Big changes are coming for many in the next few weeks. My husband and I have had the joyous recent addition of a first grandson (joining his big sister), and will see the departure of our youngest child for college before the week is out! No time for worrying about an “empty nest” –we’ll see how well I adjust to these changes.

As I write this, crickets are chirping and there is still the chorus of “peepers” in the early nighttime hours. I always count on these natural temperature guides to help me decide whether or not to grab a sweatshirt as I go outside with the dog. I do notice that the tempo of the crickets’ chirps is not as fast as on those steamy July evenings! I do hope we won’t have too many more of those still, humid, above 75 degree nights. I enjoy sleeping much more when a cool, dry breeze is entering a slightly open window.

School schedules will begin soon for most students. Some college students have already begun classes, and students in sports and band have been rising early for practices. Muncy schools are the first in our area to begin classes for this school year, with the opening day on Thursday, August 23. Hughesville begins Monday, August 27, and other districts in the county begin next Monday or Tuesday, with sports openers in quick succession. Be sure to check out Ruth Fry’s sports news in each issue of the Luminary for schedules and reports on all our local athletic contests.

Labor Day weekend may signal the traditional end of summer, but there are many great events coming up for everyone in the family. You can find everything from a chili cook-off and apple pie contest to greased pigs and hay bale tossing at the Sullivan County Fair next weekend. Be sure to check out the very full schedule of events. Also happening in Sullivan County is the annual Labor Day Market in Eagles Mere, where you’ll find antiques, market foods, architectural salvage items and much more.

Among the many things that start or resume in September are rehearsals for many of our local church choirs. I’ve spent a lot of my life as a member of church music groups and really encourage everyone so inclined to sign up. These groups, along with Sunday School, are great ways to enhance your worship experience and also to expand your circle of friends, folks who will really be interested in you! As a parent, these activities were wonderful aids to me in giving my children good role models and practice interacting with adults outside home and school. Check with your local congregation for schedules and registration.

I previously mentioned the Bake Sale/Yard Sale at the East Lycoming Historical Museum coming up on September 8. There is an expanded schedule of times when priced items (NO CLOTHING) may be donated for the sale: Thursday, August 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, August 31 and September 1 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Baked goods should be brought to the museum between 8 and 9 a.m. the day of the sale. This is a great chance to help the museum and de-clutter at the same time!

Be sure to mark your calendars for two other events coming up in September, the Moreland Township Bicentennial celebration on September 14, and the Rotary Balloonfest/Air Show on the 15th. Watch for more information about both events.

I hope everyone enjoys these last days of summer!

Hughesville Events:

August 29 September 3, 161st Sullivan County Fair, Forksville, PA Admission Free

September 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 30th annual Labor Day Market on the Green in Eagles Mere, children 12 and under free

September 7 & 8, Annual Yard Sale, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Main Street, Hughesville

September 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bake Sale and Yard Sale, East Lycoming Historical Society Museum, South Main Street, Hughesville

September 14 join Moreland Township for a Bicentennial Celebration

September 15 annual Rotary Balloonfest and Air Show, Lycoming County Fairgrounds