How great was it to feel that bright summer sun and those 90 degree days last week? Isn’t it amazing how much more fun any outdoor event becomes in our neck of Penns Woods when you finally feel the warmth of summer? All those sporting events that parents and grandparents endure in those cold days as the season starts. You shiver your way through the day as the game seems to last forever. The best part of the game is when the last out is recorded, and you get in the car and turn the heater on.

Now that the days have grown longer and the sun has become stronger, the perception of attending becomes totally different. It’s fun to get out and enjoy the event. No matter what you’re watching, it becomes much better when you’re in shorts and a T-shirt instead of bundled up like an Eskimo. The only problem locally is by the time the weather turns summerlike; the season is almost over.

It was great to talk with so many of you in response to the Williamsport Crosscutter giveaway. I wish everyone could have won the contest; I will be doing more in the future. I am so proud of the God-fearing, all-American, baseball-loving area we call home.

Almost every conversation began with Mike Mussina, and did I win? Or is it too late? Do you already have your winners? Mike being my fastball down the middle answer to my trivia question. Then from that point, the talk was about more baseball, family, politics, you name it. Everyone with so positive about the Crosscutters returning and the fact we were going to have a Little League World Series this year.

A tip of my new Williamsport Crosscutter hat with the MLB logo on the side to our winners. Leading things off was Brenda Cromley; she was the first one to reach out to me, and it was by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Batting second was Lia Herb, who texted me not too long after Brenda. The third winner was Kristina Conklin, whose daughter will actually be singing the National Anthem at the game she is attending. Rounding things out was my cleanup winner, Cathy Rush of Montoursville.

Since all four winners were from papers delivered by the USPS on Tuesday, I decided to add a fifth winner. So, my designated hitter, or extra winner, is Debbie Maggs. She received her copy on Wednesday and reached out to me immediately.

A common thread amongst all was family going to the ballpark. Whether it was kids, grandkids, or both, it warmed my heart that the Williamsport Crosscutters and I could be part of this. By the way, speaking of thread, there are 108 stitches in a baseball.

A couple of final thoughts about last week’s words: as you are reading this, the District IV playoffs are heading to the semifinals and championship games at Bowman Field. Hopefully, St. John Neumann, South Williamsport, Loyalsock, and Montoursville are still playing for a District Crown at the A through 4A levels. Get out and support our local ballplayers. District IV championship play at Bowman is truly magical. Then the Crosscutters will return home from their road trip for more Bowman baseball.

A well-deserved shout-out to Mountie Senior Ryan Rishcoff. I hope he stays hot like in the Backyard Brawl. My bad for committing an error on the spelling of his name this past week. Go get ‘em, kid.

Make sure to enjoy all the Memorial Day picnics, barbecues, and ballgames. Get out and about and take in all the great outdoors our West Branch Valley has to offer. I hear the fishing on the Susquehanna is unbelievable right now, and tip of the turkey calls to those who have already bagged a big bird. Our area has some of the finest spring gobbler hunting in the Nation.
Take on whatever challenge floats your boat; it may be a canoe down the Loyalsock. Make time this summer to try something new. Nowhere on God’s green earth is there more hiking, biking, hunting, fishing — you name it, outdoor opportunities. Don’t let those electronic devices make you a couch potato and miss out on all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Let us not forget what Memorial Day is all about. A Webb Weekly salute and remembrance for all who have paid the ultimate price for these very freedoms. Take the time to say a prayer of thanks for those brave soldiers and their families. And for precious peace to avoid another soldier being missed at the Memorial Day softball game.

We are blessed to have the finest military in the world, and it begins with the good folks who serve and put their lives on the line — the men and women around the globe who preserve and protect our freedom each and every day. During a time when too many young patriots’ lives are lost in some hellhole I can’t even spell, take a moment to remember, reflect and pray for their families.

Who is more important than those that protect our very existence and freedom? We need to hold our government accountable and make sure our Armed Forces are provided the finest equipment, leadership, healthcare, and compensation. We must demand our government take care of the families of those who don’t make it home.

Let’s all be careful out there and drive safely.

God Bless America.