As the anticipation of Christmas faded in the distance and the new year quickly approached, news media outlets filled their space with ‘lookbacks’ of 2025, which, in all too many instances, recalled a year filled with much tragedy and violence. As a “Webb Weekly” contributor since the first issue of the publication, those who read its content are greeted with a more positive side of the news around us and the community we call home.
Logistically, those individuals whose talents featured on these pages rarely cross paths with one another. They don’t gather in an office; rather, they are spread out across the region, connected only by the various electronic devices that transmit their words onto the pages you hold in your hands. The one instance they meet face-to-face is at the annual Christmas lunch gathering.
For the past few years, that occasion has provided the opportunity to break bread with the individual previously known to me as the writer whose column weekly appears on the page directly preceding mine — Ken Hunter. The common thread we share is writing, but that is where the similarity ends.
While my forte is centered on team sports and the athletes who play the games, Ken relishes the outdoor scene, hunting, fishing, and flourishing on the days when he can drop his line through a hole drilled in a layer of ice into the chilling waters below. Brrrr — that makes me cold just thinking about it. I’m more apt to subscribe to a friend of mine’s definition of roughing it as ‘a black and white TV!’
At this year’s luncheon, our conversation turned, centered on a photo Ken showed me of an artwork he was painting. It depicted an American Eagle about to pounce on a rabbit scurrying across a grassy field. I was amazed by the details of his work and, somewhat stupidly, asked how long he had been painting. It was then that I learned Ken Hunter is much more than a hunter and fisherman — but one of the most accomplished outdoor artists of our time.
At the time, my Christmas shopping was not yet completed, as I mentioned to Ken about my son-in-law, an avid hunter who I’m sure would enjoy the artistic creations his talented drawings brought to life. As the luncheon concluded, Ken extended an invitation to visit his studio for an in-person tour. “It’s easy to find,” he stated.
A few days later, I felt as if I was heading into a land not yet discovered as I traversed the back woods in the Muncy Hills to his tucked-away retreat. Following many twists and turns and a frantic cell phone call inquiring as to where I was, Ken provided directions and said he would wait by the side of the road to make sure I didn’t drive by.
With the navigational puzzle conquered, the next few hours brought me face-to-face with the many delights hanging from his studio walls. Although never having hunted a single day in my life, the clarity and stunning beauty of the wildlife he captured on canvas was a treat ever before experienced.
He showed me covers of national published magazines featuring drawings he had done. With pride, he called my attention to a photo on the wall, taken at the White House, showing President Bush and his wife, Barbara, with a drawing of an American Buffalo he was asked to paint by the administration.
The visit ultimately provided the answer to what to get the son-in-law for Christmas. The chosen print was well-received, which came with the son-in-law’s request to visit the studio himself, which we look forward to accomplishing.
While Ken Hunter provided a very personally rewarding ending to a tumultuous 2025, the feel-good dynamics brought forth by Penn State interim football coach Terry Smith helped sweeten the bitter taste in the mouths of Nittany Lions fans left simmering by the turmoil surrounding James Franklin’s departure.
The reaction to Smith’s seven-game tenure leading the Lions football program has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans and players expressed their appreciation for his leadership during the challenging season. The chants from the team’s fans and the outpouring of support from PSU players have solidified Smith’s place in Penn State football history.
Smith’s post-game comments after the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson left lasting impressions with many.
“This group, I love this group,” Smith commented while fighting back tears. “They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment of my life. It’s just a great moment for my family and me. I’m just so happy for our guys. I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for my family and me. I’m just thankful and grateful.”
It’s nice to see that good things done by a good guy have been rewarded by the new Penn State coach, Matt Campbell, who has announced that Smith will be retained on his incoming coaching staff.
While 2025 produced so many negative stories, the lessons I’ve learned late in the year from Ken Hunter and Terry Smith have left me smiling!
