This first week of June marks the local beginning of summer. High school graduation, combined with the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department carnival, signal the start of outdoor activities for our community. All of the school buildings have seen end-of-term awards ceremonies, banquets, and various celebrations.

Our family recently visited the Shenango Recreation Area in western Pennsylvania, a reservoir created and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control measure. We had a nice time — although there was frost on the grass outside our tent the first morning! While there I noticed that they have an area in which they are propagating American Chestnut trees. This former dominant species of native tree was nearly exterminated by blight in the 20th Century, but efforts such as the one at Shenango are developing a chestnut variety that is blight-resistant. I’d love to see some of these trees in my yard! Maybe it won’t be long until we can have them growing locally.

Along with the other county libraries, Hughesville Area Public Library has a great schedule of Summer Reading programs and activities. Whether you have children in pre-school, elementary, or high school, or if your children are grown, there is something for everyone. June 15 is the “Summer Reading Kick-off Day”, so stop in at HAPL, 146 South Fifth Street, to register and get a schedule of events. It’s worth noting that children who read, and are read to, generally become better students and enjoy learning more because of their increased skills. Your local librarians can help you find books that will engage your child so that summer is a time when they can explore their own interests and imagination.

We can all exercise our imaginations this month as we look at the night sky, particularly just after sunset. Venus and Jupiter will be dazzling us all month as they appear to draw closer to each other. They are the brightest objects in the sky after the sun and moon, so unless there are cloudy skies, it will be easy to see them. To the left of Jupiter you will also see the star Regulus and the three will form a line across the southwestern sky. Keep looking up!

Hughesville events:

Weds, June 3, 7 p.m. HVFD Antique Car Parade. This crowd-pleasing display of cars and trucks is always fun. Many lawn chairs will be lined up along Main Street for the best view.

Fri., June 5, 7 p.m. Hughesville High School Graduation at the football stadium, 349 Cemetery Street.

Sat., June 6, 5 p.m. HVFD Fireman’s Parade. Horns and sirens will delight young and old alike.

Saturdays, June 13 & 27, 1 to 3 p.m. Fiber Fillies fiber arts guild meets at the East Lycoming Historical Society museum, 66 South Main Street, Hughesville. This group is dedicated to sharing the enjoyment of all types of fiber arts. Membership is always open and assistance available for whatever fiber arts project you choose.

Fri., June 12 is the last day to register for the Greater Hughesville Business Association’s 17th annual golf tournament. Tournament chairs aree Pauline Berber (584-2101), Diane Egly (971-0562) and Tom Donofrio (584-3954).

Mon., June 15 Summer Reading Kick-off Day at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street.

Mon., June 15, Blood Drive at Hughesville Fire Hall from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Railroad and Water Street, Hughesville

Sat. June 20 Billtown Blues Festival, Hughesville Fairgrounds, noon to ten p.m. Tickets available in advance or at the door.