Punxsutawney Phil predicts that we can look for an early spring, but my thermometer hasn’t shown any progress in that direction. It’s still winter for a while so we may as well enjoy staying warm and do all those indoor projects that will only get set aside once we are able to get outdoors. Of course for those who enjoy skiing, skating or snowmobiling this wintry weather is welcome. I have been hoping to hear that the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide is open this year. Anyone with current info is encouraged to call the Luminary and let us know.

There are a lot of winter activities happening in the schools in the next few weeks. Hughesville High School cheerleaders, wrestlers, and basketball players are nearing the end of their winter sports seasons, the PMEA District 8 Chorus Festival will be hosted in Hughesville, and students are busy with rehearsals for this year’s musical production, “Singin’ in the Rain”. Mark your calendars so you save the dates.

If you drive on West Academy Street in Hughesville, you will notice that the borough street department has taken advantage of some of the milder days in the last couple of months to make significant improvements to the sidewalks at the intersections with Railroad and Broad Streets. It is so much easier to approach the street when one doesn’t have to watch for uneven surfaces and can focus on looking for a safe time to cross the street. The condition of many stretches of sidewalk in the borough has long been a pet peeve of mine. I find it convenient to walk whenever I can, but it can be treacherous. I would love to see all property owners take the necessary steps (no pun intended) to get our community sidewalks in good condition so that pedestrians are not forced to walk in the street to avoid hazardous footing. A level, walkable sidewalk adds curb-appeal, too. Think about your sidewalks as you plan your household improvements for the next year or two.

I’m beginning to see more and more traffic at my birdfeeders, and the last time I checked, some hardy bulbs are beginning to push a few leaves up. This last round of frigid temperatures may have nipped that progress, but we’ll be watching for each sign of the waning of winter and the approach of spring. I hope everyone has a good week. Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is only a week away!

Hughesville Events:

Friday, Feb. 8, 10:30 11:30 a.m.: Pre-school Story Hour, Hughesville Area Public Library

Saturday, Feb. 9, 7 10 a.m., Boy Scout Troop 26 Pancake Breakfast, Trinity Lutheran Church, children under age 4 eat free.

Saturday, Feb. 9, 1:30 3, Valentine’s Day Crafts for kids in grades K-6, Hughesville Area Public Library

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:00 p.m. PMEA District 8 Chorus concert, Community Arts Center, Williamsport

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 4 to 7 p.m., Fasnacht Dinner, Trinity Lutheran Church, South Main Street, Hughesville. Takeouts will be available, but call the church office for more info at 584-3490