The very last thing I wanted to discuss this week is the Coronavirus/COVID-19. I just cringe every time I hear it mentioned. I have my theories, thoughts, and complete befuddlement over the matter, but it just does not seem appropriate to share at this time.

One’s quality of life begins with health and wellbeing. This obviously then extends out to family, friends and loved ones. That old saying, without your health you don’t have anything, has never rung more true. It’s just a lot more complicated in the world we live in today.

The most important thing we can do as citizens of the United States of America is to understand and follow what is being asked of us to help stop the advancement of the
Coronavirus. Most of which are just everyday good hygiene practices that we should all be following anyway, not just out of respect to ourselves but to fellow man. The sooner we can get ahead of this as a nation, hopefully, the sooner things will return to normal. We then can go back to the everyday life and events; we are so very blessed within our great Nation.

This is a time for all of us to come together as Americans and face the challenge ahead. The most important thing we can do as individuals is honor God, Country, and family by being selfless. We all need to work together and support each other to protect the very freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

We all need to evaluate our approach to each and every day and try to make a difference for the good. The power of prayer and positive thinking go a long way. There is enough negativity in the world; please don’t be one of those adding to it, especially via social media. Our Nation is locked in a battle of good versus evil; we cannot allow the enemy to divide us by the power of fear brought on by the pandemic.

The most important thing every American can do is simply work hard at whatever their job is and support their local community. In other words, just live life as normal as possible. There’s no superhuman effort required, just that All-American approach we should all have each and every day.

This, along with a little common sense — like by not buying 600 rolls of toilet paper, not going out in public if you’re sick, and not feeding into the fear mongers that create hysteria. I cannot believe the things I’ve seen and heard in the last couple weeks. I’m gonna stay positive, but what the heck is wrong with people?

It is my hope that through this national crisis, people understand just how fragile life and our freedom is. That there is a tremendous price for all the everyday activities that are often just taken for granted, like going to a ball game or St. Patrick’s Day parade. That all understand our Country needs to do a better job of securing the borders and understanding who and what is moving in-and-out of our Nation each day. What might be the most alarming fact of the current threat is proof that a germ is more powerful than a bullet in the 21st century. We need to learn from this, be prepared, and understand how to protect our Nation from a terror threat similar to this that the impact of a sneeze or cough can paralyze the world — physically, socially, and economically.

Moving on to a couple of great things that have happened recently in our area. The South Williamsport Area School District held their annual Mini THON. The event is in support of Penn State University’s THON and the Four Diamonds’ mission to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,000 children and their families in their fight against pediatric cancer at the Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Tip of my Webb Weekly cap to the Southside students 7th grade and up that participated in the event, which raised over $27,000. Amazing job! Also, a shout out to Mr. Mike Rogers, Mr. Mike Allison, and the Mountie Mini THON club for organizing the event.

The main event held by Penn State University Students at the Bryce Jordan center raised over 11.5 million dollars. This, to me, is absolutely one of the best fundraising events in the world! Just another great reason to take pride in our State University.

Last, but definitely not least, a tip of my Webb Weekly orange hunting cap with the American Flag on the side to Mr. Barry Sones and all that contributed to the 9th Annual Wild Game Dinner and Auction benefitting the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.

The evening out raised over $17,000 to help servicemen and women from our area. That brings the grand total since the event began to just under $100,000. We must always remember and take care of those that protect our freedom no matter the threat.

God Bless America.