Community Action Program ends week with Crosscutters visit
MUNCY – The children were very excited to hear that real baseball players from the Williamsport Crosscutters were coming to Muncy’s summer recreational program at Myers Elementary School to meet the children, sign autographs, and also play ball with them on Monday morning, July 23.
Known as the Muncy Community Action Program, the program started on Monday, June 11 and ended last Thursday, July 26. Each morning from nine to noon children who attended Muncy School District and going into grades K through 8, were invited to attend the Muncy C.A.P. at no cost. The program is funded through the Muncy School District and the Muncy Borough under the management of Bob Murphy, President of the Muncy Community Action Program.
“This program provides your child with an opportunity to play in a safe environment,” he said. “We offer a wide variety of outdoor and indoor games, special events, as well as arts and crafts.”
The children utilized the space in the lower gym area behind Ward L. Myers Elementary School and were allowed to attend on any day they chose Monday through Thursday. Children were not allowed to leave during the duration of the program unless they had a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian.
The program was run under the direction of Peter A. Ruhl, a former Muncy High School graduate and former Muncy HS Boys Soccer Coach. He recently earned his elementary education degree from Lock Haven University. This year tennis lessons were incorporated into the program for a fee. Assisted with five to six high school students as recreational counselors and a small budget, Ruhl organized many sporting games and activities each day. “The activities changed daily,” he said. “Sometimes we would walk to Lions Park.”
One of the featured activities that was enjoyed the most was a visit from the Williamsport Crosscutters on July 23. The three Crosscutters players who came were Chris Nichols, pitcher, Zack Taylor, outfielder and Cameron Perkins, infielder. Each player introduced himself and spoke on different topics of baseball and how they came to the Crosscutters. Later the children lined up for personal autographs from the players and spoke to them briefly. But the highlight of the day was playing ball with their hometown heroes. All the kids agreed that this was one of the best playground days ever.