This is National Library Week and I received a media kit from PA One Book, Every Young Child. This is a program for early literacy that began 13 years ago. Its objective is to get young children interested in books. A book is introduced to pre-schoolers and given to them to read with their parents offering some engaging activities and colorful drawings. They help prepare kids for school and the importance of reading. Next Monday our local libraries will host a visit from best-selling author Zachariah OHora and his book “My Cousin Momo.” It is a story about a flying squirrel who arrives to visit some cousins, but discovers they aren’t what he expected. It is a story about acceptance and all child care providers are given activities developed by educators aligned with Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood to use with the kids. There is a trunk of contents that support the concepts given in the book. I received my own copy of the book. The squirrels play superheroes who dress in costumes and play hide and seek. Collaborating agencies work together to fund this state-given program aimed at children by sharing stories in well illustrated books that keep our cultural heritage alive. Another PA One Book I have on my shelf which I read to my granddaughter is “Stop Snoring, Bernard,” which is written by the same author.

Secretary of Health and Secretary of Human Services reported to Senator Yaw that there is a backlog of birth and death certificates which could take up to six months to process if received by mail. He said these processing times could vary depending on the situation, and some fess may be waived for members of the armed forces. You can call 570-322-6457 for more information.

I was informed that this month Medicare will be mailing new cards out with new numbers on them, no longer our social security numbers. In the meantime, we are advised not to take any phone calls if someone calls unexpectedly to say they are from Medicare. This is a scam as Medicare will only call if we call them first and leave a message.

Congratulations are in order for two Muncy residents. Richard Campbell received a Quilt of Valor in a ceremony on March 14 for his active service in the Army during the Vietnam War.

A mural was painted by Sabrina Barner, a junior at Muncy High School. It is hanging in the hall near the cafeteria. She worked on it as a sophomore to boost school spirit and morale she said. It was her first and she was the only student who worked on it. Her mother is Pam Barner, also an artist, and created the famous Wood Hick we see on the Susquehanna River walk from downtown Williamsport.

Muncy Events

Sat. Apr. 14 the Lycoming Audubon Society will be taking a biking and birding trip along Pine Creek Rail Trail at 9 a.m. weather permitting. Trip leader is Larry Waltz. Loaner binoculars are available. Meet at the first public parking area (“Whitetail”) on Rt 44 north of Rt 220. Call 570-323-2385 for more information.

Mon. Apr. 16 PA One Book Author Storytime at 1:15 p.m. at the Muncy Public Library. Meet author Zack O’Hora as he presents a special storytime with his book “My Cousin Momo”. Each child in attendance will receive a copy of the book ad part of the PA One Book initiative. Please register for this program by calling the library at 570-546-5014.

Mon. Apr. 16 Stress awareness day at Meck Senior Center

Mon. Apr. 16 Herb Simpling with Cynthia Koons at 6 p.m. Join us for an introductory class on the art and science of using plants that grow where you live to soothe some of life’s minor issues such as skin care, allergy care, and baby care. This program is part of the Full Circle Future Harvest Series. Please register for this program by calling the Muncy Public library at 570-546-5014.

Tues. Apr. 17 Green Deserts will be presented by Master Gardener Irene Harris at the Muncy Public Library at 6 p.m. Learn how to transform “green deserts” into environmentally friendly landscapes with native plants that encourage pollinators.

Apr. 18 & 19 Son-Light House food distribution days, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9 to noon & Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Weds. Apr. 18 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of stories, games, activities, and crafts designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Registration is preferred and siblings are always welcome. Call the Muncy Public library at 570-546-5014 to register.

Thurs. Apr. 19 the Muncy Garden Club will meet at the Muncy Public Library at 6 p.m. to view a film on bees and pollinators. Open to public. Refreshments will be provided by Melinda Bender and Paula Schwenk.

Sat. Apr. 21 Woodland Wildflower Walk at Montour Preserve, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Meet in Environmental Education Center. Led by Jon Beam. Look for early bloomers and their adaptations to sprout in mad dash. These wildflowers are among the first true signs of spring.