The Summer Solstice occurs on Friday, June 21, at 11:54 EDT. The longest day of the year will usher in the first weekend of true summer. I hope everyone will have many chances to enjoy the outdoors and revel in this wonderful time of year. I like to observe the shadows in my yard as the sunset nears and compare their angle with those that I remember from last December. It’s truly amazing to see the wide swing and to realize the vast range of the effect of Earth’s tilt. I’m so grateful that our planet was created with that perfect tilt that gives us our seasonal shifts!

Now that the summer season has arrived and the school year is finished, some local churches have adjusted their worship and Christian education schedules. Services may be earlier, to avoid the warmer times of the day, or held in outdoor or alternate locations. Please be sure to check with the congregation of your choice so that you may arrive on time!

If you have fallen out of the habit (or never developed one) of regular church attendance, or are interested in visiting different churches, this may be a good time to sample a variety of liturgies, music styles, and message-delivery. Of course, it is also the season for clergy to take some needed vacation time so you may be treated to various guest speakers or missionaries, so it can be a truly rewarding and enlightening time. I have found that starting the week off with attendance at church service gives me a boost, both for my physical and mental well-being, and I highly recommend it! Besides the four churches in town, there are several in the immediate area that would welcome you and your family.

As the weather warms, don’t forget the delightful natural areas that are nearby. Offering a cooler temperature and relaxing atmosphere, Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Parks both offer picnicking, hiking, camping, and swimming, yet are practically in our backyards. A good sunscreen, and bug repellant, are necessities whenever we venture outdoors, and for hiking we always want to wear sturdy footwear, but little formal gear is needed for a great natural experience. Glacier Pools Natural Area and Ryder Park are two other favorite nearby get-aways.

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. June 20 “Wee Make Music” program at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 South Fifth Street, for children ages 12 months and up and their caregivers, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children will have a great time, marching, singing, dancing, and drumming with Miss Victoria. Registration is appreciated.

Weds. June 19 Tivoli Christian Women’s group will meet at 1 p.m. at Tivoli United Methodist Church. The program will be provided by Pastor Paul Smith who will be portraying the evangelist, Billy Sunday. Come ant meet this energetic minister for an informative and entertaining presentation.

Thurs. June 20 “Constellation Art” summer Tweens and Teens program at HAPL, 5:30 p.m. Call or visit the library for more info and to register.

Fri. June 21 “Wee Play” program at HAPL for children ages 2-6 and their caregivers, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This station-based activity encourages free play and helps develop fine motor skills, verbal skills, and creativity. No registration required.

Mon. June 24 “Wee Tales” program for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sing along with Miss Victoria and her guitar, share books, and play with selected toys, all of which help children develop social skills, motor skills, and language and pre-math skills. Registration, by visiting or calling (570) 584-3762, is appreciated.

Tues. June 25 “Wee Move!” program at HAPL with equipment geared for busy children from ages 3 to 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.