Webb Weekly December 21, 2022

It’s a couple of days before Christmas, and all through the house, there is so much stirring, I hope the cat gets the mouse. I’m sure there’s a lot of this going on all over our little neck of Penn’s Woods as the kids are now home from college, family members have traveled home for the holidays, and the hustle and bustle of last-minute gift shopping and meal preparations are in full swing.

Let me be the first to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and most joyous holiday season. Please take the time to come together as family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy this most amazing season. Please find the good in everything and everyone. Check all political conversations at the door until after the New Year. Make sure you give the cook or cooks a great big hug and say thank you for the amazing meal. Last but not least, if you don’t have something nice to say, keep it to yourself. This applies whether you’re sitting at the family table, are on social media, or your lips

are moving in general.

If there are family members, friends, or neighbors that choose to be alone for whatever reason, make sure that holiday spirit in the form of that special plate of leftovers with double dessert and/or a phone call find their way. This is so much needed in our world of today.

Please take the time to share that special Christmas spirit. Whether it be through prayer, the gift of time, or donation with a complete stranger. This can be with someone locally or a person halfway around the world.

Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

These words announcing the arrival of baby Jesus define the Miracle of Christmas. This begins the greatest father-son story ever written. From Immanuel’s humble birth and resting peacefully in a manger to his final hours of suffering and crucifixion, it is truly a story about God’s love.

Through this infinite love of man, God provides all of us that shining

As we celebrate Christmas as Christians, we must share this love with our fellow man no matter of their beliefs, road traveled, or life chosen.

Within the blueprint provided, it is clearly up to us to provide unconditional love and respect for our fellow man, not mortal judgment. There has never been a time in the chronological history labeled AD that this has been more important. There are forces at work that only want to divide and create hatred. The best thing we can do to improve our world is to unconditionally love and show respect for our fellow man.

With those thoughts in mind, if you are not a Christian, I ask you to please never be offended by the words “Merry Christmas.” It is my religion’s way to seasonally greet one another in an attempt to spread joy and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is not predicated on the other’s religious beliefs or ever

intended to be anything but positive.

If anyone from any other religion greeted me with a message of religious celebration in the name of good, I would never find offense. I would be honored for the sharing and inclusion into another’s beliefs. If I did not understand the message, I would probably just nod my head and smile. If I did understand the message, I would probably repeat it back to them out of respect and smile.

Incidentally, just because you love and show respect for your fellow man doesn’t mean you agree with all or any of their beliefs.

This, as always, is my last column for the year. Next week Editor Steph will have page 2 as we celebrate local organizations that do so much with our annual charity pages. Before I finish up, a reminder in the pages ahead to check out all the names of the amazing boys and girls that entered our Christmas Fun Coloring Contest. And oh yes, the winners are in there, congratulations to all!

Again, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and safe travels throughout the holiday season.

God Bless America.

star of guidance and forgiveness through acceptance.

Jim Webb, Jr.

Founder

James Webb Sr. 1944-2012 Publisher/Sales James A. Webb Jr. jwebb@webbweekly.com570-337-0755 Editor Steph Nordstrom 570-337-0759 webbnews@webbweekly.com

From

the

The stockings were hung by the TV with care…and that’s about all I’ve got done!

I kid, I kid…kinda…sorta…I swear I almost have everything done!

OK, OK, fine — in reality, I do not, in fact, have everything done, but I’ll get there, I always do!

I have to also thank all of the amazing local businesses that are kind enough to pony up prizes for the kiddos too! So

Jaimie Hoover classifieds@webbweekly.com

I did manage to finish one thing and that was working my little elves to finalize the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Christmas Fun Coloring Contest! It was another tough year of judging! Narrowing down hundreds of entries to just 30 winners isn’t an easy task, but luckily, I had help! Cocoa GlitterCakes, Merry FizzyCheer, and Happy JingleDoodle were amazingly helpful this year in not only helping me pick the winners, but keeping all the entries organized and the list of entrants straight! Again, with over 300 entries this year, picking winners and compiling the list of kids isn’t an easy task! But like always, we got it done!

THANK YOU to Liberty Arena/Kaos, English Model Railroad, Elery Nau, Hooplas, Treasure Castle Playland, Harder Sporting Goods, AMC Theaters, Dairy Queen, Trout Pond Park and Outback Roos! We couldn’t do this without you!

Below are the first-place winners in each age group. Congrats to Rhoda Burkholder (4 and under), Emma Herron (5-7), and Paige Zener (8-10), y’all did an amazing job! There is also a list of each little elf who entered the contest and the rest of the winners beginning on page 6.

Congratulations to all our winners! Your prizes will be mailed this week!

I also want to make a quick mention of a couple of entries that we received this year. Our youngest ‘entrant’ was just 3 weeks old, yep, that’s right — 3 weeks! Her mama submitted her entry with her feet and handprints ‘coloring’ the picture. We also got one from a sweet 9-month-old whose parents use feet, hand and thumbprints! It was so adorable, it kinda made me want to squee! Also shout out to Ms. Michele who entered at 80 years young!

Finally, I hope that you all have the absolutely Merriest of Christmases. There has been a lot of not so great in the world the last couple of years, so please take some time this Christmas to appreciate all the good. I hope that Santa is good to you and that you have a beautiful holiday with the one you love.

Rhoda

Paige

Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Christmas Fun Coloring Contest Winners Announced!

The following are the Winners of the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Christmas Fun Coloring Contest! Congratulations to all of our winners and many thanks to all of our entrants! We had hundreds of entries this year! You kiddos wore our elves out with judging!! We’d also like to thank all of the people who offered prizes for this year’s contest including: Libery Arena/ Kaos Fun Zone/Fly World, English’s Model Railroad, Treasure Castle Playland, Elery Nau Hardware, Hooplas, Harder Sporting Goods, AMC Theaters, Dairy Queen, Trout Pond Park and Outback Roos. All prizes will be mailed to the winners!

The prizes for the winners will be:

1st Place – A $200 Gift Card to Liberty Arena/Kaos Fun Zone/Fly World.

2nd Place – Prizes from English’s Model Rail Road.

4 and under – $50 Gift Card; 5-7 – $100 Gift Card; 8-10 – $150 Gift Card

3rd Place – Two Admissions to Treasure Castle Playland.

4th Place – A sled from Elery Nau Hardware.

5th Place – A $25 gift card to Hooplas, 6th Place – A ball of your choice from Harder Sporting Goods.

7th Place – A $10 gift card to AMC Theaters.

8th Place – A $10 gift card to Dairy Queen.

9th Place – Admission to Trout Pod Park.

10th Place – Admission to Outback Roos.

4 and Under Winners:

1st – Rhoda Burkholder

2nd – Rowan Stine

3rd –Sydney Carson

4th – Leia L.

5th – Evelyn Mozug

6th – Julia Sweigard

7th – Theodore Comerford

8th – Camila Roupp

9th – Adalynn Armbruster

10th – Kendra Klobe

5–7-Year-Old Winners:

1st – Emma Herron

2nd – Emma Fisher

3rd – Wade Cooley

4th –Leda Burkholder

5th – Henry Michaluk

6th – Landry Houser

7th – Devlyn Irvin

8th – Piper Sweeley

9th –Matthia Hofford

10th – Elyse Lazorka

8–10-Year-Old Winners: 1st – Paige Zener

2nd – Landry Hill

3rd – Jack Herron

4th – Brightyn Grey

5th – Brennan Comerford

6th – Cara Ferguson

7th – Josephine Waltz-Seese

8th –Amelia Robbins

9th – Mia Herron

10th – Riley Harris

A big thank you to everyone who entered! Not everyone can win, but everyone deserves to be acknowledged for all their hard work! You all did an amazing job!

4 and Under:

Adalynn Armbruster

Mason Beck

Rhoda Burkholder

Nora Byers

Sydney Carson

Zekeial Cipriani

Jeremy Clark Amelia Clinton

Theodore Comerford

Miles Desanto

Maezie Eggerton

Max Egli

Elias Egli

Josie Feerrar

Emanuel Fisher

Marian Fisher

Lucy Gair

Lyla Kish

Kendra Klobe Leia L.

Zayne Laus

Lewis Lorson

Kash McKenzie

Violetta Miller

Emma Miller

Evelyn Mozug

Ronnie Munro

Kaysyn Neitz

Julion Ott

Brave Parker Lucia Parker Ruth Peachey

JJ Pearson

Addy Pearson

Mason Pepperman

Amelia Peterson

Kinsley Reish Camila Roupp

Addison Scott

Elaina Shaffer

Brennan Shannon

Oliver Smith Kaison Snyder

Ellieonna Snyder

Austin Steppe Lennon Steppe Rowan Stine

Julia Sweigard Salem Talanca Peighton Tubach

Neko Varano

Emerson Venturella Hunter Wallace Carly Walton Emma Weidler Brynlee Welshans Ezra Wineberg Bradley

Wozniak

Brayden Wozniak

Alyvia

Shiloh

5-7 Year Olds:

Guinevere Adams

Scarlett Agnoni

Victoria Apker

Brinley Armbruster

Olivia Ashton

Ellis Baier

Charlotte Barlow

Noah Belvin

Harper Bennett

Harper Bennett

Mason Betz

Lila Bleam

Wesley Boatman

Marla Bonner

Amia Bower

Meela Brewer

Ashton Bubb

Leda Burkholder

Brynley Busbee

Clayton Byers

Braxton Carper

Raymond Chow

Pandora Cioffi

Linkoln Cipriani

Ellie Coffman

Alverda Comerford

Whitney Conoway

Scarlette Cooley

Wade Cooley

Khloe Cresswell

Avianna Croyle See COLORING on Page 8

821 Diamond Street - Williamsport, PA 570-322-3466

William H. Kieser, Supervisor www.SandersMortuary.com

COLORING

Hayden Damschroder

Alba Davis

Madison Dobbs

Luke Doherty

Jaxson Dreibelbis

Nora Driscoll

Judah Egli Charlotte Emerick

Ellery English Emery Ferrell

Mia Fidler

Michael Fisher Emma Fisher Krew Fleegle Luke Flynn

Brooke Fogleman Mattie Frank Isabella Frederick Alexa Fredo

Elizabeth Fye

Derek Gair II

Henry Gardner Steven Glick Ian Glidewell Kensleigh Gordner Avery Gottschall Maeve GuildWeaver Hunter Guisewhite Annalou Handy Chloe Hasara Vail Heckrote Emma Herron Addalynn Hill

Noah Hill Matthia Hofford

Landry Houser Mabel Howe

Greyson Hugglei Arowyn Ireland Devlyn Irvin Liam Jacobs

Alexander Jacobs Noah Jensen

Jonathan Kaminski

Michael Kane Eleanor Kane Caden Karschner

Charlie Kelly Aaliyah Kelly Zoey Khetani Grayson Kirk Amelia Kozak Harper Lake Ephrain Lapp Celine Lazorka Elyse Lazorka Laurel Leidhecker Rylan Leonard Haven Lorson Suzie Lovell Kya Luxenberger Sophia Lynch Emma Machinski Nolan Marr Ellie McNett Stephen Meixel Catherine Melvin Xavier Meza

Henry Michaluk

Foster Miller

Grayson Miller

Kyra Moore

Olivia Myers

Sophea Neese

Neiko Noon

Jionni Ott

Emily Paulhamus

Madison Paulhamus

Joelle Pauling

Jackson Perry

Lexi Perry Beatrice Poorman

Annabelle Quigel

Naomi Richards

Liam Roan

McKenna Roan

Payton Rohe

Casidee Sabatino

Gabriella Sayers Myla Schmidt

Keira Scott

Xavier Seese Rowyn Sepunski

Elena Shaffer

Jaxon Shaffer Percy Shaffer Jackson Shelinski Colleen Sherman

Lucy Shortledge Lillian Sizemore Quinn Smith

Maggie Smith

Autumn Steppe

Arlo Steppe

Daniel Stoltzfus Selah Stoltzfus

Piper Sweeley Sawyer Sweeley Judah Sweeley Evelyn Sweigard Melanie Tate

Elijah Taylor

Nikolai Torres

Julian Troxler

Hugo Varano Beckett Venturella Harley Weaver Kaylee Weaver

Joseph Weeks

Arianna Welshans Dawson Wesner

Laree Wineberg Nathan Wolf Paisley Workman Enos Yoder

Gabriel Maximus

8-10 Year Olds: Katie Ann Piper Askey Noah Baer Stephen Beiler Stevie Beiler Levina Beiler

OBITUARIES

~ Week of ~ December 5th - December 9th

Donald “Don” W. Houseknecht, 76, of Lairdsville

Glenda K. Myers, 72, of Avis

Kenneth Byrl “Pap” Hampe Sr., 69, of Muncy

Barbara Ann Shurer, 91, of Williamsport

Nancy C. Quava, 85, of Muncy Valley

Cloyd G. Swisher, 91, of Unityville

George F. Wilcom, Jr., 77, of Williamsport

We have become one of the areas leaders in granite memorials, offering much more than traditional cemetery monuments. Our expert designers will create a lasting memorial that truly reflects your loved one’s unique life. Call today to learn about our custom hand - crafted memorials

Denny Kuhns, 49

Robert E. Eck, 87, of Gamble Township

Kenneth R. Edwards, 85, of Turbotville

Susan E. Johnson, 64, of Beech Creek

Mildred F. Orner, 96, of Beech Creek

Darlene Gay Cuozzo, 77, of Williamsport

Ruth N. Fraley, 87, formerly of Muncy

Renee Jeanne Kelly R., 51, of Friedens

Marvene M. Crawford, 74, of Turbotville

Jeremy S. Bower, 42, of Muncy

Ruth M. (Shaffer) Walters, 73, of Woodward Meadows Jeffrey “Jeff” Charles Davis, 66, of Lock Haven

UPDATED DAILY FULL OBITUARIES webbweekly.com

COLORING

Barbie Beiler

Ella Beiler

Kiefer Betz

Lylie Bower

Ella Boyd

Leeiana Brewer

Karley Brewer

Chloe Burd

Alan Burkholder

Sophia Burley

Kaylyn Carichner

Mallory Carter

Brennan Comerford

Sophia Conoway

Braelyn Counsil

Tre’Jon CraverHannah

Tenley Cresswell

Ryder Croyle

Daniella DePrenda

Cecelia Ditzler

Connor Doebler

Morgan Doherty

Sofia Donlin

Hunter Dreibelbis

Jake Driscoll

Elizabeth Easton

Dylan Fedder

Cara Ferguson

Gideon Fisher

Levi Fisher

Mary Fisher Ivan Fisher

Lydiann Fisher Marianna Fisher

Benjamin Fisher RJ Foster

Juliana Fox

Alivia Frey

Hayden Friant

Penelope Gair

Tarek Ghayyada Bryson Gorman

Zailee Green

Brightyn Grey

Benjamin Gusick

Caleb Haldeman

Adam Haldeman

Titus Hall

Olivia Harris Riley Harris

Scarlett Hensler

Mia Herron

Jack Herron

Harrison Hersh

Vy’lette Hill

Landry Hill Amia Hill

Evangelina Hnery

Ariana Janerella Livee Kamerer

Nate Kaminski

Adalyn Keebler Kadence Kelchner Bailey Kennedy Alana Kidd Gideon King Anna King Tristan Klobe Kaitlyn Kriger

Tessa Kunkle

Sarah Lapp

Mark Lapp

Arizona Ledford

Bryn Lorson

Mya Lorson

Emma Lynch

Jessica Martin

Joanna Martin

Loretta Martin

Tyler McClain

Joseph McErn

Kate McLaughlin

Adalyn Meixel

Jacob Mercado

Mason Mogret Brayden Moon

Kyrie Moore

Isaac Motyka

Alexandria Moulder

Dayonah Mullen

Kynleigh Nau

Lia Neese

Javon Ott

Mallory Paronish

Mark Passmore

Luke Paulhamus

Bailey Perry Brantley Persun Evan Puderbaugh

Lee Raup

Brandon Renninger

Amelia Richards

Amelia Robbins Felicity Rodkey

Elaina Rodriguez

Tristan Rosato

Isaac Sauers

Dyllan Sauers

Sophia Shaffer Blaze Sherman

Conrad Sherman

Harper Shortall

Brayden Smith

Anyssa Steppe Leah Stoltzfus Lena Stoltzfus

David Stoltzfus Roland Stoltzfus Nora Sunderland

Gianni Taddeo

Serenity Thomas

Aubrey Tolentino

English Lyric Utter

Kierstyn Walker

Gabrielle Wall

Aiden Wallace

Josephine WaltzSeese

Chailyn Wanamaker Beatrix Way Miya-Nicole Williams

Wyatt Wolfe Emmaline Zarr Paige Zener

Other Entrants: Michele

County Hall Corner Is Santa a Republican?

By Larry Stout

There has been quite an uproar of late from an editorial in the Polar Post newspaper that their famous local resident, Santa Claus, is not a registered member of the Republican Party despite the claims of the North Pole Republican Party (NPRP). Snow Forrest, the director of the Department of Voter Services for WorldTop County in the North Pole, confirmed that neither Santa nor his wife had ever officially identified a political affiliation in all the years they lived there — which has been estimated as being somewhere around 800 years now. When the paper questioned why Mr. Claus and his wife had never registered, Santa responded that preparing Christmas gifts for children everywhere in the world is a 24/7/365 operation. They never had time to get around to doing it. And besides, he added, “everyone should know what party we belong to.”

With that, the Polar Post challenged both parties to make the case on where the political sediments of the Claus clan must lie. The NPRP quickly responded, noting

that despite Mr. Claus’ timidity in ‘outing’ himself as a Republican, it was obvious that this is where his loyalties lie. He hits all the Republican trademarks: self-employed, running a rural, non-unionized, faith-based, small business, married to the same woman for a very, very, very long time, supports the coal industry, appears to be in good standing with the church since they made him a saint, and why else would he choose to dress in a red uniform? After all, is it possible to imagine a Democrat wearing that much red?

The Polar Post noted that there were dissenters among the Republican Party caucus, however, with concerns that Santa might not be as family oriented as generally thought of, given that he has no children of his own. It is true that he enjoys having children sitting on his lap, but

Holidays

Reader alert: This is a satirical column for some amusement for the holiday season. Enjoy!

COUNTY HALL

that’s not quite the same thing. It is also rather disconcerting that Santa appears to have highly sophisticated surveillance instruments on these same children. And billions of unlawful home entries every year is not exactly a virtue that the party would like to highlight.

The North Pole Democrat Party (NPDP) also seemed to have some differences in their ranks about where Mr. Claus may stand. They did express concern that Santa Claus has a rather aggressive adherence to a binary naughty/nice standard that suggests quite a strong moral position that is not nuanced (as Democrats would prefer) based on race, gender, economic background, and other factors. Yet, based on evidence such as the film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” Santa can speak multiple languages and is quite the world traveler. Thus, he is obviously not an American First and Foremost Republican as much as an urban cosmopolitan who would be very comfortable voting for the Democratic ticket.

The NPRP fired back at the Dems that if that were true, then why doesn’t Santa support more diversity in his hiring practices? He sticks with small tiny elves because they work hard and he is a good employer; otherwise, why would they keep working for him? If he was worried about diversity, he would hire some tall, blond-haired elves like those in the Peter Jackson “Lord of the Rings” films.

(Not the Amazon Prime “Rings of Power” elves, no one would want to hire them).

And they also added that Santa must be in tight with the military (definitely a Republican trait) because how else can he invade US airspace year after year in a reindeer-powered, flying sled and not find himself becoming a Top Gun target?

The debate has been raging now back and forth for a month at the top of the earth, and there does not seem to be any consensus developing. There are those that are even suggesting that the isolationist condition in which Santa and his wife live; a completely sustainable commune that apparently generates its own electricity, creates its own food, and seems to need no outside assistance — speaks more of personal liberty, economic freedom and skepticism of the government of the Libertarian Party. Is Santa perhaps a closet Libertarian?

Being the diligent reporter that I am, I believed that Webb Weekly readers deserved to know the truth about their Christmas Eve delivery man. It took great effort, and I am sworn to secrecy on how I got Santa’s contact info, but when I finally got a hold of him on the phone, I begged him to answer the question — “Santa, what party do you really belong to?” He chuckled, “Ho, Ho, Ho. It is just like I said before, Larry; everyone should know what party I belong to. Isn’t it obvious? I belong to the Christmas Party!”

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

The Williamsport post office is doing one of the greatest, if not greatest, businesses in its history. The volume of trade, especially in greeting cards, is possibly greater than expected, but every preparation was made in advance to handle the business, and the work is being accomplished without a hitch.

Superintendent of Mails, Hayes McEwen said today that he has 50 extra men at work and nine extra trucks are in service. Regularly, 10 trucks are employed. It is expected to handle 150,000 pieces of mail today and the same amount of pieces are expected on Friday.

Today the first big consignment of Christmas greetings went out, although thousands of cards already have been delivered by carriers. The scheme of the post office department

in Washington to have senders of local greeting cards to have them deposited by December 15 worked out very well. Much time was saved with the inauguration of this plan.

An ongoing parcel post mail is being worked on in the post office garage, near Third and Hepburn Streets. Here from 400 to 500 sacks of parcel post are handled daily. The number of sacks will be doubled that it is expected on Friday and Saturday. Working the large parcel post mail in the garage gives more room to work the first class in the post office proper.

More and larger tables have been placed in the post office lobby for the use of the public in addressing and wrapping packages and they are well patronized all day long. Windows at the post office will be kept open until 9 o’clock this evening and on Thursday and Friday evenings. The sub post offices are being well patronized as well.

Wishing Our Residents and Families a Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!

Williamsport Sun December 21, 1927

Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the newfallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects

below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St

See TWAS on Page 20

TWAS

Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head

like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Submit contributions in a

What: When: Where: format to webbnews@webbweekly.com. View more calendar listings at www.webbweekly.com.

Free Six Week Speech Class

What: Participants will practice public speaking and learn how to write and deliver a speech. Register by emailing Phil Buehrer at prbuehrer@aol.com or Donna Miller at donnajmiller252@gmail.com or call 570-3266801.

When: January 25-March 1st, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Where: 505 Restaurant Banquet Room at 505 Washington Blvd., Williamsport.

EVENTS

Dinner Special

What: Brew and burger basket specials, $8. Eat in or take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570327-0255.

When: Tuesday, December 20th, from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Bingo

What: Bingo

When: Tuesday, December 20th, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Winter Solstice Hike

What: Winter has arrived! Celebrate the official changing of seasons as we take an easy-to-moderate walk on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, with the possibility to venture onto the Old Wagon Road Trail if weather allows, and get an introduction to what you can expect in nature throughout the winter!

Community Calendar

Where: Tiadaghton State Forest; Waterville Pine Creek Rail Trail Lot.

Dinner Special

What: Cheesesteak basket specials, $8. Eat in or take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570-3270255.

When: Thursday, December 22nd, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Dinner Special

What: Broiled or beer batter fish dinner or pork loin dinner, $12. Eat in or take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570-327-0255.

When: Friday, December 23rd, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Family Winter Science Exploration

What: Bring the kids along to try out a variety of winter science experiments at your own pace! There will be an assortment of experiments and activities set up around the room for your family to discover – try one or try them all! Registration required to account for supplies by calling (570) 753-5409x132 or emailing vicurtis@ pa.gov.

When: Saturday December 24th at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center, Waterville.

Free Christmas Dinner

What: Free Christmas dinner. Open to the public. Everyone welcome. Eat in, take out or delivery is available to Muncy, Hughesville and Montgomery areas. Call to arrange for delivery or pick up prior to event 570-546-3820.

When: December 25th, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Where: Muncy VFW Post, 3428 located at12 N. Market St., Rear, Muncy.

Dinner Special

take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570327-0255.

When: Tuesday December 27th, from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Bingo What: Bingo

When: Tuesday, December 27th, at 7:00 p.m. Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Dinner Special

What: Cheesesteak basket specials, $8. Eat in or take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570-3270255.

When: Thursday, December 29th, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Dinner Special

What: Broiled or beer batter fish dinner or beef Manhattan dinner, $12. Eat in or take out. Call to order ahead or with questions to 570-327-0255.

When: Friday, December 30th, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

New Year’s Celebration

What: New Year’s Eve celebration, food, prizes, and fun with band Possum Junction.

When: Saturday, December 31st, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.

Where: Royal P. Steinbacher American Legion Post 617, 901 S. Market St., Williamsport.

Birds and Brews

What: Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and join us as we watch the office bird feeders and learn how to identify some of the birds most found at home feeders, as well as discover a little bit about their natural history. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be

available for an up-close look, but feel free to bring your own as well. Stop by anytime from 10 a.m.-noon.

When: Thursday December 31st; 9:00 a.m.-noon.

Where: Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center, Waterville.

First Day Hike - Whitetail

What: Start your New Year and 2023 off right with a moderate, 2-mile hike on the Pine Creek Rail Trail! We will be starting at the Whitetail parking area and walking 1-mile north and then turning around and returning the same way we came, all the while looking for wildlife signs along the way. Program may be cancelled due to severe weather. Check with the office or Facebook page to verify.

When: Sunday January 1st at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Tiadaghton State Forest; Whitetail Pine Creek Rail Trail Lot.

Post Breakfast

What: The Milton American Legion, Post 71, will begin serving breakfast for $9 per person with a large menu available. Please call 570-742-4236 ahead if you are part of a large group so we can be ready for you.

When: First and third Sunday of the month. Breakfast is open to the public from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Where: Milton American Legion, Post 71, 401 N. Front St., Milton.

Check Your Fit

What: Join UPMC Health Plan for our Check Your Fit First Friday events taking place on the first Friday of each month. Health educators will be on-site to address health-related questions and distribute literature. Plus, free preventive screenings will be available for members. When: First Friday of the Month, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Loyal Plaza,1875 E. 3rd Street, Williamsport.

Weight Loss Group

What: TOPS Weight Loss Group.

When: Mondays from 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

Where: Divine Providence Hospital Auditorium, use auditorium entrance.

CHURCH EVENTS

Cash Club

What: Saint Ann Catholic Church Cash Club ticket sales, $100 per ticket for a chance to win $1,000 per week for 52 weeks.

When: Drawings will begin on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Once we sell 700 tickets (Currently at 474 sold as of 12/9/22).

Where: Call to get your tickets 570-322-5935.

Christmas Play

What: A Christmas play, music and fellowship. Free admission.

When: Christmas Eve, December 24th, from 7:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.

Where: Carlton Chapel, 46 Church Hill Rd., Lock Haven.

Church Service

What: Sunday service. Sermon Title: This Christmas Let’s Never Forget About The Simplicity Of The Gospel. Colossians 1:15-20. All are welcome to learn about God and the Christian life.

When: Sunday Morning, December 25th. Service Time 10:15 a.m.

Where: Garden View Baptist Church, 1600 Doris Ave., Williamsport.

Church Service

What: Sunday service. Sermon Title: What Is The Difference Between The Gospel Jesus Preached And The One We Preach? Pt. 2. Various texts. All are welcome to learn about God and the Christian life.

When: Sunday Morning, January 1st. Service Time 10:15 a.m.

Where: Garden View Baptist Church, 1600 Doris Ave., Williamsport.

Church Service

What: Sunday service. Sermon Title: What is the Difference Between the Gospel Jesus Preached and the One we Preach? Pt. 3. Various texts. All are welcome to learn about God and the Christian life.

When: Sunday Morning, January 8th. Service Time 10:15 a.m.

Where: Garden View Baptist Church, 1600 Doris Ave., Williamsport.

MEETINGS

Domestic Violence Support

What: Domestic Violence Support Group suggested for anyone 21 years of age and older who have experienced Domestic Violence.

When: Each Thursday from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Where: YWCA Northcentral PA, Park Room, 815 W. Fourth St., Williamsport.

West

Branch Pride

What: West Branch Pride.

When: Monthly meeting, 3rd Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: YWCA Williamsport.

GriefShare Support Group

What: A weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Please contact the church at 570-546-8030 for the most current schedule.

Where: First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market St., Muncy.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT

EVENTS

EVENTS

Blues Jam

What: Blues Jam hosted by 2nd Hand Blues Band (Lori Smith, Roy Pursel, and Steve Lucas).

When: December 22nd, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. to play.

Where: Pajama Factory Community Room., 1307 Park Ave., Williamsport.

Country Line Dancing

What: Country line dancing.

When: Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Where: Woodward Township Fire Hall, Linden.

Ballroom Dance Classes

What: Beginning Ballroom Dance Class for anyone interested in learning to dance. Cost will be $10 per couple per class. To register please call Frank at 570220-4806.

When: Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Where: Classes will be held in Hartzel’s Dance Room in Montoursville.

Sunday at church, our Pastor told us to turn to page 88 in our hymnals. We were in the back row close to the door, where I could watch it snow. It was absolutely beautiful looking out into the country field with huge flakes falling slowly to the ground. Tyler was sitting to the right of me as he normally does. He loves sitting by his momma on Sunday mornings. I love when he lays his head on my shoulder. Chris was on the left of me, and Kenzy was in front of us, sitting with my bestie Amanda English and her parents Clyde and Patty English, who I call “Momma P. and Poppa C.” Momma P. always has coloring books and stickers for Kenzy during church and she loves sitting with them. She loves going to their house and spending time with them. They have always been so sweet and close with our kids.

As we all stood to sing “Joy to World” on page 88, Kenzy stood between Amanda and Momma P., ready to sing. As the piano started to play, Kenzy realized she knew the song. She started singing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let Earth receive her king!” Everyone around her could hear her singing. Chris and I looked at each other and smiled. It was the sweetest thing ever. The way she poured her little heart out singing this Christmas carol. She’s

Andrea McElroy

like her momma; we know many Christmas songs by heart.

As I watched our little girl singing in front of us, it was pure joy watching the Christmas spirit pouring out of her. I remember what it was like at Christmas time at eight years old. It was such a magical time. The excitement of Santa coming was the best feeling in the whole wide world.

My parents always made Christmas such a wonderful time for my brother Luke and me. Our house was always decorated outside. Dad always did such a beautiful job with that. Mom made sure the house inside was always decorated so Christmassy and cozy. I always had my favorite little decorations; Mom would get out each year. Luke and I even had our own Christmas tree in our rooms and a collection of ornaments since we were born. Kenzy now has my tree in her room. This little tree is thirty-seven years old! It has seen so many Christmases. That little tree is something I’ll never part with, and I love that it has gone through both of my kids. Ty graduated to a bigger tree (a 4 ft. one) that he wanted when his sister was born. This year he had his tree out the week before Halloween. Kenzy was upset she had to wait because her tree was tucked in with my twenty boxes of Christmas decorations,

and I had no clue where it was until I started pulling things out. But her big brother helped string lights all over her room until we could get her tree.

As a little girl getting my tree out was the first sign that Santa was soon on his way. Throughout December, we would visit Candy Cane Lane, go to Christmas parties, Mom would make Christmas cookies, and Dad made sure we watched all the holiday Christmas specials on TV. He would even record them on tape for us, so we had them to rewatch if we wanted to. How did we ever survive as kids not having a pause button for the tv if we had to go eat dinner or use the bathroom? Or just hit the record

button and have it saved right to your TV? I’m just glad I had a dad who taped them for us. I still have them! The best part is seeing all those old 80’s and 90’s Christmas commercials. I remember the Cool Whip commercial where they sang, “What makes everything so whip smackin’, whip smackin’ so good. Cool Whip’s the one with that whip creamy taste, Cool Whips the one, Cool Whips the one!” At the end, Santa dunks his candy cane into the cool whip and licks it off. Then, there was the 7UP commercial with the red dot 7UP guys. They had their chainsaws and ice chipper chipping away at a block of ice that turned into a cold glass of 7UP. Santa’s hand comes into the picture

and picks up the glass of 7UP with a candy cane. (I especially loved these ones because my dad worked for Pepsi at the time.)

And last but not least is the Mcdonald’s commercial with a little girl named Lindsay. It was and still is one of my favorites. Just YouTube “McDonald’s Christmas commercials,” and it’s called “Runaway.” I could go on and on with these memorable classics like the Fruity Pebbles one, the famous Hershey kisses, Nestle’s, Folgers, and the Hallmark commercials. Just watching them takes me back to being a little girl at Christmas again.

I think at Christmas time, we all turn into kids this time of year. It’s an exciting time full of love and surprises. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate Jesus’s birth. He gave us the most beautiful gift of all that doesn’t come in a commercial, a cookie or a Christmas tree. He gave us his life so we could live our lives knowing we have a MERRY & BRIGHT future with a home for eternity in heaven with him. This is the best Christmas gift ever given! He gives us the gift of peace, joy, hope, and never-ending love that continues all year long. He wants to be a part of your lives and in your hearts, if you just let him.

This Christmas, let’s not only remember the precious memories we hold close to our hearts and the new memories we are making but remember that sweet little baby in the manger who gave his life years later to give us all the gift of eternal life.

Happy Birthday sweet baby Jesus!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget, you are never too old to

watch the sky on Christmas Eve. Santa will soon be on his way! Merry Christmas, everyone!

CARAMEL APPLE PRETZEL SALAD Sugared Pretzels:

• 1 cup pretzels roughly chopped (measure after chopping)

• 1/2 cup pecans chopped (measure after chopping)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup butter melted

CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature

• 3 cups diced apples about 3 large apples (I used Granny Smith for the green, and Honey Crisp for the red)

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (I used Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip)

• 3 cups Cool Whip

SUGARED PRETZELS:

Mix together crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar and melted butter.

Spread in a large baking sheet with sides and bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes.

Allow the mixture to cool and then break it into small pieces.

CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Beat in the caramel sauce until smooth.

Fold in whipped topping.

Stir in the diced apples and sugared pretzels.

(Save some sugared pretzels for garnish)

Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours and garnish with pretzel topping, a few apple slices, and I drizzled some caramel sauce too. I mean, why not?

Billtown All-Stars to Host Charity Fundraising Concert

On Friday, December 23rd from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., The Genetti Hotel Terrace Garden Ballroom in downtown Williamsport, PA will be featuring live music from 5 regional performing artists to raise money & awareness for the American Heart Association. Hosted by The Billtown All-Stars - a local non-profit musical group who will be performing your Classic Rock favorites — the event will feature live sets from local blues legend Gabe Stillman, Country music songsmith Frank Wicher, acoustic folk hero Alan Foust and introduced by upcoming Los Angeles-based vocalist Naomi Yasui.

All ages are welcome, and Tickets are only $10 at the door and a cash bar will be open for patrons 21 & over. All profits to benefit the American Heart & Stroke Association. For more information, contact Tim Yasui and the Billtown All-Stars on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ BillTownAllStars.

ABOUT THE BILLTOWN ALL-

STARS: The Billtown All-Stars were formed in 2015 in Williamsport, PA by Williamsport-born and Los Angeles-based musician Tim Yasui to raise money towards a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease which took the life of his mother Phyllis that same year. Recruiting childhood friends Steve Morrow on bass guitar and Chris Silvagni on lead guitar, the trio were soon joined by established and beloved local musicians Scott Robleski on lead vocals and Gary Lynn on rhythm guitar to round out the quintet. Nearly a decade later, the group has performed live concerts from Pennsylvania to California, raising thousands of dollars on the way towards cures for not only Alzheimer’s Disease but also for Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Lewy-Body Dementia as well as for local law enforcement and Veteran’s Groups. In 2021 the band released their first live album globally on Compact disc format and digitally on digital entertainment platforms with profits benefitting the American Cancer Society of Pennsylvania.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for Your Athlete?

Being a lifelong advocate of exercise and having played contact sports for many years, I have periodically found chiropractic care beneficial for alleviating back and neck pain. More recently, my twin sons have asked if they could see a chiropractor that was recommended by a family friend, as they, too, were feeling banged up from months of athletic competition with no real break. So, appointments were made, which ultimately led to an informative discussion with local chiropractor Dr. Jason Madigan of Sport and Spine Chiropractic Rehab in Lock Haven. First and foremost on my mind was the safety of my sons with such treatment. Second, was regular chiropractic treatment for young athletes beneficial? Last, I wanted to know if the treatment of athletes would differ from that of a non-athlete.

Before we get into my questions and concerns, let us define this treatment. “Chiropractic is a system of therapy that utilizes a hands-on approach to patient care,” said Dr. Madigan. “The majority of the time, this centers around the spine and joints of this region as the majority of motor and sensory nerves originate from the spinal column.” Dr. Madigan went on to say that the concept is to identify regions of hypo-mobility (lack of movement) that can affect the sensory input to the

receptors in these regions and mobilize them through manipulation. The way he likes to explain it is that when you jam a finger, it becomes stiff and swollen and just doesn’t move well. You then reduce the swelling, pressure, and pain in that area and perform light mobilization to regain normal movement in that joint. “I approach people by looking at them biomechanically. We are a group of levers and muscles, so I want to see where the imbalance or abnormality is in the kinetic chain. Just because you have knee pain, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have structural damage to your knee. The pain could be stemming from the hip, foot, and ankle not performing their job the way they should and stressing the knee.”

Chiropractic treatment potentially benefits athletes by aiding in recovery from their practices, workouts, and games — physical sports such as soccer, football, and wrestling place tremendous stress upon on the body.

“Emmitt Smith once said that playing in a football game is like being in 20 car accidents in one day. Other sports such as running, basketball, baseball, and tennis have a lot of repetitive stresses that cause an accumulation of mini-traumas that then create dysfunction,

See

Dave Bellomo

December 26

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

Centers for Healthy Aging

Clinton County

Community Center

124 East Walnut Street Lock Haven 570-858-5822

Jersey Shore Center 641 Cemetery Street Jersey Shore 570-601-9591

Lincoln Center 2138 Lincoln Street Williamsport 570-601-9573

Loyalsock Center

1607 Four Mile Drive Williamsport 570-601-9590

Meck Center 50 Fitness Lane Muncy 570-601-9593

Mill Hall Center 9 Peale Avenue Mill Hall 570-726-6378

Renovo Area Center 415 Fourth Street South Renovo 570-923-2525

RiverWalk Center 423 East Central Avenue South Williamsport 570-601-9592

January 2

December 27

Cheddar cheese omelet, hot spiced peaches, diced beets, fresh orange, whole grain bread

Lighter Fare Minestrone soup, turkey with Swiss on whole grain wrap, tropical fruit salad, pickled beet salad

January 3

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

Pepper steak with tomato pepper sauce, peas with mushrooms, halushkie, baby carrots

Lighter Fare

Greek salad with breaded chicken strips, pasta salad, tropical fruit salad, banana

December 28

Pizza pasta casserole, glazed carrots, broccoli, fresh apple

Lighter Fare Ham, turkey, Swiss cheese on whole grain bread, cinnamon apples, broccoli salad

January 4

Meatball stroganoff over noodles, Harvard beets, green beans, banana

Lighter Fare Italian hoagie with sanwich roll, pepper slaw, Mandarin oranges

December 29

Alpine hamburger, sandwich roll, molasses baked beans, garlic smashed cauliflower, apple sauce

Lighter Fare Chicken Caesar wrap, pepper slaw, peaches, fresh banana

January 5

Creamed chicken over waffle, broccoli, hot spiced peaches, baked custard

Lighter Fare

Beef vegetable soup, chicken Caesar salad with croutons and dressing, macaroni salad, fresh apple

December 30

1/4 lb jumbo hot dog with saurkraut, sandwich roll, peas and carrots, banana

Lighter Fare Greek salad with breaded chicken strips, pineapple, banana

January 6

Meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, vanilla pudding with apples

Lighter Fare

Sliced ham and Swiss with lettuce leaf, whole grain bread, tropical fruit salad, creamy coleslaw

which then leads to injury,” said Madigan.

Most young athletes are learning the basics of sports and developing the movements they need to succeed and move on to the next level. In addition, previous injuries or repetitive stresses can lead to altered movement patterns that continue to contribute to poor mechanics, performances, and then to possible injuries.

Many college and elite athletes have learned how to manage their workloads and injuries but may still have these cumulative traumas. Appropriate chiropractic care can help with recovery as well as assist in managing acute injuries.

Weekend fitness enthusiasts also fall into

the category of athletes and may benefit from regular care. “What I see mostly in this category are trail runners, racquet sport players, and golfers that develop cumulative stress disorders. Individuals in this category have usually taken a hiatus from strenuous activity and decide later to get back into their respective sport,” said Madigan. “As we age, we lose fluid in our joints and bodies; we are a little stiffer and just not as pliable as we were when we were in our teens and twenties. This also leads to many overdoing it and developing injuries.”

During my discussion with Dr. Madigan, I asked about the effectiveness of pre-hab (regular preventative care). He stated that over

the past 10-15 years many new modalities have come into use that have shown significant promise in assisting with injury recovery. He mentioned the following to name a few:

Class IV deep tissue laser therapy which uses infrared stimulation to damaged muscle, tendinous, ligamentous, or primarily to any soft tissue. This stimulates a cascade of events in the cells, which ultimately increases blood flow to the area to promote the healing of damaged tissue.

RPW (radial pressure wave) uses mechanical stimulation by sending out pulse waves into the soft tissue. These waves help to break up scar tissue or adhesions from repetitive stresses or previous injuries while promoting blood flow to the area.

IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) and therapeutic cupping are also techniques that are utilized to break up scar tissue and promote blood flow to the area that you are working. The instrument puts pressure on the soft tissue while the cups lift and take pressure off/distract the tissue between the skin and myofascial region, and the muscles.

Foam rolling and sticks are apparatuses that an individual can use on their own at home to work the myofascial regions and promote blood flow to the area that is being worked. I am personally a big fan of foam rolling and do it often to keep my muscles flexible and my joints limber.

Dr. Madigan, like myself, believes that strength training is an absolute must to support the joints and tissues of the body. “You can not just treat an individual with passive treatments such as chiropractic or all the

modalities that I have mentioned above. The patient needs to take an active role in their treatment to help stabilize the injured area and strengthen the weak areas to allow the joints to move as smoothly and as normally as possible. I compare this to going to the dentist. The dentist finds a cavity, fixes the cavity, and sends them home with toothpaste and floss. If you do not brush your teeth or floss for six months, your dentist will not be very happy when you return for your next cleaning. This is the same when dealing with musculoskeletal injuries. You may be out of pain when you finish your care, but if you do not continue your mobility and strengthening exercises, there is a high chance that your pain will return.”

Dr. Madigan went on to say that for athletes to reach their full potential; they should consult with a movement analysis specialist to either undergo the FMS (Functional Movement Screen) or a biomechanical analysis to identify areas of restriction or limited strength/ stability in any region. They then need to take that information and use it to develop a plan to address any issues with pre-hab exercises, which they can work into their strength and conditioning program. By doing this, it will help to decrease or prevent repetitive stresses and cumulative trauma disorders. Recovery is also essential and can be achieved by maintaining a healthy diet, hydration, and proper workload with appropriate rest days built into your training and mobility exercises.

For more information on developing a fitness program or if you are interested in personal training, feel free to email me at  dave.bellomo@gmail.com or message me on my website, bellomofitness.com.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’

Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping

the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is

no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world, which not the strongest man, nor even the united

strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Saturday,

Saturday,

Accepting equipment Mon thru Fri Dec 5 to Dec 29 8 til 4 (nothing accepted on 12 To receive advertising contact Hoovers or Fraleys before 12 AY001971

Five Tips to Pull Off Holiday Hosting

With stay-at-home holidays a thing of the past for many families, they’re now busy preparing for full-blown celebrations. The return of traditional festivities brings seemingly never-ending to-do lists and pressure to be the perfect host.

From mastering a mouthwatering menu and donning your home with decadent decor to ensuring guests enjoy the evening to the fullest, hosting duties bring plenty of responsibilities. This year, though, you can avoid those anxious feelings with some preparation ahead of the big day.

To help pull off a sensational seasonal soiree, consider these tips from the entertaining experts at Sun-Maid to make the holidays brighter and more manageable so you can navigate the stresses of hosting.

Invite Others to Share Favorite Traditions

Especially with stay-at-home holidays in recent years, some friends and family members may have developed their own special traditions from new recipes and foods to seasonal games and activities. Inviting your guests to bring or share something that represents their favorite part of the holidays can help everyone feel welcome.

Take Time for Yourself

Remember to make time for yourself so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right alongside guests. The busyness of this time of year can add stress but reflecting on the true meaning of the season and reveling in your favorite parts of the holidays can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Add New Ingredients to Your Menu

While pairing this year’s turkey or ham with the classics provides comfort and calls to mind holiday memories of the past, cooking with new ingredients and adding fresh recipes to the menu can put a fun spin on the season and maybe even create your own traditions to carry forward.

For example, baking with an option like Sun-Maid Raisins provides a whole fruit option with zero grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. They’re an easy, better-for-you substitution to reduce overall sugar intake without

flavor or texture when compared with dried cranberries, which contain 27 grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. The natural sugars of raisins make them a versatile, useful addition to a wide variety of holidayworthy dishes.

Hop On Hot Food Trends

One of this year’s most popular trends in the kitchen is food boards, a fun and easy way to elevate flavor while incorporating favorites like cured meats, cold cuts, cheese slices and cubes, dips, nuts and more. Plus, you can keep your board balanced with nutritious items like vegetables and fruit, such as raisins, which provide sweet flavor without the

added sugars.

A Time for Truce

Gathering for the holidays is about coming together with loved ones, family, friends and neighbors — and pulling it off means catering to everyone’s needs and wants. It’s a time for compromises and truces. To help add a little extra spark this year, try incorporating a theme to the party or coordinate fun activities and games that can be enjoyed by all. For example, holiday-themed charades, a seasonal “name that tune” game and gift exchanges all give guests ways to get in on the excitement. (Family Features & Sun-Maid Raisins, Photos courtesy of Getty Images)

The Gifts of Heaven - Love

Note: This is the fourth article in a series for Advent. Previous articles are always available online at www.webbweekly.com.

Baby, it’s cold outside. I’m not referring to the temperature, though it is a bit nippy. I’m referring to the lack of love we are experiencing in the world today. Jesus warns us that as the end approaches, wickedness will increase, and the love of most will grow cold. See Matthew 24:12. I don’t know when the end will happen, but I know for certain it is a thousand years closer today than it was a thousand years ago. I guess the end is always approaching — and that would explain why it’s growing colder out there.

How about you? Are you finding it difficult to love people? Have you become skeptical and cynical? Are you tired of all the hypocrisy? Has the news convinced you that everyone is awful and dangerous? Have you been on the receiving end of someone’s tirade? Worse, has someone seriously hurt you in some awful way? Most of us could probably answer yes to all of the above.

My friends, we were designed by the God of love to live in love forever. The age-old

Tim Hartzell

question, “Who am I?” is fully answered in the statement, “I am the one God loves.” We were made for love, and more precisely, we were made for agape love.

Agape is the Greek word used throughout the New Testament for love. It is charitable and benevolent, a selfless love that seeks to protect others and to meet their needs.

When asked, “What is the greatest command?” Jesus answered, “Love (agape) the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love (agape) your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. Every aspect of human identity — emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, relational — has been designed by God for the giving and receiving of agape

Sin and pride have broken into our story. Guilt, fear, bitterness, and regret have robbed us of the freedom to give and receive agape. The brutality of sin and the wounds and scars left behind has turned us away from others. Our focus has become inward. We have become selfish and self-serving. Our love has grown cold, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Nurturing Love

Agape is a fruit of the Spirit. Like all fruit, it must be nurtured through the discipline of yielding to the Holy Spirit. To grow in the ability to give and receive agape love.

1. Believe in God and confess your need for forgiveness. Belief and confession break the power of pride and release God’s mercy and grace.

2. Receive forgiveness and eternal life. Receiving forgiveness breaks the power of guilt and the fear of death, allowing us to live in confident freedom.

3. Give forgiveness to yourself and others. Forgiveness breaks the power of regret and bitterness, releasing redemption

and setting us free to love others deeply from the heart.

To learn more about this amazing gift of heaven, read 1 John 4:7-21 and I Corinthians 13. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, our love can grow warmer day by day.

Sadie and the Joyful Abilities Heather and I found ourselves warmed by agape love at a special event hosted last week by a group called Joyful Abilities. We were invited by our dear friend, Sadie, who is a member of the group. We had the privilege of listening to them read the story of the birth of Jesus while mixing in some carol singing. After their presentation, we were taken to another

room where we fellowshipped as they made Christmas ornaments and snacked on cookies and hot chocolate.

Joyful Abilities is led by a group of people who clearly understand the power of agape love. Life has been hard on these leaders too, but instead of letting their love grow cold, they have decided to flood the world with agape. It was a sacred privilege to participate in the love that flowed freely throughout the evening.

Thank you, Sadie, and all of your friends at Joyful Abilities, for bringing the warmth and light of agape love into our cold and dark world. You are precious in the sight of God and to us! Merry Christmas!

Handling Grief Around the Holidays

Ashley Stensland

and

Family Hospice, Part of UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania

Grief affects each of us differently. Feelings of loss come and go without warning, even many years after a loved one has died. Sometimes, grief can be triggered by familiar events, music, smells, foods, or photographs. The holidays—full of traditions, events, group meals, and company—can heighten or reignite these intense feelings of loss.

Here are 10 strategies to help you, or someone you love, through the holidays: Recognize that grief is very personal and very complex. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t just “snap out of it” despite the festivities. When feelings of grief strike, ask yourself what you need. Do you want to be alone? Would you prefer some company from friends and family? Make whichever decision is best for you.

Don’t deny your feelings. There’s a lot of pressure to act happy throughout the holidays, but you shouldn’t deny feeling sad, angry, or hollow. Allow yourself to cry. Experts agree that experiencing the pain of grief enables you to continue healing.

Make plans to go out but have an exit strategy. When you accept an invitation to a holiday gathering or event, know that your feelings about it may change, some-

times even during the event. If you can, plan to attend with a friend for support, but make it clear that you may decide you no longer want to attend or need to leave early.

Scale back. If you suspect certain traditions or activities will be too difficult, allow yourself to skip them. You may want to decorate less or not at all. Don’t feel pressure to do embrace the holiday if you’re not feeling up to it.

Focus on good health. Don’t use drugs or alcohol to numb your feelings. Get plenty of rest, eat a nutritious diet, and make time for exercise. Not only will it help you feel good, it also helps prevent holiday weight gain and mitigates stress.

Help others. Volunteering can sometimes counter grief. Community service, such as working at a food bank, charity gift exchange, or homeless shelter, places you around other helpers. You may also consider donating to charity in your loved one’s name to remember them during the holidays.

Create a new tradition. Look for a new decoration, event, or food to add to your celebration. Finding a new way to connect to or honor your loved one helps you remember them and can help in your grief journey.

Take things one step at a time. Accept grief as part of the holiday experience. Whether you need an afternoon of crying, laughing, or both, make time for it.

Share their story with youth. Talking about your loved one with them can build memories of activities you did together. Consider looking through photos or sharing a song or story that they loved. If you are helping children with grief through the holidays, lead by example. If your child sees you dealing with grief in healthy ways, he or she will learn to do so as well.

See a grief counselor or try a support group. If you are struggling with grief, especially around the holidays, talking to someone specially trained to help can make a difference. If you are looking for company from those who understand loss,

consider attending a grief support group. If you would prefer to work through your feelings privately, your doctor or local hospice group can recommend therapists and counselors specializing in grief.

Find a healthy strategy that works for you, and most importantly, make time for yourself and your needs this holiday.

Ashley Stensland is the volunteer and bereavement coordinator for Family Hospice, Part of UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania. Family Hospice offers several ways to support you during this difficult time including support groups and memorial services. For more information on resources available in northcentral Pa., contact Ashely by calling 570-326-8952 or emailing stenslandam@UPMC.edu.

Frances Tipton Hunter To Be Honored with Historical Marker

By Lou Hunsinger, Jr.

It was announced recently that the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has authorized a Pennsylvania historical marker honoring late, distinguished local artist Frances Tipton Hunter to be erected locally. The marker is to be dedicated sometime in 2023. It has been speculated that the maker is to be placed appropriately enough in Way’s Garden, the site of the Way’s Garden Art Show, since its inception in 1957.

The Christmas season is often a celebration of children and a love of children, and Tipton Hunter celebrated children through her art.

Frances Tipton Hunter was one of the most gifted artists that this area has ever produced. She may not be in the realm of great artists whose works hang in prominent galleries in the great cities of this country anywhere else, but they endure as heartwarming celebrations of children and their world. Her art will surely produce a smile and evoke a carefree sense of nostalgia.

She was born in Howard, Centre County, on September 1, 1896, a de-

scendent of Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers.

When Frances was six, her mother died, and she moved to Williamsport to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward McEntire.

She showed an early interest in art. She illustrated her early letters with drawings. She later explained, “This is a perfectly natural thing, for the first impulse is to express oneself, and the easiest way for a child to do this is by pictures.”

At Williamsport High School, she played on the girls’ basketball team and was staff for the Cherry and White, the high school’s literary magazine. She designed the cover of the last issue of 1914, the year she graduated. Surviving copies of this are highly sought after.

She modestly recalled her days at Williamsport High School, saying, “I distinguished myself by contributing some pretty bad drawings to the Cherry and White and playing unspectacular basketball.”

In 1915 she wrote an essay for the Grit. It probably best expresses her philosophy of art and why she liked painting children so much, “Personally, I prefer

pictures of living, breathing creatures because they are God’s greatest creations. Again, I think to show by means of bare canvas and crude paints, the life, character mood, and even the thoughts of men are the highest type of art.”

After graduating high school, she attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts, where she graduated with honors under the tutelage of the noted illustrator Thornton Oakley. She later studied at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts.

She received her first professional recognition as an artist when she won a $500 Wannamaker Prize. That led to her to do illustrations for Wannamaker’s clothing ads, particularly children’s clothing.

She said she had a special interest in drawing children and, as a result, “watched them closely.”

Her illustrations graced the covers of many nationally prominent magazines such as Collier’s, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Look, Red Book and The Saturday Evening Post (the same magazine that Norman Rockwell had numerous cover paintings for).

She worked mostly in watercolor and pen and ink. Her oil works were unsigned and never sold.

She was named to “Who’s Who in American Art” in 1938 in recognition

of her extensive and well-received children’s illustrations.

She illustrated two books, The Frances Tipton Hunter Picture Book and Boo, Who Used to Be Afraid of the Dark.

Her work has been compared favorably to such artistic luminaries such as Maxfield Parrish, Douglas Crockwell, Paul Detlefsen, and of course, Norman Rockwell.

Several of her works are displayed in the James V. Brown Library Children’s Room.

During Williamsport’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1956, she was honored as “a daughter of Williamsport.”

She died in Philadelphia on March 2, 1957, at the age of 61. She was buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in that city.

The Sun-Gazette memorialized her in an editorial on March 5, 1957, writing in part, “Williamsport has lost one of its most gifted daughters in the death of Frances Tipton Hunter, an artist and illustrator of national reputation. Her warm human-interest pictures—especially those of children and pet animals endeared her to a national audience. Few persons from this community have gained greater national prominence than she enjoyed, and few treasured their recollections of childhood and youth in this city more dearly than she.”

She is truly an artist worthy of honor.

Undereye

Irecently experienced an allergic reaction to an eye shadow stick that left my eyelids red, raw, and flakey — which is just the look I want for upcoming holiday events. And for some reason, the irritation traveled around and under my eyes. Needless to say, that stick found its way to the trashcan posthaste, and I was in dire need of some undereye cream. Much like brussels sprouts or polka music, eye creams are one of those things that people either enthusiastically love or learn to live with. Personally, I enjoy a creamy, hydrating eye cream in winter to help keep my skin nourished. For warmer weather, I tend toward lightweight formulas. For the emergency undereye care that I found myself in need of, the best course of action was plain old CereVe’s Under Eye Cream Repair. Anything with fancyschmancy ingredients like retinol or vitamin C will only worsen the already irritated undereye, so a simple formula that’s readily available over the counter helped my eyes get back to their baseline, so to speak. Of course, eye creams are not the only way to nourish and refresh the skin around your eyes. There are other products and practices that help you care for your undereye area and have you looking more awake. Here’s a rundown of skin care and maintenance for around your eyes.

Bernadette Ulsamer

First thing in the morning, when washing your face, cleanse your eyes as well. Remove sleep crust and comb out your eyelashes. Cleaning the area around your eye will help avoid unnecessary irritation, and you’ll be less likely to rub your eyes as the day progresses. You’ll obviously want to wash your face and eyes before bed and rinse off any makeup bacteria, dust, pollen, and pollution that builds up on the eyelashes and lids. If you have sensitive eyes, try baby shampoo to cleanse around the eyelids and lashes because regular face wash may feel too stingy. You do not want irritation coming from washing, or what would be the point!? Next is sunscreen. The thin skin over and around our eyes is especially prone to skin cancer, and for added protection, you can also wear sunglasses when outside. Sunscreen and sunglasses, beyond preventing cancer, also work to reduce/prevent wrinkles and sunspots. However, applying sunscreen on eyelids is less than fun. I’ve been looking into powdered sunscreens, which are just as effective as lotion-based SPF. You just close your eyes, then gently sweep a brush with powder over your eyelids, much like a finishing or matte powder.

For puffy eyes, try icing the undereye. There’s the trick of pressing the back of a frozen spoon under the eyes. I like the idea of an eye mask that’s been chilled in the

fridge, freezer, or a bowl of ice water. Icing is good for short-term fixes, but if puffy undereye is a chronic problem for you, try the flip side of this trick and use heat. A warm compress or microwavable eye mask will help soften oil production that comes from the base of the eyelashes, which is good for lubrication and prevents dry eyes. I prefer heat over ice; it’s more relaxing and has longer-term benefits.

Besides washing, sunscreen, eye cream, heat, and ice, another essential to eye area skincare is knowing what to avoid. The aforementioned eye-shadow stick, rimming my waterline with eyeliner, eyelash serums, and products with retinol are big No-Nos for me. Through trial and error, I’ve learned the products and ingredients to avoid. Everyone and every eye react differently, so

pay attention to what products and, more importantly, the formulas of those products you are using and how your skin responds. If irritation starts to flare up, remove products from your daily beauty routine to see which may be the culprit and promptly trash them. When using new products, if things sting or burn, that’s a sign your skin barrier is reacting in a bad way. There’s the old saying that if it’s tingling, it’s working. Well, tingle and burn are two different sensations, so just be mindful if the tingle starts to hurt. Lastly, don’t rub or smear products under your eyes or eyelids — dab in creams and foundations with either your fingers or a makeup sponge. For the lids, again, be gentle, especially with cosmetics. The skin around your eyes is thin and can be very sensitive, so proceed with caution.

Holiday Fun with a Joyful Pop

countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your goto for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better.

Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures.

Decorate Strings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while

making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles.

Give It as a Gift

If it’s your turn to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them

in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home.

Enjoy It as a Snack

Freshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning so the snacks are ready once guests arrive.

Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix

Yield: 2 quarts

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts popped popcorn

• butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly over popcorn.

Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.

Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients:

• 8 cups popped popcorn

• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

• candy sprinkles

Directions:

On serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Sprinkle candy sprinkles over warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Yield: 1 pound

Ingredients:

• 5 cups popped popcorn

• 12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating

• 1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

Directions:

Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions.

Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.

When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.

Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Yield: 18 balls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed

• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn

Directions:

In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 250 F on candy thermometer.

Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to keep from boiling over.

Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.

Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.

Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.

(Family Features & Popcorn Board)

By Jon Pries

It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you are willing to devote the time, you can gain a great deal of knowledge by learning to read what animal tracks can reveal. Whether your goal is to become a better hunter, to develop a better understanding of Mother Nature’s wonders, or to discover just what animals frequent the woods where you hike or hunt, being able to identify and “read” animal tracks can be key. Anytime over the next several months that we have a fresh snowfall will be the perfect time to take a hike and discover the tracks of the various animals that live in or travel through our fields and woods.

These tracks tell a story if we will but listen.

Size variation and pattern differences can identify a whitetail deer track as a buck, doe, or yearling.

Distance between tracks can allow you to determine if the animal is merely walking slowly, undisturbed,

or if the stride is longer; it will show that the animal is running for some reason.

Usually, deer, as well as other animals, travel slowly — listening and watching for predators and seeking food.

Over the winter months, wildlife needs to conserve their energy as their fat reserve is slowly used up in the colder temperatures.

On a hike several years ago, it became obvious what was happening after closely examining a set of deer tracks. The tracks cut out across an open field on a heavily wooded mountaintop.

There was over a foot of snow on the ground, and initially, it seemed there was no reason for the deer to be running instead of moving in a steady walk. As I backtracked where the deer had come from, the answer presented itself. Parallel and a few feet to the side of the deer tracks lay a fresh set of bobcat tracks.

The predator had chased the deer out of the woods, but once it reached the open field, the cat slowed to a walk and then turned and headed back into the

forest.

For the whitetail deer hunter, the more heavily used deer trails are much more obvious, with snow on the ground, and identifying those trails now will help you better plan your next season hunts. Most trappers have specific animals that they plan to target over the upcoming trapping season, and a fresh snow will quickly show you whether or not those animals are frequenting your area and just what their travel patterns are.

More than 20 years have passed since I first had the opportunity to hunt for whitetail deer in the renowned destination of Saskatchewan.

Over the years prior, I had read numerous articles describing in detail the huge 300-pound class bucks that frequented the woods of this western Canadian province. On the second day of a 5-day hunt, temperatures dipped to -50 degrees, yet throughout the morning, I watched numerous does and smaller bucks and then was fortunate enough to tag a beautiful 9-point monster that scored over 160 points and weighed 280 pounds after it was field dressed! One of the other hunters was not as fortunate because,

over the same two days, he saw no deer at all at a location where deer usually frequented. On the third day, the outfitter and I went to that spot and discovered just why no deer had passed there in days. There in the snow were tracks that I could barely cover with my hand. There was evidence of several animals having passed there recently — and the hair on the back of my neck raised as I realized they were the tracks of wolves! No wonder no deer had been there!

Finding tracks in the snow and learning how to “read” them is a fun pastime in these winter months. If you are new to the experience or want to learn more, there are numerous ways to hone your skill. Check out the “Pocket Guide to Animal Tracks” by Andy Diamond or the “Field Guide to Tracking Animals in the Snow.” There is also a handy pocket guide entitled “Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide” that you should be able to find through your local bookstore.

If you are tech-savvy, several apps will help. Check out iNaturalist, iTrack, NatureLynx, or Animal Tracker. It’s another way to add enjoyment to the winter months!

Outdoors with Ken Hunter…

Navigation and Wilderness Travel

Like many people our age, my wife and I have started to go through file cabinets and boxes of “stuff” stored on shelves in the basement.

As I was going through some of the “stuff,” I came across a small notebook, and when I opened it and started to read, I quickly realized it was the diary that I kept when I went on an elk hunt in Montana in 1982; I’d forgotten that it even existed. My first notes from Oct. 22, 1982. “Arrived at base camp around noon. Steve and I left base camp at 3:30 with 50-pound packs and rifles and climbed to the 7,500-foot level, and made camp. Snow on the ground and temps to drop below freezing tonight.” My diary went on to say how we broke camp the next morning and continued our climb to the 9,500-foot level where we planned to camp at the edge of the heavy timber and a large open meadow; we were just north of Yellowstone National Park. We planned to hunt alone each day and then meet back at camp each evening.

As I read my notes I had to chuckle a bit since the site where we camped

had actually been picked and marked on a topographical map many weeks before.

So how did we find that little spot for a camp in a vast wilderness high in the Montana mountains in a place we had never been before? Simple; I studied a topographical map carefully, noting elevations and other geographical and botanical information, and marked the spot on the map. Next, I plotted our course of travel up the mountain coordinating our movements carefully with the aid of a compass. Now a lot of people reading this know exactly what I’m talking about since that’s likely how you also found your way around unknown territories. For many of us, that was a perfectly normal way of travel in strange territory, but when I thought about it, I wondered, would young folks these days know how to use a compass, and do they even know what a topographical map looks like?

In the big woods these days, I would probably still use a compass and a topo map, but I’ll admit that when driving somewhere now, I’ll pick up my “device” (I don’t know what else to call

Ken Hunter

it) and say “hey Google show me how to get to such and such a place,” and a map and continuous instructions come up. I guess that device is the new topo map and compass. Not only does that device provide maps and other services it is also available for emergency situations. Back in 1982, we had no such equipment even in an emergency; I guess you fired three quick shots in the air and hoped somebody would find you.

As I read through my little diary, it reminded me of how I hunted alone all week and trekked all over those snowcovered mountains and managed to kill a 6x6 bull elk and, later that

week, a 200-pound bear but without meeting up personally with Steve or my other hunting companions staying down at the base camp, we had no way of communicating simple information about what was happening each day. Oh yeah, I did have a camera with me. Of course, back then, we took photos that had to be developed. I took all “slides”; I’m sure that’s another term that many of today’s young folks don’t comprehend. Also, you didn’t know what you were going to end up with until the slides were picked up after a couple of weeks of being developed. “Developed,” you know, made into pictures!

The Christmas season has a different feel

From the worldly troubles and all that is real

People greet each other and spread good cheer

Wouldn’t it be nice if that happened all year?

Sports are an escape we all can enjoy As much as the little ones with a new

Santa toy

We gather and root for the team of our choice

Regardless of gender or color of the voice

Be it the high school, college or pro

The game’s excitement gets us to go It matters not which sport receives the cheers

Both wins and losses are remembered

for years

As two thousand twenty-two comes to an end

There are many great memories that could be penned Teams won titles and individuals shined All coming at the end of a long training grind

The Warriors of Canton and Bulldogs of Shore

Left it all on the field, still hoping for more South’s lady booters and Sock’s football team

All had great seasons but fell short of their dream

For Nittany Lions rooters the Rose Bowl is real

Playing the Wolverines and Buckeyesthey couldn’t finish the deal The Phillies thrilled many reaching World Series play

Judge got 360-million from the Yankees for pay

The Cutters returned for a second Draft League season

Some fans still wondering about baseball’s reason

Little League’s World Series came back to town

Twenty teams now competing for the coveted crown

The MLB Classic welcomed the Red Sox and O’s

Boston fans still upset about letting Bogaerts go

While a new sports complex near Penn College failed Lycoming and the City seek a deal being hailed

A new winter’s season is now underway

With plenty of games the teams will play Some have great expectations, while other’s not sure

But they’ll all be challenging with efforts that are pure

Whatever may be your team, city or school

All hold sports moments thought of as cool

So as you all gather around the Christmas tree

Scott Lowery

Treasure those family moments, whatever they may be

The Lowery home team has many to cherish

From our memory banks they won’t soon perish

A grandson coaches soccer, a granddaughter plays at the Haven A son coaches basketball, a sport he’s long craven

A grandson waits choosing a college for football

While I coach junior high youngsters giving their all Seating at the scorer’s table is my wife Jean

It’s now been 35 years she’s been at that scene

If your shopping’s not finished, please get on the stick

There are plenty of sports presents that will do the trick

It could be bats, balls, sneakers or maybe some skies

If your loved ones like sports, they’ll be easy to please

As the countdown continues toward

that big December day

From this weekly column I just want to say

Thanks for your time to give it a read Take time this Christmas to do a good deed!

Those who engage in sporting endeavors receive special types of gifts, not just limited to Christmas time. Whatever your sport, words spoken by Nelson Mandela, considered by many to be the greatest sports quote of all time, are worthy to be remembered.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

My sincere appreciation is extended to all those who have joined me over the years for this weekly visit. Your time, interest and comments are most welcomed and valued. Whatever your personal beliefs may be, I wish you the best for a happy, healthful and memorable holiday season.

Ifeel bad for our district leaders. Making a decision today is tough. I truly believe that they are in it for the right reasons. But it’s hard to make the best choice. Our administrators get paid well. And they have to put up with a lot. Please remember they have a difficult job. They are doing their best to keep our kids safe. There are so many moving parts. They have to look at several factors.

We complain when school is canceled. We complain when it is not. We complain when we go remote. Others complain when we don’t. Some schools believe in snow days. Other districts do not. Two-hour delays are quite common. And threehour delays are not. I will leave it there. JENSEN. WHAT TIME DOES THE BUS COME? WHAT? SO, YOU WILL BE HOME IN TWO HOURS?

This is the first time in 25 years that I am not on the hardwood full-time. It was totally my call, and it was the

right one. I have no responsibilities as far as coaching or broadcasting the game I still love. I do miss the atmosphere and, of course, the kids. But I do not miss all the distractions. The drama and the phone calls. The experts. And the admins. It was time. Jensen is playing 8th-grade hoops, and I look forward to being in the stands. I made the promise last season. I will not miss any more of his games.

Jensen and I have a great bond, and we try to get to Lycoming to see the Warriors as much as we can. They are a fun team to watch, and I have so much respect for their program. Division 3 basketball is fantastic. You should come check it out. I know several of the players well. They even take time out of pregame warmups to give us some love. That means the world. Jensen and I will even sneak down to the Rec Center to get a few shots up during halftime. One of the many perks of being a part-time golf coach. We occasionally go on Sun-

day too. He has yet to beat me in HORSE. We both love basketball.

I haven’t seen many high school games in person, but I do plan to see some shortly. I watched a few replays on Webb Weekly LIVE. Streaming is handy, but it doesn’t have the same feel. I miss the sounds of a scholastic gymnasium. Soon. I think I will take a break from all of this home remodeling. We did the best we could. But we might have to shut down for the winter. Heck. I even made my own press pass to gain entrance. I am still in good standing with the coaches at St. John Neumann. Lou Roskowski, Bill, and Chris Reed are my guys. They do things the right way, and the Golden Knights are in terrific hands. I wanted to do an article on young Roskowski earlier, but another author beat me to it. Lou has a great basketball mind and is full of energy. He was a valuable member of our squad last year. I was thrilled

that he got the nod. I have a lot of respect for him, and he will win his share of games. Lou is already a terrific mentor, and the boys will learn a ton. More about life and not just Xs and Os. I wish them well this season. I always smile when he reaches out and says hi. That is the beauty of walking away like I did. No sour grapes. No sharp axes. I am still the big brother who decided to retire. I love this time of year. There is nothing like seeing a hoops game. I have no affiliations this year. And I hope to see a lot of my old chums. Please say hello if you see me. I promise I won’t banter with the referees. Nor will I complain. Merry Christmas, sports fans. Cheers.

Jamie Spencer

Crossword, Jumble and Sudoku Answers

CHRISTMAS PUPPIES, Border Collie-Pomsky. Vet checked, wormed, shots. Call 570-725-2004 ext:2 . 169550

9 MINI GOLDENDOODLE And Border Collie Cross Puppies. Ready For Christmas. Shots And Wormed. $150.00. 570-745-3626. 169696

FOR SALE: CAVAPOO Puppies. 3 Black With Brown Feet & Brown Nose, And 1 Light Brown. 570-745-3650. 168972

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL puppies, family raised, strong hunting lineage, ACA Registered. $1,200, ready Dec. 6th. 570-9804802. 169523

8 WEEK OLD, Old Fashioned

Type Lassie Collie Puppy, Male. Loganton Area. $550.00. 570-2955698. 169377

FOR SALE AKC SILVER GRAY WEIMARANER Puppies. Very Friendly. Vet Checked, Shots, Wormed. 3 Months Old. 2 Females Left. Call For Price And More Information. 570-5385739. 169531

EVENTS

CHURCH SERVICES

HESHBON PARK

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2898 Heshbon Rd., Williamsport (Turn Off Of Lycoming Creek Road) Pastor Jane OʼBorski. Worship 9 AM, Sunday School 10:15 AM. 168277

GENERAL MERCH.

4ʼX8ʼX2” INSULATION, 2” Thick. LOWEʼS Price $48.00. I Have The Same, $25.00 A Sheet. Must Take All. Call 570-971-3238. 169691

BELTONE HEARING AIDS

Voted #1 hearing Care retailer. Rechargeable, weather & sweatproof. Easily connect music, audio & calls to your hearing aids. Starting at $799. Call today & get 25% off plus a free cleaning kit with purchase. Expires 3/31/2023. Call 1-866-6254985. C11

NORDIC TRACK Stationary Bike, GX 5.0 Pro. $150.00 Cash. 570-326-2936. 169690

3 SECTIONS SCAFFOLDING With Legs And Planks, 1 - 24” Aluminum Plank. 570-398-5994. 169545

VINTAGE 1950ʼS CHINA SET. Grace China (Bavaria) - Color: Dessden Rose. Service For 8 Plus

Additional Serving Pieces - Total 66 Pieces. All Original - Family Owned - Photos Available. Asking $450 - Send Inquiries To: jpatanjo@windstream.net .169525

NICE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. Soft Seat. Telephone 570-322-7289. 169522

VINTAGE 1950ʼs CHINA SET. Grace China (Bavaria) - Color: Dessden Rose. Service For 8 Plus Additional Serving Pieces - Total 66 Pieces. All Original - Family Owned - Photos Available. Asking $450 - Send Inquiries To: jpatanjo@windstream.net .169525

STRATOLOUNGER DOUBLE SEAT RECLINER like new condition $125 firm. Ashley foldable round/square cocktail table $100 great condition and table. 4-225/65/ R17 Snow Tires 8/32 $225 firm. Proform tension torque stationary bike $25. 570-560-7301

FIREWOOD

FIREWOOD DELIVERY In Surrounding Area Or You Pickup. Call 570-692-0938. 169155 FIREWOOD CUT & SPLIT. $195.00 A Cord. 570-745-2433

Leave Message. 400 Heck Rd. Jersey Shore. No Sunday Service. 168979 GOODFIREARMS

THINGS TO EAT

SNOWPLOW

WHEELHORSE 12HP

KOHLER Engine, 6 Speed, Standard Shift Snowplow, Wheel Weights And Tire Chains, 42” Mower Deck. Runs Great. $750.00. Montoursville. Call Anytime 570433-4486. 169702

WANTED TO BUY

CALLAHANʼS ANTIQUITIES

381 Broad Street Montoursville, PA.

ALWAYS BUYING Quality Antiques, Gold, Silver Top Prices Paid With Immediate Payment. One Piece or Whole Estates.

“Member of Certified Appraisers Guild of America”. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 570-368-2597. 169182

BY GONE ANTIQUES

BUYING JEWELRY, JEWELRY, JEWELRY GALORE! Pre 1960ʼs Glitzy And Gaudy Vintage Costume & Designer Jewelry. Estate Jewelry, Antique Jewelry, Gold Jewelry (Old Or New), Sterling Jewelry, Sterling Silver Items And Quality Antiques. FOR APPOINTMENTS, PHONE 570-295-0622 LEAVE MESSAGE, OR 570-295-4013 THANK YOU 169183

FRYING PANS AND ANVILS. CALL 570-998-9132. 169034

BUYING RECORDS!!! Sonic Ascension Records Is Buying Albums And 45ʼs. Rock, Blues, Jazz, Punk, And Metal. No Collection Too Big Or Small. Cash Paid On The Spot! Call 570-3603486 Or Find Us On Facebook. 169333

EMPLOYMENT

PLUMBINGMASTERS IS

LOOKING for HVAC Technicians and Helpers with experience in servicing and installing all types of systems (some experience in oil furnaces is a plus). We offer competitive pay, paid vacation and holidayʼs, medical benefits and 401K. Please send resume and business references to: PlumbingMasters, 302 Sidney Street, South Williamsport, 17702 or email at plumbingmasters1@verizon.net or call 570323-1983. 169700

MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking applications for part-time Custodian. Please visit our website: www. montoursville.k12.pa.us. 169543

BARBER SUPPLY COMPANY Needs PT or FT Warehouse Associates To Join Our Team! We Offer Competitive Pay, Paid Time Off, Health Benefits And Retirement. Mon-Fri, 8-5 pm. or P/T Hours, Pay Starts At $11.50 - $13.50. Send Email To: hr@thestephanco.com or 1-800-637-1996, Ext. 205. Drug Screen & Background Required. Exp. Preferred. 169544

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, & TILE FLOOR CLEANING COMPANY FOR SALE. This is a low moisture and environmentally green cleaning system. Includes 3 carpet, 1 upholstery and 1 tile floor cleaning machines plus all miscellaneous sprayers, buckets, mops etc. and a Ford Transit Van. This company has a strong customer base with a protected area including Lycoming and six surrounding counties. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY 570-337-4804. 169701

BUSINESS SERVICES

CLEANING AND HAULING INSIDE AND OUT. We Will Clean Up And Haul Away Your Unwanted Items From Your Yard, Attic, Basement And Garage. Reliable And Reasonable. Call Gary 570-244-1424 OR 570-321-9472.

169694

WE TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN IN LESS TIME , with less stress, at an amazing value. Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-887-5145 (PA017137) M11

PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite, and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-394-9278. C11

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877729-1920 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads .C11

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most Advanced Debris-Blocking Protection. Schedule FREE LEAFFILTER Estimate today. 15% Off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936. C11

RICHARTʼS FURNITURE REFINISHING AND REPAIR We Make Spindles, We Fix Most Any Loose Chairs. We Also Paint Metal, 570-584-3215. 168110

YARD WORK, CLEANUP. Brush Removal, Hauling, Weed-Whacking. 570-439-1934. 169163

HEALTHCARE CLEANING

NEED A CLEAN HOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? No Time? Call ME! I Will Get Your Home Looking Great So You Can Relax! Great Rates, References Available Upon Request. For An Estimate Call Joyce 570-238-1796.

FARMING

SECOND CUTTING Grass Hay. 4x5ʼ Round Bales, $45.00. Call 570-437-3872. 169323

SERVICES OFFERED

INSURANCE

LOOKING FOR AUTO INSURANCE? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-924-2397. M11

CELL SERVICE

SWITCH AND SAVE up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855903-3048 . C11

TV / INTERNET

DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the Most Local MLB Games!

CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086. M11

HUGHESNET - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141. C11

DISH TV $64.99 FOR 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516. C11

LAWNCARE

ROBERTʼS LANDSCAPING

-Fall Clean-up, Winter Snow Removal. Call 570-279-2012. 169334

REAL ESTATE

APARTMENTS

Look

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgrms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/ one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-7583892. C11

- -Williamsport - GRACE STREET- RENT SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH SECURITY DEPOSIT PAID IN FULL FOR 1 BRM. APTS. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL THOSE 62 YRS. OR OLDER WHO MEET FEDERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. W/W CARPET, A/C. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED EXCEPT TELEPHONE AND CABLE. SECTION 8 ACCEPTED. CALL FOR APPLICATION AND INFORMATION. 1-800-735-3068, TDD 711. THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER. 169697

-WILLIAMSPORT - LINN STREET MANOR - RENT SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH RENT

WITH SECURITY DEPOSIT PAID IN FULL FOR 1 BRM. APTS. W/ 2 APTS. DESIGNED TO ACCOM. NEEDS OF A WHEELCHAIR. RENT INCLUDES UTILITIES. MUST BE 62 YRS. OR OLDER & MEET FEDERAL

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. SECTION 8 ACCEPTED. FOR INFO. CALL 1-800-735-3068. OR 570-322-2444. TDD 711. THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER. 169698

-Williamsport - GRIER STREET MANOR - 1 BRM. APTS. AVAILABLE FOR ALL THOSE 55 YRS. OR OLDER WHO MEET FEDERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. W/W CARPET, A/C. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED EXCEPT TELEPHONE AND CABLE. SECTION 8 ACCEPTED. CALL FOR APPLICATION AND INFORMATION. 1-800-735-3068, TDD 711. THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER. 169699

-WILLIAMSPORT- NICHOLS COURT APARTMENTS, WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 1- AND 2-BEDROOM APARTMENTS MUST BE 62 YRS. OR OLDER & MEET FEDERAL PRO-

GRAM REQUIREMENTS. RENT INCLUDES ALL UTILITIES. SECTION 8 VOUCHERS ACCEPTED AND BUS STOPS AT BUILDING. NON-SMOKING BUILDING. THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER. PLEASE CALL 1-800-735-3068, TTD: 711 TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION. 169532

-NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!! Iris Commons Apartments Office located at 618 Center Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. 1-800-735-3068 TDD: 711. 2, 3 & 4 BR Apartments Rent includes heat. Tenant responsible for electric, water, sewer, trash removal. Must meet federal program requirements. Section 8 Accepted. Call and request an

application at 1-800-735-3068. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 169533

BROAD ST. SCHOOL APTS. JERSEY SHORE SENIOR LIVING 2-Bedroom apartment available, $893/Month. 1-Bedroom apartment available, $745 / Month. 62 yrs. of age and older facility. All utilities included! Central Air, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Microwave, DW, Refrigerator, Gas Stove, On-site Laundry available. Entire Building Elevator Accessible. 24HR Emergency Maintenance. 24HR Secured Building. $99 Security Deposit. Questions? Tour? Call Andy @ 570-601-6818 . 169521

BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com . M11 SELL YOUR VEHICLE FAST! WEBB WEEKLY CLASSIFIED ADS GET RESULTS. DIRECT MAILED TO OVER 58,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL, 3 LINES FOR 4 WEEKS, ONLY $15.95. CALL CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT AT 570-326-9322 DONATE YOUR CAR TO VETERANS TODAY! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398. C11

WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo. com . M11