This warm, but changeable, weather is what we all expect from early September, and I am glad that we have had such a nice summer without significant weather events. There have been few violent thunderstorms and although it has been dry lately, we still have had enough rain to keep the fields and yards from being completely dried out. Let’s hope the increase in activity in the tropics over the past week or so doesn’t result in anything to change the status quo. We can do with some soaking rain, but can do without the deluges that can come with tropical systems.

School has been in session for over a week now and students are getting settled into the routine of bus schedules, homework, and athletic or music practices and rehearsals. I’m anxious to see the HHS Spartan band and football team at the home game this Friday, and am looking forward to the salute to veterans that the students have been planning. If you are a veteran, or know of one or more, be sure to spread the word about it and plan to attend the 7 p.m. game at the high school football stadium. It’s sure to be a rewarding spectacle.

There are many who will be celebrating the Labor Day weekend and holiday on Monday Sept. 7th with family gatherings, camping expeditions, and swimming in pools or local waterways one more time. While my plans are relatively modest, I do hope to spend most of the three days outdoors! One of the annual events to consider is the Sullivan county Fair in Forksville, which takes place from September 2 through 7. There are always plenty of entertaining things to see and do. On September 6 the Eagles Mere Museum is offering re-creation of the 1920’s driving tours that were popular for guests of the areas hotels. You can get more info about this fun way to see local scenery by checking the website www.eaglesmeremuseum.org, or calling the museum at 570-525-3155.

Take a good look at the trees in town and on the surrounding hills this week. Soon the sumac will be brilliant scarlet red and the hardwoods will begin to turn to their gorgeous fall colors. After sunset we can enjoy star-gazing with relatively dark skies now that the full moon is past. Enjoy your time outside this week!

Hughesville events:

Sundays in September, Hughesville United Methodist worship services for the congregations of both Christ UM and Bethany UM churches will be combined at 9:30 a.m. and will take place at Christ UM Church, South Main Street, Hughesville. Weds. evening prayer services take place from 6 – 6:30 p.m. at the same location.

Sat. Sept. 12 annual Rotary Balloon Fest at the Lycoming County Fairground.

Sun. Sept. 13, many local churches return to their autumn worship schedules. Check with the church of your choice for more information about worship opportunities and Sunday School registration for all ages.

Sun. Sept. 13, 2 p.m., Annual Hymn Sing at Old Immanuel Lutheran Church on Lime Bluff Road. Pastor James Fladland, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Watsontown will preside.

Sun. Sept. 13, 10:15 a.m., 125th Anniversary celebration at the Hughesville Baptist Church on East Water Street. Guest speaker, Rev. Mark M. Smith, with special music by the church choir and the children of the Sunday School, plus displays of photos and memorabilia from the church’s history.