The extreme winter weather that has affected most of the east coast this last week was monumental! The brutal cold snap that plunged the wind chill well below zero is one I am hoping that we don’t repeat. The weather phenomenon that has been called a “bomb cyclone” even made the news on England’s BBC. Fortunately we weren’t like some other parts of the country that got snowed in, as we were affected by the horrid frigid temperatures and wind more than anything. The wind was loud enough to wake me up several times in the night during the worst of it. You know it’s bad when you wake up in the morning to the radio announcing that “every school in the area is closed” without even bothering to list them. Still, it never ceases to amaze me that it can be so sunny while the temperature is -4 below zero.

In any type of a bad weather situation it’s always a good idea to check out the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency’s website that can be found at www.montgomeryboroughema.org.www.montgomeryboroughema.org.

The agency’s page has the town’s five day weather forecast, multiple local weather maps, links to local weather-related websites, a scroll of their Twitter feed, links to preparedness guides for nearly any disaster or emergency situation, and lots of other useful information. I encourage everyone who lives in Montgomery and the surrounding areas to browse through it to get an idea of how to be prepared in any extreme weather situation, in addition to using it for reference in an emergency.

In the meantime stay indoors as much as possible and bundle up thoroughly when you have to go out. I also recommend hot tea, good books, and classic movies. Stay safe and warm, readers!

THOT “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them everyday begin the task anew.” Saint Francis de Sales

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

Montgomery events

Weds. Jan 10 – The Montgomery Area Public Library will have Toddler Tales from 11:00-noon. Children ages 1-5 are invited to come and enjoy a story, craft, and snack. Please plan to accompany your child and preregister by calling the library at 547-6212.

Sat. Jan. 13 There will be an Open House in the Adam Room hosted by the Montgomery Area Historical Society from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. The Adam Room is under the library on West Houston Avenue.

Tues. Jan 16 A Teen Coloring Program will be held at the library from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The activity is designed to be an opportunity to de-stress. The library will provide art supplies and snacks. Please pre-register at 547-6212.

Weds. Jan 17 Toddler Tales will be held from 11-noon at the Montgomery Area Public Library for children ages 1-5.

Thurs. Jan 18 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will open the Adam Room at 6:30 p.m. for a presentation about Independent Order of Odd Fellows that was once an active group in Montgomery. The membership book will be put on display and an Open House will follow.

Tues. Jan 23 The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will meet at the library from 6-7 p.m.