What about those Gators?  Of all games to miss, I am most sad about this one.  I hear it was just great! Congrats to the guys and coaches!  Good luck to them as they take on Red Bank Valley Saturday afternoon in Brockway.

Congratulations to All-Stars...AML Football All-stars Zach Ramadhan, Tyler Burr, Seth Lowery, Camrin Stuckey and Matt Bodamer; NTL Volleyball All-Stars Jenny Shelley on first team; Rachel Taylor on second team and Renee Edgell on third team; and Soccer All-stars Ben Osani, Jordan Edgell and Bryanna Evens. 

There was a really nice Veterans Day Service held at Port Allegany Elementary School on Veterans Day.  It's a wonderful sight to see the whole student body saying the Pledge of Allegience together and applauding our Veterans. 

Mike and I were invited to the Veterans Dinner held at the Veterans Memorial Building Saturday night!  What a meal!  Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy...apple or pumpkin pie!  The speaker, Retired Major Don Martin, gave an inspirational talk and Joe Knell was honored with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the club.  Renee Edgell sang the National Anthem and did a wonderful job.  

The high school also had a service recgnizing the Veterans and Sgt. Lawrence Kelley, PAHS, Class of 2005 presented the school with a flag from Charlie Company1/112th infantry which was flown in Iraq. 

It was nice to see the Veterans get a little thanks for their service and sacrifices.

On Sunday, the annual Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Port Allegany United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.  It always surprises me that the church is not completely full since it is a community-wide event.  Note the change in the location of the service.  A collection for PACS will be taken - monetary or non-perishable food items.  PACS is always in need of donations, but especially during the holidays.  Please give generously. 

Speaking of giving generously, the Angel Tree is up and waiting for community members to select angels...and the Toys for Tots bins are out.  Give what you can. You'll find that you will benefit as much or more than those who receive your gifts.

The advent Wednesday services will begin Wednesday, December 1 at the First Presbyterian Church at 12:05 p.m.  These, too, will be community-wide events and all are welcome.

By the time you read this column, I will have hit the Pennsylvania speed limit...my 55th birthday is today, November 18th. It's been quite a year.  I feel very blessed.  Many thanks to my family and friends for their love and support this past year and for the 54 years that came before.