Each new year brings hopes, goals, resolutions and visions for the future. As our clocks tick down to the final seconds of 2025, we will all surely come together to raise a glass and welcome 2026 with open arms.
What are your goals and dreams for this new year? We set out to ask a few notable residents what they will most appreciate, what they want to do more of and how their 2026 resolutions will differ from years past.
Annie Thorne: Edgmont Township Supervisor
I am looking forward to watching my young kids grow into their own personalities. My daughter started kindergarten this year and quickly developed an affinity for Wicked, sparkly lip gloss and goofy things she hears on the bus (6 7, anyone??). My 2½-year-old son talks more and more every day, and I love hearing what he thinks about the world around him.
I will definitely hike with my kids. In 2025, my son was too big to be carried, but too little to hike on his own. In 2026, I’m looking forward to family walks in Ridley Creek State Park, Okehocking Preserve and Tyler Arboretum. If our family hikes go well, I may try hosting a kid-paced Connect Edgmont hike for the community this year.
I’m usually an afternoon exerciser, but with two kids in different schools and a full-time job, I’m finding it harder and harder to carve out time for myself. In 2026, I’m committing to waking up at (gulp) 4:45am and working out with my husband before the kids wake up. I tested this schedule a bit last fall while training for the Delco 10-miler, although it’s a VERY early wake-up call the feeling of accomplishment afterwards makes me feel ready to tackle any challenge the day may throw at me.
Pat DiCola: Owner of mshop360 and VIAmark Advertising
Pat, his wife, Michelle and their children were featured in our December 2023 issue. Pat said, “Family is our fortune, and we consider ourselves very blessed to be raising our family and building our business in such a wonderful community.”
What do you think you’ll most appreciate in 2026 and why?
Watching our children get a year older and doing more fun things with them.
What do you think you’ll try to do more of in 2026?
Focus on the things and people that make our lives better. Life is too short for aggravation.
How are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 different from those of past years?
Listen to my wife more. I’m tired of being wrong.
Michael Barkann: Sports Host and Anchor for NBC Sports Philadelphia
Michael Barkann is one of Philadelphia’s best-known sports media personalities and a long-time Newtown Square resident. He and his family were featured in our magazine in October 2023, where we learned that life for the Barkanns is Philled with Phun, Phamily, and Philadelphia Pride.
What do you think you’ll most appreciate in 2026 and why?
My daughter, Emily, is getting married in April. I am really looking forward to celebrating!
What do you think you’ll try to do more of in 2026?
Exercise! I’ll be running the New York City Marathon. (I’m actually not, but it’s a nice thought, isn’t it?)
How are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 different from those of past years?
I won’t break even one resolution in 2026. Why? Because I’m not making any!
Thank you to our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors for sharing your hopes for this new year. Whatever your dream is for 2026, here’s to hoping it happens—and in a big way!