Did you hear that low hum last Saturday morning? Yes, I am talking about the sound of hair dryers as they were used to thaw frozen water pipes in basements across the county, including mine. After waking up to a bathroom faucet full of nothing but air and the outside thermometer registering a temperature of -18, we spent the next four hours following the maze of pipes that run under our floors and through our walls. It was clearly evident that the Jan. 13, 1970, edition of the Sun-Gazette that we found tied around some of the pipes was not providing sufficient insulating properties.

Finally, the frozen pipe was located under the kitchen floor where the crawlspace is only a foot wide. After a flash of pure genius, Steve duct-taped the business end of the hair dryer to our Shop-Vac’s extension wand and nozzle and, with this, he was able to successfully reach the pipe, the water began to flow, and we once again rejoined modern civilization.

Coming up on March 1, a spaghetti dinner and raffle fundraiser will be held for Montgomery Elementary first grader Max Litzelman. This little guy has been hospitalized in Philadelphia since mid-December, diagnosed with an indeterminate brain lesion. If you would like to help his family now with a donation, call Denise Gearhart at 570-772-1812. More details about the dinner fundraiser on March 1 will be provided in future columns.

This weekend: Saturday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 10 a.m., a youth pancake breakfast will take place at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 Main St. in Watsontown. A free-will offering will be taken, with a 10-percent tithe to go to Camp Victory, Millville.

Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Lycoming County Genealogical Society is sponsoring a “How-To” Day on everything “Genealogy” in the Community Room at Thomas T. Taber Museum, Fourth Street in Williamsport. The event is free and open to anyone interested in genealogy.

Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., a Winter Discovery Walk will take place at the PPL Montour Preserve, 700 Preserve Road, Danville. Meet at the Environmental Education Center. Dress for the weather. Contact: 570-437-3131 or check online at www.pplpreserves.com.

Saturday, Jan. 24, the 11th annual “Beatlefest” will be held at the Clinton Township fire station, 2311 Route 54 in Montgomery. The doors open at 5 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 at the door. There will be food and legal beverages available. This event is for all ages. Come and enjoy the bands paying tribute to the music of the Beatles. Anyone who would like to display Beatles memorabilia should contact the fire station at 547-1000.

Next weekend and after: Sunday, Feb. 1, beginning at 5 p.m., the Montgomery Legion Riders will host a Super Bowl party at the Montgomery American Legion. The public is invited to attend this 21-and-over party; cost is only $5.00 for all you can eat & drink. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 39 Paradise Street in Turbotville, will host an Oyster Supper in the church fellowship hall. Please call 649-5195 if you are planning to attend.

Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 4 p.m., the Watsontown United Methodist Church will serve a Ham Loaf dinner. Cost is $7.50 for adults, $4 for children aged 5-12. For more info, call the church office at 538-1017.

Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 p.m. until midnight, the Milton VFW will hold an Oldies Dance at 300 Park Avenue. Cost is $6 per person. Snack will be provided; cash bar. Call 742-7804 for more information. Event will benefit the Upper Northumberland County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Support our hometown library! Say hi to Sue or Cynthia when you to stop in at Montgomery’s own at the corner of Main and Houston. Can’t find what you want on the shelf? They can make requests from other county libraries and you’ll have what you want within a few days. Check online at: www.montgomerylib.org for a list of new titles, links to digital resources, and more!