Christmas is a time for religious celebration and for families to come together.
It's a time for people to reflect on the past year and plan for the one to come.
The Times-Union contacted business owners, clergy, coaches, city officials and media from around the area (the ones not out doing last minute Christmas shopping) and asked them what their Christmas wishes and hopes were for the holidays and for 2009.From the light-hearted to the earnest, they all wanted health and prosperity for those in the community, and the same goes for the staff of the Times-Union.
Here's some of what they had to say:
Roger Grossman, WRSW and the voice of Warsaw Tiger Sports:
"I have three things. My wife Holly and I are adopting our first child from China and I hope that comes through in 2009. We want to catch a lot of fish and we want to take the Tigers to the state finals."
Karol Clemens, owner and manager of the former Gordy's Sub Pub:
"You know what I'm hoping for is for Barack Obama to make a change in our country we need so badly. It can be economically, socially, spiritually. We also should all be thankful for what we have and take care of it and each other."
Doug Ogle, head coach of the Warsaw Tigers boys basketball team:
"For 2009 I want the Colts to win the Super Bowl, I want to have basketball officials with sound judgement and accurate eyesight. and I want good health for the ones I love."
Denny Wilson, pastor of Warsaw Community Church:
"I wish people would look to God to find their stability and peace. I think people are so bummed out they are losing perspective."
Monsignor James Wolf, pastor at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church:
"I hope that everyone would have good health. That we get out of the economic crisis we're in, and that people without jobs would be able to get back to work."
Jeff Grose, Warsaw city councilman and teacher at Warsaw Community High School:
"Speaking as a councilman, I think our community has been very fortunate, we've been blessed with industry and jobs even though right now is a tough time for some people. I'm very fortunate to have a supportive wife and kids. I just hope to be able to continue to be a part of this community and hope I can influence lives."
Randy Polston, principal of Harrison Elementary School:
"A consultant by the name of Kurt Wright was asked what he thought the purpose of life was. He responded by sharing, 'Life is to learn to love, to discover just how much of God's love each of us can allow to flow through with no interference on our part.'
"This is my Christmas Wish for 2009 as I remember my brother, Officer Terry Polston. To all of the kids in our community, OP loved each of you this way ... make this your wish as well."
