It’s really nice to be able to leave the house without a heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and two layers of socks! I am so glad to be able to reduce the number of layers of clothing, although some mornings recently I have noticed some frost on car windows, etc. Now I want all the outdoor furniture in place so I can enjoy being outside, if only for a few hours at a time!

Did you know that the first of four lunar eclipses to occur between now and October of next year will be visible next week? Of course, if you want to view this fascinating event, you will need to get your sleep early, since the moon won’t enter the penumbra (the beginning stage) until nearly 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning, and totality begins at 3:06 a.m. If you prefer to see just the ending and rise around 6, the moon will be in the ending penumbral stage until 6:39. Long-range forecasts seem to indicate cloudy skies for that night, but we will hope for clear weather so we can enjoy this infrequent event.

Hughesville borough officials recently did a survey of trees and shrubs lining borough streets and alleys. There have been many sightings of orange tape which caused some folks to worry that the marked trees were being tagged for complete removal. That is not the case, as they simply need to be trimmed so they are in compliance with the long-standing ordinance that requires clearance of 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above the street. Most residents have begun addressing the issue and everyone will benefit from the removal of hazards.

It’s that time of year when highway repairs and paving will be taking place. There are several projects planned for our area for this spring and summer, so check with local media for the latest information and watch for PennDoT crews and other contractors. I understand that Water Street in Hughesville, Route 220 from Hughesville to Hall’s Station, and portions of I-180 are among those areas where motorists might experience delays. Alternate routes might be a good idea!

Hughesville Events

Sat. April 12, 1 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt for children through grade 6 at Bodine Park, Hughesville, sponsored by Hughesville Rotary. Bring your camera and a bag or basket to collect candy and eggs! Rain date is Sunday, April 13. The park is located at the west end of Water Street, between Cottage and Crawley Streets.

Sat. Apr. 12 Soup bowl fundraiser at Tivoli United Methodist Church from 9-1. Church is 2 miles north of Picture Rocks on Rt. 220.

The Muncy Valley United Methodist Churches will hold a Fisherman’s Hot Dog lunch on April 12 at Valley United Methodist Church, 1874 Route 220, Muncy Valley, between Muncy Valley and Sonestown. All proceeds will help the churches move to having a full-time pastor.

Mon. April 21, “Saturday Nights in Hughesville” presented by Robert Webster at the Trinity Lutheran Church social hall at 7 p.m.