Many Montgomery residents were concerned about a potential flood over the past week when a fluke warm spell in the middle of sub-zero temperatures caused heavy rains to fall over much of central Pennsylvania. The temperature rose to around sixty degrees on Friday, January 12th. Thankfully the river was somewhat thawed by the warming which allowed us to avoid a flood. There were concerns that with many local creeks and smaller waterways frozen, the rain would have nowhere to go but over the banks. While the river rose significantly, it stopped short of flood levels. There were innumerable ice chunks floating on the river throughout much of central Pennsylvania but an ice jam was avoided.

According to alerts posted by the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency, the river was a 4.5 feet on Thursday the 11th and had reached 16 feet by Saturday the 13th when the water finally stopped rising. Flooding occurs at 20 feet so thankfully it was nothing more than a close call.

Temperatures are expected to drop again, but on the bright side January is half over! I’m hoping we are in for a warm and mild spring and summer.

THOT “Then suddenly he shook his clenched fist at the northwest. ‘Howl! blast you! howl!’ he shouted. ‘We’re all here safe! You can’t get at us! You’ve tried all winter but we’ll beat you yet! We’ll be right here when spring comes!” from “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Congratulations to Julie Bennett who won the year end Check It Out drawing at the Montgomery Area Public Library. Her prize was a $25 gift certificate to Surplus Outlet.

Birthday wishes go to Blair Steward, who will be celebrating on January 17th.

Happy birthday to Michele Foresman of Elimsport who marks her special day on January 21st.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company is currently accepting orders of pre-cooked chicken wings and take-and-bake Hoffner’s pizza for Super Bowl Sunday (February 4th). You may place your order by talking to any member of the fire company or by e-mailing the station at mvfc13@gmail.com. The options include cheese or pepperoni pizza, and BBQ, mild, or hot wings. Orders will be available for pick-up at 2 p.m. on February 4th at the station.

The Montgomery Lions Club is actively seeking new members. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.

If you would like a birthday, anniversary, or special event recognized in this column, please leave a message at The Luminary Office at 570- 584-0111 or e-mail it to news@muncyluminary.com.

Montgomery Events

Weds. Jan 17 The Montgomery Area Public Library will welcome children ages 1-5 to Toddler Tales from 11-noon at the Montgomery Area Public Library. Children will enjoy a story, snack, and craft. Please pre-register at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.

Thurs. Jan 18 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will host a program about the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a society that was once very popular in Montgomery and counted some prominent citizens in its membership. The society still exists and some current members will talk about the organization, and Montgomery’s membership book will be on display. The talk begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Adam Room and will follow with an Open House. The event is free and open to the public.

Tues. Jan 23 There will be a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meeting from 6-7 p.m. in the library.

Sun. Jan 28 There will be a meeting of volunteer citizens who are seeking to re-establish the Montgomery Community Development Corps with the purpose of improving Montgomery Park at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Montgomery Area Volunteer Fire Company. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please do not park directly in front of the fire hall because the fire trucks will be dispatched if an emergency occurs.

Weds. Jan 31 The Montgomery Area Public Library will debut a new program called Book Buddies from 4:30-5:30 p.m. This gathering is for families and teenagers. Local teenagers will select one of their favorite childhood picture books to read to a child or a group of children. Additional activities and snacks will be provided. Please pre-register by calling 547-6212.