This is a supermoon month and astrologists say we should pay attention to nurturing our health and the various ways we can give and take care of ourselves. It is not recommended to forego our own self care just to take care of others. Good health is a reward for good self care, and that reward is the ability to serve and help others. So the flu, pneumonia and flu vaccines are a good idea. The blood pressure self monitoring program is still available at the ELYMCA for better blood pressure management. Nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure according to the American Heart Association. It is probably a good idea to check the food labels and see how much sodium is in each food item and track the amount of grams you are consuming daily. Dietary guidelines are to keep it under 2300 grams and most Americans are consuming almost 4,000. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

So if you grow your own food and not purchase processed foods which have higher amounts of sodium, you could drastically reduce the amount of sodium or salt consumption. And fresh herbs can substitute for flavor and taste. Not enough room to grow produce or herbs? Look for future information on community gardens and farmettes with shared crops to take advantage of here in this area. Many public parks are now offering community gardens and co-ops.

On the last Thursday of every month CPR and first aid certification courses will be offered at the ELYMCA. Call the Y at 546-8822 to learn more about the 4 hour class. You never know when you will have to save a life!

Do you know our state symbols? I picked up an interesting booklet at Rep. Garth Everett’s office and thought I would share some of these symbol facts. Recently we just added the hellbender as our state reptile. Do you know our state animal? That one is easy. It is the whitetail deer, a major source of food for our early settlers and the hides made nice clothing. How about the state insect – we used to call them lightning bugs when we were kids. I still call the Firefly a lightning bug, and I know summer is here when I see them in July. Our tree is the hemlock which made many a log cabin. We also have a state fossil, beverage, ship, flag, fish, flower, and a dog. Do you know the state bird? If you guessed partridge you are correct, and if you guessed ruffed grouse you are also correct for they are both the same.

You can imagine my surprise when I heard that someone won a million dollars from a PA lottery ticket at Wegman’s on Feb. 8. The store got a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket that matched all 5 white balls drawn. I am in the store just about every Wednesday but never played the lottery. Not too long ago near the holidays, someone won $300,000 from a ten dollar scratch ticket at TJs Market in Hughesville. If you go to PAlottery.com you can see all the proceeds and how much money each county receives in Lottery prizes and funding that benefits older Pennsylvanians.

Muncy Events

Fri. Feb. 22 Toddler Tales at Muncy Library for ages 1-3, 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of games and activities designed for active toddlers. Siblings welcome.

Tues. Feb. 26 Gentle chair yoga with Ashley in the Community Room, ELYMCA, 10-11 a.m.

Tues. Feb. 26 Veterans assistance hours at Rep. Garth Everett’s office, Penn Hills Plaza. Call 546-2084 to schedule appointment. Veterans in the 84th Legislative District can also contact MSGT George W. Heiges, Jr. (Ret.), Director of Veterans Affairs, Lycoming County Office of Veterans Affairs at (570) 320-2101 or (570) 327-2365. In Union County, contact Director J.D. Kerstetter, Union County Office of Veterans Affairs at (570) 524-8677.

Weds. Feb. 27 Preschool storytime at Muncy Public library for ages 3-5, 10 a.m.

Thurs. Feb. 28 CPR and first aid course at ELYMCA, 4-8 p.m. CALL 570-546-8822 to register.

Sun. Mar. 3 Maple Sugaring at Montour Preserve, open house from noon to 4. Learn some history and follow the process from sap to syrup featuring a film and a walk to the Sugar Shack. Outdoor demonstrations end at 4 p.m. Maple products will be available for purchase.

Tues. Mar. 5 The Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village will host a free public “Fat Tuesday” event at 10:30 a.m. in The Village Common off Reitz Boulevard. The event will include coffee and doughnuts and the ability to meet with current residents of the senior living community. Because seating is limited, please are asked to RSVP to the village at 570-523-4285.

Tues. Mar. 5 Senior Strong at Community Health and Wellness. This month’s topic: nutrition for diabetes prevention. Registration is required; call 570-768-3200.

Weds. Mar. 6 Six hour textile workshop at Muncy Historical Musuem, “Frolicking Felines” with Paul Golden. Call museum at 546-5917 to register.

Mar. 6 & 7 Distribution days for eligible seniors at Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 8:30 a.m. to noon & Thurs. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 8 a special musical program for the public will be offered at Church of the Resurrection in Muncy from to 7 to 9 p.m. Doors to the church will open at 6:30 p.m. The Vigil Project is a group of Catholic artists who collaborate across the country to perform for Lent and Easter with multiple tours and musical releases. This program is enjoyable for all ages and entire families. There will be a meet and greet reception following the event.