February certainly brought us a mixed bag of wintry weather, with a healthy dose of spring thrown in, and as the month comes to an end, I am noticing many signs that the earth is ready for growth and blossoming. Despite the groundhog’s prediction, could spring be arriving early?

Congratulations to two local residents who are receiving awards from the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s 17th annual Education Celebration on March 1. This event strives to emphasize the relationship between the business and education communities. Receiving the Outstanding Senior Award for East Lycoming School District is Jacob Reynolds, son of Don and Jane Reynolds. Receiving the Outstanding Professional Educator is Mrs. Mary Smith, 1st grade teacher at Ferrell Elementary School. Congratulations to both of these wonderful representatives from our community!

There are some changes on Main Street. Cheri’s House of Flowers has moved across the street to the former Donna’s Gifts and Gallery location. Please make sure to check out our local small businesses and shop locally.

Last week I saw a news item regarding the publication, in Nature magazine, of an article detailing the 2016 discovery that an amateur astronomer in South America had captured photos of the first moments of a Supernova exploding in a far-off galaxy. This accidental feat is described as “like winning the cosmic lottery,” and will give astronomers material for study for a long time. In the description of its location in the cosmos, I saw that this star was located in a galaxy that is approximately 80 million light years from us. I was particularly astounded to realize that meant that the light from that exploding star had been traveling for 80 million years, and that the astronomer just happened to have his telescope pointed in the right direction at just the right time to capture that light as it reached us. I still can’t get my mind around it!

Let’s hope that if March comes in like a lamb, it will only get better and bring Spring!

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Mar. 1 “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. Mar. 2 Pre-school Story Time for children 3-6 years and their caregivers, at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Sat. Mar. 3, 5 7:30 p.m. Students and staff at Hughesville High School have recently re-established the FFA (Future Farmers of America) club. 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.

Weds. 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.

Sat. Mar. 10 Mark your calendars now for a fun evening when the HHS Alumni Association holds an Old Fashioned High School Dance at the HHS Gymnasium! Not limited to HHS alumni, the fund-raising dance will welcome and celebrate our community. Music will feature the sounds of the 50’s to the 90’s and will be provided by DJ DoubleYou TUNES. Bobby socks are not required, but folks are encouraged to wear letter jackets and poodle skirts or the fashions when YOU were in school!