The game of Scrabble is a favorite in our family, and during a recent game while visiting my parents-in-law I learned a new word that may be useful! There is a small waterway in back of our property that has always been known as ?the ditch?, but I discovered the word ?syke? which means ?a small stream?. Somehow there is a much nicer sound to that word than ?ditch?, so if I can remember it, I think I’ll use my expanded vocabulary. Of course, few people will know what the heck I’m talking about, so it will necessitate explanation.

No explanations were needed last weekend regarding the opportunity to be involved or entertained in the Hughesville area. Whether indoors or out, there was a wide variety of things to do. While this coming weekend seems to have fewer scheduled events, the forecast seems to be good for any sort of outdoor fun, so I expect there will be many folks on bikes, motorcycles, and on foot on streets, roads and highways. I hope to do some autumn day-hikes, so this might be a good time for that. Our local state parks and natural areas provide good ways to enjoy a mild afternoon.

If you are doing some yard and garden cleanup, or contemplating plans for next year’s outdoor projects, this is a great time to begin the planning and decision making so you are all ready to begin in the spring. Hughesville Area Public Library has a nice collection of books that will help inspire you to design your perfect outdoor space. Or if your yard is ready for the coming weather, perhaps you’d like to use your wood-working skills and build some bird-feeders that will help our local wild birds survive the projected cold winter.

Hughesville borough has been gradually upgrading sidewalks at street intersections so that those who use wheelchairs or other mobility assistance can more easily and safely make their way about town. The latest project, near the high school on Academy Street, is a great improvement and will help provide safer access for students and other residents who walk this part of the community.

Hughesville events

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. LCBDA (Lycoming County Band Director’s Association) Marching Band Exhibition, at South Williamsport. Enjoy the sight and sound of marching bands from seven local school districts as they perform this year’s show. The evening will be capped with a massed-band performance in which all the musicians take the field together to create a marvelous finale.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 1 to 3 p.m. ?Fiber Fillies? needlecraft guild session, East Lycoming Historical Society museum, 66 South Main Street.

Wednesday, Oct. 8 East Lycoming Historical Society members and friends will board a Susquehanna Trailways bus for a trip to Harrisburg to tour the Capitol and other significant sites. If you are interested in joining the group for this excursion, please call 570-584-2808 or 570-584-2244.