January is designated as National Blood Donor Month by the American Red Cross and they are encouraging us to donate blood which is typically in short supply this time of year. There is more illness in the winter mostly due to the weather. Today you can give blood at the Muncy Masonic Lodge from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Friday at Divine Providence Hospital from 1-6 p.m.

Sheetz, one of America’s fastest growing family-owned and operated convenience store chains, offered freshly brewed coffee for free on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Keep that in mind for next year.

During the 2019 Farm Show this week, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the department will showcase six Pennsylvania-based companies that offer technology innovations to advance the agriculture industry. Featured technologies will include crop-monitoring drones; implantable health trackers for livestock; sensory robotics for greenhouse production; potting soil made from recyclable materials; facility and animal monitoring systems; and systems to treat pollution, manage nutrients, and produce sustainable fertilizer. The Farm Show will be open until Saturday.

If you like cooking, you may be interested in Penn College’s upcoming series of classes led by chefs and student interns from their School of Business and Hospitality. On Sat. Jan. 19 they will be offering a class on cured meats. Next month will feature rum and chocolate. To make a reservation call 570-320-CHEF.

The Lycoming Audubon Society has some bird walks scheduled this month. Look for winter raptors and red tail hawks as they may be perched on powerlines near open fields. Winter birds will visit the bird feeders. I got a very nice one for Christmas from one of our kids and I was told that chicadees, goldfinches, blue jays and cardinals may visit the feeder. Now I just have to figure out where to put it and what kind of feed to use.

On a final note, take advantage of Self-Love Saturday on Jan. 12 at the ELYMCA. From 9 to 1 they will be offering small group personal training, group exercise classes, a massage therapist, essential oils, nutritional guidelines, giveaways, and more just for attending. You can register by calling 546-8822. There is a fee but worth taking a chance on yourself, they said. It’s also a good way to start out the year with those fitness goals.

Muncy Events

Tues. Jan. 8 Friends of Muncy Library book fundraiser at Muncy Public Library, 3-6 p.m.

Fri. Jan. 11 Aqua Fit and Tone, 9 a.m., ELYMCA and Meck Senior Center.

Fri. Jan. 11 Toddler tales, 12 mo. to 3 years, Muncy Public Library, 10a.m.

Sat. Jan. 12 Self-love Saturday at the ELYMCA, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call to register at 546-8822. Fee required.

Sat. Jan. 12 Spaghetti dinner, 4 to 6 p.m. at Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10275 State Route 44, Watsontown, between McEwensville and Turbotville on Route 44.

Mon. Jan. 14 Slime time, Muncy Public Library, ages 6 and up, 6 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 15 Gentle chair yoga, ELYMCA & Meck Senior Center, 10 a.m.

Weds. Jan. 16 Pre-school story time, Muncy Public Library, ages 3 to 6, 10 a.m. call 546-5014.

Thurs. Jan. 17 Adult paint night at the Muncy Public Library, 6 p.m. Call to register.

Fri. Jan. 18 Tinkergarten’s Frozen Treasures trial class at Heritage Park, 10:30 a.m., ages 18 mo. to 8 yrs.

Sat. Jan.19 Blood Moon: Lore & Science of a Lunar Eclipse, 1-2 p.m., Montour Preserve. Meet in Environmental Education Center. Jan. 20 is the night of a lunar eclipse which can be seen from northcentral PA. Explore the science and folklore plus get tips to observe the eclipse.