Are you concerned about maintaining the health of your brain as we age? Researchers point out that 1 in 8 Americans will suffer from severe cognitive decline, and by age 80, 1 in 2 will be affected. In a study conducted relatively recently, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, it was discovered that the spice Turmeric can contribute to the regeneration of a “damaged brain” and possibly help with neurological disorders. Now I purchased some, but I have to remember to sprinkle this so-called miracle drug on my foods!

Congratulations to Renee M. Chamberlin from Muncy, a participating student among 13 others at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, who will be exhibiting her work as part of “Design: 2016,” the annual student portfolio exhibition in The Gallery at Penn College. A public reception for the exhibit’s opening will be held Friday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the gallery, located on the third floor of the Madigan Library. The design work will be on display through May 13.

This Friday, April 22 is Earth Day. It started on April 22, 1970 when 20 million Americans hit the streets to protest the environmental effects of more than 100 years of “uncontrolled fossil-fueled industrial development.” What was intended to be a college campus teach-in soon spread to every community and city across the United States. It was and remains the single largest secular event in history. Get involved by helping to clean your favorite park. Both Montgomery and Hughesville have clean up days scheduled.

I attended the program Sunday at the Muncy Historical Society on the connection of Henry Brock with Fitzgerald’s famous fiction novel, “The Great Gatsby.” Now I’m sure most of you have either read the book or watched either of the two movies made on this story of high society and glamour. The question remains: Is the story based on the incident of Henry Brock’s real life tragedy of wealth, intoxication, vehicular homicide and a cover up for a woman? Guest curator, Jonathan Schau made some realistic references to both stories and believes Fitzgerald might have known about Henry Gibson Brock from Muncy. It sure left me wondering about this for the past few days, and I revisited the book, “Only One Child” to learn more about Henry Brock. Interestingly, his wife became one of the owners of the Luminary. We have history recorded on the Luminary website. I will relate more of Mr. Schau’s story in a future issue as we continue to celebrate 175 years of history for The Luminary.

Muncy Events

Thurs. Apr. 21 at 7 p.m. Spring Bird Migration with Wes Egli Spring has finally sprung! Learn what birds have made their way back to the area and how to identify them.

Sun. Apr. 24 Katys Church, 440 Katys Church Road, Muncy, will reopen with services starting at 12:30. Pastor Shawn McNett will be officiating the services. Services will be held the 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. More info: 570-764-2412.

Sat. Apr. 23, WILD WORDS WALK at Montour Preserve, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Meet in Environmental Education Center Led by Jon D. Beam. To celebrate Earth Day, we will take a look at Nature through the eyes and thoughts of some of naturalists, writers and philosophers. These keen observers of nature left behind some interesting descriptions about Nature and wilderness. Join us as we explore the wilderness of Goose Woods through quotations about the natural world. Bring a favorite quotation or two to share if you like. Or simply join to share good thoughts and a leisurely woodland walk.

Apr. 27 & 28, Son Light House distribution days. Weds. 9 to noon & Thurs. 5 to 7:30 p.m. 130 Carpenter Street, Muncy.

Thurs. Apr. 28 SVQG to meet at Pennsdale United Methodist Church, 7:00 p.m. Nancy Grove will be discussing the “Dress a Girl Program”, a world wide gathering of people who believe that every girl deserves the dignity of owning at least one dress. Donated material or pillowcases are sewed into simple children’s dresses to be given to other countries or wherever needed. This organization sends the message that the girl wearing this dress is under someone’s care, thus giving her added protection from those who would harm her. You will be inspired by the Mission Stitchers’ effortand you may want to join them at the United Methodist Church in Muncy or donate to their cause. On Sat. morning Apr. 30 SVQG member Carol Turnbow will be doing a workshop on free motion machine quilting.

Thurs. April 28, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Muncy Public Library invites you to join in for the “Color and Chat” Adult Coloring Therapy Class. Materials will be provided, however you are welcome to bring a coloring project you are already working on, or something you would like to begin. Please register for the program by calling 570-546-5014.

Fri. April 29 Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village will host an evening of dancing and dining for older adults from 5 to 8 p.m. music by the Vic Boris Trio and a multicourse meal prepared by the village chef. For additional information, including ticket price, people should contact Gretchen Nash of the village staff at (570) 523-4285.

Sat. Apr. 30 from 11:00 -2, the Muncy VFW Post 3428 at 12 N. Market Street, will hold a veteran’s benefit fundraiser for a local US Air Force Vet suffering from Parkinson’s Disease to aid in travel expenses to the VA hospitals as well as his general day-to-day care. For more information about items contact Steve at 570-651-9688.

Thurs. May 5 MPBA general meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Orlandos Deli, Muncy.

Fri. May 6 Prom night for Muncy High School