Saturday’s heavy rainfall was impressive, wasn’t it? My rain gauge showed a bit more than two inches, and the way it was falling for a while, I wouldn’t be surprised if most of that came in less than an hour. Water was ponding in my yard for several hours on Sunday, so I don’t think I will need to worry about watering my garden for at least most of the next week or so.

Are you looking for some great entertainment? Mark your calendar for the upcoming performance by the “Celtic Martins”. This group of performers, from Newmanstown in southeastern Pennsylvania, will dance, sing and play a variety of instruments at the Hughesville High School auditorium on Friday, August 9, starting at 7 p.m. The performance will include Irish and American fiddle tunes, energetic Celtic music and dance, and Irish step dance routines. Tickets are available at the Hughesville Historical Society museum, 66 S. Main Street, Hughesville which is open on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m., or by calling 584-2808. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on performance night. This event will benefit the East Lycoming Historical Society.

August is a month of many changes, with hot, carefree summer days transitioning to the bustle of preparation as students, parents, and teachers prepare for the beginning of another school year. There is still time, however to enjoy some visits to local museums, shops, and recreational sites. There are great places to cool off, entertain the kids, or indulge in some relaxation, so visit one of our nearby state parks (World’s End and Ricketts Glen are two of my favorites), Lime Bluff Recreation Area, Hughesville Area Public Library, or the East Lycoming Historical Society Museum.

We are fortunate to live in an area where we can enjoy star-gazing on nights without cloud cover. Although there is some “light-pollution”, most of us can get to a spot close by where we can view a wide area of the sky. I recently found a great website that keeps me informed about which planets are visible, the phases of the moon, upcoming meteor showers, and much more. If you like all things astronomical, check out EarthSky.org. I am hoping for clear skies for the next couple of weeks, since the Delta Aquarids meteor shower has just passed its peak and the Perseid shower peaks August 11-13. Early risers should watch for the line-up of Mercury, Mars and Jupiter alongside the crescent moon on the morning of August 3.

Whatever hobbies or pastimes you enjoy, have a great week!

Hughesville events

Thursday, August 1, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration for any students not already registered for grades K 6, Ashkar Elementary School.

Friday, August 9, 10:30 11:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour for ages 3 5, Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South 5th Street. Register by calling 584-3762.