This year is starting out like a real old-fashioned winter, isn’t it? School calendars are being revamped, sports events rescheduled, and road crews are busy dealing with more snow and cold than we’ve seen in a few years. I have been getting a lot of use from my wool sweaters and socks and glad to have lap robes nearby.

Most residents of Hughesville and the surrounding area have been aware of the recent serious illness affecting Mrs. Pauline Montgomery. I had a nice chat with her son, Tom, recently and he brought me up to date on Pauline’s progress, which has astonished many medical people who treated her following her stroke in mid-December. There is probably no way that anyone could count the number of people whose lives have been positively impacted by this life-long resident and champion of Hughesville. I know everyone will join me in wishing her a continued improvement and a speedy recovery!

I have recently learned that this month the moon will be full when it is at its farthest point from earth ( its apogee) so it will appear to be smaller than usual. We have all heard about “Super” moons in the last year or two; the full moon on January 15-16 is being called a “Micro” moon. The moon is now about 30,000 miles farther from earth than it will be at the next “Super” moon in August of this year. The difference in appearance is only about 12%, so don’t worry, we will have no trouble seeing the moon! I understand that this difference does have an effect on earth’s tides, although I have not had many chances to observe tidal change. I do know that recent cold temperatures and very clear air make the stars absolutely dazzling to see.

Hughesville residents can be excused for being a bit prideful about the way Main Street looks. I have noticed that most of the stores and homes along this artery have a well-kept appearance, and it reflects well on the whole community. Let’s continue to be Hughesville-proud!