With both Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl behind us, we know that February is advancing and, despite the prognostication of Punxsutawney Phil, winter cannot last forever. We have had a minimal amount of snow this year, and the forecast for the next few days seems to be a continuation of that pattern. While I’m not a fan of bitter cold, I do like winter to have a blanket of snow. Any we get now will probably not last long. I have spotted some tips of daffodil sprouts beginning to peek above the ground, so Mother Nature is showing us hints of spring.

Students in the East Lycoming School District are busy with competitive and performance schedules. The junior and senior high bands presented a winter concert on Sunday afternoon, and the basketball and wrestling teams are in the second half of their regular seasons. There is still time to see these exceptional students in their extracurricular activities. A great opportunity for hearing some fine musical performance will be at the PMEA District Band concert that will be presented at Danville Middle School this Friday at 7 p.m… Several local students from Hughesville and surrounding school districts will be a part of this annual festival of music. It will be worth it to make the drive to Danville.

I don’t spend much time outdoors after dark, but recently I looked up at the night sky and marveled once again at the spectacular arrangements of stars and the beauty of the sunlight reflected from the atmosphere surrounding Venus. How boring it would be if the stars were evenly spaced and of similar intensities! The Earth provides us with so many opportunities for wonder and excitement, and I hope to be able to enjoy more and more of its complexity. I don’t have any long trips planned, although we will be going to greet a new grandchild in Colorado later this year. I hope to visit some of our nearby state parks this summer, and do some woodland hikes when the temperature is more comfortable. Hope to see you out on the trails!

Hughesville Events:

Sundays in February the Hughesville Methodist Charge will conduct morning worship services at Christ U. M. Church, 146 South Main 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.

Sat. Feb. 11 come to the Hughesville Library to make a holiday Valentine’s Day craft from 1-2 p.m.

Mon., Feb. 13 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. “Wee Tales” at HAPL for registered toddlers ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers. For registration info, visit Hughesville Area Public Library or call 570-584-3762.

Tues. Feb. 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “Wee Play” at HAPL, designed for children aged 3 to 6 and their caregivers.

Thurs. Feb. 16, 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.

Fri. Feb. 17, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Pre-School Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street, for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers.