Soon November will be leaving us, and the local streets are open and lit for the holidays. It seems that winter has come quite quickly. In the pouring rain on Saturday, I made a trip to Fort Muncy Nursery where Santa paid a visit so pets can get their photos taken with him. Rick Mason, a professional photographer was donating his time and the owners of the nursery donated a certain percentage of their proceeds to the Pet Pantry of Lycoming County. I was in awe when I saw how beautiful the place is decorated with gorgeous poinsettias everywhere and perfect Christmas cactuses of all sizes. It was certainly worth the stop.

From there I drove over to Wentzler’s Fruit Farm and bought more apples to make more applesauce. A note on the door said they will be open on weekends during the winter months. I saw plenty of fresh baked goods, pies, jellies and jams, if you want a nice gift to give. I bought a small loaf of cranberry apple bread and a jar of white peach jam.

If you want to give extra gifts this season, our office at 1025 Rt. 405 Highway is accepting items for “Santa’s Seniors” a community program with the Office of Aging. Volunteers will then deliver Christmas baskets to eligible seniors with donated gifts that may include puzzles, lotions, candy, teas, snacks, socks or any small cherishable item. We will accept the items from 8:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday until Thursday, Dec. 13th at noon.

Kudos to Stacie King of Muncy for her endeavors to get blankets and shoes and stockings to the homeless. She has gathered blankets and items for New Expectations and Family Promise in Williamsport. Deb Gilette is helping her. Donated turkeys were also delivered to local police officers. A letter went with each turkey thanking the officers for their service to the community.

I can’t stress enough about the danger of those fraudulent phone calls that we all keep getting. My husband just received one from Xfinity regarding his account. I advised him to never give out any information over the phone like that and sure enough, after a trip to the new customer service center in Loyalsock Township, he discovered it was a scam. This is a rapidly growing epidemic and it is predicted that nearly half of mobile calls in 2019 may be scams according to research by First Orion. The FCC is concerned because these fake calls are taking away hundreds of millions of dollars each year. We can’t be vulnerable, and the customer rep at Xfinity said, “We would never ask for personal or account information over the phone.” Beware, the scam calls are a real threat. These calls with telemarketing sales messages are illegal unless authorized by the person being called.

Did you know today is “French Toast Day”? I think I will go make some.

Muncy Events

Fri. Nov. 30 Card party at Meck Senior Center, 50 Fitness Drive, Muncy, 5 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 30 Toddler Tales at Muncy Public Library, ages 1-3, 10 a.m.

Fri. Nov. 30 Hatha yoga with Ashley at ELYMCA, 10:45 to 11:45.

Sat. Dec. 1 Craft show at 1st UM Church, 602 S. Market St., Muncy.

Sat. Dec. 1 Santa comes to town.

Sat. Dec. 1 Wings Over Water program at Montour Preserve. Meet at Goose Cover Overlook, 10-11:30 a.m. The annual autumn waterfowl migration is underway. This provides a great outdoor opportunity to observe ducks, gees and other water birds while they stop at lakes and ponds for a time before moving further south for the winter. The program will begin on one corner of the lake and make our way to one or two additional sites according to leader, Jon Beam. Dress for weather and plan for some walking. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and field guide if available.

Mon. Dec. 3 Construction club at Muncy Public Library for all ages, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 & 6 Distribution boxes for eligible seniors at Son-Light house, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 8:30 to noon and Thurs. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

* Weds. Dec. 5 Birthday party at Meck Senior Center, 11 a.m. Celebrate those who have birthdays in December.

Weds. Dec. 5 Preschool story time at Muncy Public Library, ages 3-5, 10 a.m.