Well, the winter that wasn’t has shown up like a lion for the month of March. Let’s hope the saying holds true and it goes out like a lamb. What a great time of year, late winter snowfall and all. Soon we will be enjoying all the sweet sounds, sights, and activities of Spring. Daylight savings time and that extra hour of sunlight in the evening are already appreciated.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to everyone, whether you’re truly Irish or Irish for the day. One of the true harbingers of Spring is when I get the call to put the Shamrock’s ad together that appears below. I always enjoyed sitting down with Mr. Bobby Griffin and catching up on things. I knew this year would be a little different as Bobby left us in January. I was glad to hear from owner Peggy Leta and that she would carry on this tradition within our pages. I’m sure Bobby is looking down, smiling.
I have always enjoyed Saint Patrick’s Day, but this year I have a little added incentive. A while back, I had my DNA checked and found out I’m a little over 10% Irish. I never knew there was any Irish blood in my veins. I knew there was lots of Italian and German, with some English, but this came as a surprise. Our Irish tradition at the Webb house has always been my mother-in-law Theresa’s corned beef and cabbage. Maybe this year, I’ll have an extra bowl and wash it down with a Guinness.
I encourage everyone to get out and about and partake in the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. We have great local restaurants, bars, and eateries that will be featuring the taste and drinks of the Irish. Many beverages featured will even be nonalcoholic. Please, if you’re going to drink, do not drive; that way, everyone makes it home safely.
Another true sign of Spring is that our Webb Weekly Home Improvement guide can be found within our paper. It is one of our biggest publications of the year featuring 40 pages of the who, how, what, and why to get your project done. And maybe even some ideas you haven’t even thought about. It is also a great guide to keep around for just-in-case purposes. If you do throw it away, it can always be found archived at webbweekly.com.
A special tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American Flag on the side to all the businesses that advertise in our annual Spring and Fall Home Improvement Guides. Many have been present since we began the publication. We sincerely appreciate your trust in our paper and the hard work, products, and services you provide.
Saint Patrick’s Day time and the middle of the month also mark a time every basketball fan looks forward to, March Madness — the luck of the Irish to everyone in filling out the brackets. I can’t wait to see who takes top honors in our annual Webb Weekly office contest. If you’re doing a little more betting than maybe an office poll, please wager wisely. With all the easy access to sports betting, it’s becoming a real problem for many. Especially those that already struggle with a gambling problem.
In closing things out, this week, a quick story about what a difference a year makes. The South Williamsport Lady Mounties recently won the District IV Girls 2A title; as I’m penning this article, they’re getting ready to tip off the PIAA State Tournament with an opening-round home game.
Last year at this time, first-year Head Coach Dean Kriebel was just finishing up chemo treatments as he was battling cancer. There was obviously much uncertainty in his life, although his love for the game of basketball never wavered. It actually provided a distraction and something he looked forward to during some difficult days.
With the support of his wife Amy, his family, friends, and his community, he finished chemo, regained his strength, and was encouraged to become the head coach on the South Side.
With Amy as an assistant by his side, daughter Lacey hitting threes, and the inspiration and support of son Andrew, what a journey in faith the family’s story has been. With many more chapters to be written for my friend.
What does the next chapter hold in your life? Please appreciate and give thanks for everything you have each and every day, even when things may not be going your way.
God Bless America.
