that savings for a treat to a spa for pampering or for that new electronic toy.

It is important to not focus on what is impossible but on what can now be accomplished that one couldn't before. Then, the next step needs to be identified to move forward. 
Everyone should have a plan for setbacks and should create solutions beforehand to counter these lapses. ``Call a friend, eat some carrots, jump back on that treadmill, and write in your journal,'' urges Mandy Ernest, DCDPH Health Educator. ``Find a way of stopping the behavior that's undermining your resolution. Don't blame or feel guilt. Just return to the plan and keep going.''
The end result is important when making a resolution; however, the process is just as essential.