Locals share their thoughts about 2025 and their resolutions for 2026
As we reflect on the past year and focus on the one to come, many people will be making New Year’s resolutions for a successful 2026.
As most people know, New Year’s resolutions are personal commitments that individuals make at the beginning of a new year to bring about positive changes in their health and fitness, personal development, financial goals, or career aspirations.
When asked about their resolutions, Pawleys Island town officials, business people, and accommodations professionals shared their thoughts about this past year and their personal goals for the coming year.
Pawleys Island Town Administrator Daniel Newquist
Overall, Daniel Newquist said that 2025 has had its ups and downs. Professionally, he is happy with the initiatives on which the Town of Pawleys Island has been focusing. He works with the mayor and Town Council to handle the day-to-day operations of the island.
Unfortunately, he has faced some challenges in his personal life, but he is being positive about 2026.
“The challenges I’ve faced this past year have provided me a new-found humbling perspective on life that I plan to be mindful of as I close out 2025 and pursue new goals in 2026,” he said.
Newquist said his No. 1 resolution for the coming year is a big one.
“As a lifelong semi-competitive runner, a bucket list item for me has been to complete an ultramarathon,” he said. “I have decided that 2026 is going to be the year and have registered for a 50-mile race in Virginia in October.”
He said he will achieve this lofty goal by being disciplined in several areas.
“The distance running will be one thing, but given my experience as a marathon veteran and a long-distance backpacker I am actually looking forward to making this a dedicated activity this coming year,” Newquist said. “A challenge for me will be discipline with dieting which has never been a top strength.”
He said given the extra length of this race and his desire to perform well in it he can’t really afford to dismiss his eating habits as a variable. However, he said he has a decent track record of following through on his resolutions.
“My 2025 resolutions were to bike to work more often and take my son out on the creek on a regular basis,” he said. “Both are worthwhile activities to continue.”
Betsy Altman, owner/broker in charge for Pawleys Island Realty
Betsy Altman said 2025 was a busy and productive year at Pawleys Island Realty, one of the realty companies for rental houses on the island.
Although she doesn’t have a No. 1 resolution, she said there are several resolutions that are related to each other.
“Primarily, I want to take time for me to be healthy, learn a new skill and spend time with family, especially my grandchildren,” Altman said. “I plan to do this by exercising more, taking classes locally to learn more about the history of this beautiful area, making local crafts (wreaths, basket weaving), and coming home from work a bit earlier to spend time with family.”
She said it is important to take time to relax, unwind and enjoy the moment. Goals are important, she said, as long as they are attainable.
“Making an unrealistic goal is not helpful and I feel it can discourage you from achieving it, Altman said. “I try to do my best to achieve the goals I set for myself whether they are business oriented or personal.”
Alora Baver, manager of the Original Hammock Shop in Pawleys Island
Alora Baver said 2026 was good for her, both personally and professionally.
“I have two new grandbabies and I am so excited to see my family grow,” she said. “Professionally, I have been able to create relationships and provide furniture to a few local businesses.”
The Hot Fish Club in Murrells Inlet completely refurnished its Gazebo and The Islander Bar and Grill in Pawleys Island added furniture to its outside dining and entertainment area, both thanks to a new partnership with the Original Hammock Shop.
Her No. 1 professional resolution for 2026 is to continue to grow the Original Hammock Shop’s furniture presence in the local community and businesses.
“I will be visiting local businesses and attending Chamber events,” she said. “I have met so many great people this year.”
Her No. 1 personal resolution is to spend more time with her grandchildren. She said it is important to make resolutions for the new year.
“Projecting how you want your life to be in the coming year helps to manifest it into fruition,” Baver said. “Only you can change your life and make it a place you want to live in.”
She also had some advice for others who want to change their lives for the better.
“Don’t stress over the things you can’t control,” she said. “Learn from them and make plans to do better.”
Vida Miller, local artist and founder of Waccamaw Neck Arts Alliance and former owner of Gray Man Gallery in Pawleys Island for 42 years
Vida Miller said 2025 was a successful year for her.
“I count every year as a blessing and a privilege to have had that time,” she said.
Her No. 1 resolution for 2026 is to spend more time with family and friends and more time creating. Waccamaw Neck Arts Alliance regularly holds art shows at the old Town Hall building on the island.
To achieve that goal, she said she will follow her granmother’s advice, “Time is a wastin’! Get up and make the day count!”
Miller said it is important to set goals for the coming year and not be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned.
“It’s small victories that money can’t buy that make life happier,” she said. “Find joy in something every day.”
By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce