This week we can truly understand why there have been people residing in the Susquehanna Valley for so many centuries. Even before European settlers found there way to our region, native people appreciated the beauty and comfort of the area. Despite the range of temperatures and humidity, it seems that we’ve been blessed with so many great days for being outdoors at just about anytime of the day or night. Last weekend was such a time, and I spent several hours with family members enjoying the cosmic display of the Perseid meteor shower. It’s so fascinating that we can see these bits of dust and rock that originated with the beginnings of our universe and yet know that Earth’s life-giving and life-sustaining protective atmosphere will cause them to burn away as they approach us.

It’s that time of year when we can hear the sound of coaches’ whistles and band practice. Students who participate in fall sports and band are preparing for the new season, with much exercise, drill, and repetition. The first performance for the Spartan Marching Band will be the annual Grand Slam Parade in Williamsport tonight, and the sports teams will have scrimmages soon, with regular season schedules starting even before the Labor Day weekend. If you haven’t seen schedules yet, you can find info about all the student activities on the East Lycoming School District website, www.eastlycoming.net.

My garden was a bit slow coming on, and some varmint has been stealing my eggplant just after they begin to form, but we’ve enjoyed tomatoes and peppers, some radishes (those bolted and got monstrous very early on!), and a couple of handfuls of pole beans. I had a long list of things I was going to do to “improve” my yard, and while few of them were actually accomplished, it is nice to savor the fresh produce from our own backyard.

There are many events still coming up in our area before summer ends, and of course we will be having opportunities for a different list of things to keep us busy and entertained at places like the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. The East Lycoming Historical Society brought a great evening of high-caliber performance to our community last week with the Celtic Martins, a family musical group whose performance wowed those in attendance. It was a really enjoyable evening and we can hope that similar opportunities will be coming up.

Hughesville area events

Saturday, August 17, 8 p.m. Great music of the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, performed by Jazz vocalist Barbara Rosene, at the David A. DeWire Center, Eagles Mere. Tickets available at the door.

Wednesday, August 28 Monday, September 2, 162nd Sullivan County Fair, Forksville