The recent warmup has really lessened winter’s grip on our area and given us hints of hope for an end to the intense cold we saw just a couple of weeks ago. I know my backyard has shown signs of the soil thawing, and there are daffodil and tulip shoots appearing. Some areas have seen some flooding, but our region seems to have been spared the worst of the effects of rain and melting snow cover. We know that this time of year frequently brings wide swings in temperature and types of precipitation, so this week’s hint of spring may be short-lived, and we may see snow again soon.

Our local school district strives to make every student’s educational experience as up-to-date as possible, and the proposed Innovation Center will offer opportunities for students to learn about the most recent advances in technology. The East Lycoming Education Foundation is raising funds through a capital campaign for this 21st century program that will include a robotics lab, presentation areas, and a three-dimensional Virtual Reality lab. You can help make this $75,000 project an actual reality by donating to the foundation by the June 30, 2018 deadline. Muncy Bank and Trust and Woodlands Bank have made significant contributions to the fund, so it is off to a good start.

The planet Venus is once again visible as an evening “star”. Look for this celestial gem low in the western sky immediately after sunset. If you don’t see it this week, don’t despair Venus will be visible in the evenings from now until mid-August! Another night time feature is a harbinger of spring. “Arc to Arcturus” is a reminder of the means of spotting this star, using the arc of the Big Dipper, that we can again see from the Northern Hemisphere from spring through the summer and early fall.

Enjoy this last week of February!

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Feb. 22 “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. 23 Pre-school Story Time for children 3-6 years and their caregivers, at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Sat. Feb. 24 “All Together Storytime” at HAPL. Sing with Miss Victoria and hear her favorite stories. For all ages, no registration required. 11 11:30.

Mon. Feb. 26 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 mo. to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Tues. Feb. 27 “Wee Play” for children ages 2 – 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Sat. Mar. 3, 5 7:30 p.m. A recently reinstated HHS club is the FFA (Future Farmers of America). These students will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner and silent auction in the HHS cafeteria. Enjoy a fun meal and help support this student organization.

Wed. Mar. 7 Mid Winter Concert by the HHS Chorus. “Celtic Cafe” will feature music from the British Isles in a cafe setting. Refreshments will accompany the singing. Held in the HHS cafeteria at 7 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 9, 5 p.m. Fish Fry dinner at Hughesville Volunteer Fire Dept. social hall, Railroad and Water Streets.