If you are reading this on Wednesday, September 11, I’m sure that at some point today your thoughts have gone to the attack on America that occurred 12 years ago. Most of us will always remember exactly what we were doing when we first became aware of the horrible loss of life and of our national feelings of security. I remember the uncertainty and fear of more to come as that awful day unfolded, and the strangeness of a sky with no airplanes for over a week following the attack. Today we will hear rumblings of a different kind when the Lycoming County roads host over 5,000 motorcyclists paying tribute to all those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.

Among the things that resulted from our responses to that frightening day is a heightened sense of the need for all Americans to honor and support our nation and those who defend her. We also recognize that we must work to build up our own communities. Some of the great local events this month are a tribute to that strengthening of our ties to each other and our past, present and future.

This weekend will present a challenge to get out and enjoy both the Moreland Township Bicentennial Celebration and the Rotary Balloonfest and Air Show. Both events have much to offer and will be a great time for young and old alike.

Also happening this week are fund-raisers for the East Lycoming Historical Society and for outreach ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hughesville. Both places, which are close to each other on South Main Street in Hughesville, are offering a wide variety of household goods, food items, clothing, toys, books, and much more, all available for minimal cost. Not only will you get a bargain, you will know you are helping out many in our community, and helping to show our pride in our community, too.

Hughesville events

Fri. Sept. 13, 10:30 11:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library. Register at 584-3762.

Fri. and Sat. Sept. 13 & 14, 8 a.m. Fund-raiser & Bazaar, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 South Main Street, Hughesville

Sat. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. Fund-raiser at East Lycoming Historical Society Museum, 66 South Main Street, Hughesville

Sat. Sept. 14, 10 to 5 Moreland Township Bicentennial Anniversary celebration. Events, food items, prizes at several sites throughout the township, including Canusarago Grange Hall, the covered bridge over Little Muncy Creek west of Lairdsville, the historic “8 Square” School, Moreland Baptist Church, Moreland Community Church, Moreland Township building, and the historic Wallis Mill. For directions to any site visit the ELHS museum on South Main Street, Hughesville.

Sat. Sept. 14, 10 a.m. Rotary Balloonfest and Air Show, Lycoming County Fairground. There will be Hot Air Balloon rides, Air Show attractions, BMX bicycle and ATV demos and events, puppet and magic shows, clowns, food and craft vendors, and much more.

Sat. Sept. 14 Block Party, Classic Car Meet and Motorcycle Display, Noon to 5 p.m. at Friends Church, 137 E. Third St. Everything is free.