A true July it has been. The summer weather this month has been somewhat tropical, but a refreshing way to beat the heat, is to visit a local park. On July 19, Pennsylvania is celebrating the first ever Park and Recreation Professionals Day. Whether it be a community park or one of the 121 state parks, it provides a nice, clean atmosphere. Over 12,000 miles of designated trails exist throughout the state and every resident has access to a park within a 25 mile radius that includes playgrounds, pools, picnic areas, boat launches, campsites and so much more. 8,000 employees are hired to maintain and keep our parks safe. PA parks are free for our enjoyment, unlike other state parks. On that Friday say hello to a lifeguard or coach or caretaker of a park in appreciation for this marvelous greenspace. A nearby favorite is Montour Preserve where you can observe streams and meadows with dragonflies, blue birds and warblers, monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.

The Office of Aging at STEP can now provide us with bicycles, tricycles and multi-rider surreys that you can borrow and sign out in order to enjoy the River Walk. They are available at the RiverWalk Center in South Williamsport. How fun to take a group of friends after morning coffee on a warm, sunny day and ride along the Susquehanna River.

Today the Lycoming County Fair opens up with food vendors offering their fine tastings tonight. On Monday and Tuesday, members of the Muncy Garden Club began to clean out the Horticulture Building and today those who have plant and flower entries will be dropping them off so they are fresh for judging Thursday morning. I like to do the miniatures and to see them, you will need to go to the back part of the building near the corner garden displays.

As you drive by Penn Street take a look at the Muncy cemetery and note how many of the old trees have been cut down. I was told that many of them were well over 100 years old, and so a contractor was hired to remove them before they fell and did some permanent damage. This was done last Monday, July 1st.

Next weekend is the Muncy Historical quilt show with some workshops being offered on Friday and Saturday. The theme this year is stars, and quilts will be judged by a three person panel. You still have time to register a quilt which will be held at the First United Methodist Church. Call 546-5917 or online at www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org.

Muncy Events

Fri. July 12 Join Miss Monica at the Muncy Public Library for a fun-filled hour of games, crafts, and activities designed with your active toddler in mind. This week’s activity is Planet Party Hats. Siblings welcome.

Sat. July 13 Book signing by David L. Richards at Muncy Historical Society for his new book “Civil War Tales”, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 40 N. Main Street, Muncy.

Mon. July 15 Full Circle Future Harvest at 6 p.m., Muncy Public Library.

Tues. July 16 Community Knit and Crochet, 1 p.m., Muncy Library. Bring your yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks and join us at the Muncy Public Library as we create scarves to donate.

Tues. July 16 Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA STEM Mobile at 2 p.m. at Muncy Library. Test your STEM knowledge and get your heart pumping as you wiggle, skip, and jump into the science of movement. For tweens and teens.

Weds. July 17 Lyme Disease, Montour Preserve, 7-8 p.m. Presented by Ali Wood, R.N. Learn what Lyme disease is and its growing threat to the outdoors if undiagnosed. Learn tips for reducing chances of contracting the disease.

Weds. July 17 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun-filled hour of activities, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. This week’s activity is reading to dogs from the Animal Care Sanctuary. Siblings welcome.

July 20 & 21 SPCA Adoption weekend at the Lycoming Mall.