Former stock broker Chris Gardner shared with me during an interview several years ago the mantra he embraced during his climb from homelessness to millionaire status: “Baby steps count, too.“ Gardner, whose life was depicted in the hit movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,“ learned the phrase from his mother. He took it to heart when he struggled as a single parent raising a son.

The security measures for the Carytown New Year’s Eve party were enough to make one wonder, “Who phoned in the bomb threat?“ How else do you explain the panic-stricken approach to the celebration?

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Open. POSTAL SERVICE—Open; mail will be delivered.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed, will reopen Monday.

Low temperatures didn’t chill Richmond’s biggest New Year’s party, as 2009 got off to a quiet—if cold—start. With well-bundled-up celebrators seemingly as inclined to sip hot coffee as cold beer police reported no major incidents.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed today; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed, will reopen Monday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Hanover and Henrico closed today and will reopen tomorrow. Richmond, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan and New Kent closed today and will reopen Monday.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed today; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed, will reopen Monday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Hanover and Henrico closed today and will reopen tomorrow. Richmond, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan and New Kent closed today and will reopen Monday.

The economic downturn has been changing how much consumers want to spend on alcoholic beverages. But not all spirits are down in the industry.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Thursday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Thursday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Close at 1 p.m. tomorrow and will reopen Monday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Richmond, Charles City, Hanover and Henrico closed Thursday and will reopen Friday. Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan and New Kent closed Thursday and will reopen Monday.

Lobster is the specialty on the menu New Year’s Eve at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.  Choices include a filet mignon paired with a cold-water lobster tail, $75.95; herb-crusted Australian rack of lamb and chunks of Maine lobster, $59.95; and butterflied and baked lobster tail served with lemon-vanilla butter, $49.95.

KENDRA BAILEY MORRIS DEAR ACCIDENTAL CHEF: This year (or should I say next year?), I am hosting a New Year’s Day brunch for about 12 people. We plan on celebrating the night before, so I’m looking for easy recipes I can make ahead. I don’t want to do too much cooking that morning, especially after a late night. Can you help? - Too Pooped to Party in the West End

Champagne and caviar might not be in your budget this New Year’s Eve, but you won’t need to resort to crackers and cheese spread to keep the cost of the festivities under control. There are plenty of options for foods that are as good to your wallet as they are to your guests. Consider making bite-size pizzas using store-bought dough and sauce. Making the dough yourself is easy, and even cheaper.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed today; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed, will reopen Monday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Hanover and Henrico closed today and will reopen tomorrow. Richmond, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan and New Kent closed today and will reopen Monday.