June 22 marks the 45th anniversary of the 1972 flood. It was before my time, but I’ve often heard those who lived through it talk about the shock watching so much of the town devastated in such a short time. I have also watched grainy footage of my family’s home movies of the flood and its aftermath, and was particularly struck by the sad images of a bull dozer tearing down house after house in the area between the park and the post office. That land has never been redeveloped, and considering that area floods at least once or twice a decade it’s wise to leave it empty.

The flood of ’72 was caused by Hurricane Agnes, and its effects were felt throughout the state. Considering that hurricane season is upon us and will remain in place until November, it’s wise to always keep some emergency supplies handy. Major floods are rare, but summer weather can be unpredictable and severe storms are possible. Even if your property isn’t damaged, power outages and water shut-offs can happen.

To be prepared for these unexpected events, it’s good to keep some emergency supplies in your house, including clean water, flash lights, an emergency radio, and first aid items. For a complete list of supplies to keep you and your family as safe and comfortable as possible when disaster strikes, please visit www.redcross.org to see what you need to be prepared.

THOT “Consider them both, the sea and the land; and do you not find a strange analogy to something in yourself? For as this appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, so in the soul of man lies one insular Tahiti, full of peace and joy, but encompassed by all of the horrors of the half-known life. God keep thee! Push not off from that isle, for thou can’st never return!” “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville

If you would like to join the Montgomery Lions Club or want more information about the organization, please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

Orders for Hometown Hero Banners will be accepted until August 31. Forms are available at Montgomery Weis’, the Montgomery Borough Building, the Clinton Township Building, and the Brady Township Building. Tickle Music will be open by appointment only until June 30 due to The Summer Alive program. The Summer Alive program is held at Montgomery Park Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Free art and music lessons are available to children ages 8-18. The program is free, but registration is required. Please visit www.summeralive.org to register your children.

Happy Anniversary to Seth and Danielle Heasley, who be celebrating on June 21st.

Montgomery events

Wed. June 21 Summer Alive will be having a Stream Stomp with Ms. Carey from the Conservation District. She will give kids the opportunity to gather and analyze river data. The event lasts from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed. June 21 Montgomery Area Public Library’s Summer Reading Program will meet at 2 p.m. Children from preschool to 8th grade are welcome. The activity of the week will be animal-themed finger paintings.

Mon. June 26 The Clinton Township supervisors will meet in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Wed. June 28 Larry Stout will be presenting a program for the Summer Reading Program at 2 p.m .in the library. Ages preschool to 8th grade are welcome.

Mon. July 3 The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company will hold fireworks at the carnival grounds. Fireworks begin at dusk. The fire company kitchen and Becky’s Soft Serve will be selling food from 4:30-10 p.m.