This past week saw the Montgomery Art & Music in the Park program come to a close for the year. One night a month from April to August, Montgomery residents were treated to a variety of musical entertainment, while children got the added bonus of completing a craft project. The event was made possible by PPL and Montgomery Lions Club.

In April the event opened with the Uptown Music Collective performing classic rock hits. In the events following, anyone was welcome to show off their talent in Open Jam sessions where a full band and all necessary rock instruments were provided. On the closing night music was provided by the McNett Band whose roots go back to the legendary Radio Corral. Not only did they entertain an enthusiastic crowd with much-loved country classics such as “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “Okie From Muskogee”, but they performed a perfect cover of Santo and Johnny’s instrumental R&B masterpiece “Sleepwalk.”

In addition to Montgomery residents, the event was attended by a PPL grant representative who presented Art & Music in the Park with a jumbo check to mark the occasion.

Thanks to PPL, the Montgomery Lions Club, and the many volunteers who made the program a success. In my opinion, investing in the arts has both short term and long term benefits. In the short term, it’s fun to be entertained and to create. In the long term, the arts enrich our lives and expand culture; plus, the benefits of creativity have long-term, positive effects on the brain and have been documented in numerous studies.

THOT “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Theodore Roosevelt

Warm birthday wishes are sent to Kate Bashista, who will be celebrating on August 26th.

A very happy birthday to Brenda Harman, who’s special day is August 27th.

If you see Brenda Crapser on August 30th, be sure to wish her a happy birthday.

Clinton Township just recently established its first website. The address is www.clintontwp.org.

If you know a Montgomery student who is in need of a backpack or school supplies, please call the First United Methodist Church at 547-6948 and leave a message. The church will provide brand new items while they last.

Montgomery events

Red Raider Night will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the football field.

Hometown Hero Banner orders must be turned in by Thursday, September 1st.

Thurs. Sept. 1st is the next Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company Cruise-In. It will be from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. and the event is free.

Tues. Sept. 6 is the first day of school for the Montgomery Area School District. The school year is starting later than usual due to building upgrades.

Fri. Sept. 9 a burger burn will be held at Lewisburg Walmart from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. to support the Montgomery Area Independent Football League (M.A.I.F.L.).

Sun. Sept. 11 the Clinton Township Fire Hall will be hosting the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle ride again this year. Motorcycles can begin gathering at 8:00 a.m. A faith-based service will be at 11:00 a.m., the memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., and the ride begins at 3:00 p.m.