Did you get a chance to spend some time outdoors this past weekend? Wow, what a welcome change from the biting wind and sloppy weather we’ve had recently. My crocuses seem to have leapt out of the ground! There’s always hope for mild temperatures when those lavender, yellow and white blooms appear. Shh, let’s not mention the times when they’ve had to peek through snowfall!

There are several very disappointed people in our area whose normal morning routines have been disrupted by the razing of the local McDonald’s restaurant and by the closure of Not Just a Bean coffee shop. While McDonald’s will be rebuilt in an expected few months. I haven’t heard of any plans for the popular Main Street coffee shop/restaurant. Fortunately, there are several alternatives and most folks are adapting well!

Despite the nice conditions, the sky did not cooperate in a clear view of the setting sun at the horizon, so I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to spot Comet PanSTARRS (named for the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System in Hawaii) which is making its way past the sun. I hope to catch a glimpse of it before March 20, the last day it is expected to be visible from the northern hemisphere. Since it won’t be around this way for another 100 million years or so, I don’t expect to get another chance to see this one! There may be another comet we can watch for in November.

Don’t forget that this is Christianity’s Lenten season and many local churches have Wednesday evening services plus special events planned for Holy Week, March 24 31. Check with the church of your choice for specific schedules.

Hughesville events

Sat. Mar. 16 10 a.m. Hughesville/Muncy Book Club meeting, Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street.

Wed. Mar. 20, 6:30 p.m. East Lycoming School District is hosting “Straight Talk for Parents”, a program designed to help parents and other adults become more knowledgeable about substance abuse among children and teenagers. This seminar will also help with strategies for talking with children and teens to help them avoid the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. This program is being held in the high school auditorium.

Wed. Mar. 20, 7 p.m. The Greater Hughesville Business Association (GHBA) will hold their Annual Business Mixer at the Muncy Valley Moose lodge on Route 405, south of town. This will be a great opportunity to meet local business owners in a relaxed setting. If you are a member of the GHBA , or would like to be, you may contact Suzanne Holmes at 584-5929 or Robbin Fry at 419-3241 for a reservation to attend the mixer.

Sat. Mar. 23, 5 p.m. Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creek 53rd Annual Banquet at Hughesville Fire Hall. To order tickets in advance, contact Art Fry at 368-1245 or Rusty Bitler at 584-5780.

Tues. Mar. 26, 7 p.m. “Healing Herbs” program for adults and teens, Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 S. 5th Street. Mrs. Helen Grosso will be the presenter. Please call 584-3762 to register for this event.