Today Senator Gene Yaw, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, will host a flood tour and listening session with Russell Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as staff from DCED, DCNR, PennDOT, Fish and Boat Commission and PEMA. This is open to any interested party. The meet will begin at Herman & Luther’s Barn on Rt. 87 then proceed to Hoffman United Methodist Church on Wallis Run Road for a discussion on flood mitigation before proceeding to another site on Wallis Run Road and Butternut Grove Road.

Lawmakers created a 39 member commission to study the struggle across the Commonwealth with fire and ambulance services. Statistics show the number of volunteer firefighters has shrunk from about 300,000 in the 1980s to 38,000 today, according to the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute. Ambulance services are facing similar challenges for both volunteers and paid staff, leaving communities potentially vulnerable in emergency situations. Rep. Garth Everett reported there were dozens of recommendations issued to boost recruitment and retention for emergency service responders such as providing “Length of Service Award Payments” and other benefits like funding for basic training and incentives for employers.

This weekend marks one of the oldest ethnic traditions in our region. The Christkindl Market is one of Mifflinburg’s most inspiring versions of the authentic German ones that take place every year. For three days Mifflinburg’s Market Street is lined with festive outdoor huts featuring unique handmade crafts, traditional Christkindl treats and lively entertainment. I have attended this on various years and we have always enjoyed it, and I must say based from experience, it is very much like the ones in Germany.

The Muncy High School class of 1951 has been purchasing a book for the Muncy School Library and the Muncy Public Library in memory of deceased class members. Recently they purchased a book for Eleanor Pauling Carlson. From the lost of 48 class members, 31 of them are gone.

This year is a time of giving and Twin Hills Health Center in Muncy Township is collecting gifts and toys for foster children from Families United Network on John Brady Drive. If you would like to participate stop in the health center and pick a child’s name. On the back of each card are sizes and gift suggestions for each child. Bring it back to them with the card attatched to the gift bag. I chose a 7 year old little girl who wants a scooter, Barbies and bath bombs.

I also made arrangements to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus on Dec. 21st when they and their elves come to hand out lots of goodies at the Muncy Skilled Nursing Unit.

Remember, next week will be our last issue before the new year starts.

Muncy Events

Sat. Dec. 15 Slime time at Muncy Public Library for ages 8 and up, 1 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 16 Katys Church Victorian Candlelight Service, 440 Katys Church Road, Muncy, PA 17756, 6 p.m. with refreshments served afther the service. Victorian clothing most welcoome. For more information call 570-764-2412.

Sun. Dec. 16 Christmas Dreams Cantata, Muncy First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market, 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 18 Children’s Christmas party, all ages, 6 p.m. Muncy Public Library. Call 546-5014 for more information.

Weds. Dec. 19 Christmas Cantata “What Child Is This”, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 201 S. Main St., Muncy,

Weds. Dec. 19 Preschool story time at Muncy Public Library, ages 3-5, 10 a.m.

Dec. 19 & 20 Son-Light House holiday distribution days, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon & Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 21 Christmas dinner catered at the Meck Senior Center, noon.

Fri. Dec. 21 Toddler tales at Muncy Public Library, ages 1-3, 10 a.m.

Sat. Dec. 22 Friends of the Library used book fundraiser for Muncy Public Library, 10-1.

Mon. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services, 4 p.m. for Family Service at St. Andrew Church, 201 S. Main St., Muncy and a Candle Light Service at 11 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 27 Veterans assistance hours from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Rep. Garth Everett’s office on Kristi Road in Pennsdale. Dan Falls department service officer with the Pennsylvania American Legion, will be available by appointment to help with compensation, pension, death benefits, education, health care and general veterans’ benefits. Veterans do not need to be a member of the legion to participate. Call 570-546-2084 to schedule an appointment.