Well, once again the groundhog has had his say and it will be a while until we know if his prognostication is correct. Regardless of the outcome, the folks in Punxsutawney really have a good time with it all, don’t they? I did hear that some of the human meteorologists believe that February is going to be rather colder than normal, so it would seem that any ideas of an exceptionally early spring may not have much chance of reality. Some of my spring bulbs seemed to think it was time to sprout nearly a month ago, but their progress has been stalled. I anticipate that we’ll get some snow and real winter over the next few weeks.

While it often seems that nothing changes in Hughesville, there are several things that have been different lately. The new auto repair shop for Murray Motors is progressing, and I’m guessing that the lack of snow has made it easier for the construction crew to get their work done. Some houses in town which have been on the market for a while are now sporting signs that indicate sales are happening. And the Christ United Methodist Church bells that mark the time have had an upgrade. I have been noticing that the traditional four phrase music is now played so that the listener can determine whether the time is quarter past, half past, three-quarters past, or on the hour, depending on how many phrases one hears. It’s a nice change and will be handy when I’m outdoors and won’t have to rely on any clock to know the time.

I am reminded that last week’s list of events did not include a location for the HHS Drama Club’s Spaghetti Dinner! I am sorry for that confusion. The students involved in the fund-raiser are looking forward to seeing you at Trinity Lutheran Church this Saturday. The cast and crew members are currently preparing this year’s musical. Due to legal restrictions regarding print advertising, I have been asked not to publish the title, but if you like fairy tales and Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, you’ll love this one! More information will be available on the school’s website as the March performance days approach.

Be sure to take advantage of some of the clear nighttime skies and look for the wonderful sight of the several planets which are currently able to be seen. Stargazing isn’t as comfortable in these cold months of the year, but your efforts will be rewarded!

Hughesville events:

Sat. Feb. 6, 4-7 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner fund-raiser for the HHS Drama Club to help with costs of the annual musical production. Tickets are available from any cast member or at the door.

Tues. Febr. 9, 4-7 p.m. Fasnacht Dinner at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 South Main Street, Hughesville. This traditional meal of pork and sauerkraut, with spaetzel, mashed potatoes, and applesauce, is a fund-raising event, open to the public. Please check with the church office on Weds. or Fri. mornings for more information.

Thurs. Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Muncy Creek Watershed monthly meeting at the Hughesville Area Public Library Community Room, 146 South Fifth Street. Attendees will enjoy hearing and learning about Ferndale Park, done by Carol Sones Shetler with visual displays provided by June Grube and Chalmer Van Horn.

Sat. Feb. 13 Princess Night at the Hughesville Public Library. Disney Cinderella movies will be shown. Arrive in costume. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movie begins at 7.