“Beware the Ides of March!” So said our old friend William Shakespeare, and boy, was he right for this year! Second Winter has arrived, just in time for the Vernal Equinox next week. Of course, this is not a new thing, since late winter, and even early spring, snowstorms have occurred here many times. I would personally be happier if the seasons stayed in the expected order, but, hey, a little variety is supposed to be the “spice of life”, right?

Despite any weather-related inconvenience, Hughesville can be very proud of the achievements of the HHS winter sports teams. Be sure to congratulate the members of the Girls and Boys Basketball teams and the Wrestling team and all their coaches. It’s obvious that there is a high level of dedication and encouragement happening with these teams that resulted in high levels of achievement. Hurrah, Spartans!

Last summer our family pet succumbed to the “complications of old age,” so we have been without a dog for several months. Recently my brother and his wife encouraged us to fill that gap with a puppy that had been having trouble finding a home. We decided to accept and our daughter is delighted to have a canine presence in the house once again. It’s amazing how much one little body can add to a household! While the recent cold weather has made it less enjoyable to make frequent treks outdoors, I know it’s good for all of us to do so, and I know we will be having many adventures with this new family member. Currently he is helping with building my cardiac strength by his sudden loud announcements that someone in the neighborhood is walking on the sidewalk, or going to their cars, etc. It usually takes a few minutes for my heart rate to return to normal. Either we will get him trained to not make a fuss over every moving thing, or we will all increase our tolerance level for sudden explosions of sound!

I hope everyone has weathered the storm well and that with the arrival of the spring equinox next week, we can hope we are having the last bursts of wintry weather for this year. On any clear evening between now and March 24, look for Venus in the evening sky. We have been enjoying Venus as a brilliant night sky treat for several weeks, but on March 25 our view of the planet will be lost in the glare of the sun as it passes between Earth and our star. The planet will reappear as a morning celestial feature soon afterward.

Have a safe week!

Hughesville Events:

Sundays in March: 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 a.m. Wednesday evening worship is always at Christ U. M. Church at 6 p.m.

Fri. March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day.

Tues. Mar. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. is Pre-K Registration for children at Ashkar Elementary School, 350 South Broad Street, Hughesville. Call the district or school office for more information.

Weds. Mar. 22, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pre-K Registration for children at Renn Elementary School, Lairdsville. Call the district or school office for more information.

Sun. Apr. 2 Hughesville High School Band Spartan Spectacular concert, 1 p.m. in the school auditorium. The public is invited.