I hope everyone had a Happy St. Valentine’s Day! Here we are in the middle of February and there can be no doubt of the season — the constantly changing barometer, swings of temperature, and blazing sunshine giving way to heavy overcast are all hallmarks of late winter in central Pennsylvania. We had a nice snowfall last week, but I could have passed on the rain and wind that followed. The full moon and accompanying eclipse on Friday were difficult to see. I went outside at the time when the eclipse was to start and only saw clouds. An hour later, I was surprised to see the moon through only the merest wisps of cloud and did see the shadowing of the penumbra, but soon a heavier blanket closed across the sky. I didn’t even attempt to locate the comet that was moving through the constellation Hercules. Scientists expect the same comet to make another trip through our solar system in five or six years, so perhaps I will be better prepared, and the skies will be clearer.

Congratulations to our HHS student musicians who represented our community at the PMEA District Band Festival last week! Despite the snow that closed some schools on Thursday, the students presented their concert on Friday evening in Danville. HHS students were: Jacob Reynolds, Gabe Newvine, Cassie Walters, Rochell Temple, and Raymond “Trey” Pachucki. These are truly outstanding young people and we can all be proud to know them.

This coming Monday is Presidents Day, a time to honor those who have served as our chief executive. I miss the specific themes and ideals that were celebrated when we observed both Abraham Lincoln’s and George Washington’s birthdays in February. It’s hard to focus on any particular memorable action, attribute, or characteristic when 43 American men (Grover Cleveland was both #22 and #24) are lumped together. Maybe observing a day for each of them, not necessarily with a federal holiday, but with specific attention, would help all of us understand more about where we’ve come from as a nation, and how our leaders have brought us to this century. That would really fill up our calendars, wouldn’t it?

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.

Mon. Feb. 20, 7 p.m. East Lycoming Historical Society will meet in Stuempfle Hall, Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 South Main Street, Hughesville. The program is on antiques, presented by Mr. Michail Callahan, of Callahans’ Antiquities in Montoursville. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mon. Feb. 20, 27 and Mar. 6, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. “Wee Tales” for 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. 21, 28 and Mar. 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.”Wee Play” at HAPL, designed for children aged 3 to 6 and their caregivers.