Will we have a white Christmas here in the Susquehanna Valley? It looks like our chance for that is slim, but we can always hope for a nice dusting on Christmas Eve to give us a boost during these short winter days. Speaking of short days, remember that while the day of the winter solstice, December 21, will be the day with the least daylight hours, that means that each day afterward is a little bit longer! To my way of thinking, if we are going to have more and more daylight, we should have some nice snow on the ground so those daylight hours are less dismal. Then it can all melt away in time for springtime flowers to emerge. Ah, the perfect world.

One of the things that helps to brighten this time of year is a meal featuring locally-made, Lions Club sauerkraut! (It was my father’s contention that we needed a pork and sauerkraut dinner on New Year’s Day to ensure good fortune throughout the new year, and my mother would always prepare a feast for us, including her wonderful dumplings. Each year I try to replicate hers, but I’m not sure mine are as light and flavorful.) This tasty, tangy treat is currently available at TJ’s Market, Wal-Mart, and the Lycoming Mall. If you would like to order some you may call 570-419-8637 or 570-584-3509. The Lions Club is a service organization that provides a variety of aid and assistance to members of the community, including sponsorship of Memorial Day activities and vision screenings for children.

Schools in the East Lycoming School District will be dismissing students at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 21, for the Christmas and New Year’s break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 2.

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Dec. 21 Wee Dig Nature, a special program about birds in winter, including a seed mosaic craft creation at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 South Fifth St., 10:30 to 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.

Sat. & Sun. Dec. 22 & 23 East Lycoming Historical Museum open Noon to 3 p.m. This is the last weekend for regular open hours at the museum until April. Check out their gift shop for great last minute gifts and stocking-stuffers.

Sat. Dec. 22 HHS Girls Basketball, Home vs. So. Columbia, JV 6:00 p.m., Varsity 7:30.

Mon. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve. Special services at most local churches. Please check with church offices for times and more detail.

Tues. Dec. 25 Christmas Day. 36th annual Spirit of Christmas Dinner at Hugheville Volunteer Fire Company, noon to 3.

Fri. Dec. 28 Busy Bee Art Club program for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Children are encouraged to explore age-appropriate art materials to foster their creativity. Registration is appreciated.