PHOTO BY BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Presenting a check for $438 to CAP, Muncy's summer recreation program for kids, are Mike Klein (far left) and Cindy Appleman from the MPBA to Bob Seeley (center), board member for CAP. The money was raised during Muncy's 4th Friday event in July and proceeds were used for movie night at the Muncy Pool on Friday night.

MUNCY – The Muncy Professional Business Association (MPBA) has been very busy this summer. The successful 4th Friday events have taken up much time and planning according to executive board member, Kim Wetherhold.

But it has all been worth it. There is so much going on for the community and the attendance has been outstanding reported Ann Baker at last week’s meeting held at Orlando’s Deli. “Attracting more people to our events makes it worthwhile.”

President Cindy Appleman from RemaxEdge and Mike Klein, Vice-President of MPBA presented a check for $438 to CAP, Muncy’s summer recreation program (Community Action Program). Representing the organization were board members, Bob Seeley and Justin Winters. “This has been a community partnership for the kids,” announced Seeley which included the school, businesses and even private donations that came through the mail. Some funds were also established through grants, therefore, some community events were sponsored at no cost.

The MPBA hosted a community day event at the RJ Patrizio Pool on Friday, August 7th for CAP. Families and children were able to enjoy a free swim and a movie (The Goonies) to watch on a 21 foot screen with “stadium sound quality.” Close to 300 families and kids came to the movie night. This was the first time the pool had an event like this said Mike Gaydon, board President for CAP who helped to set up the screen and audio system at the west end of the pool. They were expecting a crowd of only 150.

The response from the community was almost overwhelming. Dunkin Donuts was even there handing out complimentary coupons and donated two gift baskets for door prizes. Sponsors can “pack a pool night” anytime suggested a Muncy resident, and to keep that thought in mind for next season. Community days can be sponsored for $300 a day reported Appleman. “It’s like owning the pool for the day.”

PHOTO BY RUTH FRY/The Luminary Last Friday night families enjoyed the movie "The Goonies" from the Muncy pool that was sponsored by MPBA for CAP, Muncy's summer rec youth program.

The summer recreation program through CAP costs a minimum of fifteen thousand a year according to Winters when asked by one of the MPBA members. “We have been fortunate to have such support from local service clubs, private residents, and local organizations,” Seeley said.

Another fun event through CAP was the last day of the summer program when some of the baseball players of the Crosscutters came to be with the kids.

MPBA raised $219 at last month’s 4th Friday event during the ‘Smash-a-Car’ round for CAP and a car was donated by Pic Bros in Muncy. Another $219 was matched. County Commissioner Tony Mussare also raised $300 for the Muncy Public Library during the dunk tank by matching the total proceeds during Muncy’s 4th Friday.

This month’s 4th Friday Event will be held on August 28th with big plans for a corn husking contest and free live entertainment from Aaron Kelly which is being sponsored by Klein State Farm Insurance in Muncy. New vendors have also been added according to Baker. “Look for Superman coming in his 1955 mobile,” she said.

Working on new business, MPBA member Chris Johnson from Brickyard Advertising gave an update on September’s Corvette and Artists from our own Backyard show. To be held on Saturday, September 19th, rain or shine, more sponsorships are available and registrations are now being taken for the car entries. Once again FBLA members from Muncy High School will assist with the “Kids Zone” that will include some games, a bounce house, and face painting. In return, FBLA board members get financial help for their state competition.

RUTH FRY/The Luminary Glow sticks could be seen at the pool Friday night thanks to Matt O'Neil, volunteer; Tyler Sones and Bob Seeley, board members of the CAP program.

Last year 138 cars registered and this year “at least 150 or more” are expected according to Johnson. The Mike Caschera Band will be playing during the show and this year funds will be going towards scholarships at Penn College. More information to register and forms can be obtained through the MPBA website at www.muncybusiness.org.

Further along, Appleman discussed some by-law changes to the MPBA that were voted on since its last adoption as a PA non-profit corporation in March of 2014. It was approved to have four open meetings, whereas the executive board will meet monthly. The last general meeting was held May 7th with a presentation on Google mapping from Nick Lentz at the Small Business Development Association. “The quarterly meetings will be more informative with presenters,” said Appleman.

Partnering with the Muncy Rotary, MPBA brought in a comedy act, Raymond the Amish Comic at the end of May with a net proceeds of $1,635. A summer business mixer was also held on July 21st at Hull’s Landing on the deck where participants played ‘Muncy Trivia.’

An October Fest is being planned for fall and a social in December.

Donations for CAP, Muncy’s summer youth recreation program, can be sent to 104 Sprout Road, Muncy, PA, 17756.

RUTH FRY/The Luminary Dunkin' Donuts was on hand greeting everyone with coupons prior to the free movie Friday night at the R. J. Patrizio Pool. Representatives include from left to right: Store Manager Jason Hoffman, Team Leaders Danny Swisher and Cindy Champaign along with Larry the Latte' and Dee Dee the Donut.