It’s hard to believe it’s time to say farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018. Time seems to speed by.

When I remember 2017, I think the highlight will be “Eclipse Across America.” Although the view of the eclipse was not outstanding in our area, for me, the thrill was watching it as it was shown crossing the United States. It was one of those events that shows you are connected to many others across the country. It was fun to see photos of my 10-year-old grandson using his box camera to view the eclipse and then to hear from my daughter and daughter-in-law in Maryland they were viewing the eclipse with box cameras also.

Of course, the weather played an important role in our lives in 2017. Remember the unseasonably warm weather in February and February being the driest in history. Then the roller coaster temperatures in March and the almost blizzard conditions March 14. Then, of course, we were introduced to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. And, as I write this article, we are looking at snow on the ground and a week of record low temperatures.

A highlight in Emmaus was the week-long activities held during the Emmaus Moravian Church’s Emmaus 270th anniversary celebration, including a public love feast held at Emmaus Community Park.

We welcomed back Emma, the mule, who returned to her place on Main Street in September after some restoration work. Emma, who was part of the “Miles of Mules” project, originally found her home in Emmaus in 2009.

We said farewell to Mayor Winfield Iobst, who retired as mayor after 20 years of service. Thanks for the years of dedication to the community. We’ll welcome Lee Ann Gilbert as the new mayor.

Personally, I will remember 2017 for being able to celebrate my grandson’s graduation from Frederick Community College and my granddaughter’s commencement exercise from Hood College, both in Maryland. We also enjoyed seeing our 10-year-old grandson participate in a choral concert and a fun run at Macungie Elementary School.

The Emmaus Public Library is a fun place to be during the winter months. All the youngster and teen regular programs continue in January 2018. Some new offerings for the youngsters are board gaming and strategy 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6, 2018 and creative play for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2 p.m. Jan. 15, 2018. Bring a bag or can of pet food to share with animals in need. Bring your pillow and sleeping bag to watch “The Wizard of Oz” 2 p.m. Jan. 6, 2018.

A crafting activity for families includes decorating a birdhouse 7 p.m. Jan. 8, 2018. Find your ancestors continues the third Monday of the month 5 p.m. Call or email for an appointment with the library’s genealogist. Memoir Writing is held the fourth Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. Sahaja Yoga is held 7 p.m. every Wednesday in January 2018. New programs include “Decade Party: the 60s” 7 p.m. Jan. 15, 2018 and “Around the World Night: Tea” 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 2018. National Puzzle Day is Jan. 29, 2018. Celebrate with a variety of puzzles in the community room 6 p.m. Movie matinee is 1 p.m. Jan. 25, 2018 and movie night 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2018.

For information on library programs and/or to register, visit www.emmauspl.org or call 610-965-9284. The library will be closed Jan. 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day.

The Emmaus Public Works Department will collect Christmas trees Jan. 2 and 9, 2018. The borough asks residents to place trees at the curb, without a bag. To discard your tree after Jan. 9, 2018, take it to the compost site. The site will be open daily 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 8 to 12, 2018.

Emmaus Borough Council meets 7 p.m. Jan. 2 and 15, 2018. The offices will be closed Jan. 1, 2018. For information, visit borough.emmaus.pa.us.

The Emmaus Farmers Winter Market, at the BBT parking lot, 235 Main St, starts Jan. 14, 2018. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon. The winter market is held the second and fourth Sunday in January, February, March and April, 2018. For information, visit emmausmarket.com.

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 programs in January are Jan. 5, 2018: Jean presenting a talk on “Canines (dogs) for Christ;” Jan. 12, 2018: Keith Sell, musician; Jan. 19, 2018: Glen Pritchard, musician and Jan. 26, 2018 is game day. For information, call 610-966-4273.

The Emmaus Historical Society museum, 218 Main St., will be closed New Year’s weekend and will reopen noon Jan. 6, 2018. The train putz and three trees from the vintage holiday display will still be on display. Other exhibits feature displays from members of the Emmaus Heritage Alliance, the Lions Club International, World War II military, state Sen. Henry Snyder and family, Emmaus High School class rings with yearbook photos, Emaus and Emmaus business memorabilia and more. Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. For information, call 610-966-6591. The society meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month, except January, July and August, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fifth and Chestnut streets. For information, visit www.emmaushistoric-pa.org.

The Knauss Homestead Preservation Society has plans for several fun events for 2018 including poker bingo, a Knauss family picnic, clam bake, boozy bingo and more. All funds raised by these events go directly toward the goal of preserving the homestead. A lot has happened at the homestead in 2017. The society started repainting the interior of the home and refinishing the bathroom. The society has received and obtained multiple antique furniture pieces. And, the society participated in the successful East Penn School District historic field trip. The society’s board meets the first Wednesday of each month. The society welcomes volunteers. For information, visit knausshomestead@gmail.com.

Emmaus Garden Club will not meet in January or February 2018. For information,contact RGEbersole@aol.com.

Emmaus Arts Commission will host the SnowBlast Winter Arts Festival Feb. 2 and 3, 2018 at various venues. The commission’s photo contest usually held during the borough’s Old Fashioned Christmas, will be incorporated within SnowBlast. Look for the rules, categories and forms on the EAC website at www.emmausarts.org.

The deadline for including items in the February 2018 column is Jan. 17, 2018. Please send information to Corrine Durdock, 913 Little Lehigh Dr., call 610-967-2661 or email durdock@aol.com.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.