Last Saturday was probably the most perfect day for planting a garden that I have experienced in a very long time! I would love to know how many people in our area were doing the same thing. While I was planting, I was reminiscing about my uncles who were very competitive gardeners. They both had beautiful, weed-free gardens which produced astonishing amounts (and quality) of vegetables. There was a fierce competition to see whose tomato vines had the first truly ripe fruit. My garden never seems to measure up to the high bar they set, but it is wonderful to remember such fine men as we honor those who have given us our heritage. Although neither of these uncles was a US veteran (one had a weakened heart from rheumatic fever and the other was only 15 when WWII ended), they both had a huge respect for the American military and were proud citizens. It is a real blessing to have such forebears, and to remember the many like them who have gone before us.

Hughesville will have two of its traditional celebrations this week as the HHS commencement exercises are held on Friday evening and the Hughesville Volunteer Firemen’s carnival begins with the Pet Parade next Monday. What better way to kick-off summer! Congratulations to the class of 2017! There are many students who will be traveling to new jobs, new educational opportunities, and new chapters of their lives, and many who will begin new stages of their lives here in our wonderful slice of the USA. Best wishes to all!

I hope to see all our readers at the firemen’s lot next week. HVFD is celebrating its 125th anniversary, so there will be even more excitement than usual. I will be there as often as I can, either for dinner or for dessert, or just to walk around and chat with friends and acquaintances. In addition, there are several musical events that have not often appeared at the carnival, including Friday night’s guest artist, Aaron Kelly!

Please be sure to visit the Hughesville Area Public Library to get your copy of the summer activity schedule. There are many programs and events so you will want to get the latest information. New sessions of all children’s programs are starting this week.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. June 1, 10:30 11:15 a.m. “Wee Make Music” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 South Fifth Street.

Fri. June 2, 10:30 11:15 a.m. Pre-School Storytime for children 3 to 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL.

Fri. June 2 Commencement Exercises at Hughesville High School for the graduating class of 2017.

Sat. & Sun. June 3 & 4 “Whips and Wheels” Horse Show at Lycoming County Fairground.

Mon. June 5, 10:30 11:15 a.m. “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL.

Mon. June 5, 7 p.m. Pet Parade to kick-off this year’s Hughesville Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival.

Tues. June 6, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “Wee Play” for children ages 2 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL.

Tues. & Thurs. June 6 & 8, Ride Wristband Night at HVFD Carnival.

Weds. June 7, 7 p.m. HVFD sponsored Antique Car Parade. Dozens of classic and vintage cars, trucks, and other conveyances will be part of this year’s display.

Sat. June 10 HVFD sponsors their annual Chicken Bar-B-Que, a 3 p.m. Firemen’s Parade, and “Lucky Afternoon from 3 – 6

Sat. June 10 Billtown Blues Festival at the Lycoming County Fairground.