As a turbulent and staggering 2016 comes to an end, most would agree that they hope for better days in 2017. And what better way to foster in those better days than by making a traditional New Year's resolution?

                With that question in mind and the year winding down, this Town and Country writer was curious to hear what resolutions were brewing among community members.

                I set out to across the Upper Perkiomen Valley on Dec. 27, a cloudy Tuesday morning, to find out exactly what the Upper Perkiomen Valley was vowing to change in the coming year.

                Upper Perkiomen High School juniors Cole Fryer, Tyler Whary and Nico Liguoro, who were waiting for their breakfast at Valley Café, all resolved to "train harder for the upcoming season of football."

                Exercise and healthy eating seemed to be trending among the most popular resolutions.

                "My New Year's resolution is to work harder at the gym and eat healthier for maximum results," said Taylor Kearney of Red Hill. 

                Other resolutions run the gamut of annual intentions, from reviving (possibly unfufilled) goals of years' past and increasing leaisure time to academic and career successes.

                Runaway Farm Pet Hospital Manager Joe Dobrowolsky says his resolution for 2017 is "the same as every year: to be more active."

                Green Lane's Scott Basara has vowed to "work less and play more golf," while Aubrey Gibbs', an employee at Red Hill Greenhouses Florist, has resolved "to make Dean's List for the spring semester at Bloomsburg University."

                And despite the challenges of the year, Upper Perk residents haven't lost their sense of humor – or irony, as Beth Maiuro, an employee at Ace Hardware, declared, her "New Year's resolution is to not have a New Year's Resolution."

                To help spread optimism, Lynn Wolfe of Green Lane said she plans "to make a positive difference, to encourage others and to always see the best in people" in 2017. Comparably, while awaiting her coffee at Dunkin' Donuts, Annette Hildebrandt said she wanted "to be kinder" in the coming year.

                On a different note, Kim Baccari calls for resolutions to be celebrated continuously, not just created for a specific day. "New Year's Day isn't the day to start something new; it's a continuation of a journey, not a beginning," Baccari said.

                With optimism the general consensus of residents in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, this writer concluded that although 2016 may have had its hardships, it certainly has not left the Upper Perkiomen community in the bitter cold.