As the Yule approaches, the snow that was piled up along the streets has disappeared from all but the shadiest spots, and it seems that we don’t have much chance for a white Christmas. I don’t want folks to have trouble getting everything ready for their holiday celebrations, but it would be nice to have at least a bit of snow on the ground.

While I am not willing to spend time star-gazing when the temperature is as cold as it has been lately, I still like to read about which planets are visible, and other astronomical news. I read recently that a new analysis of prehistoric cave art suggests ancient use of complex astronomy by civilizations as long as 40,000 years ago. It appears that these ancients were able to calculate things like the gradual shift of Earth’s rotational axis. This may have also aided navigation of the open seas, which could have influenced human migration patterns. This really stretched my mind. It seems that humans have been engaging in high levels of intellectual activity much longer than I thought possible. And yet, it is our recent century that seems to have had the most massive impact on the life-supporting capability of our planet. I am concerned about the long-range effects of our dependence on single-use plastic products. I am doing my best to reduce my use of things like plastic bags, straws, utensils, and all Styrofoam. Can I challenge you to do the same? I would love to hear from readers about this topic in the new year.

On a much more upbeat note, Hughesville High school students are demonstrating pride and dedication to excellence in the arts and athletics. Take the opportunity to enjoy a sports or arts evening!

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Dec. 14 HHS Boys Basketball Home vs. Warrior Run, JV 6:00 p.m., Varsity 7:30.

Fri. Dec. 14, 7 p.m. & Sat. Dec. 15, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. HHS presents “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

Sat. Dec. 15 HHS Girls Basketball, Home vs. So. Williamsport, JV 2:00 p.m., Varsity 3:30.

Sat. & Sun. Dec. 15 & 16 East Lycoming Historical Museum open Noon to 3 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 16 the Sonestown War Museum will remember those who fought in the 1944 European “Battle of The Bulge” in Belgium from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. The public is invited to join an open house and are welcome to bring their family members’ stories or event-related items to share. Admission is free or call the Museum at 570-482-2610 or e-mail at craftj@epix.net.

Mon. Dec. 17 “Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years 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 or call 570-584-3762.

Mon. Dec. 17 HHS Girls Basketball Home vs. Sullivan County, JV 6:00 p.m. Varsity 7:30.

Tues. Dec. 18 “Pre-school Storytime,” for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Registration is appreciated.

Tues. Dec. 18 HHS Spartan Band Winter Concert, including performance by the concert band, jazz band, junior high band, elementary band, and color guard, 7 p.m. in the HHS Auditorium.

Tues. Dec. 18 HHS Jr. High & Varsity Boys Wrestling Home vs. Montgomery, 6:00 & 7:30 p.m.

Weds. Dec. 19 HHS Girls Basketball Home vs. South Williamsport, JV 6:00 p.m. Varsity 7:30.

Thurs. Dec. 20 “Wee Make Music” for children ages 12 months and up and their caregivers at HAPL from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Please register for this activity.

Fri. Dec. 21 “Wee Dig Nature,” a special program about birds in winter, including a seed mosaic craft creation at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., for library patrons young and old. Registration is appreciated.

Fri. Dec. 21 HHS Boys Basketball Home vs. South Williamsport, JV 6:00, Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 22 HHS Jr. High & Varsity Boys Wrestling Home vs. Towanda, Noon & 1:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 22 Fiber Fillies craft guild meets at the ELHS museum, 66 S. Main Street, Noon to 3 p.m.