I went to the ‘Authors in Our Backyard’ event on Sunday at the Muncy Public Library and was amazed at how imaginative these authors are to have created such remarkable works of fiction. As a non-fiction writer, I really enjoyed talking to the authors to find out how they wrote such creative pieces of writing. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and couldn’t get to speak with all 12 of them but I did pivot towards those that were not yet featured in the Luminary. All are deserving of having their stories read, so I will feature one each week. Most of them have written more than one book and all of them said they are currently working on another. Some have developed main characters and carried them through in sequels. I really liked Kevin Coolidge’s series written specifically for reluctant young readers. His ninja raccoons are delightful and I hope my 7 year old autistic granddaughter will enjoy them. The first author to be featured is Larry Stout from Montgomery who has written and published both non-fiction and fiction. Most of the books are offered in the public libraries and can be downloaded for mobile devices.

This science fiction stuff though, is getting pretty scary. It’s now becoming real. Dolly was the first sheep to be cloned in 1996 and the Chinese Academy of Sciences reports they have cloned nearly two dozen mammals that include dogs, cats, pigs, cows, polo ponies, and now baby monkeys. And word is out that they are trying to create human embryos. Will they become robots?

Here’s some great news for seniors – the state recently launched a website for community care to help those with disabilities find information to connect them to nearby resouces and support including a home care directory and an information referral tool. There are 12 categories ranging from behavioral health to transportation services. There is also a wide array of in-home care services. All of this and a lot more can be found at www.carelink.pa.gov.

Another link called Vital Ice, is a cell phone app that allows EMS and First Responders to access vital medical information such as blood type, allergies, medications, medical histories, emergency contacts and much more. This app is free and a workshop at the

James V. Brown Library will help you download it and set it up on your device.

MUNCY EVENTS

Thurs. Feb. 1 general meeting for Muncy Professional Business Association at Orlando’s, Muncy, 6:30 p.m.

Tues. Feb. 2 Board games at the Meck Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 3 Members of the Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild will meet at 1st UM Church in Pennsdale to sort bags of fabric from 10 to noon for the upcoming quilt show in Allenwood.

Sun. Feb. 4 Antique Appraisal Fair, 1st UM Church, 602 S. Market St., Muncy. Sponsored by Muncy Friends of the Library. Limit 4-5 items per person. Donations accepted.

Weds. Feb. 7 Bus Trip Step ‘N Out program to Hollywood Casino. Contact Meck Senior Center at 570-546-2542.

Weds. Feb. 7 painting class with Annie Sloan chalk paint at Blessings by Design, 29 S. Main St., Muncy, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn vintage techniques, waxing and finishing and the fundamentals.

Feb. 7 & 8 Senior boxes distributed to those eligible at the Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon and Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 8 Healthy Steps in Motion at Meck Senior Center, 50 Fitness Lane, Muncy, 9:30 a.m.

Sat. Feb. 10 Winter birds, Montour Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m. Meet in environmental education center. Be able to ID common feeder birds as well as surprise visitors. Enjoy a visit around the preserve to the bird feeders. Binoculars helpful but not required.

Sat. Feb. 17 Introduction to essential oils with Kelly Fry at the Muncy Public Library, 1-3 p.m.