I will begin where I left off last week.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who provide the freedom to write this column, the service men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Our Nation has been involved in a military conflict 90% of the time since its founding in 1776. This includes every major war and every isolated foreign action. We often hear the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.” There are too many younger Americans who have no understanding of this, or that the cost of freedom is more about the sacrifices those serving must make than dollars and cents.
As I am penning this, seven brave American heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice in the current Iran war, 140 have been wounded — eight seriously. This is the true cost of war to the families, friends, and loved ones of each of these soldiers. I wish every American citizen understood this. It’s worth noting that 108 have returned to active duty.
A quick change of direction to the topics I would sooner be writing about.
As many of you will receive our publication on the 17th, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to everyone, whether you’re Irish for your lifetime or Irish for the day. I hope you get to enjoy the traditional St. Paddy’s Day cuisine offered by many local eateries, along with green beer or your drink of Irish celebration. As this usually lasts all week, please don’t partake in too many pints or spirits, especially if you’re going to be behind the wheel. Alcohol related crashes result in 25%-30% of the fatalities on PA highways.
There’s a lot happening on our cover this week.
Congratulations to Gage Wentzel and Zoe Furman on their wrestling state championships. I’m overjoyed to see a lady wrestler finally make our annual celebration of gold medalists. She is actually the first District 4 state champion since the sport was officially sanctioned four years ago.
It’s also time for our Webb Weekly Spring Home Improvement Guide. I guarantee you can find someone from the simplest repair to the biggest job you want to take on.
The tough winter has given me even more projects.
Tip of the cap to Plocinski’s Tree Service for coming out right before that big snow and high winds. They did an amazing job of taking a big tree down that was leaning the wrong way.
The same goes for Kriger Fence: when granddog, Buck, was sprayed by a skunk, they provided a new collar in an instant to work with the electric fence. It was one of those little repairs you don’t think about until your dog gets skunked. Jimmy’s dog actually managed to get nailed twice recently.
I think Pepe Le Pew lives under my front porch.
The local professionals I use for almost everything can be found within our Spring and Fall Home Improvement Guides.
Another true sign of spring is Editor Steph’s Annual Webb Weekly Easter Egg Hunt. The winners receive a basket that would make the Easter Bunny proud. The good news for the kids is that there’s more candy in them than ever before. With my sugar issues, I don’t sneak a piece or two out when the staff is not looking. A dollar donation is made to LAPS for every entry we receive. A little tip: make sure they look inside the Home Improvement Guide.
If you’re a sports fan, the spring sports seasons have begun.
I can’t wait to watch Penn College play a home game at the Lumber Yards. What an amazing facility for baseball and softball. I have some eligibility left, so I might give Coach Howard a call. How great would it be to run around the turf outfield and slide headfirst into home on that field? Heck, I’m only 58. If Tom Cillo can play football at Lycoming, why can’t I knock the dust off my baseball mitt? We will be featuring the Lumber Yards in an upcoming edition.
I would be dropping the ball if I didn’t mention getting your brackets ready, for NCAA March Madness.
Whether it’s just with family at home, at the office, or with a group of friends, this has truly become a spring tradition.
Please, if you’re going to do a bracket for more than fun, or bet in any way, don’t allow the complete legalization of gambling to make you a statistic. In today’s world, you can bet on anything at any time during a game. I’m just waiting to hear a bet was made on the ref’s fly being down or the coach picking his nose.
Well, I’m out of space for this week. Please get out and about and enjoy your favorite events and activities. And always expect the unexpected when it comes to March weather.
God Bless America.
