It’s back-to-school time! Local students are starting classes within the week and many have already spent a week or more at their schools, preparing to compete and perform throughout the fall season. It is time to remind yourself to watch for school buses, student drivers, and students who will be walking to and from school each day. Don’t forget to get your copy of the fall athletic schedules so that you can enjoy seeing the wide variety of events that will be taking place. I was fortunate to attend the HHS Spartan Marching Band preview show last week and hope everyone will take the opportunity to see this year’s marching exhibition at one of the Varsity football games or the annual LCBDA ( Lycoming County Band Directors Association) presentation.

There are several distractions for drivers on Main Street; there are so many spruce-up and construction projects that I found myself wanting to take time to park and walk up and down the street to get my “rubber-necking” desire satiated. From the street project at the north end of town, to the Woodlands Bank building facelift, to the painting and repairs on the East Lycoming Historical museum, it’s important that we all are careful! Main Street is much improved by all the attention.

As the routine of the school year begins, one of the good habits to develop with young students is a regular visit to our Hughesville Area Public Library. September is “Library Card Sign Up Month.” If you don’t have a library card, or if you haven’t used yours in a while, take a break from the norm and go to 146 South Fifth Street, where you’ll find an inviting atmosphere and helpful staff. Making yourself and your children familiar with the library will be a big help when they need to find material for school assignments or projects! While you’re there during the rest of August, you’ll also be treated to a unique display of items handcrafted by Bushmen of southern Africa ( the Kalahari region). Owned by the Guy Massaro family, this collection is on loan to HAPL until September.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m., Summer Constellations, an Adult Summer Reading program at Hughesville Area Public Library featuring David Reese. The late start time will ensure that the skies are dark enough for participants to view the night sky. Please register for this event.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 4:00, 7:00 Christopher T. Secules Memorial Scholarship Event, at the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, South Railroad Street. A great meal will be catered by Springman’s Country Store, there will be fine live entertainment, and a fantastic assortment of items and themed baskets that will be part of an auction. A limited number of meal tickets will be available at the door. This is an opportunity to support the scholarship fund in memory of one of Hughesville High School’s top-notch graduates.

Circus Aug. 29 at the Hughesville Fairgrounds