What an unbelievable transition I’ve witnessed from the LL Stearns and Carol House days of the 70s to what downtown Williamsport has become today. Yes, there might have been some lean years in between, but Downtown has never looked better.

I always enjoyed those Christmas shopping trips with my Mom and Grandparents back in the day. It was a special time in my life; nothing could replace those memories. However, I wish I could show my Pappy and Nanny Maietta what Downtown has become.

It is a Christmas shopping wonderland where you can find almost anything. A perfect combination of the ole’ Downtown feel of the family-owned stores blended just right with the modern stores of today.

The city streets and storefronts are aglow and decorated beautifully. Santa’s Village at the hub of 4th Street and Hepburn Street fits perfectly. City Hall and the Sun-Gazette buildings of yesteryear on one side of the street giving way to the new Cinema Center and Liberty Arena. I love the old time street clock and how they’ve merged the two eras together.

Tip of my Santa hat to River Valley Transit and their holiday Trolley Tour of Lights to the Winter Wonderland. What a great way to see the City, Brandon Park, and Candy Cane Lane — no driving required. Guaranteed to enhance your Christmas spirit courtesy of Bill Nichols and the great folks at RVT.

While Downtown, I had to stop and check out the new Kaos Fun Zone inside the Arena. Fortunately for me, my good friend and owner Dan Klingerman was there and gave me a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.

I don’t even know where to begin, other than you have to see it for yourself! It has something for the entire family and beyond. I could move in and live there, other than to go watch a local ballgame, or occasional hunting trip, I would never need to leave.

The Scorz Sports Bar and Grill combines great food and drinks with any ballgame around the world you’d like to view. While there, I watched UConn take on Lafayette in hoops — I believe I saw Hunter on TV at the game, although he should have been studying for finals. There are more big screen TVs throughout the entire facility than you can shake a stick at.

Next stop was the Level Up Arcade. It has everything and anything you or your child are looking for: over 50 arcade games, a points reward system for kids of all ages to claim great prizes, and the ability for the parents to have a cold drink while their child is playing games. The entire facility allows you to have the drink of your choice wherever you would like to but in a family-friendly and responsible way.

Adjacent to the arcade is Liberty Lanes, 12 new bowling alleys ready to go no matter your bowling ability. In the center of everything is a modern-day ice cream and Dippin’ Dots bar, which also serves adult milkshakes, which you have to try to believe.

You then walk through the athletic portion of the complex. There was a youth soccer game going on the night I was there, the facility is also perfect for baseball and softball. I ran into my old friend Tommy Ott during the tour; he’s available to help the ballplayer in your life. The Ott and Webb boys played against each other during the school year, and then together for the travel ball season.

Next up in the 110,000 square foot facility is the 66 trampolines of Flyworld where you can jump until your heart’s content, or just let the kids jump and tire themselves out, while you enjoy a drink. A new addition at this end of the building is Laser Quest — laser tag taken to a whole new level with 20 tagged phasers available. A great place for a little corporate team building — or getting even — I’ll let you decide. There were four workers from the gas industry having some fun during my visit. They represented Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

In talking with Dan and his wife Monica, it is their goal to provide a fun, family-friendly destination that anyone can enjoy no matter of their age. A place completely unique to our area that represents how blessed we are to call this area of Penn Wood’s home.

They would also like to decorate the sports bar area with local sports memorabilia and vintage sports equipment. This to honor area athletes, teams and the tradition of sports in the West Branch Valley. If there is anything you would like to put on display, please reach out to Blake Sampson, Liberty Arena GM at blake@thelibertyarena.com, or 570-505-1105. I’m sure like me, many of you have items just collecting dust in the attic; this would be a great way to have them seen. I love looking at old sports memorabilia, especially from our area.

So get out and enjoy everything Williamsport has to offer during the Christmas season and add one new stop to your list. We will have much more on the Liberty Arena after the New Year.

Welcome to the World!

It has always amazed me how when one person leaves our life, a fresh new bundle of joy comes right on in. God’s perfect timing and uplifting of the human spirit on full display.

This was the case recently within my Webb Weekly family. As you know, Gerry Ayers left us for a much better place. His brother, Geoff’s eulogy was perfect. Right on point with the stories and memories Gerry would want talked about. But it was also a moving tribute to a brother, son, and friend to so many.

As this was going on, we were awaiting the arrival of Ron Mingle’s first granddaughter. If you remember, Ron has been a part of our Webb Weekly family since the start. His daughter Andi is married to Donny Sauers, John’s son from right up the street at Sauers Trading. All of them are great people, and I have known John longer than I have known the Mingles believe it or not.

Many folks have asked me about this since I announced the couple was expecting in a previous article.

Well, Donny and Andi were blessed with a healthy and beautiful 8 lb. 6 oz. baby girl. Josie Lucille Sauers came into the world on November 29th. Congratulations to Andi and Donny, you will be great parents. Please don’t wait too long to have the next one. And their families, especially Pappy Mingle and Pop Pop Sauers.

God Bless America.