"Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"More exercise; fewer second helpings; mastering a new skill or craft.  They're all hardy perennials of any New Year's resolution list - and they're certainly all worthy goals for 2010.  And on this final Sunday of the old year, I want to say a few words about another kind of New Year's resolution - about what we can all do in the months ahead not just to make our own lives better, but also to enrich the lives of others.   

"If you've watched television in recent weeks, you may have seen commercials - in time slots donated by local stations - for NYC Service.  That's an organization we've founded to energize and mobilize New Yorkers to give their time and talent to address some of the City's biggest challenges.  In recent months, for example, hundreds of NYC Service volunteers have been community 'Flu Fighters,' getting the word out about how to stop flu from spreading and about how to get immunized against the flu.  Other volunteers gave rooftops of buildings that house non-profit groups, and the 114th Police Precinct, in Long Island City new heat-reflective white paint jobs; these 'cool roofs' will conserve power, cut energy bills, and reduce the output of climate-changing greenhouse gases.  

"Leading free exercise classes in community recreation centers, giving young people guidance and mentoring at critical times in their lives, helping plant one million new trees throughout the city:  The possibilities for giving back are really endless.  In fact, that's why when you link to NYC Service through the city's web site at nyc.gov, you'll see messages urging you to 'Share Your Blank' - because your 'blank' can be any skill or interest that's yours to contribute, just as freely as you feel that you can. 

Earlier this year, President Obama signed the 'Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,' creating new volunteer opportunities for Americans young and old.  At that time, he challenged us all to do more in service to our nation.  I agree - and back on September 10th, I joined 16 other mayors in pledging to take the lead in helping Americans do just that.   I'm happy to report that by last week, our 'Cities of Service' coalition had grown to 80 mayors - Republicans, Democrats, and Independents - representing more than 38 million people in cities large and small from coast to coast.  

"And for my part; well, I intend to spend the first day of 2010 giving some of my time helping prepare meals at an emergency food program in Park Slope, painting a mural at a recreation center in Hunts Point, sorting donated supplies at the Materials for the Arts warehouse in Queens, and helping volunteers on Staten Island box 'care packages' going to men and women in our Armed Forces overseas.  

"And yes, I'll also be stopping by City Hall to take the oath for a new term as mayor.  I'm grateful the voters gave me another chance to serve.  And I want to urge all New Yorkers to resolve to make time for service to our wonderful city in the year ahead.  I promise:  You'll be glad you did. 

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.  Thanks for listening.  And let me wish an early Happy New Year to you all."