I have been delightfully busy getting the garden beds around my house ready for some plantings in between the abundant rainfall. I like to buy the annuals at the various places when I see the flowers, especially farmers’ markets. Fort Muncy Garden Center is one of my favorites, and a flower from there that I like to grow every year is pineapple sage. The leaves are edible, very fragrant and it produces bright red flowers in the fall. The butterflies love them. According to the Master Gardeners here are some fruits that can be grown locally in our zone that will attract the pollinators: apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, blackberries, and raspberries. I learned a lot about roses when I heard Louise Fulmer speak at the Muncy Library. I haven’t attempted them yet, but I know they can attract pollinators, and there are so many varieties.

Memorial Day is approaching fast and a reminder from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) says that veterans and their dependents should never have to pay for help to apply for veterans’ benefits. Our state Representative says under both state and federal law, accredited veterans service organizations were authorized to provide free advice and assistance to veterans as they apply for their benefits.

The Ray of Light awards for the school plays were given out Saturday night and congratulations to Nevaeh Wertman from Muncy Junior-Senior High School who was presented with the student design award for her work on set design.

In the Peeks of Past section, much of the material in the Luminary archives from 1917 to 1920 contain printed pages that are falling apart. It is during WWI time and the books we have access to are very fragile and rip easily when turning the pages. We are almost afraid to do so, and consequently this time period may be shortened somewhat in the history column. We are grateful for the Muncy Library as they archive the Luminary as well, and microfilm still seems to be the best technology so far that has outlasted everything else.

Enjoy the Memorial Holiday. Keep in mind that due to the holiday, the next issue of The Luminary will be coming out on Thursday, May 31.

Muncy Events

Thurs. May 24 The Susquehanna Civil War Roundtable will feature a presentation on the Battle of Funkstown featuring local historian, graduate student and living historian Brandon Keith at 7:00 p.m. at the the Degenstein Library, 40 S. 5th St. Sunbury. All are welcome to attend. For further information contact Greg Kline at 717-571-6877

Fri. May 25 Toddler Tales at the Muncy Public Library at 10 a.m. for children age 1-3. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of stories, songs, and activities designed with your active toddler in mind. Siblings welcome and registration preferred. Call 570-546-5014 to register.

Sat. May 26 Friends of the Muncy Public Library will be having a book fundraiser from 10 to 1. Browse through a large selection of titles for children and adults in their upstairs room.

Sat. May 26 The Lycoming Audubon Society will host a field trip at 8:30 a.m. weather permitting in Cogan House Township, walking through a variety of wooded and open habitats. Water-resistant footwear and tick protection recommended. Leader is Larry Waltz 570-323-2385. Meet at Fry Brothers Turkey Ranch parking lot for carpooling.

Sun. May 27 take a canoe trip down the Susquehanna. “Peace of the Susquehanna” is a public trip with Canoe Susquehanna and all proceeds will benefit the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Visit PaddleHappy.com for more information or call 570-524-7692.

Weds. May 30 Pre-school Storytime at 10 a.m. at the Muncy Public Library for children ages 3-5. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of stories, games and crafts all designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Registration preferred and siblings welcome!

June 6 & 7 Senior box distribution days at the Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon and Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.