Eighteen years ago, I was a sophomore at Williamsport Area High School. I had not a care in the world. I was high on love with my highschool boyfriend (still am!) and just got my learners permit to drive — life was good. That morning of 9-11 was no different than any other morning. I was off to my least favorite subject in the world, History, but had an awesome teacher who really helped me understand all that history has to offer. Mr. Burget was always such a positive teacher who was there to help his students at any time.

That period I remember walking in and sitting at my desk. I can’t honestly tell you if we were in the middle of learning that day, but all I remember is Mr. Burget going over to the next class beside us. When he came back almost sprinting, you could tell by the look on his face something wasn’t right.

“Folks, change of plans today. A plane has struck one of the twin towers in New York City. It’s live on TV so I am going to turn it on so we can watch it,” he said.

I don’t think any of us knew that we were watching something that would be a part of history, forever. A day we all will never forget where we were or what we were doing. Watching the second plane hit was devastating. I think we knew then; it wasn’t an accident.

The rest of the day, we watched the news and the terror in NYC.

Eighteen years later, we never forget. We remember the families of the victims that had to move on without their loved ones. I’ve been blessed to be a part of one of the biggest memorial rides for 9-11 in our country. The 9-11 Memorial Coalition Ride is hands down my favorite ride of the year. I place my card with the fallen’s name close to my heart, and when I ride, I think of all those people who lost their lives that day. The heroes who ran into those buildings when people were running out. The innocent people who didn’t deserve to die that day. It’s not just a ride; it’s a day to remember forever.

To the folks standing in fields on your four-wheelers, the people standing in the streets holding up your signs and throwing the peace sign at us, to the people stuck on a side road in your cars waiting for thousands of bikes to pass before you can pull out, but you still get out and wave, thank you. Thanks to all of you who show your support. It means so much to us. Rain or shine we ride. We have been a part of this ride for well over a decade. First being a passenger, then riding my own bike, to now carrying my cousin Emily Liddick on the back with me the past few years. I remember telling her, “Em, you are going to get goosebumps. It’s incredible!” She’s ridden with me ever since and is coming home from her first year of college at Misericordia in Dallas, PA, just to do this ride with our biker crew and me. It’s pretty special to all of us!

To the gentleman in Hughesville off Rt 220 who always stands at a salute in your military uniform as we ride by, thank you. I look forward to seeing you each year, and last year was the first year I didn’t see you there. I was bummed, but I hope to see you this year. I always wave and yell, thank you! Thank you also for your service!

So thanks to all of you. The folks who organize the ride, to the riders, to the people who take the time to wear their ride white and blue, bring your flags and homemade signs and cheers us on, we appreciate it more than you know. We all are there for the same reason. To remember. A day we all come together as a community that gives you goosebumps on or off the bikes. Makes me proud.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apples:
• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9×13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!

Streusel Topping:
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.