In the last couple of weeks I have been treated to two phenomenal celestial events. On August 21, my husband and I (while visiting relatives and a new grandson in Colorado) drove to Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming, where we were in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. It was a tremendous sight, one which I had always wanted to see. The sun’s corona was indescribable and I am so happy that we were part of the whole experience.

Then, last Friday evening, we had been celebrating our daughter’s birthday and some family members were getting ready to leave when we looked up and saw the astounding sight of a meteor arcing across the sky! I have seen quite a few “shooting stars” over the years, but none was comparable to this one. It traveled across most of the visible range of the sky, from southeast to northwest, brighter than any other object in the sky, throwing off sparks as it burned in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. I have read about such “earth-grazers”, but had no idea they could be so marvelous to actually see! It made me want to stay outdoors all night, just hoping that there would be another, but I did finally go back to the normal routine.

School is well-underway, and the sports teams have begun their competitive seasons. The band has developed a new half-time show for the football games, and the cheerleaders have practiced cheers and routines that will help urge the team to victory, so I’m looking forward to the next couple of months’ games. If you haven’t been to a Spartan football game, a soccer match, or tennis match, I encourage you to check the schedule and enjoy some great demonstrations of athletic skill.

The Hughesville Area Public Library has a new schedule of programs and offerings for the fall. You can get a copy of their calendar at the library or check their website for announcements of special events. Featured this fall are a couple of “Adult Clay Therapy” workshops. These will be fun and relaxing sessions in which adults will learn how to hand-build clay projects. Registration, and a materials fee, are required, and participants must attend both dates for each project.

Hughesville Events:

Mon. Sept. 4 Happy Labor Day!

Weds. Sept. 6 The Christian Ladies Group (CLG) will meet at 1 p.m. at Tivoli United Methodist Church. The program will feature Pastor Kathy Burkhart, who will talk about the global problem of human trafficking.

Fri. Sept. 8 “Busy Bee Art Club”, a station-based art exploration activity for children 18 months to 3 1/2 years, at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Fri. Sept. 8 Military Appreciation night, Hughesvilel High School football field, 7 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 9 Craft making activity for all ages at HAPL’s “Maker Table” from 1 – 2 p.m.

Mon. Sept. 11 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.