Merry Christmas everyone. It came upon us quite soon, as the weather has been unseasonably warm and pleasant.

I had some wonderful holiday experiences this past week. I attended two “meal” events that I thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from just by listening to the person next to me and asking questions. On Tuesday at the LCTC, my husband and I attended a luncheon with the Hughesville Garden Club and received a travel brochure from Merrymakers Cruise and Travel. This was of great interest to us because the trips are all inclusive and are senior friendly. Some are short distance, such as the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Radio City Music Hall, and Atlantic City; while others are longer such as a New Year’s cruise, trips to Las Vegas, Austria & Switzerland. Owner Carol Rice and her husband, Robert said they have been doing this for 52 years. Imagine the travel knowledge they have accumulated, and all the do’s and dont’s. Paul and I are hoping for the Caribbean cruise. You can get the list from their website at www.merrymakerstravel.com.

The next day while in Williamsport, I registered for the seminar on food allergies titled “You Make Me Sick” at Susquehanna Health’s educational center on the third floor of the new building on High Street. Some eye opening digestive issues were discussed by Dr. Mihail. I learned that food allergies are life threatening whereas food intolerances are not, and can be controlled with proper diet. For those of you who suffer from any food intolerances, I highly suggest checking out the Sunflower Cafe and Bakery on 145 W. 4th Street in downtown Williamsport. Owner, Judy Ryder started the business here in Moreland Township from her home before she relocated. Now going into her 4th year, she has a super menu that is dairy free, gluten free and soy free. For those of you who have a sweet tooth like me, I highly recommend her pumpkin whoopie pies and chocolate swiss roll. She will also be serving scrumptious lemon bars soon that she let me test taste from her kitchen. Judy, who suffers from celiac disease, has allowed me to enjoy comfort food again since I had to eliminate wheat and dairy. I will never forget the angel food cake she made for me and delivered it to the Luminary/Shopper office in those early years of her career. You can reach Judy or call in an order at 570-916-0719.

The Vineyard Community Youth Activity Center in Muncy has some old Nintendos and Xboxes and they can’t find replacement controllers for one of their games. They are asking if anyone is getting new video game consoles and they have used or older games, the Vineyard would appreciate upgrading some of their game consoles and games with their previous models. The staff can accept any of these games on Friday nights while they are open for ‘Activity Nights’ from 6 to 10 p.m. They are located at 99 Sherman Street. “We don’t let the kids play violent games,” announced Cindy Collister.

Muncy Events

Tues. Jan. 5 discussion for National Bath Safety Month at the Meck Sr. Center, 11:30 a.m., 50 Fitness Lane, Muncy. Also on Weds. Jan. 7 handout and discussion for Thyroid Awareness Month, 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 6&7 distribution boxes for seniors at Son-Light House, 130 Carpeter St., Muncy. Weds. 9 a.m. to noon & Thurs. 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 8 Central PA Food Bank food box distribution at noon, Meck Senior Center, Muncy.

Weds. Jan. 6, 2016, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Blackhawk Specialty Tools, 285 Marcellus Drive, Muncy.

Weds. Jan. 13, 2016, 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Muncy Masonic Lodge, 28 Brummer Pond Road, Muncy

“Open Playtime” for families with children ages 1-6 yrs. will be held Saturday, Jan. 2, 16, 23, and 30th, and February 27th, from 10:30-11:30am in the Community Room of the Muncy Public Library. Bring your child to play with our developmentally appropriate toys while you network with other parents in a safe, relaxed environment. You don’t need to register for this activity.