It’s hard to believe it is time to say farewell to 2016 and welcome 2017.

As I reflect personally on 2016, memorable for our family will be our granddaughter’s graduation from Hood College in Frederick, Md. and my milestone birthday celebrated at the Hotel Bethlehem. My nine-year-old grandson liked the Hotel Bethlehem so much he asked if we could always celebrate Grandma’s birthday there. Also memorable was my youngest daughter’s move from the Ridings in Macungie to a house in Lower Macungie Township.

Locally, we said farewell to Police Chief Dave Faust, who retired, and we welcomed Charles Palmer as the new chief. We also welcomed four new police officers and John Price as director of emergency service/fire chief.

And, when we think of 2016 we can’t forget the record breaking snows and heat. Do you remember the blizzard conditions and new record for snow in one day in January? And, the record heat in late July and early August? And, now in December, we are talking about the below freezing temperatures. The weather seems to be always on our mind.

When I look back over the columns, I’m always impressed with how many events take place in Emmaus. These events wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of volunteers. To all the volunteers and civic organizations, I say thank you for your efforts toward making Emmaus a great place to call home.

Plaudits to the Kiwanis Club of Emmaus on the 50th anniversary celebration of the club’s hosting of its Special Needs Christmas Party. I was fortunate to attend one of the parties in the past and I witnessed the joy the party brings to the recipients.

The Emmaus Senior Citizens group meets 1 p.m. every Friday at St. Matthew’s E.C. Church, Fifth and Ridge streets. All area senior citizens are welcome to attend. The January programs are Jan. 6, 2017: Ken Pursell, musician; Jan. 13, 2017: Laurie Samen, who will present a program on medication; Jan. 20, 2017: Keith Sell, musician and Jan. 27, 2017 is game day.

Beginning in January, The Emmaus Farmers Market located in the BB&T parking lot, 235 Main St., will hold its wintermarket 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Sundays. Winter market begins Jan. 8, 2017. For more information, visit emmausmarket.com.

Emmaus Borough Council meets 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2017 (note this is a Tuesday due to Monday’s holiday) and Jan. 16, 2017. Borough offices are closed Jan. 2, 2017 for the holiday.

The borough will collect Christmas trees Jan. 3 and Jan. 10, 2017. Trees should be placed at the curb without a bag. After Jan. 10, 2017, residents should take their trees to the compost site for disposal. The compost site will be open daily 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 9 to 13, 2017.

Free Zumba is offered 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at Faith Presbyterian Church, North Second and Cherokee streets.

The Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., has many fun activities planned during January 2017. Reminder: the library does not follow the East Penn School District for winter weather closings or holidays. Check inclement weather closing at www.emmauspl.org or call 610-965-9284 for up-to-date information. Early closings will be posted as soon as they are decided. The library will be open Dec. 31 and closed Jan. 2, 2017.

Afterschool, preschool and toddler story times and Book Explorers, Book Adventurers book clubs begin the week of Jan. 9, 2017. Block parties are held 11 a.m. Jan. 3 and 4 p.m. Jan. 31, 2017.

Literary Lunch for students in grades six to eight is held noon Jan. 21, 2017. Teen Read for students in grades nine to 12 is held 7 p.m. Jan. 10, 2017. Pre-registration is required. There will be a family film matinee 2 p.m. Jan. 7, 2017.

Homeschool Share Fair will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 9, 2017. On Martin Luther Day (Jan. 16, 2017), the library will host family board games 10 a.m. and a service project and creative play activity 2 p.m.

Books and Barks is held 6:45 to 8 p.m. Jan. 26, 2017. This is an opportunity to read to the Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs.

The adult book group meets 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 3, 2017 and the “Art and Artists in Literature” fall adult book discussion group meets 7 p.m. Jan. 17, 2017. Pre-registration is required for both activities.

The adult basic computer classes are held 10 a.m. every Thursday; the knitting group meets 2 p.m. Jan. 9, 2017. The PG-13 movie matinee will be held1 p.m. Jan. 26, 2017.

The Emmaus Historical Society museum, 218 Main St., will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2017. The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. For information, email emmaushist@ptd.net or call 610-966-6591.

Save the Date: The Emmaus Arts Commission will again host the SnowBlast Winter Arts Festival. It will be held 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 and noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 4, 2017 at various venues throughout the borough. For information, visit www.emmausarts.org.

Also during the month of February, the Emmaus Historical Society will have winter scene displays and vintage photos of Emmaus blizzards during its Winter Wonderland exhibit at the museum.

The deadline for including items in the February column is Jan. 18, 2017. Please send to 913 Little Lehigh Dr., email durdock@aol.com or call 610-967-2661.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year and good luck on keeping your New Year’s resolution.