During this new year’s journey, lives can change, spirits can be lifted and hopes fulfilled. We can learn that troubles can be redeemed into useful, positive lessons to support growth and wisdom. We have the opportunity to evaluate the year just past, and with the desire to make this year better than the last, we can fulfill our resolutions that give direction to our time and energy. In making resolutions, we should think of things we really want to change.

Because of the demands of modern life, we are faced with challenges. We demand more and more of ourselves. We live with stress produced by the fast-paced “more,” “bigger,” “faster” world in which we live. In a world filled with darkness and doubt, cynicism and despair, hope is a good thing. I, for one, hope there will be a new reign of peace and freedom from fear of violence.

In January, people often resolve to lose weight, by exercising and through a healthy diet. Plans for new programs are in place for people who would like to achieve a stronger, healthier body at local gyms and fitness centers.

Unfortunately, the fact is, among people who start an exercise program, half quit within eight weeks. With the help of a personal trainer and other programs, the encouragement and support of another person or people may just help you stick with your fitness plan and stay strong.

Beyond just losing weight, getting in shape is important for everyone ”“ particularly those who are aging. People who don’t exercise lose 30 to 40 percent of their strength by age 65. By age 74, more than one-fourth of American men and two-thirds of American women can’t lift an object heavier than 10 pounds. One study, which included men up to age 96, found that by lifting weights, most seniors can at least double ”“ if not triple ”“ that weight.

For those who have resolved to get out of the house more and enjoy local offerings, the Dyer Library/Saco Museum is featuring the Northway family this month. Brother and sister, Eva, 9, and Connor, 14, along with their parents, Claudia and Ray Northway, will be displaying selected artworks at Saco’s Dyer Library throughout the month.

Eva is a third-grade student at C.K. Burns School in Saco. She said she enjoys animals, art, music, reading and playing violin. Connor is an eighth-grade student at Saco Middle School, who enjoys science computers, reading and taking things apart to see how they work and how they might be improved.

Claudia Northway was born and raised in Germany and has traveled extensively in her life while living in larger cities in Europe and the U.S. With a desire to be closer to nature and the ocean, and having started a family, she left city life behind and together with her husband, Ray, moved to Saco 14 years ago.

Ray Northway is originally from Iowa, where he studied photography at the University of Iowa in the 1970s. Having been an avid photographer and skilled darkroom technician, he said he was reluctant to embrace digital photography for a time, but has rediscovered his passion for the art, shooting digitally now.

Eva and Connor are showing several pieces in various media including painting, chalk and collage, while Claudia and Ray are each exhibiting a selection of recent photographs that will be for sale during the exhibit.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].