Hughesville is beginning to “look a lot like Christmas”! The decorations, shop displays, and all the bright lights on homes, trees, and shrubbery certainly leave no doubt as to the time of year. Along with all the festive appearances, I hope everyone will take some time to continue the giving of thanks for our many blessings, and do what we can to pass along what we can to bless others. There are many opportunities for folks to help out. Toys for Tots, Touch-a-Heart, and continued donations to local food banks are just a few of the methods open to local residents who want to make a difference for the community. Please do what you can our entire society will be better for the efforts we all make.

With the arrival of truly winter-like conditions, remember that our native wild birds need your help to have access to fresh water as well as well-stocked feeders. It has been such fun to see the variety of birds that are already converging daily in my backyard. I keep my bird identification book close at hand near the kitchen windows so that we can add to our list of different species that have visited our feeders and pond. Our list currently includes 18 different birds. The local squirrels help clean up everything that the birds drop, and while I don’t put out anything for the rabbits, I seem to see more of them all the time!

Take time to enjoy this season of preparation before Christmas and also stay safe while you take care of all the errands and shopping expeditions, travel to visit friends and family, or take to the woods for deer hunting.

The “5 to Drive” campaign is in full swing in the Hughesville business community, and it has been great weather for everyone to enjoy all that there is to see and do within just a small geographic area. It’s great to see the horse-drawn wagon making the “grand tour” of Hughesville! There’s still time to get your entry ticket and have it validated at a minimum of 5 local businesses before the Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 8, and the children’s party and drawing that follow. Don’t miss out on the chance to win one of the many wonderful items that have been provided.

There are several musical offerings in Hughesville in the next couple of weeks that are sure to delight and entertain. In addition to concerts on the 8th and 15th by the West Branch Chorale, which includes many Hughesville residents, there are special musical events at our local churches.

This Sunday The United Methodist Bell Choir, “Heavenly Notes” will be presenting special music at the 9 a.m. service at Bethany U.M. Church on the corner of Second and Academy Streets, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Main Street will feature Mr. Ryan Workman, tenor soloist, at the 10:30 a.m. service on December 8. Also on Sunday, Dec. 8 they will be performing at Wolf Run Village at 2 p.m. The holidays are always enhanced by hearing some really good music!

Hughesville events

Dec. 6 The Whery Family will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. at Lairdsville Faith Church, 6786 Rt. 118 Highway.

Friday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 5, and Sunday, Dec. 8, noon 5, ELHS Train and holiday displays at the Museum, 66 South Main Street.

Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Community Tree lighting ceremony with church choirs, Main & Water Streets

Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. Christmas parade followed by Children’s Christmas Party at Hughesville Fire Hall. Sponsored by GHBA and American Legion Post 35.