The thing that I love about starting a new year is that it brings the feeling that anything is possible. It’s a time for new dreams, new resolutions, and new beginnings. There is a lot of time to think and reflect about these things, mostly because it’s too brutally cold to go outside.

All joking aside, what would you do if any good thing were possible? What would you change about yourself, our town, and the world? What new skills would you acquire? What would you learn? What would you give? What would you achieve? Those might seem like daunting questions, but as Max Lucado wrote, “Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.”

So as the weather continues to torture us with its horrid, frozen glee, pour yourself a hot beverage and ponder some of these questions. Know that you have the power to change things for the better if you choose.

THOT “Do not worry; eat three square meals a day; say your prayers; be courteous to your creditors; keep your digestion good; exercise; go slow and easy. Maybe there are other things your special case requires to make you happy; but, my friend, these I reckon will give you a good lift.” Abraham Lincoln

The Montgomery Lions Club is actively recruiting new members. The organization coordinates many events in the Montgomery area such as the Easter Egg Hunt and a free Thanksgiving Dinner for the elderly, and supports charities to benefit the blind and handicapped. If you are interested in joining please contact any member or call Roger McRae at 570- 971-2825.

The Montgomery Area Public Library has decided to continue their “Check It Out” monthly drawings for 2017. Every time you borrow a book from the library you will receive an entry. The prize will be a gift certificate to either Thad’s, The Station House, or Melia’s.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company is currently taking pre-orders for a Hoffner’s Wings and Pizza Fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5. The pizza is “take and bake” and the wings are pre-cooked. Wings are your choice of mild, spicy, or barbeque. Orders can be placed with any member, through Facebook, or by e-mail (mvfc13@gmail.com).

Congratulations to John Sear, who is the winner of the most recent “Check It Out” drawing at the Montgomery Area Public Library.

Birthday wishes are sent to Blair Steward, who will be celebrating on January 17th.

Montgomery events

Sat. Jan. 14 The Montgomery Area Public Library is holding a program for children called “Thinking Outside the Box” from 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Tues. Jan. 17 Taco Bill’s Taco Madness will be at Kidron from noon until 1, and then will be at Nay’s Not Quite New Thrift Store until 7 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 17 The Montgomery Area Alumni Association will hold a fundraiser at Muncy Wendy’s from 5-8 p.m. Ten percent of all proceeds during those hours will be donated to the association.