Maybe it’s just me, but so many of my favorite childhood memories seemed to take place during the summer. Three months without school meant that I could spend many long, happy days dividing my time between the swimming pool, whipping up non-edible 1950s diner-style treats with my Super Dough Snack Shop, watching Nickelodeon, playing outside with my cousins and neighbor kids, going to the library for “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, and buying candy at Dick’s News Stand.

While family vacations are a great thing, chances are that in twenty years your kids will spend more time reminiscing about the times you spent with them in your own yard than at the beach. I’m not suggesting skipping vacations, because I have great childhood memories of family trips to Cape May. But what I am saying is that going to the store and investing a couple of dollars in Play-Doh or an outside toy and spending a few hours with your child playing with these things can be much more meaningful to them than you can imagine.

THOT “Take care of your reputation. It will live longer than you do.” Unknown

If you would like a practical way to help make Montgomery a better place, please consider joining The Montgomery Lions Club. Contact Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825 to join or to get more information.

The deadline for Hometown Hero Banners is August 31. Forms can be obtained at the Montgomery Borough Building, The Clinton Township Building, the Brady Township Building, and Montgomery Weis Market.

The Summer Alive program is free for children with music and art lessons available at no cost to those ages 8-18. The program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 12:15 in Montgomery Park. Please register children in advance by going to www.summeralive.org/.

Happy birthday wishes are sent to Brantley Rider, who will be turning two on July 10.

Montgomery events

Thurs. July 6 the Montgomery Library Summer Reading program will hold a special program with live animals at 2 p.m. The event will be presented by Zoo America.

Sat. July 8 the Montgomery Area Historical Society welcomes the public to visit the Adam Room on West Houston Avenue from 10-1.

Sun. July 9 there will be an all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Oak Grove Community Center in Elimsport from 8-11 a.m. The menu includes French toast, fried potatoes, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits, eggs, fruit, toast and beverage.

Mon. July 10 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

Tues. July 11 the Montgomery Borough Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Borough Building.

Wed. July 12 the Summer Reading program will meet at 2 p.m. The children will be making a zoo-themed craft.

Sun. July 16 the St. John’s Lutheran “Brick” Church will recognize their past and present staff members at their 8:30 a.m. service. The church requests that former and current staff attend.