Merry Christmas!

As I write this column one week before Christmas, I am still unprepared. I have not baked one cookie, wrapped one present or written out one Christmas card.

Sadly, for the first time in my 20 years of marriage, I think the cards are not going to make it out this year. I have realized something has to give, or I will stress myself out and the cards are it. So, if you are on my Christmas card list, I make my apologies here, because unless there is an unforeseen miracle of an added day to the calendar, you will not be receiving one from the Foehrkolbs this year. Life has just gotten too busy. Hopefully by the time you read this, everything will be complete and I will be stress free. Try not to laugh; I know I have high hopes.

I am sure the kids do not need to be reminded, but here it is anyway: all Salisbury Township schools are closed Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, 2014.

Superintendent Michael Roth announced the snow day we had Dec. 10 will be made up April 16, 2014, which was to be part of our spring break. The snow day used Dec. 17 will be made up April 17, 2014. I will put my two cents in here and say I love the fact the district no longer waits until we have five snow days added to the end of the school year before taking away holidays. I am all for snow days (and it looks like we might have our fair share this year), but I am not a fan of adding days on to the end of the school year. To whoever is in charge of making that decision; I say "Thank You!"

There is an operations committee meeting at the administration building 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 2014.

A financial aid night will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 6, 2014 at Salisbury High School.

Western Salisbury Elementary fourth grade parents are invited to have lunch with their student Jan. 7, 2014. If I am greeting parents at the door like I did for the fifth grade lunch, my favorite fast food is french fries….just sayin'.

I'd also like to make an announcement about holiday trash collection. If you are a resident of Salisbury Township who has Wednesday trash and recycling services, take note there will be no pick-up Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, 2014. Trash and recycling will be picked up on the Saturday collection for those two weeks.

As 2013 is winding down and we reflect on our accomplishments, blessings and memories from the past year, I urge you to cherish your family and friends. Take the time to let them know you love and care about them. Pick up the phone and call that friend you haven't talked to in ages. If you are not convinced how important that is, just ask anyone who has lost a loved one this past year.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

~"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!" Dr. Seuss