Autumn has arrived, or at least that’s what the calendar says. Just two weeks ago I was complaining about the end of summer, and now we have a warmer weather pattern than we’ve had since July! I would have liked some of this recent hot, humid weather during August while I still had my pool filled, but we had an unusually cool interval. The extension of summer weather has meant that many are still enjoying their pools and patios. I do prefer this over a damp, chilly fall.

As October begins, we can look forward to a wide selection of festivals that celebrate our region’s produce and forests. Apples and cheese, along with the glories of the autumn colors, will be among the items featured in the area. The annual Eagles Mere Bi-Planes, Trains, and Automobiles festival will take place on the first Saturday in the month. It will be a great day to take the scenic drive up the mountain to the historic village that hugs Pennsylvania’s highest natural lake. In Canton you will see a variety of crafts and vendors at the annual Apple and Cheese Festival throughout the first weekend in the month. And of course, the Bloomsburg Fair is concluding this coming weekend, so you can find plenty of entertainment nearby.

This is the time of year when the binary star Capella appears close to the northeastern horizon and causes people to wonder if they are “seeing things.” This is one of the brightest lights in our night sky, and because we are seeing it at a low angle through the atmosphere it seems to flash in red and green or blue pulses. I stood outdoors for quite a while the other night, wondering if my eyesight was playing tricks on me. A bit of research on my favorite space info website cleared up the mystery.

Enjoy this last week of September!

Hughesville events:

Thurs. Sept. 28 “Wee Make Music” for children aged 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth St., , 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Fri. Sept. 29 Pre-school Story Time for children 3 to 6 years and their caregivers, at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Sun. Oct. 1 Ice Cream Social from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tivoli U M Church, benefiting those affected by recent hurricanes. Proceeds will be sent to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, one of the first groups to respond to disasters worldwide. This relief fund is administered by the church, so all donations go to assisting those who need help. At the social you will enjoy Breyer’s ice cream, plus pie a la mode, sundaes, brownies, drinks, and hot dogs. Also, music will be provided by a Homegrown group. Bring your folding chair for this fun event at the pavilion. In case of inclement weather, it will be indoors.

Mon. Oct. 2 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Tues. Oct. 3 “Wee Play” for children ages 2 – 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Weds. Oct. 4 Meg Geffkin will portray the life of Beatrix Potter at the Tivoli UM Church, 1 p.m. The program is presented by the Christian Ladies Group and is open to the public.

Sat. Oct. 7, 11 “All Together Storytime” at HAPL, for children of all ages, no registration required, 11:30 a.m.

Sat. Oct. 7 Bi-Planes, Trains, and Automobiles at the Eagles Mere Air and Car Museums, plus related displays and special activities at the shops and the Eagles Mere Museum in the Village, 10-4.

Sat. & Sun. Oct. 7 & 8 Canton hosts the Pennsylvania Apple and Cheese Festival.