August has arrived, signaling the final weeks of summer and stirring those of us who procrastinate to make plans for a quick vacation before the autumn arrives. The days stay warm and sometimes it’s good to let the heat slow us down and make us “recharge” before all the busy-ness of new semesters, terms, and seasons. However, Mother Nature has provided her version of fireworks this week. A street light pole near my home was struck by lightning on Thursday evening and a utility crew was on site and had the pole replaced on Saturday! The local policeman who was in his cruiser at that same intersection was glad that only splinters of the pole fell around him.

My family loves watching the Olympics! The Opening Ceremony last Friday was certainly a spectacular kick-off to this showcase for world-class athletes. We’re especially cheering for Josh Richmond from Sullivan County who is vying for Olympic gold in the shooting competitions. Ranked #1 in the world by the International Shooting Sports Federation, Josh is a Hillsgrove native who currently serves in the U. S. Army. His events are scheduled to take place Thursday, August 2 . We wish Josh and his family the very best!

The DeWire Center in Eagles Mere will be the site for this season’s second concert by the Philadelphia Trio . This group has been performing in Eagles Mere for 38 seasons and is a true crowd-pleaser. Last week I was able, with my husband and daughter, to attend “The Guys”, written by Anne Nelson. Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, this is the story of a writer helping a fire captain who is faced with a daunting task: presenting eulogies for eight members of his company in the weeks following the September 11, 2001 attack on New York City. We were very moved by the play and the superior performance by the two actors. The Dewire Center is a wonderful facility for such events.

If you like hiking, but aren’t sure where the best places are in our area, you may want to check out the schedule of guided hikes sponsored by the Otzinachson Regional Group of the Sierra Club. Upcoming hikes include this Saturday in the Cherry Run Gamelands Loop in Clinton County, call 925- 5285, and Saturday, August 11 on the Loyalsock Trail in Sullivan County. Contact Roy Fontaine at 220-4707 for specific info on the Loyalsock Trail hike.

Much of our area is home to those who produce agricultural products that feed us and our animals. I get irritated when people treat privately owned farmland as if it were public land. If anyone is missing a sign proclaiming “Farm Property – Video Crime Watch –Satellite Surveillance Area”, you may contact the Hughesville Police Department. This sign mysteriously showed up in a yard in town sometime Friday night/Saturday morning.

Remember to stay well-hydrated and use your sunscreen!

Upcoming Hughesville events:

East Lycoming School District registration for new students grades K-6, Thursday, August 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Ashkar School office if you have questions, 584-5121.

Franklin Bethel United Methodist Church, 1595 Route 42 at Unityville will hold a free clothing giveaway, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 4. Donations will be gratefully accepted for local projects.

Eagles Mere’s firemen’s carnival is a one-night affair on August 4

August 7 the Hershey Zoo will be at the Hughesville Public Library at 1 p.m. All ages welcome. Sign up at 584-3762.

The Philadelphia Trio performs at the DeWire Center, Laporte Ave., Eagles Mere, 8:00 p.m.

Dushore Founder’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, August 11.