On Saturday, July 7, a strong thunderstorm passed through eastern Lycoming County, preceded by gusting winds that broke many tree limbs and left much debris from shrubs and trees throughout the area. I saw damage on Clarkstown Road east of Hughesville. The road was closed Saturday night and Sunday morning due to a large tree which fell across the roadway near Mun-Cre Farm, and a large branch was broken from a mature tree at the intersection of Clarkstown Road and Buck Hill Road. Many homes and businesses in our area were without electric power due to other damage caused by the storm.

Last week’s heat wave certainly made us all appreciate the many ways we have to cool ourselves. While I have not counted the backyard pools in Hughesville, I imagine that a view from above would make the borough look like it had a case of blue freckles. And who can say enough in praise of the man who invented the home air-conditioner?

If you need a place to cool down, or are looking for a way to give your youngsters some variety in their summer activities, check out the many events at the Hughesville Area Public Library.

This Friday is opening day of the Lycoming County Fair. I always look forward to eating my way around the Midway, but usually get filled up before I’ve tried everything I would like. The many exhibit buildings offer a great way to get out of the sun and enjoy the impressive displays of local talent and creativity. There’s a great line-up of grandstand events so be sure to check the schedule for your favorites.

Approximately 40 people from the Hughesville/Huntersville area made their annual trip to Agape Farm south of Mt. Union, PA last week for the “Creation” Christian Music Festival. Something like 50,000 people congregate there to hear many styles of music, share experiences, and hear speakers, all with a Christian theme. Attendees came home newly recharged in their faith and armed with lots of new music to share.

Despite the extreme heat over the last weekend, a group of Hughesville High School students donated their time to sprucing up the playground equipment at Bodine Park in Hughesville Borough. The swings, monkey bars, merry-go-round, and large slide are all pieces that have provided many children with hours of fun over the years. The work done by this energetic group will ensure that children of all ages will enjoy their visits to the park for many more years and the equipment looks great!

Hughesville events

Vermi-Composting Thursday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Hughesville Library, with Master Gardner, Lisa Strouse. The Muncy Creek Watershed Association and Black Hole Creek Associations will be meeting after the program and voting on some By-law changes.

Pre-school Story Hour Friday, July 13 at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 584-3762 to register so there are enough supplies for the craft activity. The library also has some activity kits that include books, games, and fun activities and the topics are “Mother Nature”, “Animal Tracks”, “Homes”, and “Ants”. While you are at the library, take a look at the coupon-exchange box and the recipe-exchange box, too.

The always-popular fireworks extravaganza will be held on Tuesday, July 17 at the Hughesville Fairgrounds.

July 17 to July 22 Frontier Days in Benton will be offering a Championship Rodeo and Bull-a-Rama featuring live entertainment, food, souvenirs, and a special kids round-up. Visit www.bentonrodeo.com for more information.