August has arrived and with it has come weather that is less oppressive, with lower humidity and tolerable heat. I expect that we may have some more days when the thermometer registers above 90 degrees, but it is nice to have a break from that! Bicycle riding is much more pleasant in this type of weather.

The Water Street/Route 118 construction project has resumed and I see that there is work going on late into the night, so perhaps there will be a quick completion of this huge rebuilding effort. I am still confused about the decision to keep the street as narrow as it was previously, but perhaps that is an effort to encourage traffic to use lower speeds. I do know that it is unwise to use a bicycle on Water Street and will continue to avoid it. When the project began, I hoped that it would include widening the driving lanes and perhaps adding a safe zone for bike riders between the curb and traffic. Apparently, I was mistaken.

The Hughesville Area Public Library will have a full range of activities and programs for children throughout the month of August. Many people have completed their summer travel and vacation time. A great way to ease the transition from summer to school is to encourage reading and listening through one or more of the great programs offered at HAPL. While most of the children’s activities are for pre-school and kindergarten aged kids, I know that elementary-aged siblings are not only welcome, they often enjoy the sessions as much as, or more than, the younger set! Be sure to visit the library to get a full schedule and register your child. You can also call for registration at 570-584-3762.

Stores are filled with goods and items for “back to school” and with the early start date for our local students (August 24 in the East Lycoming School District) those backpacks and new sneakers will need to be ready in just a few short weeks. Students will be reporting for high school sports and band “camps” at least two weeks before the first day of classes, so please be aware of more pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout the month. Many of the practices take place either early in the morning, or late in the evening, to avoid the heat of the day, so let’s all be extra watchful and keep everyone safe.

Hughesvill Events

Weds. Aug. 2 The Christian Ladies Group (CLG) will meet 1 p.m. at Tivoli United Methodist Church. Susan Sprout will present “Spice Up Your Life,” a program about culinary spices. Women and men of the area are invited to attend the meetings of the group on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The next program on August 16 will feature singer Nick Biddle.

Fri. Aug. 4, The Busy Bee Art Club for children 18 mos. to 3 years and their caregivers will meet 1030-11:30 a.m. at the Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL). This is a station-based art exploration activity, specially designed to bring out the creative urge in very young children.

Mon. Aug. 7, “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers meet 10:30 11:15 a.m. at HAPL.

Tues. Aug. 8, “Wee Play” for children ages 2 to 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sat. & Sun. Aug. 12 & 13 The 47th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival on the Village Green in Eagles Mere from 10 a.m. This is a great place to find unique fine arts and crafts items for yourself, your home, or as gifts. There is a low admission fee for those over age 12. Closes Saturday at 5, Sunday at 4.