In his dandy 2023 book on the making of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Michael Keane puts the stress on serendipity. That’s why the professor and former Hollywood exec has titled his volume Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle. As the author puts it in his opening chapter: “This book tells the inspiring, against-all-odds story of how A
READ MORESanta will be very relieved. You’ve taken most of the burden off him by making a list and checking it twice on his behalf. The gift-buying in your house is almost done — except for those few people who are just so darn hard to buy for. So what do you give to the person
READ MOREThere are many ways to gauge a film’s legacy: critical tributes, best-of lists, online ratings — not to mention Oscars and a host of other honors. As a lifelong reader, I like to ask how many books have been written about (or inspired by) the movie. Until this year, I thought the record-holder was Psycho
READ MORESometimes, the most unexpected beauty emerges from the routine. Who would have thought that a simple government meeting about job vacancies could reveal such profound insights into grace, cooperation, and the art of working together? It’s in these everyday moments that we find the most inspiring lessons about humanity. The November 20th Lycoming County Commissioners
READ MOREHappy Thanksgiving to all from everyone here at Webb Weekly! The hustle and bustle of Black Friday and the holiday shopping season is ready to kick off, shoppers get out and save. The tradition of the Pennsylvania rifle deer season has area hunters with visions of big bucks dancing in their heads. This, like so
READ MOREAlthough I do not recall when I first heard the rationale, but it has stuck in my head each year when Thanksgiving rolls around. It references Thanksgiving being the best holiday of the year because ‘you don’t have to buy gifts, just eat and sit around and watch football all day.’ While that was never
READ MOREAs families gather around tables this Thanksgiving season, we have an opportunity to remember what truly matters: gratitude, connection, and the simple act of caring for one another. The warmth of shared meals and familiar faces reminds us that our common humanity transcends the artificial divisions we have created in our society. Political arguments during
READ MOREThe Pennsylvania statewide regular firearms season for black bear has just ended, yet there are still some opportunities to take a black bear with a bow or firearm all the way up to December 6, 2025. The applicable weapon and the exact dates of the upcoming seasons vary according to the appropriate WMU, so check
READ MOREWith the current rise in popularity of cowboy boots, the question has arisen: how do you wear a western-style boot without going full cowgirl? Or at least that’s the question that comes to my mind. Full disclosure, I’m a city slicker, so there’s not really an authentic reason for me to wear cowboy boots. And
READ MORETradition is a big part of the holiday season. Families lean into tradition each December, and perhaps no people participate in holiday customs with more enthusiasm than children. Whether it’s decorating the family Christmas tree or baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, children look forward to various holiday season traditions once the calendar turns
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I’m becoming a whole new person in my golden years. Truly. I used to be that person — the one who huffed, sighed dramatically, and rolled their eyes so hard they practically did a full rotation whenever someone put up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. And honestly? I’m sorry for being that Grinchy. I retired that
READ MOREThe initial awareness of the news seemingly went in one ear and out the other. Another night of senseless violence in Williamsport resulted in the shooting of two teenagers, apparently unrelated incidents, leaving one victim dead and another hospitalized. Our society has entered a dark world where repeated similar occurrences, whether local or national, begin
READ MORESaturday, November 8, was a gorgeous day of sun, warmth and fiery foliage; but I spent most that time inside my church — attending a conference on domestic abuse. Beside me lay a brochure confirming that one in three women will experience this trauma — and that it’s “just as prevalent within faith communities.” Regular
READ MOREIt makes sense that our spiritual and invisible Creator would endow us, who live in the physical and visible world, with the ability to believe in what cannot be seen, proven, or does not yet exist. Last week’s article focused on the power of belief and how it inspires men to be faithful men, leading
READ MOREThe desperation of community programs across Lycoming County tells a story that goes far beyond budget spreadsheets and political maneuvering. They represent our neighbors sleeping in cars, families choosing between rent and groceries, and children wondering where their next meal will come from. Hidden homelessness defines our crisis. Unlike major cities where tent encampments make
READ MORENovember is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to one of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States — yet one that is often misunderstood or undiagnosed. COPD is not a single disease but a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that
READ MOREARIES – Mar 21-Apr 20 Insecurity may be sparking some hesitation, Aries. The key to coping is figuring out why you are feeling this way. Is it a trust issue or lack of recognition? TAURUS – Apr 21-May 21 Taurus, creative pursuits may hold your interest this week. Even if you lean more towards the
READ MOREAccording to Merriam-Webster online, the English language contains roughly one million words — though that tally includes “myriad names of chemicals and other scientific entities.” Furthermore, this site — which offers lots of other cool info besides just meanings — also points out that there’s considerable disagreement on the actual total; as an example, even
READ MOREThe empty chairs at community programs across Lycoming County tell a story that goes far beyond budget spreadsheets and political maneuvering. Our county continues waiting for funding from governments above, caught in the crossfire of political battles that prioritize winning arguments over serving constituents. This ongoing crisis has become a recurring theme in these pages
READ MOREUnfortunately, I think the role of Godparents may be fading in today’s world, and I hope that trend reverses. For some reason, many people seem to think a Godparent’s responsibility is to take care of your child if something happens to you. I’m not sure if that scares people away from the idea or if
READ MOREHere at Webb’s Weird Words, oddball vocab is our stock-in-trade. Articles on these usually come from my sprawling list of terms encountered in my nonstop reading. But lately, we haven’t done many of these randomly chosen selections; this is due in part to busyness, but also to thematic groupings — like “sailing words,” in honor
READ MOREMany of you have ‘taken a chance’ this week by going to your nearest polling place and expressing your preference as to who elected leaders will be. Some of you recently may have taken another kind of chance by plunking your money down on a sporting event, hoping that your expressed preference will increase your
READ MOREUConn’s quarterback Joe Fagnano is trending. The Williamsport Area High School grad is having an unbelievable season. He is leading the NCAA in several offensive categories. Fagnano was recently added to the “Manning Award” watchlist. Joe is also gaining momentum with the voters for this year’s Heisman. Unheard of. Sports Illustrated ran a story last
READ MORETrust instinct to the end, even though you can give no reason. Ralph Waldo Emerson This is the fourth article in The Five Big Questions of Life series. Previous articles in this series are always available at webbweekly.com/arts-and-lifestyles/faith-conversations/. Instinct is a powerful and unseen force. For the creatures of Earth, its force is irresistible. Merriam-Webster
READ MOREEach November, we “fall back” by setting our clocks one hour earlier as Daylight Saving Time ends. While gaining an extra hour of sleep may sound like a bonus, the shift can still disrupt your body’s internal clock, especially if you’re already sleep-deprived. Our circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and wake cycles, is influenced by
READ MOREAs we close out October, there are so many issues that seem to bring negativity to our American Spirit. I believe in the two-party system, and Republicans and Democrats work for the American people. Lost in the world of today is the having of a beer and a sandwich together after Congress breaks. This so
READ MOREFor many people, the transition from one season to the next brings more than cooler mornings or longer days. It also brings headaches. If you notice that your head starts to ache when the weather shifts, you are not imagining things. Seasonal changes can trigger headaches and migraines in a variety of ways, and understanding
READ MOREARIES – Mar 21-Apr 20 This week is all about fresh starts, Aries. The stars are aligning to give you the green light on a new project or personal goal. Don’t hesitate to jump on the first step. TAURUS – Apr 21-May 21 Focus on building a solid foundation this week, Taurus. Whether it’s in
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The elements pose a unique challenge to motor vehicles, and that’s particularly notable when seasons change. Though the shift from spring to summer or even summer to fall may not be too significant, drivers who want to safeguard their vehicles would be wise to take certain measures to prepare their cars or trucks for winter
READ MOREFor the past fourteen years, hours before the drama and excitement of the International and United States championship games unfold inside Lamade Stadium, a hundred yards to the north, Volunteer Stadium is alive with the emotional and inspirational Little League Challenger game. Some have called it the best game at the Series. During the two
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