I heard my favorite words of February this past weekend. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting for Spring Training. To me, that’s like seeing the first robin. A sure sign spring and the Boys of Summer are on their way.

There’s no truth to the rumor that the Pittsburgh Pirates were the first club to report because their pitching was so bad last year. They did, however, report to Bradenton, Fla. on February 12th, and along with the New York Mets, were the first two teams to get it going. I always looked forward to my good friend Bill Byham heading south and reporting back to what the Buccos were up to at Spring Training.

Hope truly springs eternal no matter who your favorite major league team is. They are all tied for first place — with a record of 0-0. “Maybe this will be the year,” can be heard referring to every team. With the Cubs finally exorcising the curse of the goat a couple of seasons back, and the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl — that tells me it’s about time the Cleveland Indians won a World Series.

A couple of thoughts about the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles before we put the pigskin away.

Congratulations to Eagles fans everywhere. What a great Super Bowl. Even more impressive was the celebration and parade that followed in the City of Brotherly Love. For the most part, everybody was well behaved. There’s always going to be a couple that go over the top, or should I say scurry up the pole. Eagles fans are definitely a special breed and waited a long time for this one.

What class acts Eagles coach Doug Pederson, owner Jeffrey Lurie, and all the Eagles players exemplified. They made it all about the City of Philadelphia and those bird fans that supported them for oh so long! More importantly, in today’s world, it’s great to hear so many thanking God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as they were being interviewed just after the Super Bowl. Talk about spreading the word.

The state of Pennsylvania can take pride in the Philadelphia Eagles, and there are more championships in the future. Carson Wentz had to sit this one out. He will be driven to win one when he’s on the field. Who knows, the Eagles might become the first NFL team with two Super Bowl MVPs on the roster.

Saving Lives for Zachary

The terrible effects of heroin here in our area and across the Country cannot be overstated. Never has there been a drug that is so very addictive, easily obtained and relatively cheap. You don’t have to look very far to find someone that has been affected by the terrible addiction. It can happen or occur in anyone’s family. The drug does not discriminate.

I’ve known Carolyn Miele for years. I coached her son Connor in both football and basketball. She has raised six children — five sons and a daughter. She’s worked most of her adult life as a midwife. Her story, unfortunately, has become much too common in our Country. What she has done out of the tragedy is truly amazing.

On February 6th of 2016 her son, Zachary, overdosed on heroin. He had fought a tough battle against his addiction and was clean for almost three years before losing his life.

From this heart-wrenching tragedy, which no parent wants to face, in trying to make sense of her son’s death, Carolyn created “Saving Lives for Zachary”. Her goal is to raise awareness about heroin addiction. To provide education for children and parents. To help the already addicted who may see no way out. To help provide information on services available and come together as a community to save the lives of our children. “I am committed, along with my family and many dedicated friends, to raising awareness in our community. If we come together we can make a difference,” Carolyn stated.

She has worked tirelessly through the pain and tears trying to help others deal with the realities of heroin addiction. She holds monthly meetings, and on Monday, February 19th will hold her second annual Saving Lives for Zachary fundraising event, “Alternatives to Pain Management — A Holistic Approach”. It is her goal to provide education on pain management, alternatives such as sound healing, meditation, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, spinal screenings, massage, exercise, nutrition, and counseling. There will be a silent auction and basket raffle, along with great food. All proceeds will go towards the monthly meetings allowing the continuation of the Saving Lives for Zachary program. The event will be held at the Trade and Transit Center II in Williamsport from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about the event and Saving Lives for Zachary, you can go to savinglivesforZachary.com and Facebook. If you have questions for Carolyn, she can be reached at 570-220-0684 or Carolynm62@comcast.net.

The only way we are going to address the heroin problem is through open conversation and education. That is what Carolyn is trying to provide. If you know anybody that may need a helping hand, please reach out to them and provide the information. This problem is bigger than all of us individually. A heartfelt thank you to Carolyn Miele, may you find peace in helping others.
God Bless America.