Well I heard the peepers outside in the woods Saturday night. It was a nice warm night and a sure sign that more warm weather will soon be upon us. I am heading to Cole’s Hardware in Muncy for some ferns, lawn feed and birdseed for our new bird feeder this week.

In preparation for Earth Day on April 22, Earth Day Network has launched its Primer and free Toolkits to support the theme for 2019: Protect Our Species. Go to www.earthday.org to find local educational resources and organizations. Climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable harvesting of species and agriculture, pollution, and pesticide use, are the leading causes of what well known American journalist Elizabeth Kolbert calls the ‘Sixth Extinction’. Studies estimate that we are now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate. Many will disappear before we learn about them or the benefits they bring to our eco-systems and our planet.

Some states are putting bans on the use of plastic bags in grocery stores for most purchases. California has been doing this since 2016 and New York is about ready to finalize budget agreements for the ban. Hawii also has a state wide ban. I say “let’s do it.” The recycled or reusable bags are easier to carry and they fit more stuff in them. I do have to watch some of the checkers to make sure they don’t make them too heavy for me to lift them from the cart.

Many of you are thinking of downsizing or if you are like us, putting everything on one level for living in your home. Maintaining a home is a lot of work but fortunately when you reach a point when you say “Okay, I can’t do this anymore!”, it’s nice to know there are some viable options. I decided to check out some avenues for senior housing and this section of Lycoming county does have a good selection of diversified housing for independent seniors at most income levels if you choose to rent.

The state Department of Aging maintains a database to help us compare the cost of frequently used medications. The online tool updates prices weekly, lists prices by ZIP code or distance from location, includes pharmacy store details, and lists pharmacies with low-cost generics and those that match lower prices. To learn more about the tool call 1-800-835-4080.

This is sexual assault awareness month. Some of us traveled to Camp Susque on Saturday to support a fundraiser for human trafficking. You can help immensely by giving to our local YWCA. One way to help is to change the conversation. Share resources on social media. Invite medical advocates to your workplace, club or organization to talk to everyone about sexual assault and consent. Talk to your grandchildren and children about respecting boundaries and accept the word “no.” You can also donate to Wise Options at the YWCA or take new or gently-used clothing to The Boutique. This is my favorite way to help. I love shopping the clearance racks for nice clothes at Kohl’s. Prices are really great too, and the clothes help the survivors get back on their feet and into the job market.

Muncy Events

Sat. Apr. 13 garden workshop with Master Gardeners, Composting and Vermiposting, make black gold, 9-11 a.m., 542 County Farm Road and from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. learn how to add bulbs to your garden and take home a sample! Call 433-3040.

Sun. Apr. 14 Filled Pork Chop Dinner, 4 to 6 p.m. Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10275 State Route 44, Watsontown, between McEwensville and Turbotville on Route 44

Mon. April 15 Muncy Public Library will feature “Discover Hidden Resources in Penn’s Woods” at 6 p.m. Talk on timber stand improvements, non-timber forest product identification (mushrooms, ginseng, ramps), and how to make and use charcoal. Resources and contacts will be provided.

Tues. Apr. 16 Trout stocking at Little Muncy Creek. Meet at 10:45 a.m. at Muncy interchange at Rts. 180 and 405.

Tues. Apr. 16 Community knit and crochet at the Muncy Public Library, 1 p.m. Bring your yarn, kniting needles and crochet hooks and join an interested group to create scarves to donate.

Weds. Apr. 17 Easter dinner at Meck Senior Center, noon.

Weds. Apr. 17 The Christian Ladies Group will meet at Tivoli United Methodist Church. Retired educator, Rick Sprout, will present a program with pictures on the history of Picture Rocks. The public is invited to attend.

Weds. Apr. 17 Preschool storytime for ages 3-5, Muncy Public Library, 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of activities, crafts and stories designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Sibligs welcome.

Apr. 17 & 18 Easter box distribution days at Son Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 8:30 a.m. to noon and Thurs. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thurs. Apr. 18 Muncy Garden Club will meet at St. James Episcopal Chuch social hall in Muncy at 6:30 p.m. Master Gardener Lois Velkoff will do a presentation on soil preparation for plantings.

Thurs. April 18 You and Me Paint Night for children and adults, 6 p.m., Muncy Public Library. Call 546-5014 to register.

Fri. Apr. 19 Muncy Ministerium Ecumenical Good Friday Service, 1 p.m. Muncy Baptist Church. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, 3 p.m. Church of Resurrection.

Sat. Apr. 20 Mammals of Pennsylvania, Montour Preserve, 10-11 a.m., Environmental Education Center. A slide presentation of skulls from common species of our state mammals will be featured.

Thurs. Apr. 25 1st Aid/CPR/AED Certification course at ELYMCA, 4-8 P.M. Call 546-8822 to register.