PHOTO CONTEST: Pennsylvania Magazine is holding its annual photo contest. The contest allows entries in three categories: black and white, wildlife and scenic views and vistas. The deadline to enter is April 15.

For those interested, the magazine rules state the purpose is to “publish images that thrill our readers; these are images that are different than the ordinary but still resonate with people as familiar subjects.”

Submissions can be made either by using Dropbox.com or any other digital sharing service or by sending a USB drive or CD/DVD through the mail.

The entry form is available at pa-mag.com/2021photo.

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POETRY: Bradford resident Donald Neal has graced us with his work again, and we think he captures this time of year perfectly with this one.

Goodbye Winter

The sun rises slowly over the eastern hills,

At the start of another winter’s day.

The snow that once covered the land,

Has slowly melted away.

The icy cold wind that blew in the morning,

Will become a warm afternoon breeze.

Soon we will see the birds return,

And start building their nests in the trees.

The season called Spring is on its way,

When the trees will again be covered in green,

The flowers will be in bloom, once more

For all their beauty, to be seen.

The rain will wash Mother Nature’s face,

The winds will blow the clouds away.

The sky will become a brilliant blue,

We will know that spring is here to stay.

The winter season is almost gone,

In spring we wait for the summer sun.

A time for vacations and picnics,

A time for having fun.

So sit back and make those plans for spring,

And be thankful for one more day.

You have made it through another winter,

And you wouldn’t want life any other way.