The speed with which this year is progressing is a little alarming! It seems we just celebrated New Year’s Day and now it’s time for St. Valentine’s Day! Of course, the weather we’ve been having for the past few weeks nearly guarantees that most of us will be happy to see the coming spring.

This month is recognized as Boy Scout Month, commemorating the founding of this largest of youth organizations over 100 years ago. Scouting is known to help boys develop leadership skills and helps them build character and confidence. As the daughter and wife of former Boy Scout leaders, and as a former leader myself, I salute the adults who help to keep this movement growing and serving the youth of our community.

Ash Wednesday will be observed next week, with several area churches holding services that day. The season of Lent, preparation for celebrating Easter, will include extra services that will give everyone an opportunity for expanded worship schedules.

As the last snowstorm approached, I watched several species of wild birds flocking to my bird feeders, and it seemed they were consuming the seeds so quickly that I could see the level dropping in a matter of a couple of hours. It’s amazing how fast they can empty a rather sizable feeder and how soon they know that I have trekked out through the cold and snow to refill it! I haven’t figured out how they can see that from a distance, but I’m glad they know they can get a meal in our yard.

With the snow building up along walks and streets, it was heartening to see that our borough employees were using a front-loader to make sure that fire hydrants were accessible in case of an emergency. I hope that the fire department has no need to use any of the hydrants, especially when the weather is so cold, but I’m glad that if needed they will not be delayed in getting connected to the water source.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Have a safe and pleasant weekend.

Hughesville Events:

Mon. Feb. 16, 7 p.m.The East Lycoming Historical Society offers an interesting program at their February meeting. The Rev. Larry Waltz will present part one of a two part series titled “Heritage of Faith”. He will discuss the religious backgrounds and reasons people settled in Lycoming County. The East Lycoming Historical Society welcomes the public to their meetings, usually held on the third Monday of alternating months. This month’s meeting will be held in the social hall (“Stuempfle Hall”) of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 South Main Street. Hughesville.

Tues. Feb. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. Annual Fasnacht Dinner at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hughesville.

Weds.Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday. Check with your favorite church for service times.