Happy New Year boys and girls. I am so looking forward to writing more articles in 2019. Special thanks to Jimmy and Steph for allowing me to scribe. I am extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity. It’s hard to believe that I have been associated with Webb Weekly for almost fifteen years. That’s crazy. I thoroughly enjoy the many conversations with our local teams and athletes. Sharing their accomplishments and amazing tales is something I take great pride in. Telling these stories is somewhat of a challenge, but I always do my best. It keeps me in the loop, and the individual feedback is grand.

I can’t begin to tell you how great it feels when someone gives me some love. You wouldn’t believe the number of shouts each week. It’s almost embarrassing. I constantly hear from all walks of life. A few are young. Most are old. And I believe everyone is registered to vote. 58,000 households. No. I didn’t study creative writing or journalism in college. I rarely went to class and had lots of fun. I got my bachelors in sixteen semesters, and English was actually my worst subject. I had absolutely no confidence, and it was a constant fight. I vividly remember those long and uncomfortable hours of intense writer’s block. I guess that is why I am so appreciative when someone says I ENJOYED YOUR ARTICLE SPENCE. I usually thank them with a five-dollar bill or a hug.

No. I do not write my articles behind a fancy computer or on a laptop. I am a rather busy person, and I am more of a MOBILE freelancer. All of my stories are actually typed on my iPhone 8. Perhaps that’s why my thumbs always hurt, and my spelling tends to smell. My favorite place to scribe is on a park bench alongside the Susquehanna River. I usually go there an hour before my deadline, and thankfully you can enjoy the view without being a member.

I admit. I sometimes struggle with certain deadlines. Several of my former teachers and my spunky editor would agree. Some say its procrastination. I prefer to call it a minor delay in motivation. I always have great intentions, but life seems to get in the way. We all have our New Year’s resolutions. While some want to get fit or watch their spending — I am just hoping to hit my deadline.

My topics vary, but they usually have something to do with sports. If I am not writing about an outstanding individual, I tend to focus on fishing, hiking or golf.

My soon to be 10-year-old son is my pride and joy. He stars on these pages quite often. Jensen is a great looking kid who plays Xbox and participates in several sports. He too loves the outdoors and is halfway through the fourth grade. Jensen is so dang spoiled and has thousands of toys. He is at a fun age, and you can’t make up what he sometimes says or does. Jensen provides some great material for this column. I enjoy sharing his experiences with little Biddy Basketball and Little League. My lovely bride is also great, and we make one heck of a team. But she doesn’t like the spotlight, so I often refrain from using her name. Many have even encouraged us to start a blog. Maybe someday.

I would like to wish all of the area the very best. 2018 was a blast, and there were so many interesting stories. I have no major plans in 2019, but I am excited to sign on for another year with Sporting Matters. Cheers.