Most of our print and television media coverage of contemporary youth focuses on the negative. As a teacher, I am reminded every day of the fact that we have much to be proud of and hopeful for with the future of our pre adolescents and teenagers. I am also reminded daily of how quickly things can go wrong for them.

This past week, I had the opportunity to witness 65 of Montgomery’s high school students present their fall play, Kill Me, Deadly. You may think that I bring this up because I was a co director of this production. Quite the contrary. My students will tell you that my co-directors and myself are always proud to credit the students with the success of Virtuoso.

Then, this past Saturday, I was honored to watch my son and his fellow Scout pack deliver holiday ornaments to the Muncy hospital. Once again, I was reminded that we all need to focus on the good in our own children and other youth of today.

It is so easy to label a child as “bad” or “beyond help”, but I encourage you to look around you and focus on the positive and what you can do to help keep our youth on the right path. Sometimes it does take a lot of time and energy. Other times, it is simple as stopping them in the hallway at school and asking them how their game was the night before. Either way, aren’t they worth it?

Montgomery events

The Montgomery Area Historical Society will sponsor its 8th annual Open House and Candlelight Service at the Stone Church on Saturday, December 15th. This historic church is located on the grounds of the Bureau of Prisons near Allenwood. The Open House will start at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available. The Candlelight Service will start at 4:00 p.m. Pastors from the Montgomery Ministerium will lead the service. A community choir will provide special music. To reach the church, turn from Route 15 onto Allenwood Camp Lane. Drive past White Deer Golf Course and into the Bureau of Prison grounds, and then follow signs. Please do not use the entrance to FCC Allenwood that is opposite Reptiland.

“New Covenant Assembly, 1270 Pinchtown Rd., Montgomery, will once again present a Christmas Drive-Thru Experience. Those attending will experience the Christmas story as they move from scene to scene without leaving their cars! Each car will also receive a small gift at the end of their journey. Involving a cast and crew of approximately 80 people of all ages, the Drive-Thru has become a Christmas tradition for many in our area. There is no cost for admission. For more information, please call 570-547-1503 or visit the church website at newcovenantassembly.org.

Santa will be at the Montgomery Borough office on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your camera and get your picture taken with Santa.

The Oak Grove Community Center offers BINGO every Monday evening. Doors open at 4:30PM and BINGO begins at 6:00 p.m.