Hot Cocoa, Marshmallows, and New Year’s Resolutions: A Sweet Celebration

On Sunday, December 29th, Fountain House once again proved that community, creativity, and a little sugar can spark joy as we hosted another wonderful PIP (Peers in Person) gathering. This wasn’t your average hot cocoa and marshmallow affair—it was a full-blown New Year’s Resolutions extravaganza, led by the delightful and talented Ariyanna.

Ariyanna, a professional event planner who discovered City Voices through Indeed, has already hit the ground running on her own New Year’s resolution: giving back to the community through meaningful volunteer work. Not only did she orchestrate this PIP, but she also masterminded the February 2024 Storytelling Masquerade at The Fountain Gallery. With a résumé like that, she made it clear—our resolutions had some stiff competition.

The event brought together a fantastic group: Richard, Hiroki, Ann, Kurt, Rochelle, Fred, Priscilla, Justin, Kathryn, Kira, Jenny, and even a particularly muscular attendee with an impressive passion for helping fellow Jews facing housing insecurity. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and buzzing with anticipation (or perhaps it was just the sugar).

The Cocoa Chronicles
Kurt and Fred joined forces to set up a self-serve hot cocoa and marshmallow station where Fountain House’s Cool Beans coffee collective usually operates. The system was delightfully DIY: scoop powdered cocoa into your cup, add hot water from a spigot, and top it with an avalanche of fresh marshmallows. Considering the cocoa mix already had sugar and mini freeze-dried marshmallows, the fresh marshmallows took the sweetness to borderline candy-bar levels. But hey, if you’re going to tackle New Year’s resolutions, you might as well start with a sugar-fueled brain.

Eight Dimensions of Wellness
We handed out notepads and pens so everyone could jot down their resolutions, which Ariyanna helped us to categorize under the Eight Dimensions of Wellness:

1. Physical: Exercise, nutrition, and sleep—aka the holy trinity of health.
2. Emotional: Managing stress and embracing positive mental health.
3. Intellectual: Learning something new and keeping those brain cells active.
4. Social: Building relationships and feeling connected.
5. Spiritual: Seeking purpose, meaning, and values.
6. Occupational: Finding satisfaction in work or passions.
7. Environmental: Living sustainably and respecting nature.
8. Financial: Mastering money and achieving financial stability.

When it came time to share, the responses were as diverse as our attendees. Some resolved to eat healthier and exercise more. Others aimed to quit alcohol, improve their mental health through therapy and medication, or register a nonprofit. Many focused on connecting with their higher power or embracing sustainable living.

A Toast to Community
Special thanks go to Mike Brown from Evening Weekend Programming at Fountain House for providing supplies and securing the space. Tristan, our logistical lifesaver, ensured the day ran smoothly.

To everyone who attended: thank you for bringing your energy, humor, and determination to make 2024 our best year yet. May we all stay as sweet as the cocoa and as bold as our resolutions. Cheers to new beginnings, marshmallows, and the friendships that keep us going!

Happy New Year!