February began with gray skies and cold, but not bone-chilling, temperatures. Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow to predict six more weeks of winter. Regardless of the opinion of a furry little being, I won’t expect true spring to arrive before at least the end of March!

Hughesville’s Main and Water Street intersection looks much less bleak now that the convenience store has re-opened. The new business is named “Fuel On” and the gasoline pumps are Citgo brand. It’s good to have that business location occupied, and I know that it is likely to be a popular place to purchase gasoline and other needed items.

If you have not enrolled in the Hughesville Borough’s automated phone notification service, I recommend it. You will receive a call to inform you about snow plowing and any other necessary messages in case of emergency. Knowing when plowing will begin can help you avoid causing a problem for the truck driver. You will also avoid the possibility of a parking ticket! Sign up online at www.hughesvillepa.org, or you can call the borough office for assistance.

February seems early to think about the school year that starts in September, but East Lycoming School District is holding Kindergarten registration next week. An excerpt from the district website shows the schedule:

Ashkar Tues. Feb. 13 (8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.)

Renn Thurs. Feb. 15 (8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.)

Ferrell Thurs. Feb.15 (12:00 3:00 p.m.)

Ashkar Thurs. Feb. 15 (5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.) This session is for anyone who cannot attend any other session. Please note: Registering at a particular school is for your convenience, this does not mean your child will attend there. It is very important that you register your child during the week of February 12. This allows the school district to effectively plan for class size changes. Please be prepared to stay approximately one hour. If the parent or legal guardian cannot attend any of the scheduled sessions, please contact the Ashkar School, 584-5121. Children should not attend any session.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Feb. 8 “Wee Make Music” for children aged 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth Street, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fri. Feb. 9 Pre-school Story Time for children 3–6 years and their caregivers, at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fri. Feb. 9 Fish Fry at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department social hall at 5 p.m. Enjoy a good meal and fun fellowship while you help support this vital community service.

Sat. Feb. 10 “Make a Valentine’s Day Card” at HAPL. This craft session is for all ages and no registration is required. 1:00 2:00 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 10 Lunch at the Beacon, 148 S. Main St., Hughesville, 11-2, BBQ, hot dogs, homemade soups and pies.

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

Tues. Feb. 13 “Wee Play” for children ages 2 – 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tues. Feb. 13, 4-6 p.m. Annual Fasnacht Dinner at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hughesville. Fund-raiser, open to the community. Pork, sauerkraut, potatoes, and spaetzel are featured in this traditional German-style “Mardi Gras.”

Wed. Feb. 14 Ash Wednesday and St. Valentine’s Day. Services in observance of the beginning of Lent will be held in many area churches.

Thurs. Feb. 15 Bookmobile at Bostley’s, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Fri. Feb. 16 Snow make-up day for East Lycoming School District. School will be in session, but Mon. the 19th is in-service for teachers, so students will not attend.