With the 25th anniversary of Victorian Christmas on the cover, we’re on the doorstep of the most wonderful time of year across the West Branch Valley.
Thanksgiving falls on the latest date possible this year, November 28th. It is the first time since we began the Webb Weekly over 22 years ago that this has occurred.
Our area does an amazing job with all the holiday traditions, programs, and, most importantly, keeping the focus on the reason for the season.
I have already received an infusion of uplifting Christmas spirit as I attended the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Breakfast this past week. I’ll have more on this and my lifetime friend, Dave Sechler, a little later in my column.
Next week, our annual Thanksgiving issue will include our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, which features great gift-giving ideas from area businesses guaranteed to make everybody smile. Please make sure you get out and about and support our local business community. You will find wonderful people ready to help you in person.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, let’s start the football action a little early this year. A tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American flag on the side to Head Coach Mike Pearson and his Williamsport Millionaires and to Head Coach Sean Tetreault and the Muncy Indians. Both won district championships on the gridiron and are preparing for state playoff games as I’m penning this. The Millionaires defense led the way to their first district crown since 2016 with a hard-fought 14–6 victory over Wilkes-Barre. The Cherry and White now take on longtime 6A rival State College. Whatever happens, it’s been a terrific season for Millionaire football.
The Muncy football Indians have won five district titles since 2016. Coach Tetreault has done a great job building the program. The last three seasons, however, ended with a loss in the title game. I’m overjoyed for the good folks down in Muncy that this year, the District IV gold medal was worn after the clock hit zeros.
The 10-2 Indians now take on a tough Lackawanna Trail squad. Austin Johnson, who has accumulated 2,000 yards rushing this season, and his hard-nosed Indian teammates seem to be getting better each week. I’m thinking there’s an upset coming, and the Indians will be playing on.
The Warrior Run Defenders are also having a great season at press time and getting ready to take on the Troy Trojans for the District IV 3A title. Good luck, boys. I’ll hopefully be talking about you capturing district gold next week.
Moving right along. A heartfelt thank you to the Insinger family and all the staff at Dolly’s Diner for taking such great care of our veterans at our Annual All-American Breakfast last week. It was an outstanding team effort as the fronts of the restaurants worked hand in hand with the kitchen staff to make it happen. It was truly an honor to meet, shake hands with, and say thank you to many of the 311 veterans and those joining them.
I believe this is a record for the event, and God willing, I get to extend my hand to even more servicemen and women next year. Please, if you couldn’t make it that day and see me out and about, introduce yourself; I would love to thank you for your service and buy your breakfast if possible.
As most of you know, I’m a big believer in the great work the Salvation Army does all year round. I’m honored to match donations made at our Webb Weekly office. This also helps to carry on the memory and great work of Dave Sechler.
A tip of my Webb Weekly Santa hat with the American flag on the side to Mr. Kent Bennett, Major Sheryl Hershey, and all that made the 6th annual Red Kettle Kickoff Breakfast happen last week. With the decline in brick-and-mortar store opportunities for the ringing of the bell, this event helps the Salvation Army Williamsport with the funding necessary to continue its mission.
I will have more about our Red Kettle Remembrance of Dave Sechler as we get closer to Christmas. If you are able and would like to donate to the Salvation Army, the Red Kettle has been set up in the front of my office. I understand we all get asked for more than ever before, so please feel no pressure and help whoever you feel you would like to.
If you choose to stop by our office at 280 Kane Street, South Williamsport, Jaimie Hoover, and my staff will again be ringing the bell and have some Christmas cheer for you. If you would like to mail in a donation to Webb Weekly, 280 Kane Street, Suite 2, South Williamsport, PA 17702, please do it early enough that I receive it by Monday, December 23rd. We thank you for helping our fellow members of our local community.
Please, as the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins, allow yourself a little extra time and expect the unexpected as you travel.
God Bless America.
