We celebrate this last full week of February with some hearty news and some helpful information. I was at the Meck Senior Center for Valentine’s Day to see how my friend Helen Grosso did with the valentine craft she made with the lollypops that she wanted to share with everyone at the center. While I was there I met a couple who said they were married 41 years ago that very same day. They both looked wonderful and happy together. They enjoy attending the Meck Senior Center, and I look forward to meeting them again at the Mardi Gras party on Feb. 28. Helen told me she has a wonderful craft planned for that morning at the senior center. Everyone will get to embellish a mask, so come and join the fun and great snacks too.

Flu season is upon us! Some hospitals have visitor restrictions, so before making a trip to check on a beloved patient, check to see what the restrictions are, if any. Many medical facilities now have hand sanitizers at the entrances, and some have masks to wear.

The weather over the weekend encouraged some outdoor activity. The Growing Greener program is a funding source for our recreation parks, historic sites, forests and farms. According to PA Recreation & Park Society, it takes at least $315 million annually to keep our water clean and to preserve our open spaces. The governor will be retaining some of this funding in the 2017-18 budget. Our parks and outdoor trails are such an important recreational opportunity here and they draw visitors to our area every year. The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail is truly an asset. The Muncy Historical Society is planning events for us to enjoy there throughout the year. You can also use the park for family field trips, picnic lunches, bird watching and learning about the history from the interpretive signage. The parking is easy. Just pull up to the entrance and enjoy the walking trails and packet boat.

A reminder that on Wednesday night, March 8th, go visit www.RaiseTheRegion.org to select a non-profit of your choice to support. Your donation will also be a tax deduction plus qualify your selected non-profit for monetary prizes.

Enjoy the last week of February and all the fausnaughts you can eat.

Muncy Events

Thurs. Feb. 23 SVQG to meet at Pennsdale United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. with Quilting 101 program featuring demonstrations, making a sewing machine cover and numerous tips for quilting. Call 570-547-1940 for more information. New members and guests, masters and beginners are always welcome.

Fri. Feb. 24 Wine & Wheels event at Centered Earth Clay Arts Studio & Gallery, Kristi Road, Pennsdale from 6-8 p.m. Call 570-666-3159 for more information.

Sat. Feb. 25 Pinch Pot Garden Gnomes Class at Centered Earth Clay Arts Studio & Gallery, Pennsdale, 1-3 p.m. More information at www.centeredearth.com.

Tues. Feb. 28 Mardi Gras Party all day at the Meck Senior Center, 50 Fitness Lane, Muncy. At 10:30 a.m. come and make a mask.

Fri. Mar. 3 Join the Muncy Public Library for a Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss in the community room for the annual “Read Across America.” At 10 a.m. Louise Fulmer will be guest reader and she will provide a new book for each child who attends to keep. The event is being sponsored by CLUST Retired, part of the PSEA retired teachers association. This is the fifth year for the celebration. Their goal is to enhance literacy and encourage young readers and to have books in their home. Registration is required, so please call the library at 570-546-5014 or stop by the circulation desk.

Sat. Mar. 4 workshop to make a charity quilt at Pennsdale United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.