Hughesville Locals by Nancy Hodge

Early August is the season of sultry, warm days with thunderstorms not uncommon. We have seen just such weather lately, and it makes me realize that the summer is advancing. I still hope to get some evenings outdoors without getting drenched or baking in the day’s accumulated heat. Sometimes I think I have become too “nice” about acceptable conditions and have probably passed up some great opportunities to be on my porch or patio, just because I was too comfortable in the air-conditioned house.

There’s still time to enjoy the many local parks and recreation areas, whether you can only go on weekends or are able to do weekday excursions. Don’t forget that we have many public natural spaces close by. The state parks at Worlds End and Ricketts Glen, and a bit farther to Bald Eagle State Park, are great places to rest, hike, swim, boat, camp, or picnic.

Closer still are Rider Park and Glacier Pools Natural Area. While some people are wary of encounters with ticks or mosquitoes, use of the right apparel and repellent will keep you safe while you enjoy the outdoors. There are also a number of upcoming outdoor events in the area, not least of which is the Little League World Series. The Grand Slam Parade, kicking off this international celebration, is just a week away.

This time of year is great for star-gazing, as long as the skies are clear after sunset, or before sunrise. (I have little personal experience with pre-dawn star-gazing.) Jupiter is hard to miss in our evening sky, and Saturn is easy to spot, following in its larger, brighter fellow planet’s path. It’s also a great time to see meteors, especially after midnight, from both the Perseid and Delta Aquariid meteor showers. Even if you don’t spot any “shooting stars”, any minutes, or hours, of star-gazing are always enjoyable.

Upcoming Events:

Thur. Aug. 8 and 15 “Wee Make Music” program at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street (HAPL), for children ages 12 months and up and their caregivers, 10:30 a.m. Children will have a great time, marching, singing, dancing, and drumming with Miss Victoria. Registration is appreciated.

Thur. Aug. 8 “Saving Money with Coupons, Club Cards, Apps, and More” program for adults at HAPL. This is the final summer adult program.

Fri. Aug. 9 “Wee Explore” program at HAPL, for ages 18 months to 4 years. This month’s station-based program, “Indoor Gardening,” will make science and math fun through natural exploration. Please call (570)584-3762 to register.

Sat. Aug. 10 AND Tue. Aug. 13″Wee Move!” program at HAPL with equipment geared for busy children from ages 3 to 6, 10:30 a.m.

Sat. & Sun. Aug. 10 -11 Eagles Mere Arts and Crafts Festival on the Village Green in Eagles Mere. More information is available at www.visithistoriceaglesmere.com or by calling (570)525-3370.

Sat. Aug. 10 Dushore Founders Day with lots of fun activities, food, vendors, games, a petting zoo and more. Downtown Dushore. More info is available at www.dushore.com.

Mon. Aug. 12 “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.

Fri. Aug. 16 “Wee Build Block Party” program at HAPL, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Building materials for creative fun are provided for individual use. No registration required.