Happy New Year, 2018! The new year is certainly starting out as a frigid one, isn’t it? Fortunately, the forecasts I have seen show a slight warm-up over the next week or so. That might give us a chance to make some adjustments to leaky weather-seal or other problems that cause heat loss in our homes and cause those pesky drafts of cold air across the ankles. Those drafts, however, do give us a chance to use some of the attractive fleece blankets and fuzzy slippers that we found under our Christmas trees!

On Christmas Eve the light snow reminded me of a favorite Robert Frost poem. Have you read it recently? I thought it might be a nice way to begin the year…

“Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Whose woods these are I think I know.?His house is in the village though;?He will not see me stopping here?To watch his woods fill up with snow.??My little horse must think it queer?To stop without a farmhouse near?Between the woods and frozen lake?The darkest evening of the year.??He gives his harness bells a shake?To ask if there is some mistake.?The only other sound’s the sweep?Of easy wind and downy flake.??The woods are lovely, dark and deep.?But I have promises to keep,?And miles to go before I sleep,?And miles to go before I sleep.

As the year progresses, I hope that our community will continue to grow and improve in ways that will benefit all its residents. We have a wonderful patch of the earth here in central Pennsylvania, and I hope we will cherish and protect it for future generations.

Local school students are back in class after the holiday break, and winter sports seasons have started. Be sure to pick up a copy of the schedule, or check it out online, and enjoy cheering for the Spartans! The Varsity Girls basketball team has begun their season with a string of victories and the team is getting a lot of notice for its balanced and strong execution of skills and teamwork. The Varsity Boys basketball team is also doing well. Their next game is Friday night, so head out to the gym! You also might want to catch a wrestling match. The team will compete at home on Tuesday and Thursday next week, so let’s show our Spartan pride!

Hughesville Area Public Library has a new schedule of programs for youngsters and adults. Many of the offerings are the same as in the fall, but please check with the library for registration or more information.

Have a great week!

Hughesville Events:

Mon. Jan. 8 Wee Tales for children ages 12 mos-3 years and their caregivers at HAPL.

Fri. Jan. 5 Pre-school Story Time for children 3-6 yrs. and their caregivers at HAPL.

Tues. Jan. 9 Wee Play for children ages 2-6 and their caregivers. This is a station-based activity which encourages free play, and develops children’s fine motor skills, verbal skills, and creativity. Along with many other activities, there are building blocks and sorting stations, a grocery store station, a community helpers station, and a veterinarian’s clinic. Call the Hughesville Area Public Library at 570-584-3762 to register or for more information.