It’s the official start of the Christmas holiday season when the Lights of Love present their traditional tree lighting ceremony, and the rest of the month is like a whirlwind of activities in the tri-town area. Santa will be arriving soon in lots of ways and the parades will begin this weekend.

I am looking forward to our ride on the Polar Express next weekend. It is a fun train ride for kids and leaves from Burger King on Maynard Street in Williamsport on Dec. 11-13. Tickets can be purchased through the Chamber of Commerce at 327-7700. We love the characters, and the lights at night. One year it snowed in the afternoon on our excursion and it was perfect.

This Friday there will be a dedication ceremony at Ward L. Myers Elementary School for the new playground equipment, and the Muncy School District Foundation will be thanking the many donors who made it a successful project for the kids.

Meagan Murray is busy collecting her goodies and getting them ready for this year’s “Meagan’s Box.” She said she is in need of some hygiene products, and will be spending the next 3 weeks wrapping and sorting the donations that will be delivered to the homeless and the shelters. She said the wrapping part is the biggest task and is asking for the “help and fellowship.” She will be at the Hughesville Fire Hall on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

Saturday was small business Saturday, and I so enjoyed shopping at local stores. I always find unusual things and one of a kind gifts suited for the person who receives it. I found some hand knitted scarves and hats for the grandkids at the East Lycoming Historical Society, some hand painted cordial glasses and James Patterson books for my daughter at Nikki’s in Muncy, and some jewelry at Blessings By Design. While there, I also purchased some Annie Sloan chalk paint to paint a wooden tray I got at the charity auction at the Hughesville Fire Hall a few weeks ago. Jackie, the owner, helped me with the colors, a design for the inside and the finishing wax. She took out the time to show me how to do it, and explained some techniques. Now you won’t find that kind of service at a major chain store. I didn’t have to wait for anything I needed, including questions answered. Everyone was smiling!

MUNCY EVENTS:

Sat. Dec. 5 Santa arrives at the Muncy Post Office at noon and escorted by the Muncy fire and police depts. Refreshments will be served inside and meet and greet Santa in his house alongside the Post Office. Sponsored by Muncy Area Kiwanis, Muncy Key Club and the Post Office.

Sat. Dec. 14, Chicken & Waffle Dinner, 4 to 6 p.m. at Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10275 State Route 44, Watsontown, between McEwensville and Turbotville on Route 44.

Weds. Dec. 16 annual Christmas Party at Meck Senior Center and blood pressure clinic at 11 a.m. Lunch reservations due by Dec. 11.

Thurs. Dec. 17 annual Christmas party and home made stocking exchange with SVQG at Pennsdale United Methodist Church with an early start time of 6 p.m.

Dec. 16&17 annual Christmas distributions for the Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter Street, Muncy. Weds. 9 a.m. to noon and Thurs. 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 19 “Make a Holiday Card” activity for ages 5 and up at the Muncy Public Library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Create a special card for a parent, sibling, or other special person. All the materials will be supplied by the library. Please pre-register your child for this event.