A busy weekend took place. Thursday and Friday were busy days at the fair and Saturday I went to the Muncy Historical Society for the book signing. It was very well attended and author David Richards was joined by Paul Metzger who had copies of his second edition of Deeds of the Valley. It is a continuing chronicle of the White Deer Valley. Richards was signing several copies of his book of the Civil War Tales. It is filled with much local history and the different sites where natives fought the war across Pennsylvania.

A new program has been introduced to the patients at the Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center here in Muncy. They can now enjoy some music therapy, led by a trained therapist. Music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of those who participate. It is a great help to those who suffer from depression, anxiety or grief. Activities director, Cassie Neidig said she has already seen some positive results from the 12 parfticipants who have been meeting once a week and an evaluation will be done after 6 months.

Interestingly enough, a news conference was held to release a report on improving Pennsylvania’s standardized testing of students. The Auditor General last week developed the report to see the value and cost effectiveness of administering the Keystone Exams for which the Department of Education is paying an out-of-state firm tens of millons of dollars. Teachers would love to have this barrier free from their curriculums, I’m sure, as these Keystone Exams are not a graduation requirement.

The Vineyad Community Activity Center in Muncy continues to offer kids in Muncy on 99 Sherman Street a place to hang out with free refreshments and indoor activities every Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. However, the Vineyard will be closed this Friday, July 19 due to family vacations. They are also in need of additional funding for repairs to the parking lot and improvements to the front entrance. They are using a $2,000 grant from FCFP to install a permanent basketball system. Call 546-0633 for info to submit donations.

As I reflect back 50 years ago, I graduated from high school, Woodstock took place, and on July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the dusty lunar surface of the Moon.

That sure was a powerful year!

Muncy Events

Thurs. July 18 SVQG to meet. Jill Shaw from 118 Fabrics & More will be guest speaker, 7 p.m. Her program will be on three yard lap quilts. A workshop to follow on Sat. July 20 starting at 9 a.m. Patterns, books, and fabric will be available for purchase. For more information call Sue Keller at 570-916-3131

Fri. July 19 Join Miss Monica at the Muncy Library for a fun-filled hour of games, crafts, and activities designed with your active toddler in mind. This week’s activity is making Galaxy Bottles. Siblings welcome.

July 19 & 20 15th annual quilt show with Muncy Historical Society, 1st UM Church, Muncy, Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-3.

Sat. July 20 Last day for Lycoming County Fair.

Sat. July 20 Pasta demonstrations at LeJeune Chef at Penn College. For reservations call 570-320-chef.

Tues. July 23 Handwriting Analysis at 6 p.m., Muncy Public Library.

Tues. July 23 American Legion Service Officer Dan Falls is available at Rep. Garth Everett’s office in Muncy to meet with veterans. Call 570-546-2084 to schedule an appointment in advance. Veterans in the 84th Legislative District can also contact Natalie Steppe at the Lycoming County Office of Veterans Affairs at 570-320-2101 or 570-327-2365. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive services.

Weds, July 24 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 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. This week, the kids get to help dogs from the Animal Care Sanctuary on a scavenger hunt to find essential pet care items. Siblings welcome.