Matching Pennsylvania’s labor force with today’s current and future needs has been a major focus of our state’s vision. There are some key areas to work on for improvement such as work readiness skills and skilled trades. In a report from a state audit it was noted that older workers comprise 25 percent of Pennsylvania’s workforce, and they are generally viewed as “reliable, loyal workers with well-established critical thinking, leadership, teamwork and communication skills.” Now that says it all for our demographics, as older adults will always remain a valuable part of the workforce.

Although I patronize the very local eating establishments, if you want a nice relaxing dining experience during the week, keep in mind the LeJeune Chef at Penn College. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 1:30. There is something on the menu to please most palates and the price is very reasonable, or you can choose from one of their daily specials. I took my husband there for Valentine’s Day, and I had a delicious golden vegetable beet consome, followed by a nice serving of cod with lemon and avocado sauce. My husband chose his usual cheeseburger and fries and the burger was indeed quite large and tasty. You do not need a reservation and they will share with you any recipe if you should ask, as I did for the soup. Dinners are served Weds. through Sat. from 5:30 to 8 and reservations are recommended they said as the dinners do fill up quickly.

I am hearing excitement in the air over the new Ollie’s coming to the Lycoming Mall in Muncy Township. And nearby Bonner’s RV will be opening soon. We have an RV from them and now it will be much easier to take it to the Muncy location for its yearly inspections instead of driving up to Pine Creek.

If you like to knit or crochet, the Muncy Library is the place to gather, or if you want to learn or brush up on your fiber skills. A fellowship of fiber enthusiasts meet the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. to gather informally to share ideas and make scarves and hats to give away in the community. Jeanne Burkholder will be on hand to instruct or help you. Also take time to meet Rachael Waugh as she is the new Library Director who replaced Crystal Millard. Crystal, as you know, is an artist and her Vinyl Rhino Graphics business has taken off so she left at the end of 2018. The Muncy Library believes that anyone can be an artist so be sure to check out their “Youi and Me Paint Night”. The first one was Feb. 21. See the beautiful wisteria tree that Linda Strausser painted. You will have a chance to make one just like it at the next paint night so be sure to sign up. Linda said, “It was easy!”

Muncy events

Fri. Mar. 1 Toddler tales for ages 1-3, Muncy Public Library. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of games and activities designed with your active toddler in mind. Siblings welcome.

Sun. Mar. 3 Maple Sugaring and open house at Montour Preserve, noon to 4. Learn some history and take some tours to outdoor demonstrations. Maple products will be available for purchase.

Mon. Mar. 4 Slo Flow Yoga, 10-11 a.m., ELYMCA. Restorative Yoga with Megan from 11 to 11:30.

Mon. Mar. 4 Construction club at the Muncy Public Library, all ages, 6 p.m. Build structures in this STEM-based activity night.

Mon. Mar. 4 Knitting, crocheting and crafts all day at the Meck Senior Center.

Tues. Mar. 5 Gentle chair yoga, 10 a.m., Meck Senior Center.

Weds. Mar. 6 Mardi Gras Party, noon, Meck Senior Center, 546-2542.

Weds. Mar. 6 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 designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Call 546-5014.

Sat. Mar. 9 Chicken and Waffle Dinner, 4-6 p.m. Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10275 State Route 44, Watsontown, between McEwensville and Turbotville on Route 44. Take-outs available.

Sat. Mar. 9 Maple sugaring pancake breakfast, Montour Preserve, 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Environmental Education Center. Reservations desired. Visit montourpreserve.org.