Pennsylvania has now joined 26 other states that will exempt persons 75 years of age and older to opt out of jury duty, and also for breastfeeding moms. This is a good thing.

The Muncy FBLA had a Thanksgiving food drive last week at the high school to benefit the Son Light House, and on Saturday morning they made a delivery of over 700 non-parishable food items after sorting and collecting everything Friday night. I was informed that Mrs. Wertz’s first period class collected the most, over 120 items. The main office staff, guidance department and the nurse’s office all donated too.

Lycoming County United Way reported that over 400 thousand dollars has been raised so far in their annual campaign. Chair Ken Sawyer said it is about $62,000 ahead of last year’s. They also collected more than 500 coats, 200 hats, gloves and scarves, blankets and other winter clothing most recently with a drive at Catch-All Storage.

Muncy’s Skilled Nursing Unit now has a newly improved beauty and barber shop with services provided by Bessie Zettlemoyer.

Christina Doward from Muncy sent an update on the county’s sensory garden she is helping to organize on County Farm Road. She said that a wheelchair accessible pathway and raised beds were built and completed in early October by 9 masonry students from Penn College. Everything should be ready for planting in the spring. Christina is passionate about this project and anticipates using the sensory garden for student workshops and community interest for those who love to garden.

A holiday Christmas train ride is scheduled to leave Bloomsburg on November 28 and 29. To make a reservation call 784-2522. Saturday has 4 departure times and Sunday will have 3.

The Muncy Craft show at the high school was very rewarding, from soy candles, organic honey, crafty ornaments, homemade soaps, jewelry, fudge, baskets and much more. I loved visiting the alpacas. This is an annual event always the second Saturday in November, so plan on next year. You won’t regret it. They serve lunch too and proceeds go back to the school.

Muncy events

Sun. Nov. 29 Lights of Love celebration, 4:30 p.m. Muncy Valley Hospital.

Tues. Dec. 1st is “Giving Tuesday,” a national effort to get involved in a giving way to your favorite charity or non-profit organization.

Dec. 2 & 3 senior boxes given to eligible seniors at the Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9 to noon, Thurs. 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 6 holiday concert West Branch Chorale, Pleasant View Wesleyan Church, 994 E. Penn St., Muncy at 3 p.m. Jeanne Berninger will be directing.

Tues. Dec. 8, book fundraiser at the Muncy Public Library, 3-6 p.m., 108 S. Main St. Bring a book and exchange it for a book.

Fri. Dec. 11 Blood Drive with the American Red Cross, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Muncy Valley Hospital, 215 East Water Street.

Sat. Dec. 12 Merry Tubachristmas, Lycoming Mall, 2 p.m. Don’t miss this festive holiday tones with over 50 tubas and baritone players performing Christmas carols to sing along with.