COLUMN FOR SATURDAY JANUARY 3, 2009

What a great way to begin the New Year. Celebrating the long, dark and cold nights of winter, we don our scarves and caps- some fresh from under the Christmas tree, and head outside under the stars. While most of the sane population this time of year is snug in bed with an extra comforter or finding a good old fashioned jigsaw puzzle or novel in the warmth of your home, likely a scant few are not missing the winter sky go by.

As we enter the new year, many reflect upon their lives and think about changes they can make to improve their quality of life. New Year’s resolutions are made accordingly. Usually the resolutions we make are to improve our physical well-being, such as eating healthier, exercising, or quitting smoking.

Items for the Do Something calendar may be sent to dosomething@wayneindependent.com.

 Anna Rennekamp, the daughter of Theresa and Joseph Rennekamp, of Lake Ariel is very active in the music program at Western Wayne. Having been in marching band for four years, Anna has advanced from being a follower to being a strong leader.

Sisters Kara and Page Stanton of Honesdale are all about making people smile.

For more than 35 years, the American Cancer Society has marked the beginning of spring with Daffodil Days, coming to Pennsylvania on March 16-22, 2009.   The Society is looking for volunteers to assist in the packing, delivering, and selling of flowers, as well as data entry.  If you are interested in helping in the fight against cancer, please contact the American Cancer Society at (570)562-9749.

Your pet is always safer and happier when it is indoors with you.  Cats should always be kept indoors so that they are not exposed to all of the dangers that exist outside, such as cars, other animals, harsh weather, and cruel people.  At night make sure that your pet sleeps away from drafts, preferably in a pet bed.

Your pet is always safer and happier when it is indoors with you.  Cats should always be kept indoors so that they are not exposed to all of the dangers that exist outside, such as cars, other animals, harsh weather, and cruel people.  At night make sure that your pet sleeps away from drafts, preferably in a pet bed.

The New Year is upon us -- some are still nursing hangovers -- some have guilty consciences for their behavior in the celebration -- and still others are looking for a brighter hope this year.

The early snowfalls of this season have caused me to think of the opening lines of the charming story by Dylan Thomas,”A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” in which the narrator says, “ I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve, or for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six.” The bottom line: lots of snow!  Seems like we may be having “one of THOSE winters!”

These babies were born at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, Pa., unless otherwise noted:

Happy 101st birthday Ruth.

What time is it? If you left your watch at home, and the stars are out, just look up. You can learn at least a general idea of the hour, knowing the time of year. Your clock is the northern sky and the “hands” of the clock face are imaginary lines you can trace from the clock center, which lies right next to the North Star.

The Seeuwen family of Honesdale celebrate both Hanukkah as well as Christmas. Walking into their home in December, you’d find both a menorah as well as a Christmas tree.

If you tune into the Food Network this  Saturday (December 27), you may see a familiar face on the Paula Deen Show.