Last week we reported the Franklin High School Madrigals choir was in need of a little community support to help them sing in Carnegie Hall this spring.

And help they got. At their dinner fundraiser Friday night they got pretty close to their goal. "We sold over 100 more meals than our goal and received extra donations," said Madrigals' advisor Sarah Gilbert.

One substantial donation came from the Franklin Blues and BBQ Festival committee, which touts their annual summer event in downtown Franklin as supporting local youth music programs. Well, they sure did put their money where their BBQ sauce-stained mouth is by giving the FHS group $1,500.

"Blues and BBQ were so generous," said Gilbert.

Gilbert said the takeout dinner was so successful they will only need to hold one more on February 25. They originally planned a third dinner on March 20, but will not hold that one at this time according to Gilbert. She also said they will have the second takeout-only dinner at the school.

​Tickets for the dinner can be purchased for $10 in advance from a Madrigal singer or by calling the Franklin High School office and asking for Bridget Wood (814-432-2121 ext. 2233).

Gilbert said if they exceed their goal, the money will simply go towards future music department endeavors. "We will have money to continue things on and not be drained."

To read the earlier story about their trip please click here:
http://8and322.weebly.com/eight--322/franklin-singers-could-use-a-little-help-with-a-dream

Ever wonder what your face would look like through a block of polished ice? Or how shiny the lights look reflected off the nose of a seahorse made of frozen water?

Well, why wonder when you can see for yourself next weekend at the annual Franklin on Ice in Fountain Park.

The event will officially start around 10 a.m., when the Jennette-based DiMartino Ice Company creations will be in place ready to view in the park turned into a winter wonderland sculpture garden.

“Franklin on Ice is a wonderful way to kick off a year of events sponsored by Franklin Fine Arts Council," Ronnie Beith, one of the event's main organizers, said in a press release. "It is exciting to see all the people wandering through the park and into the businesses.”

Though Saturday will be the optimal time to view the creations because they will be freshly finished, it is likely the sculptures will be around for days. “One of the great parts of the festival is that, when the weather is just right, the sculptures can last for days and continue to draw more visitors downtown,” said Beith.

There is expected to be an ice slide for the kids again after being absent from last year's event. According to the festival press release, the event is popular among photographers and "a hotspot for family photos."

And selfies.

This year the FFAC is encouraging visitors who post their favorite pictures on social media to use the #franklinonice hashtag. 

​According to the press release, "Franklin on Ice is only possible because of the many generous sponsors who give toward the cost of the sculptures. FFAC will also receive support from three fundraisers being held during the festival. Pastries by Andrea will be in Fountain Park and will donate $1 from each pepperoni roll sold. Fox’s Pizza Den will donate 10 percent of meal costs from customers who mention Franklin on Ice. Tickle My Ribs will donate $1 for each bowl of BBQ Chicken Soup, their award-winning signature soup at [last year's festival.]"

Franklin's downtown businesses put out the red carpet during these festivals that attract visitors from all over.

“Warm up with indoor sidewalk sales at the downtown retail businesses. Check out our unique stores for great gifts ideas for Valentine’s Day,” Beith said. “Information on all the downtown retail happenings will be available at Edward Jones, 1240 Liberty Street.”

Beith also wanted to point out some businesses that are celebrating new locations and renovations. The Taffy Man & More moved to the Olde Liberty building and Amy’s Closet and Sassy’s Gifts recently expanded their location at 313 13th Street. The Olive Vault and Coffee In Between will be showing off their new renovations as well.

The Barrow-Civic Theatre will host the annual Nature Art Showcase and Sale with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. The show, which is sponsored by the Council of Greenways & Trails, will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday as well.

The Franklin Public Library will let kids and families cozy up to a book and a friendly furry friend. Paws 4 A Cause will have dogs beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the children’s room for readers aged 5 and up to meet and read to a therapy dog. No registration is required.

The Grumpy Goat Distillery will host a chili cookoff from 1 to 4 p.m. with several professional and amateur cooks vying for a blue ribbon.
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The event doesn't stop when the sun goes down. In fact, it usually gets pretty busy with folks really enjoying the lit-up sculptures. Several color bulbs add a fun visual and many, many more photos get taken after hours. 
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And food and entertainment can be found as several businesses plan to have a place to warm up in between strolls through the park.

TrAils To Ales Brewery II and FoxTales Pub have live music planned as well as the Barrow-Civic Theatre and Franklin Rotary Club who are hosting A Celebration of Talent Competition at 7:30 p.m. 

And 4 Season Cycle just contacted the event organizers this weekend with the pledge to donate $1 for every purchase over $15 in their shop to donate to Franklin on Ice.

The community really works together for these festivals Beith says.

Find out more about events in Franklin, Pennsylvania by going online to www.franklinpa.gov or on Facebook at FranklinPAEvents.  
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"It is always eventful," according to their slogan.

Wonder what he'll be wearing as the winter drags on?

Whoop whoop..... We Americans can survive anything.... er.... well from February 2020 to the end of 2021 we sure have been tested. The letters C.O.V.I.D. can kindly find other letters of the alphabet to join forces with as soon as you can please and thank you very much.

The truth is, this pandemic should've brought us together... like 9/11.... but it really didn't. It is a shame we didn't take the time to learn something, to sit back and see the beauty of life that we have and form a positive direction forward.

But we didn't.

We at Eight & 322 are hoping that by looking back on these photos from the last year,  that folks realize how powerful we can be together. These are simply our favorites, or ones we think are important moments in time that help define our lives. And we truly are a resilient lot. We are way stronger when realize the qualities that bind us together than separate us when we argue (discuss passionately).

We are each others neighbor, and we are each others best advocates for the life we've chosen to live here in northwest Pennsylvania.

We truly are a family if we choose to be.

I'll never understand the Hatfield and McCoy way of doing things.

We have more in common than that which separates us.

We celebrate our lives in ways few others can. Rich or poor, we are community.

We walk a lonely journey of pain if we must like Shane Carey who continues to carry the pain of his son Tyler's suicide while serving his country. He is on a mission with many, many others trying to confront the reality of military and veteran suicide. A story I wrote and photographed while working for The Derrick and The News-Herald didn't stop when I was no longer working for the paper. There are 22 suicides among veterans and active duty personal each day. Turning a blind eye to it fixes nothing. So I'm humbled to have gained enough trust to continue telling this sad story.

​And these are our neighbors and our family.

Other parts of our life we celebrate. A hapless Cochranton football team found themselves without a leader when In stepped a veteran coach who directed a few minor changes and took a team that hadn't won a game the year before to an undefeated regular season. Remakable. This was here in our back yard.

And then there is an established perennial powerhouse coached by a local legend who finds a way to win, in part because of a coach who cares deeply for her kids and knows her sport even when it isn't going according to plan..

2021 was a mix of ups and owns. Of masks or no masks, of who gets to celebrate and who doesn't. In the spring, proms, brought a small return to normalcy.

If sweaty dancing to the music of today is normal....I guess if you're young it certainly is something to consider.

Sports may have been strained in the spring for sure, but many found a way to play and many family members found a way to watch them via the internet.

Though sports, the fun of game, was rocked a bit when a bad accident took the life of one of our young kids. Rocky Grove had to deal with an incredibly sad loss of one of their own.

This team had to bear a weight no-one should have to bear.

But they played hard for their teammate and were inches away from a district championship.

It was a very strange year in more ways than one. Sadness and happiness... I guess in that sense it was like every other year.

We had rainbows and dark clouds.

In between we still had each other and a sense of who we are as Americans. Sometimes we forget that.

Sometimes we forget that life is fun.

Sometimes we forget our lives have real meaning.

Sometimes we forget the perspective of joy.

Or what accomplishment looks like.

Or what effort looks like.

Or how striving works.

Or what hard work delivers.

Or rewards.

We got a chance to witness a lot of great things this past year at Eight & 322. 

Scary moments that ended up making us chuckle when a trainer's laugh was revealed later by the athlete's mom. The pitcher was injured, but more concerned about her unshaven leg.

And even brief moments of celebration during a very long hard season gave us hope.

Like a bit of perfection in a split second.

Or taking a moment of respect for a fallen athlete from another team, but from our community.

Our kids and family are strong in our community if we choose it to be.

And when we find a way to care.

We find the things that bond us in interests.

We celebrate.

We admire.

We check on each other and hold each other accountable. 

We are Americans.

And this allows us to understand that we are free.

And we understand the cost of that freedom.

But we also understand that life is complex and whimisickle at times.

And weather... well it is what it wants to be and we have to adjust.

And we do.

And we celebrate who we are. This may not seem like a photograph that would make a picture of the year. But it is, because this young man might not be built for football, that in no way stops him and he is a part of the fablric that makes up a team. His coach calls him "Bug" but he shows up everyday and has helped his team in countless ways all season.. His heart is way bigger than his arms. His coach pointed him out as an example of being a Franklin Knight.

We still manage rites of passage

Some of us with style.

Some of us with heart.

Some of us whimsically.

Some of us with joy.

Some of us in awe.

Some of us work many years to see the fruition of our efforts.

Some of us just take the moment and make the most of it.

There are times life is sublime.

And there are times we try so hard we're not even sure where we are for a little while.

But we find a way!

And we welcome visitors from all over the globe.

And we play and we acknowledge those around us.

We experience.

And we test ourselves.

We remember.

And we challenge ourselves to see the world from different perspectives.

We surround ourselves with good people.

And we rise to the occasion

We delight.

We love.

We hope.

We pray.

And we mourn too many.

But we keep trying to keep our eye on the ball

Our legacy intact.

We keep our friends closer than our enemies, And we laugh.

Because life is fun.

And rewarding.

And at times strange.

Other times timeless.

Other times reflective. There was a time we came together as a people, well at least as a country. We perhaps grew our hatred of ours too when we came together to fight against an attack on our nation. In 2021 we remembered twenty years earlier when we were shook to the core.

And we gave honor to dedicated servants of us all.

Some who brought back art and theater to our youth after a long shutdown

And some simply honoring this country.

Some even sang it all from the top of their lungs

Others celebrated how we are perhaps the most diverse place on the planet... when we want to be.

And when we want to be, we can respect one another even when we're on the opposite team.

And have each others back when we're on the same team.

And teach each other how to be better.

How to be empathetic.

How to share in celebrations.

And how to be cute as hell.

How to shine.

How to share.

And how to serve.

And though there are times when things might seem hopeless

There is heart.
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And our little corner of the world is a really special place with a lot of heart and all the other things these photos from just one year reveal.  

I am very fortunate I get to document this place and all you folks. 

​Thank you!

​Forward to 2022!

Under the tutelage of Franklin's chorale director Sarah Gilbert, her Madrigal singers will join other chorales and perform on one of the most prestigious stages in the world. A trip that is a few years in the making thanks to COVID. 

Gilbert's professor Dr, Have-Jong Lee invited them to join with a handful of other select choirs from this region for this honor. The Youngstown State University conductor hand picked them as well as Hickory High School singers, the Stambaugh Chorus, the Dana Chorale and the Shenango Valley Chorale for this trip and performance.

Since the show was originally slated for 2020, seven of Franklin's graduates will also be able to perform. The trip is slated for May so the singers are busy practicing and fundraising.


"Challenging, but doable," said Gilbert who realizes her students are up for the task.

They will perform John Rutter's "Requiem" which is a complex 35 minute work sung in Latin and English.

"It's funny that we're so excited about this because it is a funeral march," joked Alyssa Shick during a class last week. "I think it is vocally challenging, but it is a really fun thing to take on, especially because Carnegie Hall is so prestigious. The whole thing is really exciting for us."

"They are so much fun to sing," said Josie Fish. "there is so much range to the songs too," Moravia Beach added.

​"We have waited so long," said Grace Turk.

There is still work to be done to make this happen. Besides practice, it takes a little bit of cash to take a group to New York City for five days for their rehearsals and performance.

They will be conducting a series of fundraising dinners, the first of which is this Saturday, January 28 at Franklin High School. The dinners have to be take out, but will be prepared by the school's food services crew as well as the singers.
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Tickets for the dinners can be purchased for $10 in advance from a Madrigal singer or by calling the Franklin High School office and asking for Bridget Wood. (432-2121 ext. 2233)

They are looking to raise about six grand still and that doesn't include transportation costs that they are hoping to split with other groups going.

They will have two more dinners on February 25 and March 20, but the location for those hasn't been confirmed yet, but Gilbert said it will likely be at a local church.

Gilbert said that any donations will be gladly accepted. "With this being the third year that we have planned and prepared for this to happen, we do not want money to be the reason that holds us back from this opportunity," she said.
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Donations can be made by sending checks payable to Franklin Area School District, C/O Sarah Gilbert, 236 Pone Lane, Franklin, PA 16323.

They will also be performing with the other chorales at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown on May 10 and 11 with a concert performance on the 12th at 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas tree is a something a town puts up and decorates to bring a little brightness to the increasingly long dark nights of winter. But they seldom truly showcase what defines what a town truly is... until this year.

In 2021 a big tree was brought in to the city of Franklin. It was a monster and it took all day to get into place. Well over 50 foot tall, this sucker was impressive. Just rounding the corner of Liberty Street at night was something to behold... even if one was not a fan of Christmas. This tree had presence. It was Rockerfeller Center in small town Pennsylvania. The town di good.

Then the winds came. 

These were not your run of the mill winds, these were "there was a hurricane and tornados down south and out west" winds. And it wreaked havoc.

There were reports the tree that wowed the crowd on "Light Up Night" was leaning. This prompted action. One of the guys from Paul Bunyan's Tree Service said he and his brother tried to pound the anchors of the tree back into the ground in the middle of the night, but the tree, because of sheer physics, just was on its way down.

​And it did go down the next morning. Christmas was killed in a year where COVID was killing spirits everywhere.

But wait.

That is not how Franklin rolls.

​When something is needed, sleeves are rolled up, tears are wiped off cheeks and work gets done. Commissioner Chip Abromovic took a few liberties with his friendship of a Utica tree farmer to make a calculated decision. The town's Christmas tree was down, but he and others thought it could be remedied. Though his friends were out of town he and a handful of volunteers found a smaller, but well shaped tree on their farm to bring back in to town. He called them and said "You remember when you said you wanted to donate a tree for the city of Franklin?" Mind you the tree was already cut down and on its way to Franklin.

It was a fun story that I'll let Chip tell over a beer himself, but he and the others really stepped up for this little town.

They brought this tree downtown and the next day it was put in place and re-decorated. Franklin only went one night without a Christmas tree. Other than the size of the trees, barely anyone would know what happened.

​Christmas season was restored.

This might not seem like a big deal, but think about the last two years.

Seriously.

​This act was something that many might not realize, but a sense of calm and hope was brought back to many by a handful of people banding together to give a simple little ray of sunshine to a place. And it was done in a day without fanfare and only a few tears shed bu organizers like Pat Dolecki and Ronnie Beith.  And Paul Bunyan Tree Service and countless others just said, "nope, nope, you are not taking Christmas away from us!"

These little things, that if you were there, weren't little in the least, are what makes Franklin a pretty special place. 

New Years resolution: Get stuck and prodded less!

I am always later than most with my year in reviews. This is my first posting of what will likely be a short series over the next week or two. I plan a sports post and a pictures of the year post and maybe a few others.

​ It was a weird year.

I would like 2022 to be a year I can breathe a little freer and perhaps not have swabs jammed up my nose as much or needles stuck in my arm (or anywhere else!) I hope less people I know get really sick or die. I hope we begin to get back to a level of normalcy.

But that said I hope we learned something.

I want to share these thoughts in hopes we can move forward and increase our life expectancy age even further. Bare with me.

1. If we are sick can we all agree to either stay home or wear a mask? Despite the arguments, I believe in 2020 we learned that social distancing and masks did cut down on the spread things like the common cold and the like. Not perfect, but an aid.

2. I'm an old school hand shaker, but can we adopt the fist bump or develop an even better greeting? Perhaps a double fist bump and slight bow of respect? The handshake may very well be more lethal than guns, in fact I'm sure it is. I'm pretty sure every cold I've ever gotten was the result of a handshake (or a kid climbing all over the photographer at an elementary school assignment!) What say we find a new form of respect and greeting that is healthier?

​3. Perhaps social media isn't the best place for us to truly discuss serious matters? Though, admittedly, I'm an addict of social media because we really reach everyone--good or bad. I wish there was a good way to say we need to legitimate sources, but we're so paranoid of each other's extremes we will struggle to find a way to be civil.
That said most people who discuss things in person remain somewhat civil when they realize the other side doesn't have two heads. So maybe social media must require us to show our face when we say something stupid.

4, COVID has taught us some valuable lessons about how productivity can happen in many different ways, including by staying at home when your kids are sick. Or working half a day when you're sick from home? Other than hands on jobs, most work can be done without the burden of a commute. Less accidents of people rushing to get to work on time perhaps? That said, sometimes there is nothing better than bouncing ideas off each other face to face so we need to find a balance. We have learned the mix of work from hime and going to work when necessary might be better for the soul and even productivity.

5. Respect.... this is tough, but I would hope that we have learned to respect each others comfort levels - but maybe we have a little way to go there. But people deciding to wear their mask hopefully allows them to not be face to face confronted and allowed their comfort level and freedom.

I could go on, but I suspect I've already lost many of you. What I hope from everything bad is that we find the possible good that it presents us. World War Two was horrific, but it brought the world somehow closer together in many ways in a fight against tyranny. The Cold War taught us that we are fragile and we have so many lessons to still learn about race and equality. And there is always good within the mire if we're willing to look hard enough for it. I think from this we should come out healthier, though recent events seem to say otherwise, I still have hope!

​So in 2022 I hope we can fist bump and bow with respect, perhaps be healthier and move forward from these two years stronger and take on the future with hope. 

​Forward!

Standing with their arms stretched toward the center of a circle, coach Katie Neely asked what they wanted to say together to end practice.

​"It's gotta be states!" one of the Oil City cheerleaders said. 

The squad of 21 girls was practicing in the Oil City Middle School gymnasium Wednesday night.

​They are competitive cheerleaders.

"The general public thinks of sideline cheerleading and don't really understand the athleticism," said Neely. "It is two and a half minutes of non-stop action. We are throwing and catching people. It takes a lot of strength."

The squad lost the district competition to Warren by only fractions of a point, but their score was nearly perfect. They were awarded a wild card spot to states, earning them a trip to the Giant Center in Hershey at the end of the month. They compete in the big schools division in a PIAA recognized sport.

Neely knows what this means. She went to states three times as an Oil City student under then head coaches Stacey McFall and Erin Lenze. Neely said it was a highlight of her career to compete in Hershey and in her senior year she was part of a district 10 champion squad with her little sister.

"I just wanted to give this to them," Neely said.

With a squad that is freshmen and sophomore heavy and less than a handful of seniors, Neely expects big things next year and for years to come.  And she is committed to staying. "I always wanted to coach and next year I want to beat Warren and win districts," she said.

Coaching isn't without challenges. COVID wreaks havoc and they lost a whole year last year. They also practice their routine on a mat that is a little too small. They could really use two more mats that are roughly 6 feet by 40 feet. Then they could practice on a competition-size surface. "They are really expensive," said Lenze. The mat sections run anywhere from $500 to $1,000 each.

Neely said the squad isn't really fundraising for their trip to Hershey, but they are hoping to keep building the athletic program and do raise funds through the Blue & White Booster Club. All cheer squads benefit from the booster program, not only the competitive group.

The squad is a co-op between Oil City and Cranberry high schools.  Several of the girls also cheer football, basketball and wrestling. 

Since they only practice once a week they only have one more chance to fine tune their performance.

Well two times actually.

This Saturday they will showcase their routine for the public at 4 p.m. at the middle school. It is a chance   for them to show off their skills and also educate others a little more on the world of competitive cheer. It also gives locals who cannot make the trip to Hershey a chance to see this group's hard work.

The showcase will give them a chance to perform before a crowd and see anything they'd like to change  during their last practice next Wednesday. Then they will be ready to hit the road to Hershey to compete on January 28 and 29 against the best squads in the state.

Good luck girls.

Below are a few more photos from practice and working out their routine this week.

Please see even more photos, 145 of them in fact at 
https://sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p1056141725

If I don't write or post something every day I feel I'm letting myself down. Worse I feel I miss opportunities to tell stories in the community.

But life. 

The Coronavirus doesn't help, not feeling well means responsible people stay home and/or get tested. In the last few weeks both have happened for me. Luckily, no virus. Unluckily, I had a couple colds and a scare. And there are personal things that pop up in between and during all of it. 

And there was also 18 inches of snow that fell overnight and buried my car and half my house (over-stated for dramatic affect.) The road to Venango County hasn't been inviting during this winter dump. When working for a newspaper, it didn't matter - you got your car out and found yourself dangerously looking for photos to tell a story about the weather.
​
But I'm just me right now, and life!

I also have to pay bills. 

I take on some freelance gigs from time to time in order to keep a roof over my head and to put myself in a position to maintain my love of storytelling. These gigs are welcomed as I try to build an ad base of sponsors. I am fortunate my camera allows me to do this. Clients and the occasional family or senior portrait helps -  my creditors think so as well.

​So life... here are a few other things that have taken my time recently.

Photographs for a Franklin Chamber article on the Buffalo Street Lanes for the annual Business Review and Forecast section The Derrick and News-Herald puts out. 

Same with my friends at Conair who submit their own article.

I've also been looking through my favorite photos and stories from 2021 hoping to share some look backs and perhaps insights on another trying year.

I was truly honored when a family put their trust in me to make family portraits. It rained on the day, forcing a less than ideal situation, but we made some pictures and memories just the same.

When an old friend asks if I can help by shooting a basketball game, I try to jump all over it.

Also, Allegheny College is back on campus trying to keep their students active during these cold snowy days.

And I squeezed in a story or two for Eight & 322.

​I hope to be ready to jump back into full action this coming week. You know, if I can manage to stay shoveled out. Sometimes there are some lags in our posting as we establish ourselves, because of... well, you know... life!

​Then, a few days before June 10, 2021, Taylor saw there was going to be a solar eclipse on that day, the ten-year anniversary of that first dance and just felt she needed to call her old flame. She was hoping they could watch the eclipse together.

It fit into Devon's plans. "She had a feeling and I had a dream." he said admitting he dreamed they'd get back together.

Newbie to the clan, Gus Gus plays with Clem and their faces got a bit out of control. These are two regulars in our columnist Anna Applegate's The Nature of Things.
We at Eight & 322 thought this is a great time for a "Caption This" to see what folks come up with. 

Here's a start "WHAAAAAT? You said what to Sherman Gus Gus? And he didn't sit on you? That's cray cray crayzeee!"

Also sworn in Monday were Sam Lyons, Christian Marshall and James Johnson, who start their four-year terms on council. They join Deputy Mayor Donna Fletcher, council members Ryan Rudegeair and Fred Mays, whose terms end in 2023.

The family made signs and presented him with gifts. At the end of his final steps he checked his phone which told him he still had 1/10 of a mile still to go.

He laughed.

​After around 2,300 miles to cover the just over 1,500 miles of road and trails, he found that pretty funny. "You know, lol, that wasn't included in the [Venango] County miles, that was just something arbitrary I set for my total miles today," he wrote later in a Facebook message.

To read more about his journey, visit this page that has a story and pictures first published a couple weeks back.

Later on Friday, Kosker paid homage to his accomplishment by posting to social media "I'm pretty tired, I think I'll go home now," - Forrest Gump.

Was this truly a first night of 2022 or the heroic last night of 2021?

After a couple years of pandemic madness, December 31, 2021 may have been a good riddance celebration for those who believe the calendar means anything in the way of endings and beginnings.

Oil City is one of the few western Pennsylvania cities that puts on a "First Night" celebration, which offers folks an alternative to the bigger city gatherings in Pittsburgh and the like. This year's organizers, much like those in the past, focused on providing music in several genres at venues strewn across both sides of the Allegheny River.

The warm weather provided an opportunity for more comfortable outdoor walking around, but it was not friendly for the ice sculptures at all. The event closed out the year. At quick glance it may have seemed sparsely attended due to so many venues, but nearly 400 $10 buttons were sold. "We call it a win after not having it last year," said Martha Heisse who helps with the event. "It was busy with families early and adults later."

Dennis Geib gave three piano performances at the Venango Museum and invited Evan Wolfgong, a young man he referred to as a protege, to play as well

The popular folkie family band Echo Valley filled the Trinity United Methodist santuary with they twangy old fashion country bluegrass tunes.

Across the river, Max Schang played blues at the Christ Episcopal Church while the Route 8 band brought their classic rock set to the YWCA.

Other music from Randy Moorehead at Karma, Gravel Lick performed at Calvary and the Pine Valley Boys at the Transit Building, where the hat making also took place. Trinity also hosted the Butler Clowns, storytelling sessions, face painting and crafts.

Happy New Year!