For many folks, 2009 has been a tough year that they're just as happy to see end.

The question now is, just how will 2010 compare?

"It's all good," Tom Fromuth of Lancaster, who was jogging Sunday in Long's Park, said during a quick breather. "It's always going to be a good year."

Less optimistic was Chris Siegler, who said, "I don't think things can be worse than they were this year. At least, I hope not."

Siegler, who was home visiting friends in Lancaster during a break from doctoral studies in Seattle, said he hopes to see Congress "decide to do something" in the new year.

"Health care for everyone would be nice," he said. "And jobs."

Jennifer Riggs, also of Lancaster,, who was strolling through the park with pal Siegler, is studying forensic science at Arcadia University, said she is "hoping for some rebound in the job market."

"Locally, there seems to be some improvement," she said. "The more things rebound for the people around is, the better things will be. The little guy needs a boost."

For the Harvey family, reuniting on the shore of the Long's Park lake, the new year has many possibilities.

"Same old, same old," said Margaret Harvey of Jackson, Miss., who had just finished a 21-hour commute from home to visit family here. "More exercise and eating less."

Father-in-law Clark Harvey, 83, who moved to Lancaster from New Orleans after the Katrina flood, said his hope for 2010 is simple: "Stayin' alive."

Financial adviser John Harvey, also of Jackson, said he hopes to see more consumer confidence in the economy.

"I'm hoping people will start investing money again," he said. "I hope people will start feeling more hopeful."

Taylor Croft of Parkesburg, who was ice skating with his family Sunday at Clipper Magazine Stadium, said he's hoping to see an increase in the economy and more jobs on the horizon.

"We're just looking for a better year all around," he said, "especially because we're going to be buying a new house."

For some people, the new year means fixing the simple things.

"Being more organized? Yeah, we need that," said Mount Joy mom Michele Gainer. Her son, 13-year-old Isaac, said, "Maybe I'll get my grades a little better."

For others, hope lies with the government. Spencer Phillips of Manheim said he hopes "some things will start happening next year in Washington."

"Once things start moving there, there should be more optimism in this country," he said. "Things will start to rebound."

His wife, Melissa Phillips, said she is "continuously optimistic" about the future.

"I have a strong faith in God, and that transcends the economy," she said.

"Things aren't that great for a lot of people, but they still find ways to enjoy themselves," she added. "The simple things start to mean more."

Barbara Zimmerman of Lancaster said she hopes "that God will use me more effectively" in the coming year. Her husband, cancer survivor Michael Zimmerman, said he is simply "looking for good health."

"We're also looking forward to good things for the country," he said.

McCaskey High School junior Jeremy Wenrich is looking at the short term: "Finish school," he said. "Then I'm hoping to go to welding school. Get a job — that's the big trick."

Girlfriend Kiersten Poe, a Lancaster Catholic senior, wants to graduate and pursue a teaching career.

"I want to live life to the fullest," she said. "And figure my life out."

Wendy Toole, who runs National History Day for region, said the economy is hitting education hard, too.

"I'm hoping with the new year that businesses will be willing to contribute ... so that we can continue to reach students from Lancaster, Lebanon and Berks counties," she said.

"For family and friends, I'm hoping for good health and happiness," Toole added. "Money comes and goes. It will come around again."

tknapp@lnpnews.com