The entire town owes a huge debt of gratitude to George Nash for organizing Montgomery’s first official Christmas parade in over thirty years. The parade was held on Saturday, December 9th, and I imagine everyone who attended felt like a kid again. The Montgomery Red Raider Marching Band and the Muncy High School Band performed, and a large red Macy’s Thanksgiving Day-style balloon was featured that was sponsored by Kaiser Bros., Air Gas, the Montgomery Legion, and some anonymous givers. The giant Christmas balloon had Santa Claus’ face painted on it and preceded the fire truck that Santa arrived on. There were floats as well as fire trucks and emergency vehicles that threw handfuls of candy to delighted children.

The winners of the float contest were as follows: 1st place went to Summer Alive for their Snoopy and the Peanuts gang float; 2nd place went to The First United Methodist Church of Montgomery for their Nativity-themed float; and 3rd place was the Montgomery Lions Club for their Christmas Tree-themed float. The parade ended with Santa Claus riding on top of a fire truck.

After the parade was over it seemed nearly every child in town along with their parents headed down to Henry Hand Drive where the Montgomery Lions Club served free hot dogs, cookies, and cocoa. The hot food was very much appreciated as the temperature was in the low 30s. Santa Claus went to his house and happily greeted a long-line of children who couldn’t wait to share their Christmas wish list.

The parade was a big hit and everyone loved it. George Nash is already planning next year’s parade for the second Saturday in December, and I’m looking forward to it. He said that it’s his goal to have the parade grow every year. Donations, registrations, and questions about next year’s parade can be directed to George at 547-1260.

THOT “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!” Francis Pharcellus Church, Editor of the New York Sun, September 21, 1897.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company officially turned 125 on Saturday, December 9th. Many, many blessings to all members past and present who have risked their lives to save others.

Happy birthday wishes to Lacey Stugart, who is celebrating on December 13th. Happy birthday to Katie Cox, whose special day is December 19th.

Congratulations to Tyler W. Miller and Jeremy M. Wolfgang who were recently awarded Penn College NOW Scholarships. Miller is pursuing graphic design and completed six college credits while still in high school, and Wolfgang is pursuing emergency management technology and completed twelve college credits in high school.

If you know of someone who could benefit from the Montgomery Christmas Committee please contact Nancy Gruver at 547-6777 by December 17th. Deliveries will begin at 8:30 a.m. on December 23rd. The Committee provides toys for children ages newborn to twelve, and boxes with all of the ingredients to cook a complete Christmas dinner for families within the Montgomery Area School District. Donations of new toys for boys and girls ages 4-12 are needed the most. Monetary donations for the Christmas Dinner boxes can be made at the Montgomery Borough Office.

Kids ages 12 and under can get one entry to win a brand new Ancheer scooter each time they check out books at the Montgomery Area Public Library until December 30th.

The Montgomery Area Public Library is cutting all late fees in half from now until December 31st.

Please consider helping to make Montgomery a better place by joining the Montgomery Lions Club. Call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.

Montgomery events

Weds. Dec. 13 The Montgomery Area Public Library will host Toddler Tales from 11-noon. Children ages 1-5 will enjoy a story, snack, and make snowman ornaments. Please pre-register by calling the library at 547-6212 or send a private message through Facebook. Please plan to accompany your child.

Thurs. Dec. 14 The Elementary Band and Chorus Concert will take place at the school at 7 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 16 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will host an Open House and Candlelight Christmas Service at the Stone Church. There will be an Open House beginning at 1 p.m., the service begins at 3 p.m. and will last until 4:30 p.m. Pastor David Jacobs from the Clinton Baptist Church will be organizing the service. Singers and musicians from many local churches will be under the direction of Shirley Smith. There will be a display of paintings by Allenwood prisoners depicting life in Alvira and recreated from photos and postcards. Access will be through the gates by the golf course on Allenwood Camp Lane, and then follow the signs. If the event is cancelled due to bad weather, an announcement will be posted on the Historical Society’s Facebook page.

Weds. Dec 20 Toddler Tales will have a “Snow Day” themed event from 11-noon.

Weds. Dec 20 The Junior and Senior High Concert Band will give a concert at the school at 7 p.m.