Well, I know there are folks out there who are laughing at my weather observations and hopes for some settled, slowly progressing spring. Mother Nature has a timetable that is definitely not of human understanding, and we can just sit back and watch, although it is nice to have a clue as to the number of layers of clothing that I need to put on each day.

There are several important things coming up in Hughesville this month, so I will devote this column to all of these great upcoming events:

Hughesville events

Thurs. Apr.14, 7 p.m. Muncy Creek Watershed Association will host an interesting program on dirt & gravel roads and how our roads impact the health of our streams. Lycoming County technician, Matt Johnson, will explain the program briefly, and showcase several projects within Muncy Creek Watershed. You and a guest are invited to attend this program at the Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street, Hughesville.

Thurs. through Sat. April 14-16, the 2016 District 8 Jazz Festival will be hosted by Hughesville High School. Students from schools throughout the nine-county district, who were selected by audition from the PA Music Educators Association, will rehearse together on Thursday and Friday and will present a concert of jazz tunes on Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Admission fee with open seating. Open to public.

Sat. Apr. 16, 10-3 the Hughesville Rotary Electronic recycling project at Ashkar Elementary School, South Broad Street, Hughesville.

Sun. Apr. 17, 1 p.m. Churches throughout Lycoming County are taking part in an effort to stem to the tide of the heroin epidemic. Nine Prayer Walks are being planned. The events, which are an outreach of Project Bald Eagle’s Faith-Based Sub-Committee, are designed to create awareness and provide prayer for those affected by the epidemic as well as those on the frontlines battling it. Walkers will stop to pray at locations such as schools, hospitals, police stations, playgrounds, etc. Each Prayer Walk has an “anchor church” which will serve as the starting point for the walk. The anchor church will also be open during the walk for those who would like to pray, but are unable to do the walk. Hughesville’s Prayer Walk will begin at the Hughesville Friends Church, 137 South Third St.

Mon. Apr. 18, 1-6 p.m. American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Hughesville Fire Hall, Railroad & Water Streets. Regardless of the time of year, blood donations are always needed and this month is no exception. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year. To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Sat. Apr. 23, starting at 8 a.m. free tree seedling distribution at the Rotary Clock, Main & Water Streets. Every tree that we grow will enhance our community. Available until they are all gone. Sponsored by Hughesville Rotary.