We’ve had some of my favorite January weather, and some of the opposite, too. I really don’t like winter to be sloppy, wet, and gloomy, so the recent sunshine and brisk temperatures have been just what I expect for this time of year in our wonderful valley. “January thaw” is a phrase that I don’t like to hear in a weather forecast.

The winter season is looking good for the winter athletes at Hughesville High School. There are many opportunities for you to cheer for the Spartans, so check your schedule or go the the school district’s website at www.eastlycoming.net, and view the details on all the teams, from junior high through varsity, both boys and girls.

Some other HHS students who have demonstrated excellence and perseverance are the dozens of senior high students who recently competed in Williamsport at the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Regional Leadership Conference. Congratulations to all the participants for their dedication to producing high-quality presentations! We especially can be proud of the 36 students who qualified for the State Leadership Conference to be held in April! I only have space to list their names, but you can check the Spartan Media Relations, East Lycoming School District Facebook page for details regarding each student’s category and ranking

Please join me in congratulating Daniel Houck, Nathaniel Winter, Gage Avery, Brittin Balliet, Morgan Jacobs, Levi Shaner, Jacob Reynolds, Samuel Benamati, Zach Bitler, Brenndan Weaver, Ryan Butler, Corina Gottschall, Braden Stahlnecker, Chaela Swink, Daulton Myers, Dakota Cordrey, Conrad Sheatler, Eric Karschner, Olivia Bender, Zack Butler, Chase Dudek, Autumn Avery, Landon Henry, Alexa Withers, Alara Emig, Courtney Scott, Kade Heckel, Luke Ergott, Cassidy Brown, Katrina Russell, Missy Walburn, Emma Watts, Malachi Savage, Braden Foresman, Noah Green, and Cole Lesher. The students are members of the FBLA club and their faculty advisor and teacher is Mr. Matt Yoder. I saw many of the students as they were preparing to board the bus on the day of competition and they were all dressed in a very professional manner and looked great! What a wonderful group of representatives for our community.

Have you visited the Hughesville Area Public Library recently? If not, take a few minutes to go to the library at 146 South Fifth Street and see all that is offered, whether for reading, information, or viewing. While you are there be sure to enjoy Kay Rhinehart’s collection of miniature quilts and sewing machines in the display case near the main circulation desk. This personal collection is being loaned for display at HAPL through the month of January. If you have a collection of items that you think would be of interest, the staff at HAPL would love to hear from you. Items are placed in an enclosed case and are in a high visibility area. Visit or call the library at 570-584-3762 for more information.

Hughesville events

Sundays in January the Hughesville Methodist Charge will conduct morning worship services at Bethany U. M. Church, 111 South Second Street, at 9:30 a.m., with Sunday School at 10:45. Wednesday evening worship is always at Christ U. M. Church at 6 p.m.

Mondays, Jan. 16, 23, & 30, 10:30 11:15 a.m. “Wee Tales” story and activity time at the Hughesville Area Public Library. This is designed for registered toddlers ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers. For registration info, visit the library or call 570-584-3762.

Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31, 10:30 11:30 a.m. “Wee Play,” a new program at HAPL, designed for children aged 3 to 6 and their caregivers. This is a station-based activity that will expand your preschooler’s creativity levels and language skills. Register as for the Monday sessions.

Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26, & Feb. 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m. “Wee Make Music” at Hughesville Area Public Library. A “progressive” music and movement activity designed for busy wee ones, ages 18 months-3 years and caregivers.

Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 8 p.m. are sign-ups for East Lycoming Little League Baseball and Softball. Online registration is also available this year at tshq.bluesombrero.com/eastlycomingll.

Fridays, Jan. 13, 20, 27, & Feb. 3, 10:30 11:15 a.m. Pre-School Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Siblings are always welcome! When you register your child, it will be for a set of four weekly programs, so you don’t need to call each week.