Out with the old and in with the new. As 2009 came to a close, many people took the time to reflect on what worked, what did not work and what can work better in the future.

From quitting bad habits to starting good ones, this is the time of year when most people look forward to the future with hope. Then of course, just before the new year approaches, it's party time.

Across Durham and the greater Triangle area, there were several celebrations taking place to ring in 2010. From the New Year's Eve Party at the Talk of the Town to the New Year's Eve Bash at the Tavern, there were lots of choices for the community. And New Year's Eve is when my week began.

On Thursday, I attended the Swingin' Seniors Club New Year's Eve Party at the Durham Center for Senior Life. The event began in the afternoon, but the festivities were still upbeat.

Joanna Pittman, the center's development and volunteer coordinator, made sure everyone had party favors as they arrived. Pittman said that her New Year's resolution is to get a dog.

Also busy working during the party was Sam Andrews, the center's IT consultant. Andrews made his way around the room, capturing pictures of special moments.

Andrews has been affiliated with the Council for Senior Citizens for several years, though he has only been a consultant at the center for the past two. When asked the most rewarding part of his job, Andrews said learning the wisdom of years of experience from those at the center is the best part.

Any good party has to have music and this was no exception. DJ Piddipat played popular oldies along with some popular current tunes.

Barbara Algood and Chris Cotton enjoyed the music on the dance floor and the opportunity for fellowship. Algood said her resolution is to keep her family close by calling each family member at least once a month and encouraging them to do the same.

About halfway through the festivities, there was a ball drop, symbolic of the Times Square ball drop in New York. Jasmine Hawthorne, who works at the center, started the ball drop from the second floor.

Next, there was the champagne toast, though instead of champagne everyone toasted the new year with sparkling cider.

Kevin Titel and Becky Pattishall were first-time visitors to the center. Titel said they came to hear the music.

The next major event scheduled at the Durham Center for Senior Life is its Valentine's Dance, scheduled for Feb. 12. For information, visit www.councilseniorcitizens.org.

I ended my week on Friday at the Durham Armory for the final day of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a primarily African-American holiday observed from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, although its celebrations attract people from various cultures and backgrounds around the world.

In Durham, before Friday's culminating event, there were evening programs at the Hayti Heritage Center. The event on New Year's Day was a festive one. A number of area vendors were on site offering a variety of goods. Artwork, hand-crafted jewelry, books, calendars, clothing, perfume, and body soaps were just a few of the items available.

At the front of the armory, staff members from the Palace International Restaurant were on hand offering a number of satisfying food options. Restaurant owner Caren Ochola said this is her 10th year participating in the Kwanzaa New Year's Day Celebration.

When asked what her favorite part of the celebration was, Ochola said she enjoyed the diversity and sharing the culture with the people. The Palace International is at 1104 Broad St. in Durham.

The official kickoff of the program began with words by Chuck Davis of the African American Dance Ensemble, who hosts the event each year. Davis gave instruction for the crowd so everyone could participate in the call and response.

The processional began with elders, religious leaders, dancers and children all making their way to the front of the stage. Following the processional, a libation ceremony took place.

Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, the community enjoyed more dance, poetry and singing.

Vicky Ector of Raleigh and Harriett Warrington of Durham took in the festivities together. Formerly of Durham, Ector said she comes to the Kwanzaa event almost every year. Her favorite part of the program is the dancing.

Kwanzaa, which means first fruits, was established 1963 by Maulana Karenga, now a professor at Long Beach State University.

Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.