At the beginning of each year, the saying goes “new year, new me.” While people are making their new year’s resolutions to be a better version of themselves, there is sometimes a feeling of dread that comes back after a return to work and school after the holidays. The best piece of advice is to look forward to the new year in a positive light.

Entertainment

The year of 2018 is filled with an action-packed movie lineup. This includes many superhero movies such as “Black Panther” (Feb. 16), “The Avengers: Infinity War” (May 4), “Deadpool 2” (June 1), “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (July 6), “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (Nov’. 2) and “Aquaman” (Dec. 21). More action packed movies such as “Tomb Raider” (March 16), “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (June 22) and “The Darkest Minds” (Sept. 14), which is based on the best-selling novel by author Alexandra Bracken, are coming to theaters. And of course there are films like “Peter Rabbit” (Feb. 9), “A Wrinkle in Time” (March 9), “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (May 25), “The Incredibles 2” (June 15), “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (Nov. 2), “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (Nov. 9) and “Mary Poppins Returns” (Dec. 25) that are predicted to be great family-friendly options.

As for theater, the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh 2018 Season has musicals such as “Waitress,” “Rent,” “Disney’s Aladdin,” “Wicked” and “Cinderella.” From Feb. 16 to March 4, “The Great Gatsby” is being put on by the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, along with “Big Fish” from April 20 to May 6 and “Ragtime” from June 15 to June 24. At the Comtra Theater, plays such as “Les Miserables: School Edition” from March 2 to 17 and “Peter and the Starcatcher” from April 6 to 21 are in the line-up.

News

On the night of Jan. 31, there will be a supermoon/blue moon/total lunar eclipse, more commonly known as a blood moon due to its red hue. This special occasion will mark the first in 152 years. A supermoon is a moon that appears larger and brighter because it is full when it is also at its closest point in its orbit around Earth. A blue moon is the second full moon that occurs in a month’s time. According to Space.com, a blue moon occurs on average around every 2.7 years.

Also to look forward to is the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. From Feb. 9 to 25, Olympians will compete in events like curling, luge, speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, Alpine skiing, etc.

The FIFA World Cup takes place from June 14 to July 15 in Russia. According to the Bleacher Report, this is the first time the U.S. team will not qualify for the world cup since 1986, due to their 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 10, 2017. While the U.S. may not be competing, 32 other teams will be put to the test in a race to come out on top.

Prince Harry of Wales and Meghan Markle will tie the knot on May 19 at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third child is expected to arrive in April, just before the wedding takes place. The ring, which Markle’s fiancé designed himself, has a diamond in the center, accompanied by two smaller round-cut stones from Princess Diana of Wales’ jewelry collection.

On Feb. 2, Justin Timberlake’s new album “Man of the Woods” is to be released. Two days later, Timberlake is slated to perform in the Super Bowl halftime show with another artist that is to be announced.

In summer, following the success of “Toy Story Mania,” additional rides are being constructed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Toy Story Land. This area will now include attractions such as a coaster named the Slinky Dog Dash and the Alien Swirling Saucers.

Also, Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE), Argentina’s state-owned airline, is attempting to have regular commercial flights to Antarctica in 2018, which amounts to a 90-minute flight time. In other words, the penguins will have company.

Local

In April, the Air Heritage Museum in Chippewa will host its annual Pig Roast which will include a day full of food and tours of restored aircraft. It is usually held the last Saturday. In addition to the roast, Brady’s Run Park will also hold its annual Maple Syrup Festival, usually in the first weekend of April. Along with food booths, crafts, musical performances and Civil War reenactments, attendees have the opportunity to get all-you-can-eat buttermilk and buckwheat pancakes.

One month later in May marks the Beaver County History Celebration. The Vicary Mansion in Freedom will be open to guests who want to learn about life back in the day.

In June, the Ft. McIntosh Garrison Day Craft Show will be put on in downtown Beaver. This weekend will include craft and antique dealers, food, music and entertainment.

Later in September, Beaver will additionally host the Beaver County BookFest that celebrates reading, writing and the arts.