A much-deserved heroes’ welcome awaited the Montgomery Area High School Red Raider Marching Band as they triumphantly rolled back into town on a charter bus last Saturday night. The band was returning from Washington D.C. after giving two performances during the official Inauguration weekend festivities. The bus arrived in Clinton Township around 9:30 p.m. and was led into town by a Montgomery Borough police escort. Both the Montgomery and Clinton Township fire companies had vehicles on hand with their lights flashing and horns blaring, while enthusiastic Montgomery citizens gathered in front of Weis Market and Clinton Township Fire Hall to cheer and wave at the band members.

When the bus pulled into the school parking lot, the 41 band members were met by a crowd of proud family members and fellow citizens who welcomed them with hugs and many congratulations. Band Director Brian Rehn received many handshakes and words of appreciation for his work to make the opportunity possible.

The band’s drum major, Maddie Solano-LaForme said, “It was very, very exciting, very nerve-wracking, but completely worth it. It was beyond great, and such an honor and I’m so proud. So proud of my band and of us as a community and it’s just a huge honor.”

During the actual Inauguration ceremony the band got to go to a waiting area near the U.S. Capitol Building and watch President Trump take the Oath of Office on a big screen.

THOT “You have to dream so you can get up in the morning.” Billy Wilder

If you see Jim Harman today, be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday. I hope you have a great day, Jim! Happy birthday to Laura Harman, who will be celebrating on January 31st.

Birthday wishes are sent to Montgomery native Ariel Wallis, who is currently serving in the United States Navy. Her special day is January 31st. Happy birthday and thank you for your service, Ariel!

The Montgomery Lions Club is recruiting new members. If you’re interested in joining, please get in touch with any member or contact Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company is holding a Hoffner’s Pizza and Wings fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday. To place an order for pre-cooked wings or take and bake pizza, contact any member, send a Facebook message, or e-mail mvfc@gmail.com.

If you would like to order a Hometown Hero Banner you can get applications at Montgomery Weis Markets, as well as the Montgomery Borough, Clinton Township, and Brady Township offices. The deadline to order with a discount is March 30. The final deadline is August 31.

Montgomery events

Weds. Jan. 25 the bi-weekly Clinton Township meeting will be held in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Mon. Jan. 30 a fundraiser will be held at Muncy Wendy’s from 5-8 p.m. to benefit the Montgomery Area Independent Football League.

Sat. Feb. 11 the Winter Kids Club will meet at Montgomery Area Public Library at 10 a.m. All kids from Pre-K to 8th grade are welcome.