January is now a part of history, and I think we will all be happy if there is no return of the kind of bone-chilling cold that ushered in the past month. I realize that February is usually our snowiest month, but I prefer a steady cold spell to the kind of roller-coaster temperature swings that we saw in the past few weeks. While it has been too cold for me to engage in leisurely stargazing, I have noticed a few things in the nighttime sky recently. Sirius, known also as the “dog star,” is currently rising shortly after full darkness has descended. When I first saw it below Orion low in the eastern sky, I thought it was an airplane. It is so bright! While I have known the name, I was never clear about this star’s location in the sky. Now it seems so obvious.

February brings the appearance of Punxsutawney Phil and the annual attempt to foresee the onset of spring. Regardless of predictions and opinions, I don’t like to see spring start too early. Mid-month we will have both St. Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday on the 14th. The two observances rarely occur on the same day, but this is the year for uncommon juxtapositions. Easter will be on April Fool’s Day, so things can get really strange! I hope your Easter eggs will not hold any surprises!

Now that the schools have begun the second half of the school year, there are a variety of clubs and teams that are preparing for competitions and performances. Winter sports teams are nearing the end of regular season contests and working hard to be able to do well at district and regional tournaments. Music students are rehearsing for choral and band concerts and the spring musical production, and several are performing at District Band, Chorus, and Orchestra festivals where they also audition for placement that will take them to regional, and perhaps, state concerts. Elementary students are playing basketball and participating in wrestling matches and a number of students are engaged in reading and discussion in preparation for the annual Battle of the Books competition.

Most of us do not think about the miracles performed daily by our medical practitioners when they are able to utilize donated blood. As is common this time of year, the blood supply is very low, so please consider making a donation of this critical resource. You can call or check online for the next Red Cross Bloodmobile donation site and make an appointment.

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Feb. 2 Groundhog Day

Fri. Feb. 2 “Busy Bee Art Club” at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. 5th St. for children ages 18 mos. to 6 yrs. and their caregivers. This station-based art exploration activity encourages youngsters to make choices, develop language skills, and hone fine motor skills. Please register to attend this session. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Visit or call the library at 570-584-3762

Sun. Feb. 4 Superbowl Sunday. Help support “Souper-bowl” by donating canned goods at your local church.

Mon. Feb. 5 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

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

Fri. Feb. 9 Fish Fry at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department. Visit with friends, enjoy a tasty meal, and support your local firefighters, 5 p.m.