Black raspberries and blueberries are ready for picking according to the local growers, and there are several in our area. If you want to learn more about growing your own, the Master Gardeners of Lycoming County will be holding a workshop at their garden fest on August 13th. John Esslinger, a knowledgeable Penn State horticulturalist will be giving some tips in the morning on berry production. I have two blueberry bushes that seem to be doing well in containers, but I was told that once they are put in the ground, they will flourish better.

In case you missed it, there is a food App from the US Department of Agriculture that helps consumers with the science of food handling and storage from produce to seafood. It will answer all your confusion about those expiration dates, shelf life and labeling on your food items. It is free. Just type in Foodkeeper. It can be very helpful now that harvest time is near.

Watch for two big events coming our way in Muncy. The first one will be this Friday with Muncy 4th Friday, a street festival offering everything for everyone. And the vendor list keeps growing. Last month’s bicycle winner is announced this week in The Luminary and be sure to sign up for the watermelon eating contest for this month. These summer events are planned by the Muncy Professional Business Association and they are now working on the annual September’s artist and Corvette show.

Also be sure to catch the Repasz Band on Tuesday at the front of the Muncy Valley Hospital and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Bring your own lawn chair and if weather is bad, the concert will be held on Wednesday.

Meanwhile the Muncy Valley Hospital’s emergency room renovation and addition is progressing well, but beware of the traffic patterns, especially if you are going to Styer’s farm.

Muncy Events:

Fri. July 22 Muncy 4th Friday, downtown Muncy from 6-9 p.m. featurine live music and a watermelon eating contest.

Sat. July 23 Muncy Library Friends book fundraiser, 10-1, Muncy Library.

Tues. July 26 Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in the Muncy Valley Hospital, Repasz Band concert from 6:30-7:30 p.m., rain date July 27th 6:30-7:30, near the Gazebo, 215 East Water Street, Muncy. Please bring a chair.

Weds. July 27 discussion on bicycle safety at 11:30 a.m. for older adults at Meck Senior Center, Muncy

Thurs. July 28 ice cream social at Meck Senior Center, Fitness Drive, Muncy at noon.

Sat. July 30 the SVQG will hold a quilting workshop from 9-3 at the Pennsdale United Methodist Church. Learn how to use a 60 degree ruler and make a table runner and table topper from border fabric

Sat. July 30 community day at Muncy pool. Free admission sponsored by MPBA. Movie night at dusk featuring ‘The Sandlot’.