Last week’s polar vortex was something that most local residents won’t soon forget. Bitter cold hit Montgomery and the surrounding areas so hard that it led to school, sports, and activity cancelations throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Several churches in the Williamsport area opened their doors to shelter the city’s homeless population. With temperatures that were predicted to be -20 degrees in the area with wind gusts of 40 miles an hour, it was dangerous to be outside for more than a few minutes at a time.

The British news agency the BBC reported that it would be the coldest temperatures in America in a generation. Thankfully no local fatalities were reported, but nationwide twenty-one people died as result.

It should be a good reminder to all of us to donate any old coats or winter accessories that we no longer use, and to make sure that we are prepared to deal with a power outage in the extreme cold. It’s always good to make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and have batteries, but it’s especially true if you use space heaters. Additionally, those with fireplaces, wood burners, coal stoves, pellet stoves, or kerosene heaters should make sure that they have reliable carbon monoxide detectors.

It’s also a good idea to sign-up for Facebook alerts from the Montgomery Emergency Mangagment Agency. They send out advance reminders of when there’s going to be dangerous temperature extremes or bad weather.

Hopefully there won’t be another polar vortex until at least another generation comes of age!

THOT “Winter lies too long in country towns, hangs on ’til it is stale and shabby, old and sullen.” Willa Cather

Happy birthday to Kim Hall who will be marking her special day on February 8th.

Melissa Wilson will be celebrating her birthday on February 9th. Many happy returns!

Birthday wishes go to Marcia Leon who will be commemorating another trip around the sun on February 9th.

The Montgomery Lions Club is accepting new members. Please call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825 for more information.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company and the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company are both in need of additional volunteers. If you are available to serve as either a first responder or in a behind the scenes non-emergency role, please call the station of your choice for more information. MVFC can be reached at 547-1380, and CTVFC can be reached at 547-1000.

Montgomery Events

Sat. Feb. 9 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will have their Second Saturday Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

Sat. Feb. 9 The Boys Varsity Basketball Team will have an 11 a.m. home game against St. John Neumann.

Mon. Feb. 11 The Clinton Township Supervisors meeting will be held in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. Feb. 12 The Boys Varsity Basketball Team will have a 6 p.m. home game against Midd-West Area.

Tues. Feb. 12 There will be a Montgomery Borough Council Meeting in the Borough Building at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Thurs. Feb. 14 The Boys Varsity Basketball Team will have a 6 p.m. home game against Sayre.