Welcome to March! While the frigid temperatures are hardly “lamb-like”, our area was spared the worst of the lion characteristics. Those folks in the southern parts of Pennsylvania have really been having an “old-fashioned” winter. I am personally very happy that I did not need to use the snow shovels this week, and sincerely hope they can be put in storage for at least the next eight months.

Although it has been too cold for lengthy star-gazing, on those nights that have been clear I have been watching the progression of Jupiter through the constellations. This coming weekend if the night sky is cloud-free, take a few minutes to look for the “Winter Circle” of bright stars circling around Orion, Jupiter, and the Moon. Another celestial event to watch for is the appearance of the star Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It will be visible in the eastern sky near the horizon (in the constellation Bootes, the herdsman) and will be a welcome sight its return to our night sky coincides with the arrival of Spring!

As of this past weekend, the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide was still operating! This week’s cold temperatures should mean that there is still time to get a ride. Check the website www.eaglesmere.org and/or phone (570) 525-3244 for more information.

While it is later than usual this year, Lent has begun. Today, Wednesday, March 5, is Ash Wednesday and many area churches will be observing the season with extra events and worship services in preparation for Good Friday and Easter. Check with your church office for details, or visit any of them and start your faith journey.

Hughesville High School is buzzing with activities of many types. This week marks the beginning of practices for all the Spring sports teams, and the public performances of the annual Musical Production. Three of the varsity wrestlers will travel to Hershey for the State tournament, and band and chorus students are preparing for performances both locally and out of state watch for more details!

Let’s all “Think Spring”!

Hughesville events

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 6, 7, & 8 at 7:30 p.m. Hughesville High School presents “Forty-Second Street”, featuring fabulous songs and tap dances. The students have been working and rehearsing for two months and are well set to entertain you! Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling the high school office at (570) 584-5111 during school hours.

Saturday, March 8, 2 4 p.m. Open House at Sycamore Manor Health Center in Loyalsock Township honoring Ms. Kathryn Burrows, the oldest member of Christ United Methodist Church of Hughesville, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on March 10.

Friday, March 14, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Pre-school Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street. Visit or call the library at (570) 584-3762 to register your 3-5 year old child for stories, activities and crafts fun.

Sunday, March 9, the Hughesville United Methodist Churches will begin a new series called: “Fearless – the Courage to Question.” The public is invited at 9 a.m. to Bethany UMC, 111 South 2nd Street and 10:30 a.m. at Christ UMC, 146 South Main Street.