It's hard to believe that it's time to say farewell to 2012 and welcome 2013. As I reflect on the year, personally I'll remember attending my granddaughter's high school graduation and seeing her enter college a milestone in our lives. On a local and national level, 2012 will be memorable to me for the effects of superstorm Sandy and the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Let's hope nothing in 2013 compares to either of them.

The Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., is a great place to visit during January's cold weather. All the regularly scheduled children's programs continue: Stars and Rainbows story time 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; Suns at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and Twilight Readers 6:30 p.m. Thursdays; Library Lunch Jr. Jan. 5, 2013 and Library Lunch Jan. 12, 2013. The popular LEGO party for all ages will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12, 2013. Adult book discussion will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 8, 2013.

The library is hosting two special events in January: an Introduction to e-readers open house 1 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23, 2013 and Story Time for 3, 4 and 5 year olds by the Emmaus Lioness group 10:30 a.m. Jan 23, 2013. There will be a Teen Read 7 p.m. Jan. 30, 2013. Registration is required for some programs. Call 610-965-9284 or visit www.emmauspl. org for information. The library will be closed Jan. 1, 2013.

The Emmaus Winter Farmers' Market will take place 10 a.m. to noon every other Sunday in 2013 until the regular market starts up again in May. The Winter Market will be held at the KNBT parking lot, 235 Main St. The vendors will vary during that time but 14 of the regular vendors have agreed to be present at least for some of the dates. For information, visit www.emmausmarket.com.

Another nice place to visit is the Emmaus Historical Society Museum, 563 Chestnut St. The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. You are sure to see something in the display cases that will bring back memories. For information, visit emmaushist@ptd.net.

All senior citizens over the age of 55 are invited to the Emmaus Senior Citizens meetings at St. Matthew's E.C. Church, Ridge and Fifth streets. The January programs are Jan. 4, 2013: musician Glen Pritchard; Jan. 11, 2013: music by Sister Sounds; Jan. 18, 2013: a speaker on hearing aids and Jan. 25, 2013 is game day. For information, call 610-966-4273.

Emmaus Borough Council will meet 7 p.m. in council chambers, 28 S. Fourth St., Jan. 7 and 21, 2013. For information, visit borough.emmaus. pa.us or call 610-965-9292. The borough offices are closed Jan. 1, 2013. Christmas tree collection will be held through Jan. 11, 2013. The Kline's Lane Compost Center will be open 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14 to 18, 2013.

The Business and Community Alliance coat drive to help those hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy continues through Jan. 7, 2013. Coats may be dropped off at any KNBT branch. The coats will be delivered to a distribution center on Staten Island. For additional information, call 484-519-0206.

Mark your calendar for the Emmaus Arts Commission's Snowblast Festival, Feb. 1 and 2, 2013. The festival schedule is packed with free, community-wide art related events.

Activities include many favorites such as the Friday night kick-off on the Emmaus Triangle with an appearance by the SnowBlast Ice Princess, Sculpted Ice demonstrations and the popular Ice Bar hosted by the Emmaus Main Street Partners. The winter art festival includes an art show and sale at the Clock Building and also features special musical performances. Saturday continues with activities 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emmaus Public Library and the Clock Building.

The celebration schedule and activity times will be posted Jan. 15, 2013 on the Emmaus Arts Commission website and is subject to revision. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official SnowBlast Winter Festival website at www. emmausarts.org.

The Emmaus Garden Club members invite you to join them on a bus trip to the Philly Flower Show March 4, 2013. For information and cost, call Diane at 610-554-0653 or 610-395-5788.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Please send information about February happenings to Corrine Durdock, 913 Little Lehigh Dr., Emmaus or Durdock@aol.com.