CINDYKNIER/The Luminary Ashkar Elementary Principal Sherry Cowburn (center) welcomed students back to school last Thursday, Aug. 22. Hudson Meckbach (left) and his sister, Finley, were all smiles and happy to return.

Labor Day weekend is at hand, whether I am ready or not! While the summer began as a wet season, the last few weeks have been more typical of late summer as I expect it to be. Some of the thunderstorms we’ve had have been pretty spectacular with lots of wind and lightning, but perhaps, as September advances, the atmosphere will calm down a bit and we will enjoy a quiet spell.

There’s nothing quiet about the areas surrounding our schools! From early morning until late evening there is a bustle of activity at all the buildings in the district as the school year gets underway and fall sports teams compete in a wide variety of athletic contests.

The Spartan Marching Band provides a flair of sight and sound with their band show at the varsity football games, and students in all grades are happy to be back together in their classrooms. There are some new staff members in the district, among them the new HHS band director, Mr. Alex Dwyer. He has been working with the band for the past three weeks as they prepared for the fall season, so by now he’s no longer “new” to the band students! Please take advantage of the opportunities to see our student-athletes and musicians as they perform and compete.

There have been some interesting changes to the variety of businesses on Main Street and the business district. Some of the shops have been occupied by the same business for decades, such as Shelia Barto’s jewelry store, Spotts Appliance, or Mark’s Outfitters. Other businesses have moved into larger or better sites, such as KVS Computers on Railroad Street, or Cherie’s House of Flowers and Dohl’s Construction, who both moved across the street. Now I notice that Swank’s New to You store is on Main Street, having moved from their Rt. 405 location, and Susquehanna Sportswear is on John Brady Drive, outside Muncy. It’s good that businesses are growing and/or developing in ways that call for these changes and I think this keeps our downtown a valuable and viable part of our community.

Upcoming Events:

Thur. Aug. 29 “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. 29 HHS Jr. High Football plays in a Tri-Scrimmage at Home vs. Lewisburg and So. Williamsport, 4:30 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 30 “Busy Bee Art Club” program at HAPL for children ages 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers, 10:30 a.m. Children will enjoy this station-based art exploration activity that encourages children to make choices, develop their language skills, and hone fine-moto skills. Registration is appreciated.

Fri. Aug. 30 HHS Varsity Football presents their Annual Military Appreciation Night as they play at Home vs. Montoursville, 7 p.m. This is a special night celebrating the service of our veterans and active-duty members of the U. S. forces. Bring your military ID for free admission and enjoy the game.

Mon. Sept. 2 Labor Day

Tue. Sept. 3 HHS Boys Soccer teams play at Home vs. Loyalsock, JV 5:30, Varsity 7 p.m.

Wed. Sept. 4 HHS Girls Soccer teams play their first Home game vs. Loyalsock, JV 5:50, Varsity 7 p.m.

Thur. Sept. 5 HHS Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Central Columbia, 4 p.m. AND Jr. High Softball vs. Bloomsburg, 4:30 p.m. AND Jr. High Football vs. Loyalsock, 5 p.m. AND Boys JV Soccer vs. Bloomsburg, 5:50 p.m. AND Boys Varsity Soccer, 7 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 7 “Family Time: Book, Play, and Do” program at HAPL for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Participants will hear a story, do a related activity or make a craft, and enjoy and open play session with the library’s age-appropriate learning toys.