Halloween is still a few weeks away, but local stores are filling up with Halloween candy and costumes (which in some cases are competing for shelf space next to Christmas items). I remember hearing on the news a few years ago that Halloween is second only to Christmas in the amount of money that Americans spend to celebrate it.

As you plan costumes for children, remember to pick up a few safety items like new batteries for flashlights and reflective tape for dark costumes to keep your kids (and yourselves) visible for trick-or-treating. The internet is filled with sites that offer safety tips on everything from costume choices to discreetly labeling your child in the event you get separated, so be sure to do some research to

ensure that your family has the most fun (and safe) Halloween yet!

So while Halloween may mean parting with some of your hard-earned cash, the month of October is certainly packed full of events (many of them free) for all ages here in Montgomery. From light-hearted entertainment for kids at the library to a grisly history lesson at the historical society, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Just remember to leave some time in your schedule this month to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” No American Halloween would be complete without it.

THOT “This habit of uselessly wasting time is the whole difficulty; and it is vastly important to you, and still more so to your children that you should break this habit. It is more important to them, because they have longer to live and can keep out of an idle habit before they are in it; easier they can get out after they are in.” Abraham Lincoln

Happy birthday to Lainie Solano, who will be marking another year on October 12th. Birthday wishes go to Sue Palazzo, who will be celebrating on Saturday the 14th.

If you would like to join the Montgomery Lions Club, please call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.

Montgomery events

Thurs. Oct. 12 There will be an open house at the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company from 5-9 pm. Offerings include station tours, fire extinguisher training, refreshments, and more.

Sat. Oct. 14 The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company will hold its second annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Roll from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event will be held at the carnival grounds, the Pumpkin Roll will be held on West Houston Avenue at 2 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 14 There will be an open house at the Adam Room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is hosted by the Montgomery Area Historical Society.

Tues. Oct. 17 There will be a fundraiser for the Montgomery Area Alumni Association from 5-8 p.m. at Muncy Wendy’s.

Tues. Oct. 17 The Montgomery Area Public Library will be having a Movie Night at 6 p.m. The family program will feature the film “Hocus Pocus” (1993, PG) and free popcorn. Please register in advance by calling 547-6212.

Wed. Oct. 18 The library will hold Toddler Tales from 11 a.m. to noon. The theme is “Bats at the Library!” and will feature a story, craft, spider races, and a bat activity for ages 1-5. Children may come in costume. Please pre-register by calling 547-6212.

Thurs. Oct. 19 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will hold a talk about “Montgomery’s Famous Murder.” In 1899, William Hummel committed the most infamous act in town history when he murdered his new bride and her three children. The talk will be given by Doug Snyder at 6:30 p.m. in the Adam Room with an open house to follow.