Fostering friendships – that’s what it’s all about! You can do this with a unique class this summer at the East Lycoming YMCA. Pickleball will be offered Monday, Wedesday and Friday from noon to 2 p.m. starting Monday, June 3 and will go through August 30th. It’s fun and a great sport to play outside. Note that if there is a day of inclement weather, the game will be cancelled.

The Ray of Lights awards were given out this past week and Muncy students Sacha Alvarez and Amber Fry were given awards for their leading roles in “The Little Princess” which also won Best Large-Scale Play.

Another major award went to Muncy High School senior Sabrina Barner who received a $1,000 scholarship at the annual Little League Baseball Scholarship luncheon last Thursday.

This is my favorite time of year and the Memorial Day weather was perfect. The Muncy community celebrated with the Lyons chicken BBQ and the traditional patriotic parade that marched through town and ended at the cemetery with a service. In the past ten years, I seldom recall any inclement weather for this event.

The Muncy Public Library is gearing up for lots of summer books to read and a chance to earn prizes for the kids. This year’s theme is space so “be prepared to travel out of this world” they said. The summer reading program will begin Monday, June 10 and end on Friday, August 16.

While we’re on the subject of books, I fondly remember a book I read for children during one of my teaching courses in children’s literature. It was titled “The Hundred Dresses” written in 1944 by Eleanor Estes. This classic story tells the tale of a Polish immigrant schoolgirl who is teased at her new American school by her classmates for her clothes and family’s poverty. She told them she owned 100 dresses which she did. She drew them as a talented artist and when her peers saw them, they were in remorse from teasing her about wearing the same tattered blue dress every day. Starting June 4 Penn College will offer an exhibit “The Hundred Dressed Project” by creator and artist Crystal Cawley who in 2016 began to invite people of all ages and walks of life to design a dress print, and Cawley decided that every dress will be included. Over 200 participated and the artist has the dresses on display until July 23 at the Gallery at Penn College above the Madigan Library. There will be a reception Thursday, June 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The dresses explore themes of identity, acceptance, time and loss. Some are made from paper, others from fiber and some are stitched with exquisite lettering, embroidery and tactile work. Reviews said that the “project reminds us that we must do better for sake of all children.”

My sincere congratulations goes out to all the high school seniors who are graduating this Friday night. May they stay safe and stay well.

Muncy Events

Fri. May 31 Muncy High School graduation, 7 p.m.

Sat. June 1 Muncy Herb Guild Plant sale, 10 a.m., Muncy Public Library.

Mon. June 3 Construction club for all ages with Miss Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Muncy Public Library. Flex your creative and engineering muscles as you face challenges and build structures in this STEM-based activity night.

June 5 & 6 Senior box distribution days, Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter Street, Muncy, Weds. 8:30 a.m. to noon and Thurs. 4-7 p.m.

Weds. June 5 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at Muncy Library, 10 a.m. Father’s Day themed crafts, activities and stories will be presented. Siblings welcome.

Sat. June 8 “The Good and the Bad” learn all about insects, those with pretty wings and those colorful ones invading Pennsylvania. Join Master Gardener Carol Burke at the Montour Preserve to learn about pollinator gardening and plants that will attract the butterflies and bees. Learn more about the spotted lanternfly and walk outside to see the butterfly garden. 11 a.m. to noon.

Sun. June 8 Basic Boating Course, Environmental Education Center, Montour Preserve, 9-5. Presented by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for all operators of personal watercraft, regardless of age. Pre-registration required. Call 570-336-2060.

Tues. June 11 Friends of Muncy Library book fundraiser, 3-6 p.m., Muncy Public Library.

Sat. June 15 Tye-dye a shirt of many colors at the Muncy Public Library, 10 a.m. Please bring a 100% cotton t-shirt. Call to register 570-546-5014.

Weds. June 12 Muncy Woman’s Club will meet and have a picnic at the First United Methodist Church in Muncy. Call 546-2627 for more information.

Weds. June 12 FIELD TRIP! Join us at the Muncy Public Library for a guided tour at 4 p.m. of a HYDROPONIC GREENHOUSE in our area. The tour will be hosted by Lakeville Specialty Produce’s Director of Operations Richard Towart. He will demonstrate how they produce several types of lettuce from seed to your kitchen table. The event will be held at Lakeville Specialty Produce Greenhouse, 444 PPL Road, Washingtonville, PA 17884. From Muncy go east on SR 180, take Turbotville exit, turn left. Go to Washingtonville and turn left at red-light onto SR 254. In approximately 3/4mi, take left onto SR 1003 PPL Road. Continue through 4-way intersection, pass PPL Power Plant, cross the RR tracks and you are there. The greenhouse is on the right. This tour was inspired and coordinated by Lance Yarish.

Mon. June 17 Master Gardener Louise Fulmer will speak on HERBS! Planting, growing, using, and preserving herbs starting at 6 p.m. Come, learn, and share secrets of having a successful herbal experience.