Do you think the frost and freeze season is over yet? I have been waiting and watching and trying to get my garden plants into the ground, but just when I think it’s safe, another clear, cold night threatens to wipe them out. I am hopeful, however, that by the time you read this I will have my garden finished and can begin the keeping-ahead-of-the-weeds game. (I rarely win that one.) The promise of that first ripe tomato and the crunch of a sun-warm sweet pepper makes me do this over and over, year after year!

When I think of June, along with my gardens I think of the young people who will be graduated from high school. There are so many who have attained high levels in scholastic, artistic, and athletic endeavors, and it is always exciting to see them ready to move into the next phase of their lives. Hughesville High School seniors will have their Baccalaureate service on Sunday, June 2, and graduation on Friday, June 7. Congratulations to these young adults! We hope many of them will explore the world of opportunity and challenge, and then return to our “happy valley” and help keep Hughesville strong and growing!

Our local volunteer firemen need your support this week. The annual HVFD Firemen’s Carnival begins immediately following the Pet Parade on Monday, June 3 and continues through the week, with more parades on Wednesday and Saturday. Be sure to visit the carnival often for the fun, fellowship, and fabulous food offerings. It seems everyone has their favorites I love the pies!

Now that the summer is beginning, many businesses in Eagles Mere and around the state parks (Worlds End and Rickett’s Glen) are open daily, or for extended hours. There are always new and intriguing shops to visit, plus many of the long-standing favorites, too. In Eagles Mere village you can enjoy treats at the Sweet Shop just as folks have been doing for decades, and visit the Eagles Mere Bookstore, a true gem that has been delighting visitors for 30 years. If you aren’t making any long journeys this summer, make a day trip to some of these local treasures. Any of the hiking and nature trails in either of the state parks are wonderful ways to spend a summer day.

Be sure to wear helmets when you bicycle, and get a fresh supply of sunscreen we don’t want accidents or sunburn to slow down the enjoyment of this great season!

Hughesville events

Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m. Baccalaureate service, Hughesville High School auditorium

Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. Pet Parade followed by HVFD carnival, Railroad Street, Hughesville

Monday, June 3, Registration begins for Summer Reading at Hughesville Area Public Library, call 584-3762 to register students in grades K 12 and to get more information.

Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m. Antique Car Parade, begins at Lycoming County

Fairgrounds at 6 p.m. and begins at 7 p.m. Rain date on Thursday.

Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. HHS commencement, HHS football stadium

Saturday, June 8, Firemen’s Parade forms at High School at 4 p.m. and begins at 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 9, Blues Festival, Lycoming County Fairgrounds