Muncy

by Cindy Knier

Two issues-life and death-are on the minds of many this week. On one end of the spectrum is the birthday anniversary of Dorothy Story, a spry 99 years young this Friday, Feb. 27. Those who would like to send wishes to Mrs. Story may do so by addressing their cards to: 69 Park Place, Apt. 9 Muncy, PA 17756.

On the opposite end of the paradox, condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Muncy Postmaster Tim Stockdale, whose sudden passing last Thursday has left us in shock. He was a kind man, and his absence from every day life is painful. Since funeral services have already taken place this week and if you were unable to attend, please take a moment to either send a card or memorial contribution to one of several addresses listed at the end of Tim’s obituary on page 4.

Birthday greetings to Eddie Andrews, who turns 41 on Feb. 27, and belated wishes to Lisa Crist, on Feb. 20.

For those who are interested in astronomy and all things related, an odd, greenish backward-flying comet is zipping by Earth this month. The comet is called Lulin, takes its only trip toward the sun from the farthest edges of the solar system, experts say, and there’s a chance it can be seen with the naked eye-far from city lights. But most likely a telescope, or at least binoculars, will be needed to spot it.

On Monday at 10:43 p.m. EST, it will be 38 million miles from Earth, the closest it will ever get, according to Donald Yeomans, manager of NASA’s Near Earth Object program.

The best opportunity is just before dawn one-third of the way up the southern sky. It should be near Saturn and two bright stars, Spica and Regula.

Hughesville

by Mary Megan Wolfe

The other weekend I had the privilege of being one of the chaperones at our youth group lock in. We had 10 youth who tested my endurance and my ability to operate on four hours of sleep. Those days of being able to operate on less than eight hours of sleep are long gone for this old gal. However, everything went well and a good time was had by all.

I realized kids no longer play the truth circle, or Pictionary. Now in addition to dodge ball and flashlight hide-and-seek, we played Guitar Hero and Rock Band. I was able to dazzle the kids with my ability to sing “Roxanne.” So much so, that I couldn’t get the tune out of my head.

We’ve all gone through the experience of having a tune stuck in our heads. The only thing that bothered me was that I couldn’t remember all the words, and I’m not quite imaginative enough to make up my own.

I’ve always admired my friend Jeanne (Lore) Crawford, who I thought knew the words to every song on the radio, until one day I asked her about a phrase and she told me she just made up the words as she sang along. My friend Janine (Kepner) Miller also had a knack for making up

words. For instance, in the every popular Go-Go’s song, “Our Lips Are Sealed,” Janine use to sing “honest I see you;” and the classic CCR song “Bad Moon Rising,” Janine use to sing “there’s a bathroom on the right.” Ironically, I can remember her lyrics better than the actual song lyrics.

Congratulations to the Spartan Sr. High Boys Basketball team on tying for first place in the Division II Heartland Conference. You make us proud!

Hughesville High School will be presenting the musical “Pippin!” on Thursday, Feb. 26, Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Our sincerest sympathies go out to the family of Bob Haugh, a man who touched so many lives and will be missed. He was the only person who ever got me to eat venison, and although he constantly tried to get me to eat pig stomach, I opted to take a rain check. I will miss his invitations to dinner.

Birthday wishes to Ruth Ranck (87 years), Galen Ryder, Philip Snyder and Connie Mattson-Feb 25; Sherry Hamilton, Debbie Strausser and Wade Corbin-Feb. 26; Jeff Aderhold, Jenna Sellers and Miles Arbogast-Feb 27; Scott Appleman, Heidi Edkin, Ron Dunkleberger, Brian Robbins, Mary Gottschall, Alicia Zook and my wonderful brother, Rev. James R. Ritter, Jr.-Feb 28; My friend Kelli Haugh-Feb 29.

Happy anniversary to: Francis and Cindy Johnson-Feb 27.

Bill Boatman’s presentation on his years with The Laporte Little Theatre was well received by the 58 individuals in attendance at the East Lycoming Historical Society meeting Feb 16.

Remember; take the high road because the low road’s so crowded.

Montgomery

by Joan Wheal Blank

A few weeks ago, three schools in the county were notified of their award-winning achievements when they were recognized as three of the best schools in the county. Every year, the publication U.S. News and World Report releases their list of gold, silver and bronze medal winners. Montgomery, Hughesville, and Loyalsock were the winners locally, and our close neighbor to the south, Lewisburg High School, also came away a silver-medalist.

We all are very proud of our kids and the teachers who have elevated the standards and expectations within our school districts.

This past weekend, six young men represented Montgomery at the District IV wrestling tournament: Bobby Hecknauer, wrestling at 189 lbs, Garrett Shnyder at 140 lbs, Dakkota Deem at 152 lbs, Seth Bartlett at 125 lbs, T.J. Minier at 135 lbs, and Harry Shuey at 160 lbs. Seth emerged the sole winner for Montgomery and will be competing at Regionals this coming weekend. Congratulations to every wrestler on a job well done and best of luck to Seth.

This Friday, the Montgomery schools will be celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday, which is March 2, by participating in NEA’s National Read Across America Celebration. As in the past, the teachers are sure to make this day a fun event for the children.

This Sunday, March 1, is the fundraiser to benefit the family of Max Litzelman, beginning at 12 noon and will end at 6 p.m. at the Clinton Township Fire Hall. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10 for the spaghetti dinner. To make a donation, please contact Denise Gearhart at 570-772-1812.

Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. the Watsontown United Methodist Church will celebrate a Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the building of a new church at the Eighth Street landsite; a reception will follow at the church.

Tuesday, March 3, 12 noon, The Montgomery Area Senior Citizens will hold the March meeting on Tuesday, March 3 at the St. John Lutheran (Brick) Church. Reservations are necessary for the catered meal and can be made by calling Charles Duchman at 547-1160 no later than Feb. 27.

New Covenant Assembly of God Church, 1270 Pinchtown Rd., Montgomery, will hold a week-long Missions Celebration beginning on Saturday, Mar. 7. For more info, contact the church at 570-547-1503 or newcovag@comcast.net.

Saturday, March 7, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Montgomery Lions will host a Sauerkraut Meal. Take outs available 4 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $7 adult, $4 children. Advance tickets available for $6.50. Contact Norm at 570-547-2873 or call the fire station at 570-547-1000.

March 7, 4 p.m., the Watsontown United Methodist Church, 11 E. Third St., will serve a roast turkey dinner. Cost is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12. For more information, contact the church office at 538-1017.

Sunday, March 8, daylight Savings Time begins; spring forward!

Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 to 6 p.m., the St. Johns (Brick) Lutheran Church will hold a Family Style Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner. Cost is $8 for adults, children 6-10 is $4, under 6 eat for free. Take outs available by calling 547-6423.

March 14, 8 a.m., the Warrior Run Area Ministerium will hold a Community Lenten Breakfast at the Watsontown United Methodist Church.

Saturday, March 21, beginning at 5 p.m., the White Deer Valley Sportsmen will host the second annual Sportsman Banquet at the Clinton Township Fire Hall, featuring a meal at 6 p.m., cash bar, gun raffles, 50/50 and other prizes. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event.