The arts in education are so important to improve the character of our students in today’s society and I was pleased to see how the schools have grasped the arts in their curriculum. High schools have finished some musicals, getting ready for the Ray of Light Awards in March at the Community Theatre League. And look for upcoming arts festivals and open houses in the local schools. Montgomery recently held theirs.

Working with members of the Legislative Arts & Culture Caucus, the PA Arts Education Network is now advocating the importance of improving arts education, its access and its quality for our students. They have formed a network and a website at www.artsEducationPA.org and yesterday they held a media event in Harrisburg.

Another big state event is coming up on Saturday, March 30 for it will be Opening Day for Trails, and I do hope the weather improves by then. So let’s not forget some of the nearby nature trails in our area: Heritage Park in Muncy (which will be having a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on May 19), Lime Bluff Park in Wolf Township, Glacier Pools Preserve in Picture Rocks and Montour Preserve. So get the dog, a pair of binoculars, go for a walk and step out for opening day. I was told that this is a good time to observe spring migratory birds, waterfowl, diving ducks, geese and swans.

MUNCY EVENTS

The Muncy Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at the St. James Parish Hall, 215 South Main Street, Muncy. For the first meeting of the year they will be viewing a video of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Refreshments will be served. Anyone interested in joining the Muncy Garden Club is encouraged to attend.

The Lycoming County Conservation District’s 53rd Annual Conservation Awards Banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 at the Pennsdale Trinity United Methodist Church. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a family style ham dinner served at 6:45 p.m. To order tickets, please call the office at (570) 433-3003.

Each year on the last Friday of Lent Church of Resurrection and St. Jame’s Episcopal Church share a Pot Luck Supper at 6 p.m. followed by Stations of the Cross. Bring a dish to share a little before 6 p.m. and enjoy the festivities.

Mar. 27 All You Can Eat Buffet from 4 to 7 at Pennsdale Trinity United Methodist Church. Take outs available.

Thurs. Mar, 28, Messiah in the Passover at Evangelical Free Fellowship, 628 East Penn Street, Muncy. A vivid and exciting demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of the Passover. Open to the public, all denominations. For more information call 546-7814.

1st Annual Victorian Easter Egg Hunt at Katys Church, Sat. March 30, 2013 starting at 2 p.m. Corner of Wolf Hollow and Katys Church Road in Madison Township, Columbia County next to the State Game Lands. Take your children back in time with a tour of a Victorian era country church and an Easter egg hunt on church grounds. The event is open to children 12 years old and younger, with a designated area for children under 4 years of age. Children need to bring their own baskets or containers. Info 764-2412

Register now for the 3rd annual spring 5K Family Run/Walk at YMCA on Apr. 13 at www.elymca.org.