Did I completely miss summer? It seems that we got a hint of warm weather in February, and now we have gone backwards into mid-winter. I looked at a forecast for the next two weeks and I didn’t see much to make me want to put away my sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. Last week’s wind storms brought down some limbs and pulled some roof shingles loose, but I did not see any major damage here in the local area. It seems that we have been spared much of the more severe effects from the storms that have come through central Pennsylvania, so we will hope that trend continues. I really hope that we get some time to transition between snowy days and blazing hot summertime.

Despite the cold temperatures, many spring sports teams have begun competition. The high school baseball, softball, track, boys’ tennis, and junior high girls’ and boys’ soccer have begun their seasons. Also, Little League baseball and AYSO soccer teams will be practicing and playing games for the next couple of months. I hope the fans won’t need to use gloves and parkas to watch the kids play!

Students from our local district also competed in academic pursuits last Saturday. Several teams of readers went head-to-head with teams from other schools in north central PA in the annual “Battle of the Books” tournament and did very well. The “Ferrell Book Busters” team won Second Place in the elementary division! On the same day, a team from Ashkar Elementary competed at the PA State Finals of Odyssey of the Mind. Congratulations to all these students and their coaches. They have worked hard for several months to achieve their goals. Great job, everyone!

Archery has always been a popular pastime and some local students have taken their skill to a very high level. Emalee, Bethany, and JD Lunger, have been shooting competitively for some time and have traveled to several events this winter. In February they traveled with their father to the World Archery Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they competed against the world’s top archers. Emalee finished 5th and Bethany finished 8th in the world in the Young Adult Female Division, and JD finished 5th in the Cub Male Division. Congratulations to all three and their parents, Mike and Tracy. They will compete this month at the Pennsylvania State Indoor Championships in Harrisburg. Good luck to all!

Through the next week there will be opportunities to see the International Space Station (ISS) as it passes over this part of the continent soon after sundown. Watch for an unblinking, brilliant object traveling from west to east 250 miles above the earth.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Apr. 12 Bookmobile at Bostley’s 9:30 a.m.

Fri. Apr. 13 “Busy Bee Art Club” at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. 5th Street. This is a station-based art exploration activity for children 18 mo. to 4 years old and their caregivers. 10:30 11:30 a.m.

Sat. Apr. 14 “All Together Family Storytime” at HAPL will feature Miss Victoria’s favorite children’s books. 11 11:30 a.m.

Sat. Apr. 14 Opening Day of trout fishing season. Good luck, anglers!

Sat. Apr. 14 Soup sale at Tivoli United Methodist Church, 9 to 1. Also bake sale and lunch available.

Tues. Apr. 17 “Wee Play” for children ages 2 to 6 and their caregivers at HAPL. 10:30 11:15 a.m.

Tues. Apr. 17 Deadline for filing income taxes.

Weds. Apr. 18 April 18th at 1:00 at Tivoli United Methodist Church, we will have our first Christian Ladies Group meeting of 2018. Registered dietician, Rose Trevouledes, will speak about nutrition and wellness.

Fri. Apr. 20 is last day to make reservations for Sat. April 28 for the 9th annual Spring Tea hosted by the East Lycoming Historical Society at Hughesville Friends Church, S.Third St., Hughesville. Doors open 1:30 p.m. with tea served promptly at 2:00 p.m. There will be typical English teas, scones, savories, and sweets plus door prizes and other offerings. A program will be presented by Patti Gardner who will tell the story of her Native American ancestry. She is a descendant of the Ojibwe Indian tribe located in northern Wisconsin. Make reservations by calling 570-584-2244.

Sat. Apr. 21 fundraiser chicken dinner to help send Mick Wertz to 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, noon to 6 p.m. Lairdsville Fire Co., call 584-5983 for more information. Dine in or take out.

Sun. Apr. 22 GHBA fundraiser at Hughesville fire hall. Doors open noon. Bingo starts 1 p.m. Food sponsored by East Lycoming Historical Society. Door prizes.