This month marks ninety-three years since a small group of Montgomery citizens began to raise money to provide the town with a public park. The group was made up of Maurice Stover, Paul Decker, E.K. Shollenberger, and J.L. Miller. According to Joan Wheal Blank’s “Around Montgomery” they raised $15,000 to purchase and develop the land. At the time it was an astronomical sum, that same year a new Ford Model-T coupe cost $525.

The fruits of their labor have benefitted every generation of Montgomery’s population ever since. The park has held countless sporting events, dozens of Easter egg hunts (courtesy of The Lions Club), and the Summer Alive program, among many other activities in the last several decades.

THOT “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Hometown Hero Banners can be ordered at a 15 percent discount until March 30. Applications are available in Montgomery Weis Market, and the Montgomery Borough, Clinton Township, and Brady Township Offices. After that date, they will be available at full price until August 31st.

The Montgomery Lions Club is actively seeking to expand their membership. Contact any member or call Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

The Clinton Township Supervisors Committee is in need of a volunteer to fulfill a vacancy. Please contact the Clinton Township Office at 570-547-1466 if interested.

Montgomery events:

Sat. Feb. 25 The Montgomery Area Public Library will host the Winter Kids Club meeting from 10-10:45 a.m. The group is open to all kids from Pre-K to 8th grade and will involve crafts and a history lesson about Madame C. J. Walker and Milton Bradley.

Sat. Feb. 25 There will be a BBQ Chicken Dinner at the Montgomery Area Volunteer Fire Company from 11-2.

Mon. Feb. 27 The Clinton Township Supervisors will have a meeting in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 4 The Montgomery Lions Club will be holding a pork and sauerkraut dinner at the Clinton Township Fire Hall from 4-7 p.m. Eat-in or carry-out.

Tues. Mar. 7 The Montgomery Area School District will hold registration for Pre-K and kindergarten from 8:30 am to 11:45 a.m and 1 to 3 p.m. at the District Office. Pre-K registration is for kids who will be four years old by Sept. 1, 2017, and kindergarten registration is for children who will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2017. Registration takes about thirty minutes. Please bring two forms of proof of residency, immunization records, child’s social security number, child’s proof of birth, and proof of household income (2016 tax returns, 2016 W-2s, or 3 current consecutive pay stubs).