Winter in an “El Nino” year was a departure from our usual Pennsylvania winter season. While I have always liked winter to have plenty of snow and cold temperatures, I find that I really haven’t minded the mild conditions we’ve had, and hope that spring progresses in a leisurely way from now through at least the end of April. I do know that I don’t want truly hot, summer weather to begin too soon.

Spring officially arrives early on Sunday, March 20, and it looks like we will be having a bit of a rollercoaster of temperatures, along with some needed spring rainfall. I hope to use some rainy days to tackle some incomplete indoor projects before I want to be outdoors all the time.

Sunday is also Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week for Christians worldwide. There are plans for special services at most churches in our community. Check the list of events for several options.

The change of seasons will also mean that many of us will want to check out the selection of do-it-yourself books and garden planning guides that are available at the Hughesville Area Public Library. The librarians can help you access material from all of the libraries in the county and even statewide. Dust off your library card and get what you need so you can really enjoy your outdoor space.

I hope everyone will have a joyous and spirit refreshing Easter holiday!

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Mar. 24 Maundy Thursday Quiet Meditation with Holy Communion 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Bethany U.M. Church, 111 South 2nd Street, Hughesville

Fri. Mar. 25 “Seven Last Words of the Cross” sponsored by the East Lycoming Ministerium, 12:00-3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. service, both @ Christ United Methodist Church, Main St., Hughesville.

Fri. Mar. 25 Tenebrae Service for Good Friday, 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 S. Main Street, Hughesville.

Sat. Mar. 26 Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold their 56th annual banquet at the Hughesville Fire Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 6. Program will be a 56 year history of the organization. The club has raised over 325,000 trout and 15,000 ringneck pheasants since 1961. At the banquet they will release their spring 2016 trout-stocking schedule. To order tickets contact Rusty Bitler at 584-5780.

Sun. Mar. 27: 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service at Christ U.M. Music by the charge Praise Team, and 9:30 a.m. Easter Resurrection Celebration at Christ U.M. 146 S. Main Street, Hughesville.

Sat. Apr. 2 Open house at the East Lycoming Historical Society from noon to 3 p.m. Garman Zehner will be on hand to share his amazing photos of the Rishel Fire with those who could not attend the Nov. meeting.