We all knew it was coming, but I hate to acknowledge that the end of June is upon us. With the Fourth of July holiday coming up, it seems that we barely get started on summer before it is half gone. I hope everyone is making the most of all his or her vacation and leisure time in this wonderful weather. I am grateful that we have not seen the torrential rainfall and resultant flooding that West Virginia experienced last week, and pray that any storm systems that come will give us only beneficial amounts of rainfall.

There is still time to sign up for Summer Reading at the Hughesville Library! Encouraging children to read (or reading to them) for 15 to 20 minutes at least 5 days a week is a proven way to improve concentration and thinking skills. It also helps children perform better in school and reduces the “summer slide” that is evident when children return to the classroom in the fall. And summer is a great time to read those fun, entertaining books and stories that we don’t always have time for in the fall and winter.

It’s nearly time for the Lycoming County Fair! The books that outline all events and requirements for entering your livestock, produce, or creations are available now. Make sure you read carefully so you know what changes have been made for this year’s fair. Start now so you are ready to take home the blue ribbon! You can also order tickets for the stage and track events. The Fair is always great fun and a source of much enjoyment for our community.

Are you looking for a place to ride your bike, or take a walk, without worrying about vehicle traffic or bumpy sidewalks and curbs? Check out the trails at Lime Bluff Park on Elm Drive, just south of town. It is possible to ride a bike from the school district parking lots at HHS or Ashkar Elementary School to Lime Bluff Recreation Area, and there is only one road to cross at Elm Drive. I especially like the level, nicely graded aspect of this path, since I can enjoy my surroundings without having to watch the ground constantly. Parts of the path are shaded at different times of the day, so you aren’t in the sun all the time. This is a just one of the many great benefits provided to our community by the efforts of the East Lycoming Recreation Authority. Visit soon to see the ongoing improvements and amenities.

Hughesville events:

Fri. July 1, 10:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour for 3 to 5 year old children at Hughesville Area Public Library. This week’s theme is a surprise! Join the library staff for crafts, snacks, stories, and fun.

Weds. July 6, 12:30 p.m., “Fun with Food Picnic” at Hughesville Area Public Library for elementary aged children. This fourth event of the summer reading program will feature fun and healthy food, plus an egg toss game, coconut bowling, and other food related activities.

Thurs. July 7, 7 p.m. Teen summer reading program at HAPL, “Zombie Night.” Learn the rules of the Zombie Apocalypse!

Sat. July 9, Kammermusik Main Line will present a concert under the auspices of Eagles Mere Friends of the Arts at 8 p.m. at the Dewire Center in Eagles Mere. Kammermusik Main Line, directed by cellist Deborah Reeder, will join forces with The easterly Chamber Players (harpist Anne Sullivan, flutist Diane gold Toulson, and clarinetist Smith Toulson) to perform a program of chamber works for varying instrumental combinations.