On Tuesday, August 29th, Hulsizer’s Chevrolet put a post on their facebook page stating that anyone wanting to drop off items to be delivered to the victims of Hurricane Harvey could do so by Friday. The result of the post was a massive outpouring of donations from Montgomery and the surrounding communities. It was like something out of a too-good-to-be-true Christmas movie. The jaw-dropping results literally filled the show room from end-to-end in stacks that ranged from waist to shoulder height. Room to walk from door-to-door and enough space to access the desks were kept clear for safety reasons. There was a massive amount of overflow into the service area as well as the attached garage.

Chris Hann, who is a salesman at Hulsizer’s was contacted by a friend to see if Hulsizer’s would serve as a donation center. Donations began to pour into the building at a rate that surprised everyone. Donations came from companies as far away as Milton. Many responded with food, diapers, first-aid supplies, bottled water, paper towels, hygiene items, pet food, and numerous other desperately needed items. I was proud to see my home town come together for this and how quickly the response was. Chris told me it almost brought tears to him to see so much going to those who really need it.

There were so many volunteers who came on Saturday morning to load two trucks full of donations. Chris said he expected at least another two trucks or a tractor trailer would be needed to get the rest down to Texas.

Major tragedies are an unfortunate part of life but I’m comforted to know that when the worst disasters happen, it tends to bring out the best in people.

THOT “An idealist believes the short run doesn’t count. A cynic believes the long run doesn’t matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run.” Sydney J. Harris

Best wishes to the students, administration, faculty, and staff of the Montgomery Area School District for a wonderful year!

The Montgomery Area Public Library has new hours. They are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10-6; Tuesday 12-8; Thursday 10-4, Saturday 9-4. The library will remain closed on Sundays.

The First United Methodist Church of Montgomery recently held a backpack and school supplies distribution and they have materials left over. Any student who is need of these free items may call the church at (570) 547-6948.

The Montgomery Lions Club is actively seeking to expand its membership. Please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

Happy birthday to Cory Johns, who will be marking another year on September 7th.

Congratulations to former Montgomery resident Matthew Miller, who was one of three recipients of the Eric J. Gennuso and LeRoy D. (Bud) Loy Jr. Scholarship from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania. Matthew is studying civil engineering at Penn State, Altoona.

Montgomery events

Sat. Sept. 9 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will have the Adam Room open from 10 to 1. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

Sat. Sept. 9 there will be a fundraiser at the Riverside Campground to benefit the Summer Alive program from 2-9 p.m. The fundraiser will include food, a silent auction, and live music. This past summer the program provided breakfast and lunch as well as music, art, gardening, and cooking lessons to over 90 children per day.

Sun. Sept. 10 The Oak Grove Community Center in Elimsport will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8-11 a.m. The menu includes French toast, pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, sausage gravy, biscuits, fried potatoes, toast, fruit, and beverages.

Mon. Sept. 11 The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company will hold the annual 9/11 Memorial Ride and events from noon until 10 p.m.

Tue. Sept. 12 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Please note that this is a change of day from the usual Monday meeting due to the 9/11 Memorial Ride.

Tue. Sept. 12 The Montgomery Borough Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Borough Building.