Some Luminary readers are residents of the areas that were impacted by last week’s Atlantic hurricane. I hope that everyone was safe and that little property damage was sustained. Our area had some clouds and gusty winds that resulted from the convergence of the remnants of the tropical storm and a cold front that pushed into Pennsylvania from the northwest.

I am grateful that we are usually spared bad effects from such devastating storms. We have enjoyed a long, warm stretch of early autumn and since we haven’t had any frost, I was able to get more locally grown tomatoes. I spent part of the weekend “putting up” some more “sunshine in a jar.” Those stewed tomatoes and sauce will be a treat when winter arrives.

October 12 has been known as Columbus Day and many of us will remember coloring pages showing three sailing ships, reciting, “In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” We celebrated the arrival of Europeans in what was called the “New World.” I’m sure that such a concept would have astounded those indigenous people who gradually were pushed back from areas they inhabited or frequented. There are still many Columbus Day parades and observances, but I am inclined to agree with those who believe that we can learn about the early history of our continent and our nation by a balanced study of both explorers and conquerors such as Columbus, and study of the amazing variety of cultures that existed in North America before 1500.

Hughesville Area Public Library is a great source of information for patrons both young and old to learn more about all our American celebrations. The library is currently taking registrations for the upcoming four-week blocks in their programs for readers and young children. If you are interested Story Hour, Wee Tales, Kids Color, Busy Bee Art Club, or other programs, please visit or call the library at (57)584-3762.

Hughesville Events:

Sat. Oct. 15 Inductee for Hughesville High School’s Academic Hall of Fame for Dr. Robert Houseknecht at the high school’s library, 3 p.m.

Weds. Oct. 19 Christian Ladies Group will meet at 1 p.m. at the Tivoli United Methodist Church to hear Meg Gefkin impersonating Mary Todd Lincoln. Guests are welcome. For more information call President Deb Stackhouse at 584-4988.

Sat. Oct. 22 Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Muncy Valley Moose Lodge #866, 875 Route 405 Hwy, Hughesville from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come and give blood. The Red Cross must collect about 14,000 blood donations every day to help patients, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed.