It doesn’t look like there will be many more days when leaves will be falling from the trees in town. The gusty wind over the past few days has hastened the process and thoroughly mixed up the leaves that had already been piled up ready for the leaf truck, so everyone will get more exercise clearing them up again! It may take a while to get them all cleaned up.

We took advantage of the dry weekend and put away all the outdoor furniture, the grill, and the porch swing. It didn’t take long, with the help of one of our sons, but now it really looks cold and stark when I look outside. I still need to spend some time on final cleanup on the flower beds around the house. It will all look barren now, at least until the first snow!

Did everyone get a chance to say “Thank You!” to our veterans? There were several nice observances in the area and the HHS Spartan Band marched in the Veterans Day Parade in Williamsport last Saturday. The local schools also had their annual assemblies at which many local veterans are recognized. What a great way for children to learn about honor, a sense of duty, and devotion to our country. Let’s all remember to honor our veterans year-round, not just in early November.

I have an opinion that probably won’t be popular with many people regarding our country’s election process. Along with the “right” to vote comes the often ignored “responsibility” to cast a well-considered ballot. I really think we can do much better than a 25 percent turnout on a beautiful fall day like we had this year! Although there were not any contentious issues or races to be decided, the results of every election do affect our community life. Hughesville borough has such a nice, convenient polling place, with both wards voting at the Hughesville fire hall, so I encourage everyone to accept the responsibility that goes along with the right and get to the polls on every election day!

If you were born before 1957 or 1958, you have probably, like me, been thinking lately about where you were and what you were doing on that terrible day, November 22, 1963. I don’t think there was a single American whose life was unaffected by the assassination of President Kennedy, I particularly remember that Miss Edith Fague, fifth grade teacher at Hughesville-Wolf Elementary School, came to our classroom (Mrs. Carmen Green’s fifth grade) and brought the initial report of the shooting in Dallas. Her expression has remained in my memory, although I was confused at the time. While I recognize that human nature ensures that such events are possible, I pray that our nation never again has to endure such a tragedy.

Coming up in another week is a chance for everyone to enjoy some light-hearted theater as the Hughesville Junior and Senior classes present “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”. Be sure to contact the high school office at (570) 584-5111 to reserve your tickets for either Friday or Saturday evening, November 22 & 23. Let’s fill up the HHS auditorium in support of these great young actors!

Hughesville Events

Monday, Nov. 18, East Lycoming Hisorical meeting, 7 p.m. at social hall of Trinity Lutheran Church with Bill Bailey speaking about the Whitmoyer family history. He is the author of a book about the massacre of the Whitmoyer family and many descendants remain rooted in the Unityville area.

Friday & Saturday, Nov. 22 & 23, 7 p.m. “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”, Hughesville High School Jr/Sr Class Play, HHS auditorium.

The Hughesville High School Varsity Baseball team will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 23, in the Hughesville High School cafeteria. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. with the fundraiser to begin at 1 p.m. Gift card bingo, raffles and door prizes along with refreshments. Tickets available at the door. All proceeds will go to the HHS baseball team.

Free turkey dinner at Hughesville Camp Thursday, Nov. 28, Noon to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Friends Church.

Friday, November 29 GHBA’s “5 to Drive” campaign begins. Tickets and info available at member businesses in and around Hughesville. Look for posters and signs of participating businesses.

Dec. 8 Hughesville holiday parade