Phipps rang in the new year with the RDU Session Players and Bluegrass band and some of her closet friends.
Phipps sent three years in jail for taking illegal campaign contributions. She was released last April.
She says she is still receiving letters, cards and well wishes from North Carolinians across the state.
"I want to thank all of the people who continue to support me," she said.
Phipps will start a new job in the new year. She will be teaching an American history course at Alamance Community College.
