Here are some happenings this month, a good time to start to get outdoors. Last Saturday was opening day for the trails and what better time than to explore the West Branch as the weather warms. The Susquehanna Greenway reports that there are over 228 miles that stretch from Cherry Tree to Sunbury. The waters of the West Branch flow through northern hardwood forests of oak, cherry, maple, and remnants of the great white pine and hemlock forests of settlers’ times. It contains some of the most remote sections of the Greenway corridor, they said.

Kick off the season with National Park Week, April 20-28. There are 3 good national parks to visit in the Commonwealth. Steamtown, the one closest to us, is celebrating with National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday inviting kids of all ages to celebrate the amazing stories of local, regional, and national railroading history. The park will debut a special, new Junior Ranger badge that will be available to earn.

April is National Donate Life Month and a good time to remind people that organ donation is not just something you agree to upon your death. There are 14,000 to 17,000 people currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant. Liver transplants offer a unique option for a sick patient, and a living liver can be donated according to Swaytha Ganesh, MD and medical director for UPMC Living Donor Program. And PennDot says nearly 49 percent of current driver’s license and ID card holders – more than 4.88 million Pennsylvanians – are registered organ donors. Almost 7,300 Pennsylvanians are currently awaiting organ transplants.

Tractor Supply Company is hosting its annual ‘Try Before You Buy’ event this Saturday, inviting customers to stop by to experience first-hand a variety of power equipment products. From riding mowers to log splitters, customers will have the opportunity to test these heavy-duty items to find the best fit before making a purchase.??Join local historian, Bruce Teeple, a writer, local historian, speaker and current Board President of the Union County Historical Society as he shares the realities of living here in Central Pennsylvania during the 1700s. He will be speaking at the Thomas Taber Museum as part of the Lycoming County Genealogical Society. On April 27th he will discuss the “good old days” and what life was like on the Susquehanna frontier, especially farming. The program will be in the community room starting at 1 p.m.

The Association of Mature American Citizens says that elder abuse in nursing homes is on the rise and wants more government intervention. The senior community at UPMC related that they are doing everything they can to keep residents safe at Muncy’s Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In fact, they are re-evaluating the side rail usage at their facilities and found that side rails, including enabler bars, impose a threat and could be an entrapment risk for their patients. Based on an as needed basis, side rails may need to be removed for safety reasons.

And finally, Pennsylvania is one of 25 states to be part of a national cybersecurity program called Cyber Fast Track. It is specifically designated for young people to pursue careers in cybersecurity that will help reduce America’s digital skills gap and fill more jobs for that area. It is a free program consisting of 3 stages that is delivered online.

Muncy Events

Fri. Apr. 19 Toddler tales for ages 1-3 at 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica at the Muncy Public Library for a fun-filled hour of games, activities designed with your active toddler in mind. Siblings welcome.

Sat. Apr. 20 Holy Saturday, Blessing of Easter foods, 3 p.m., Church of Resurrection, Muncy.

Tues. Apr. 23 Veterans can meet with Dan Falls from American Legion Service at Rep. Garth Everett’s office in Pennsdale who is available by appointment. Call 546-2084 to schedule an appointment in advance. Veterans in the 84th Legislative District can also contact retired MSGT George W. Heiges, Jr., director of Lycoming County Office of Veterans Affairs at (570) 320-2101 or (570) 327-2365. Services to veterans and their dependents include assistance with compensation, pension, and death benefits.

Weds. Apr. 24 Pre-school storytime for ages 3-5 at the Muncy Public Library at 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of activities, crafts and stories designed to prepare your child for kindergarten.

Thurs. Apr. 25 Chronic Wasting Disease, Montour Preserve, 6-7:30 p.m., Environmental Education Center, presented by Jared Turner, State Game Warden. Learn more about this deadly disease affecting white tailed deer in Pennsylvania and its impact on deer hunting.

Fri. Apr. 26 Toddler Tales for ages 1-3 at 10 a.m. Muncy Public Library. Call 546-5014 for more information.

Sat. Apr. 27 Friends of Muncy Library used book fundraiser, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Muncy Public Library.

Sun. Apr. 28 Katy’s Church of 440 Katys Church Road, Madison Township, Columbia County welcomes all to the 1st service of the year starting at 12:30 p.m. A covered dish is welcome after the service. Call 570-764-2412 for more info.