Did you know that the average smart phone user looks at their phone 150 times a day? That’s staggering! While there are more and more studies being published on what has been dubbed “digital addiction,” it’s not just affecting children and teenagers, but people of all ages.

If you or someone you know has small children and they are using their cell phone a lot, please keep some of the following things in mind:

Stay off your phone if your children are swimming. When someone is drowning, they can’t call out for help. Children have to be actively watched while swimming. Keeping an ear out isn’t enough to prevent a tragedy, even if you’re sitting nearby.

If you have children who are young enough to be putting things in their mouths, don’t leave your cell phone charger plugged into the wall while the phone or tablet is no longer plugged in. Also, be mindful that your children stay away from plugged in cell phone chargers while the device is charging. There have been reports of children receiving critical injuries from putting a plugged-in cell phone charger in their mouths.

If you are out in public, use your phone as little as possible. The children of distracted mothers are appealing targets for kidnappers. Additionally, distracted women are easy targets for purse snatching and worse.

Using a cell phone while driving is currently the cause of 25% of all car accidents, according to the Huffington Post. Texting while driving is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania.

Please use your cell phone wisely! Remember that using your cell phone in the right way isn’t just about short-term safety, it’s about setting a good example for your children in the long run!

THOT “A man’s bank account doesn’t indicate if he’s rich or poor. It is the heart that makes a man rich. A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.” Henry Ward Beecher

Birthday wishes are sent to Jeanette Laforme who is celebrating on July 20th. Have a great day!

The Montgomery Lions Club is expanding its membership. If you would like to join, please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

Hometown Hero Banners are being sold. Please have orders and money turned in by August 31st. Order forms are available at Montgomery Weis, Montgomery Borough Building, the Clinton Township Municipal Building, and the Brady Township Building.

If your child would like to join the Summer Alive program, please register them online. The program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Montgomery Park.

Montgomery events

Wed. July 19 A building project for children will be featured at the library’s Summer Reading program at 2 p.m.

Sat. July 22 the Shot 4 Scott fundraiser will be held at the Oak Grove Community Center in Elimsport from 10 to 3. Proceeds will be donated towards expenses from Scott Bieber’s lung transplant. There will be a silent auction and lots of food.

Mon. July 24 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. July 25 There will be a fundraiser for the Montgomery Area Alumni Association from 5-8 p.m. at Wendy’s in Muncy.

Wed. July 26 The library’s summer reading program will give children the opportunity to build a bird house. The program starts at 2 p.m.

Sat. July 29 the Montgomery Area High School Cheerleaders will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Washington Township Fire Hall in Elimsport from 7-11 a.m. Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing new uniforms.