I would like to wish all Luminary readers the happiest of holidays. I am looking forward to this blessed time with my family and friends. Safe travels and be sure to take time to enjoy the day.

I recently went to see the latest installment of movies to the “Rocky” series, “Creed”. I highly recommend this film to those of you who are loyal “Rocky” fans. I am always skeptical when new films are added to a series, especially an iconic series. “Creed” does not disappoint and is, in my opinion, the best film since the original. Although it uses modern camera techniques and music, the story line honors all films that came before it and leaves room for future movies.

Santa made an appearance at the Montgomery Area Public Library on Tuesday evening with gifts and treats for the kids. Starting in January the library will be offering a chance to win a gift certificate to Thad’s Restaurant or the Station House in Montgomery.

The Montgomery Jazz Band played Friday afternoon at the Skilled Nursing Unity in Muncy where they were well received and made the holidays more enjoyable for the residents.

Alumni from the Montgomery “Love and Joy” music ensemble will be bringing back their solemn Vespers service on December 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Brick Church. Any interested alumni from this era should contact Christina Richardson if you are interested in participating. Doors will open to the public audience at 6:30 p.m.

The Oak Grove Community Center will be holding its January breakfast on January 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

January is blood donor month. The Red Cross will be in Montgomery on January 5 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Brick Church, 196 Brick Church Road, Montgomery. Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Jan. 1-3, 2016, will get a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Please consider following @MASDnews on Twitter or via our YouTube channel, The Raider Tube. Both of these digital mediums are created and maintained by the high school Broadcasting class. The intention is to help share Montgomery news and events with our community if they are unable to attend an event.

“Revitalize Montgomery” will continues its work throughout the upcoming year. If interested, meetings are held twice each month. The first Wednesday of the month is an evening meeting at “Tickle’s Music” Store beginning at 6:00 p.m. The third Wednesday is a 10:00 a.m. meeting at “Valley Rehab” on Main Street.

Contact me at cmcnear@montasd.org with any information you would like posted in this column.