I can honestly say the storm that blew through town on August 1st is the worst summer storm that I can remember in my life time. It’s hard to believe that wind so powerful didn’t come from a tornado, but according to official reports it was not. During the heaviest rain the visibility was so poor that it was difficult to see objects forty or fifty feet away. Dozens of trees were uprooted all over town, some power and telephone lines came down, and some structures lost their roofs. After the storm was over it was eerie driving through certain parts of town with no power at all. With no lights coming from houses or street lamps, it made me think that this is what it was like for Montgomery’s first citizens before power was installed. That didn’t stop scores of residents from walking around with flashlights to try to get a look at the damage. As soon as the worst was over, fire trucks were rolling and the emergency crews sprang into action, doing anything and everything to clean up the damage and offer help to anyone who needed it.

This storm really deepened my appreciation for our volunteer emergency responders. Whenever things go wrong in and around our little town, they drop everything and run to the rescue, putting their own health and safety at risk to serve others. Thank you to the members of Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company and Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company for all you do!

THOT “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” -James Barrie

Very happy birthday to McKenzie Heasley who will be another year older on August 12.

Hats off to Rev. Viking Dietrich and St. John’s Lutheran Church (the Brick Church) for hosting a successful Blueberry Festival. There were lots of happy faces enjoying good food and games this past Saturday. If you’ve never been to one, be sure to attend the annual event next year. Most of the festival was held inside the air-conditioned church which was perfect for August. The building is handicapped accessible as well. From little kids to senior citizens, everyone was enjoying the festivities.

It’s carnival week and if you want to sit in the dunk tank, let the fire department know. They will give you a voucher for the concession stand in exchange for your service.

Montgomery events:

Sat. Aug. 13 The Firemen’s Parade will take place. Anyone is welcome to participate with a float, marching unit, a classic car, sports car, or a tractor. The parade will form at Weis’ and Hulsizer’s at 4:30 and begin at 5:30.

Mon. Aug. 15 is the deadline to reserve your seat to tour the battlefields of Gettysburg with The Montgomery Area Historical Society. The trip will be on Sat. Sept. 24. For more information, call (570) 547-6738 and leave a message.

Thurs. Aug. 18 is the next Art and Music in the Park. The art project for kids will begin at 5, and the McNett Band will play at 6 p.m.

Thurs. Sept. 1 is the deadline for Hometown Hero banner order forms which can be picked up at Montgomery Weis, Montgomery Borough office, the Clinton Township building, and the Brady Township building.

Thurs. Sept. 1, the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company will hold its next Cruise-In from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.