As most of you know, this is ‘Heart Health’ month and many ways, tips and resources have been thrown our way to keep us informed. I decided to enroll in the “Take Action to improve Heart Health” at the ELYMCA and work with Megan Bowman, the heart health ambassador to keep my blood pressure down so I don’t have to take any medications. I got the monitoring cuff and started to keep track on an app that came with my cell phone. It does help to watch it, and as I look over the recordings, I see that it is much higher in the mornings than at night before bed. The top number is the one that keeps jumping. I am now looking for ways to lower it. Stress seems to be the biggest culprit, but the Y has programs to help me with that. I like Yoga the best and learned some relaxing techniques through the Triad Center in Pennsdale with their yoga instructor. Walking and brisk exercise has lowered it, but the ice has kept me more sedentary. I also found a supplement (L-Arginine) through Twin Hills Health Center that is working if I can remember to take it regularly. UPMC Susquehanna Spirit news advises to take some heart action if you experience stomach problems such as heartburn or indigestion, unexplained fatigue, fainting or dizziness, swollen feet, ankles or legs, shortness of breath and a persistent cough. These are symptoms that could lead to heart disease and should be discussed with your doctor, I learned, to prevent any medical emergency. Right now I am hoping I can make some simple lifestyle changes, like better nutrition and more exercise.

I took a small Victorian pedestal glass oil lamp handed down to me from the mid 1800s to the antique appraisal fair on Sunday at the United Methodist Church in Muncy. Appraiser Mike Callahan did a very good job at describing what we brought in for him to evaluate. He really knows the antique business and much of its history, and I recommend visiting his shop in Montoursville if you missed this event.

Congratulations goes to Kim Jones who has worked at the Muncy Skilled Nursing Center for 30 years. That is quite a milestone!

And congratulations to the Muncy wrestlers in Hershey for making an historical moment for their high school. They placed 4th in the PIAA state wrestling championship and came home Saturday night with a trophy to celebrate and a victory parade.

Muncy Events

Sat. Feb. 17 Introduction to Essential Oils with Kelly Fry. Learn about the chemicals in your everyday life and how they affect your health. Kelly will discuss natural alternatives using essential oils. Free give away to all those who attend. Please register for this program by calling the library at 570-546-5014.

Mon. Feb. 19 Full Circle Future Harvest: Pruning and Preparing for Spring by Master Gardener Ed Bordy. Learn when and how to prune your trees and get them ready for the spring, 6 p.m. Please register for this program by calling the library at 570-546-5014.

Tues. Feb. 20 Heart Health program with Helen Hiserman at the Muncy Public Library. Learn heart healthy nutrition and lifestyle tips for a long life from 6-7:30. Register by calling 570-546-5014.

Tues. Feb. 20 the Bookmobile will be in the East Lycoming area starting at the ELYMCA from 8-9:30 a.m., Carl Renn Elementary School at 12:15 and ending at Wolf Run Villages at 3:15.

Weds. Feb. 21 at 10 am. Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5. Join Miss Monica for an educational hour of stories, games, and activities all designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Parents and siblings are always welcome. Please register by calling the library at 570-546-5014.

Feb. 21 & 22 food distribution days at Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon & Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Weds. Feb. 21 line dancing with Jess, Meck Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 22 SVQG to meet 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Pennsdale. Bring finished quilts for upcoming show in Allenwood Mar. 2 & 3. Must be well covered and labeled. Raffle tickets for “Strolling in the Garden” quilt available.

Thurs. Feb. 22 at 6 pm. Adult Color Therapy. Enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening of coloring. You can bring your own supplies or use ours. No registration is required.

Sat. Feb. 24 The Friends of the Muncy Library will be holding a book fundraiser from 10-1 p.m. Come upstairs and browse a large collection of adult fiction, children’s books, biographies, history, crafts and cook books. All proceeds go to support library events, purchase of new books and DVD’s and other needs of the library.

Sat. Feb. 24 & Sun. Feb. 25 Maple sugaring open house at Montour Preserve, noon to 4. Meet at Environmental Education Center to learn some history. Program begins on every hour followed by a walk through Goose Woods to the Sugar Shack to experience maple sugaring. Outdoor demonstrations end at 4 p.m.