One of the items I brought home from the Lycoming County Fair was a bookmark that lists some interesting facts about Pennsylvania, and I was reminded that our State Insect is the firefly. I grew up calling them lightning bugs and was a bit confused the first time I heard someone call them fireflies. I missed them when I lived in the Rocky Mountain region and the sight of them on a summer evening is one of the reasons I am glad to have returned to Pa. I often determine my need for a sweater or socks by the appearance of the flashes of these bugs, since they seem to stay higher or lower in the yard as the temperature cools off. I hate to think that in another month or so they will be gone again until next summer. And does it seem like summer is becoming shorter? I know it is the same amount of time from May to September as it always has been, but I don’t seem to find nearly as many days when I’m comfortable in the pool as I remember. It seems like June was too cool, then it was so blazing hot in mid-July that the pool was more like a hot-tub. And the recent 50 degree nighttime temps and barely 80 degree days make it more of a chore than a delight to get in the water. I hope it isn’t a sign that I’ve just become harder to please!

Something sure to please just about anyone is the concert this Friday by the Celtic Martins. The program of music and dance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hughesville High School auditorium, 349 West Cemetery Street. We don’t often get a chance to enjoy this caliber of production so close to home, and it is also a chance to support our local East Lycoming Historical Society, so mark your calendar tickets will be available at the door.

This is the time of year for church picnics, and several of the local congregations are holding outdoor worship services and gatherings. Don’t be surprised to find signs on the church doors advising that you will find members and guests at places like Lime Bluff, Knobel’s, or a member’s acreage on any given Sunday.

Summer Reading activities at Hughesville Area Public Library are nearly ended for this year. Elementary readers are enjoying the results of their summer garden project with a “Salad Picnic”, where they’ll be eating the tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies they planted during their first session in early June. Next week they will be tie-dying t-shirts as their last summer activity. If your student hasn’t signed up for that event, registration is still open. Visit the library at 146 South 5th Street or call 584-3762. Children will need to bring their own shirts to tie-dye. High school readers enjoyed a “Shark Week” party and discussed the new things they found “Beneath the Surface” through the summer.

The weather makes it easier to enjoy being outdoors, so don’t miss your chance to visit all the great parks and outdoor recreational sites in our area!

Hughesville events

Friday, August 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library

Friday, August 9, 7 p.m. Celtic Martins performance, HHS auditorium, benefits ELHS

Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11, 9 5, 43rd annual Arts & Crafts Festival on the Green in Eagles Mere, admission free for ages 12 and under.

August 11, Christie Heimbach from Hughesville and founder of 2 Seconds or Less, a mission dedicated to helping end malnutrition by focusing on sustainability, will speak at Bethany United Methodist Church, 113 S. Second St., Hughesville during Sunday morning worship. Call 584-2624 for more information.

upcoming Lycoming County Democratic Committee meeting on Thursday August 15 at 7:00 PM, in the Hughesville Area Library at 146 South Fifth Street, Hughesville. All Executive Board members, Committee members and active Democrats are urged to attend!