We are coming of age. This year the the Milken Institute’s Center for the Future of Aging has recognized the importance of the nation’s aging population as “an invaluable asset.” Our contributions are forever changing perceptions of growing old.

The Census Bureau estimates that America’s population aged 65 and over will be nearly 84 million people or nearly 20 percent of the nation’s expected population. That means most of us are active citizens, playing a transformative role in society and always out there making a difference. We carry a lot of knowledge and we have become role models and mentors.

Congratulations goes to Nickolette Jones for obtaining dean’slist at Alfred University. The Luminary appreciated her writing contributions when she first started at the University and now she is a senior and a theater major.

Fourth grade students from Myers Elementary School visited and entertained the residents at the Muncy Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center during the Christmas season. They sang some songs, performed some skits and spent time with some of the residents sharing their favorite foods, music and movies with them. The activity aides said the residents really enjoyed their visit and hope the school will visit them again sometime soon. This month the Muncy Key Club went and played bingo with them. This Friday the residents will be celebrating National Hat Day and making tomales.

Stacie Hart is becoming a famous name. With her second cookbook on the way and winning the state’s first place blue ribbon two consecutive years puts her in the limelight. It was a pleasure interviewing her at her hair salon in Mill Creek Township. She is very enthusiastic about her baking and has no problem sharing her recipes. We have printed her award winning apple pie cranberry cheese pie recipe for you.

This month and next month are good times for nature watches according to naturalists. Great Horned owls can be heard after dark and red tailed hawks can be seen flying over open fields. There are some open fields in the Pennsdale area that are good for catching some of these majestic birds.

Muncy Events

Thurs. Jan. 19 vision workshop at Vision Learning Center in Muncy from 6-7 p.m. Is Your Child Struggling to Read? Reversing words or letters when reading or writing? These signs are often labeled dyslexia. But the same signs may point to visual problems. Find out more by calling 570-546-4885.

Weds. Jan. 25 All You Can Eat Buffet at Pennsdale Trinity United Methodist Church, 4-7 p.m. Take outs available.

Weds. Jan. 25 Budgeting Basics, a free workshop hosted by Muncy’s State Farm Agency to be held at Orlando’s from 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 570-546-5000 for more info.

Thurs. Jan. 26, SVQG meeting and annual yard sale at Pennsdale United Methodist Church, 7 p.m. Please join your friends or bring your own table full of quilting/sewing related items. There will be a table of items left over from the Quilt Show’s Quilter’s Corner and the money will go to the guild.

Sat. Jan. 28 Charity Quilt Workshop, 9:00 a.m. to finish quilts and decide where to donate them.

Jan. 28 & 29 Wildlife Art Expo at Montour Preserve, noon to 4 p.m. on Sat. and 11 to 4 on Sun. at the Environmental Education Center.