March has certainly lived up to its reputation for changeable, extreme weather. Last week we certainly saw the “lion” appearance. We can only hope that it follows the adage and ends “like a lamb.” Some warm, sunny days would be very welcome. I feel like my backyard has been soggy for so long that it is threatening to become a bog.

I have a big concern for public safety in downtown Hughesville. Last week I attempted to cross Main Street using the “Walk” signal. I have understood the purpose of the walk signal is to provide pedestrians safe passage. Imagine my consternation when I stepped off the curb and two vehicles nearly ran me down in the middle of the street! The “walk” signal put me into traffic that had received a green light at the same time. While I was able to evade these two drivers, who obviously thought their need to go fast outweighed my rights as a pedestrian in a crosswalk, I worry that children, cyclists, people with impaired mobility or vision, or anyone else may not be able to stay safe. I intend to make more calls to see if adjustments can be made, but in the meanwhile, be very careful and vigilant and don’t rely on a signal to keep you safe! If you are a driver, please be mindful of the rules regarding pedestrians in crosswalks.

The Hughesville Garden Club will be having their first meeting for the year on Monday afternoon, March 12 and will meet at the home of Joanne Smedley.

Martha Jordan, who is carrying on her mother’s tradition of making small lapel crosses for area churches and nursing centers, is asking for volunteers to help make them for Palm Sunday. For years the late Florence Ryder has made them and Martha said 700 are needed. Martha has made arrangements to meet at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hughesville for this Saturday, March 10 and again on March 24 from 9 to noon if you would like to come and help. Some churches who have received these in the past are Kedron UMC, Wolf Run and Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit, Muncy Valley UMC, Hughesville Baptist, and others.

Many students at Hughesville High School give us reasons to be proud and to be optimistic about our future as a community. Seniors are encouraged to do a project that benefits the local population, but some of the projects are stymied by a lack of funds to cover the cost of a site or needed supplies. Seeing this dilemma, Ori Shaner, Julian Brehm, and Parker Voitek have chosen to establish a fund to assist other students to accomplish their project goals. They will be hosting a fund-raiser breakfast at the Moose lodge this Sunday, so it will be a great place to enjoy food and fellowship before or after your church service time.

This past weekend was a celebratory time for HHS sports teams. Congratulations to the girls and boys basketball teams for qualifying for district playoff games! They have all worked hard throughout the season. Congratulations also to sophomore Luke Gorg, who competed at the Wrestling Regional meet and is headed to State competition in Hershey!

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Mar. 9 Busy Bee Art Club for children 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers, at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth Street, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fri. Mar. 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. Mar. 10 “All Together Family Storytime” at HAPL, 11-11:30 a.m. No registration is required.

Sat. Mar. 10 Make lapel crosses, Trinity Lutheran Church, 9 to noon. Call 570-482-2701 for more information.

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

Tues. Mar. 13 “Wee Play” for children ages 2 – 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Sun. Mar. 11, 7:30 10:30 a.m. Fund-raiser Breakfast at Moose lodge on Rte. 405 south of Hughesville, providing funding source for HHS senior projects.