Summer in central Pennsylvania wouldn’t be complete without the high humidity levels we have seen recently. Although I am no fan of the muggy, sticky air that preceded the weekend’s thunderstorms, I do recognize that those same storms made it possible for me to ignore the chore of watering my garden. Also, the humidity seems to ensure that we have a bumper crop of lightning bugs. Late evening walks with the dog have been made even more enjoyable with the continuous light show, with neighborhood trees looking like they are twinkling with a million tiny bursts of light. Only the moon and the brightest of the stars and planets outshine this gift of Mother Nature.

The rain that we have seen is also contributing to a problem. Some areas in our neighborhood have poor drainage and water collects in shallow pools, making perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While not every problem can be solved, recent “improvements” to the drainage ditch that begins at Route 220 and ends somewhere beyond Lime Bluff Recreation Area, where it joins Muncy Creek, have created a couple of places that are low enough for standing water to persist for several days or more. I hope that borough employees can find a solution that will both prevent washouts of this waterway and prevent mosquito proliferation.

If you enjoy baseball, I hope you have visited Bowman Field in Williamsport to see the Crosscutters play. We were impressed with the newest improvements to the field as well as to the stadium, and delighted that it is still an affordable outing. Of course, baseball fans can also find games to watch right here in town at Bodine Park, and admission is free! I haven’t found a season schedule yet, but check the field whenever you are in that area of town. There are often games being played at Bodine, whether Travelers, Legion baseball, or others.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. July 6, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.”Wee Make Music” program for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library.

Fri. July 7, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Pre-school Story Time for children 3 to 6 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library.

Sat. July 8, 11 to 11:30 a.m. HAPL will hold this month’s All Together Saturday Storytime for all ages, no registration required. Also, from 1-2 o’clock, “Make a Paper Craft.

Sat. July 8, noon to 3, Fiber Fillies, fiber arts guild, meets at the East Lycoming Historical Society museum, 66 S. Main Street. Beginners and experts are always welcome.

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

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

Weds. July 12 through Sunday, July 22 is the Lycoming County Fair. Judging and fireworks are Thurs. July 13.