I think the real October has arrived. The near-freezing temperatures overnight last weekend, the clear blue sky, a nice breeze that isn’t thick with mosquitoes — I could get used to this weather! Of course, just when I do, the bottom drops out. Oh, well, I honestly do love the change of seasons that we have here in our marvelous slice of the world. The lure of the Rockies, the beach, the city, all take us away for a while, but I am one of those who came back and am glad I did. Yes, I grumble at times, but I’m happy to call this spot home.

Congratulations to all the lovely young women who were on the HHS Homecoming court! Last weekend was the crowning of a new queen and princess, Taryn Lambert and Katie Babb. I have the pleasure of being acquainted with both girls and am delighted that our school has such radiant representatives!

Another local girl who is “doing us proud” is Olivia Bender, HHS’s representative at the Flaming Foliage Festival in the Renovo. She is one of many Hughesville students who give our community a good name!

Many of the high school athletic teams have completed their regular season schedules, but some are in the midst of district or state tournaments and/or playoff brackets. Check with the school website or other news outlets for up-to-date info. Winter sports participants are getting ready to begin their indoor seasons.

If the clouds part, and the temperatures allow you to spend some time outdoors after dark, look for “shooting stars” this weekend, as it is time for the annual Orionid Meteor shower. These brilliant, unpredictable, “vaporizing bits of comet debris from Halley’s Comet” are exciting to spot and, as the superstitions assure us, can’t help but bring good luck. For more info, check my favorite website for celestial news and events at www.earthsky.org.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Oct. 18 “Wee Make Music” for children ages 12 months and up and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth St., 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Please register and get more info by visiting the library at 146 S. Fifth St., or call 570-584-3762.

Fri. Oct. 19 “Wee Build Block Party” for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Sat. Oct. 20 Annual Halloween Bash at Hughesville Area Public Library from 11 to 12:30. Please call to register.

Mon. Oct. 22 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Tues. Oct. 23 “Wee Dig Nature” for the family, registration required at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Participants will make a fall leaf craft and dig up the flower bulbs in the children’s garden for winter.

Weds. Oct. 24 Gun Law Seminar with State Rep. Garth Everett, 6-8 p.m. Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company.