Snow falling over lawns and trees, lights glittering from windows and doorways, and the beautiful sounds of a college choir, bell choir, and sonorous voices raised in hymn and carol singing – this was our wonderful experience on Sunday afternoon. Our daughter was among the Muhlenberg College students who sang, played instruments, and performed liturgical dance during the annual Candlelight Carols Service in the college chapel in Allentown. Despite the snow and threat of ice, we drove to and from the Lehigh Valley without incident. I was glad to be home before conditions worsened. I hope that everyone will have a chance to take part in, or attend at least one such inspirational event before the end of the Christmas season.

Our local area has many options for enjoying the whole Advent season and all twelve days of Christmas, too! Santa has arrived for consultations with the younger set, and Hughesville’s business community has had a fine start to the Christmas shopping season, but there is still much to enjoy in the shops in town.

Musically, the HHS chorus concert will perform tonight and the band concert on Saturday afternoon. These students and their directors have prepared programs that will be sure to please. The local talent will surely put you in the holiday mood!

And if your interests are directed more towards athletic contests, high school winter sports season has begun. Get your schedules from the school website, eastlycoming.net, or pick one up at many local business locations.

Last spring it was hoped that Comet ISON would reappear from its journey beyond the sun and would be a bright celestial visitor. Unfortunately, it appears instead that the comet’s core has disintegrated and that it is now simply a “traveling debris field following the comet’s original path.” However, there is still a chance to see a comet. Comet Lovejoy is reported as being visible in the pre-dawn sky, near the star Arcturus. If you check the website EarthSky.org you can see the diagram that will show you where to look for this visitor to our skies. Of course, it will take clear skies, and that probably means very cold temperatures, at least this time of year, so be sure to bundle up before stepping out to star-gaze!

Be safe and take your time as you travel around our beautiful valley!

Hughesville Events

Friday, Dec. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour for 3 to 5 year olds at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street. Call 584-3762 to register.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 1:30 p.m. HHS Band Concert, HHS auditorium, West Cemetery St.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m. “Heavenly Notes” bell choir featured at Christ Methodist Church, South Main Street, Hughesville.