On Saturday Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring. I so hope that’s true. They say this prediction is so rare that it has only happened 19 times in the 133 year history Pennsylvania has been celebrating Groundhog Day. Story has it that if the groundhog emerges on Feb. 2 and sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter but if he doesn’t see his shadow, we will have an early spring. Jefferson County attracts more than 30,000 visitors for the annual event. Punxsutawney was officially incorporated as a borough in 1850 and has a current population of nearly 5,500.

Tax filing season opened up the week of Jan. 28 and many of you want to get it done as soon as possible especially if you have a return. Taxes can be done electronically to speed up the process time. Padirectfile is a free, secure, state-only electronic income tax filing system that is available through the Department of Revenue’s website. All taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in calendar year 2018 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight, Monday, April 15, 2019.

With nearly 800,000 veterans, Pennsylvania has the fourth largest veteran population in the country. The PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has introduced two mobile outreach vans to connect more with veterans and educate them with some unique needs as well as hold some outreach events, and to visit and raise awareness for the six long term care homes for veterans. They are located in Erie, Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton and Spring City.

Students at Muncy Jr. Sr. High School are now rehearsing for their upcoming play “Disney’s Little Mermaid” which they will be performing March 14-16. This production will also be eligible for the annual Ray of Light Awards held at the Community Arts Center on May 25.

World Marriage Day is Sunday, Feb. 10. Consider a special date with your spouse or loved one. It is conveniently close to Valentine’s Day and a good time to plan something every night that week.

This month also is National Children’s Dental month. The Children’s Dental Association reports about 15 percent of children ages 2 to 17 have not seen a dentist in the past year.

Since spring is just around the corner, the Muncy Garden Club would like to encourage anyone who likes flowers to join them this year. The club uses the money they make from their winning entries at the Lycoming and Bloomsburg Fairs to give back to the Muncy community, and at the end of the year they give out monetary gifts to local businesses and organizations in the greater Muncy area. Members clean up areas in the borough in the spring by weeding and planting flowers by the pool, cemetery, library, Green park, and the borough office. The first meeting will be the third Thursday in March and meeting times and programs will be listed in the Muncy events calendar.

Muncy Events

Fri. Feb. 8 Toddler tales for ages 1-3 at the Muncy Public Library, 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of activities designed with your active toddler in mind. Siblings welcome.

Sat. Feb. 9 “5 Ways to Protect Your Life Savings from Nursing Home Costs” with Tammy A. Weber, Elder Law Attorney, Orlando’s Restaurant, Muncy, 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Sat. Feb. 9 Roast Turkey Dinner, 4 to 6 p.m., Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10275 State Route 44, Watsontown, between McEwensville and Turbotville on Route 44.

Mon. Feb. 11 Slime time for ages 8 and up at 6 p.m. Come and create your favorite kinds of slime with Miss Tuesday at the Muncy Public Library.

Tues. Feb. 12 Friends of the Muncy Library used book fundraiser, 3-6 p.m., Muncy Public +-Library

Weds. Feb. 13 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5, 10 a.m., Muncy Public Library. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of activities, crafts and stories to prepare your child for kindergarten.

Thurs. Feb. 14 Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village has an ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day-with chocolate. The senior living community will host a chocolate fest at 2 p.m. in The Village Common off Reitz Boulevard. Participants will be able to be able to mingle with residents while enjoying a variety of chocolate treats. The event will include tours of senior living accommodations. To RSVP, people contact 570-523-4285.

Sat. Feb. 16 Winter Birds at the Montour Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m., meet in environmental education center. Do you like feeding birds in winter, but have trouble identifying them? Join naturalist Jon Beam for a look at winter birds and visit some feeders. Binoculars helpful but not required. Also introduced will be the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

Thurs. Feb. 21 AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course: , 8:30 a.m-12:30 pm, at Community Health and Wellness Center at Evangelical Hospital.This is a four-hour driver safety course for those who have previously attended the eight-hour course. Registration and fee required; call 570-768-3200.