Just the other day I heard someone say “Summer should be issued a speeding ticket!” Isn’t that the truth? It seems we just were approaching Fourth of July celebrations and now it’s time for school preparations, tomatoes are ready for canning, and Labor Day and football/soccer season are nearly here. I remember thinking my grandmother was crazy when she said the days went by too fast now I understand!

Hughesville High School students who are participating in Fall sports and Band have begun their “camps”, and the sound of drums, band instruments, and coaches’ whistles is audible from my backyard, providing a nice background for my attempts to gather the abundance of beans and tomatoes in my very neglected garden. Every year I tell myself I will be a better gardener . . . well you know the end of that story. Fortunately, the students and their directors and coaches are much better at improving on past performance and sticking to a well-devised plan. I know we will all enjoy the fruit of their labors when they perform and compete in just a couple of weeks.

The Hughesville Area Public Library summer reading program has ended, but the supply of reading opportunities is constantly expanding for young and old alike. Pre-school story hours are held monthly and there are a variety of materials and programs available to all. Be sure to include a visit to the library in your agenda of things to do.

While many of us may feel that there is little we can do to help out when we hear of accidents or disasters, one of the greatest ways we all can help others is by being regular blood donors. There is always a need for this life-saving gift. Your next opportunity to donate is Thursday, August 16 at the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Hall. It would be wonderful to be able to report that the Red Cross was overwhelmed by the number of donors who show up!

More street work is going on in Hughesville, so stay aware of the plans for your street and make arrangements to have all cars clear of the areas being worked on so that these improvements can be made to benefit all of us.

One expression of civic pride in Hughesville is the East Lycoming Historical Society museum on South Main Street. If you haven’t visited this little gem, I urge you to do so. The museum is open limited hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The society is looking for donations of clean, salable, priced items (NO CLOTHING) for its annual yard sale which raises funds for operating costs. The sale will be held September 8 and items will be accepted on August 30.

Upcoming Hughesville events:

August 16, noon to 6 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Hughesville Fire Hall

Saturday, August 18, 8 p.m., Jon Peterson musical revue, DeWire Center, Eagles Mere

Sunday, August 19, 4 p.m. Music in the Mountains Alumni concert, DeWire Center, Eagles Mere

Thursday, August 30, 6n to 8 p.m. Donations accepted for yard sale at Historical Society museum

Saturday, September 8 Annual Yard Sales at East Lycoming Historical Society Museum and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Main Street.