It’s hard to pay attention to national and international news without becoming seriously depressed and concerned these days. I try to keep up with what’s happening locally as well as around the country and the world, but it’s difficult to do more than read the headlines and choose a select few topics to actually read, just to keep my sanity.

One of the worst things that I have read recently is the report by the National Audubon Society that shows that over 300 species of birds are at risk of complete extinction in the next century. If global average temperatures rise to levels that are projected based on current trends in the increase of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the next couple of generations will be the last humans to see eagles, orioles, gulls, loons, and many other varieties of birds that we take for granted.

I am not sure when my equilibrium will return after reading this article. My personal attempt to severely curtail single-use plastic, avoid Styrofoam, and reduce my carbon footprint seems futile and miniscule, but, nevertheless, I persist. I hope that if each of us, and each nation, makes an effort, these magnificent creatures will not disappear forever.

On a happier note, we can take pride in many aspects of our community, including our schools, our borough and townships officers, our community library, our churches, and our many civic organizations, all of which strive to make ours a viable, friendly community. If you are looking for ways to make a difference or to meet new friends, consider participating in some of these groups and I know you’ll enjoy it.

HHS sports teams are ending their fall competitive seasons and some will be advancing to higher brackets of play. The Girls Tennis team, Girls Varsity Soccer, and Boys Varsity Soccer teams all have winning records and playoffs season is here. Watch for opportunities to cheer for our Spartan student-athletes!?

Upcoming Events:

Thurs., Oct. 17-“Wee Move” program at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 South Fifth Street, 10:30-11:15 a.m. This program is geared for very busy children ages 1 to 5 years old and their siblings. It is designed to get kids moving! There are mats, a soft balance beam, basketball hoops, a teeter-totter, and more.

Thurs., Oct 17-HHS Boys Varsity Soccer team plays at Home vs. Sullivan County, 7 p.m.?

Fri., Oct. 18-“Art with Amber,” a new program for children at HAPL, where kids (ages 3 and up) are invited to explore age-appropriate art material with their caregivers, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Registration, by visiting or calling (570)584-3762, is appreciated.

Fri., Oct. 18-HHS Football team plays at home vs. Towanda, 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 19-Halloween Party at HAPL, 1-4 p.m. Come and paint small pumpkins, create other Halloween crafts, decorate cookies and donuts, eat spooky snacks, and play games. All ages are welcome. Costumes are optional. Registration is appreciated.

Mon., Oct. 21-“Wee Tales” program for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Listen to stories, learn nursery rhymes, share books, and play with selected toys. Registration, by visiting or calling (570) 584-3762, is appreciated.

Tues., Oct. 22 and Thurs., Oct. 24 “Wee Move” program at HAPL, 10:30-11:15 a.m. This program is geared for very busy children ages 1-5 years old and their siblings. It is designed to get kids moving! There are mats, a soft balance beam, basketball hoops, a teeter-totter, and more.

Thurs., Oct. 24-HHS Jr. High Football team plays at home vs. Danville, 5 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 25-“Wee Explore” program at HAPL for kids 3 and up, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Explore armadillos, find out what they eat, where they live, and what they do. Also enjoy story time with armadillo stories and make an armadillo craft.