This Valentine’s Day will be the first in 118 years that Necco Sweethearts won’t be available due to the sales of the rights to the candy, but never fear, they will return for Valentine’s Day in 2020. However, other candy companies do sell similar candy so we won’t have to be completely deprived. Necco made billions of the tiny hearts in seasonal runs each year.

Here are some other candy facts that you may find interesting:

Just Born, the Bethlehem-based candy company famous for Peeps has made Valentine’s-themed Peeps for the last several years. The company started as a small business in New York and was founded by Sam Born, who was a Russian immigrant. In addition to starting his beloved candy company, he is less well-known for another feat in candy making history as the inventor of the machine that put sticks into lollipops.

Hershey’s Kisses are one of the most popular candies in the world, but production of them ceased for a time during World War II when the government limited the use of aluminum foil.

The first penny candy in this country to be sold individually wrapped was the Tootsie Roll. It still remains a popular treat. Tootsie Pops were invented in 1931, and Frooties debuted in the 1970s.

When M&Ms were first made they were only sold to the United States military. The candy shell was seen as the perfect way to be able to have chocolate available for servicemen in hot climates.

Happy birthday to Brady Irvin, who will be celebrating his ninth birthday on February 13.

Loving birthday wishes are sent to my sweet great aunt, Doris Baysore, who will be marking her special day on February 19.

Montgomery Borough has a new mayor, Sean Leet. He is serving after former mayor Bob Hoover recently passed away. Montgomery Borough also added Mark Barbier as its newest Councilman.

The Montgomery Lions Club is seeking to expand its membership. Please contact Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825 for details.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department and the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department are recruiting new volunteers. There are opportunities to serve as emergency personnel or as behind the scenes personnel. If you are interested in learning more please call the MVFC at 547-1380 or CTVFC at 547-1000.

Montgomery Events

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

Fri. Feb. 15 There will be a Tween and Teen Spa Night at the library at 4:30. Participants will have the opportunity to do nails and facial masks and there will be DIY body scrub making.

Sun. Feb. 17 Virtuoso will have an All You Can Eat Breakfast fundraiser at the Oak Grove Community Center from 8-11 a.m.

Mon. Feb. 18 Construction Club will meet at the Montgomery library at 4:30 p.m. The weekly activity will be bridge building.

Weds. Feb. 20 Toddler Tales will be held at the Montgomery library from 11-noon.

Thurs. Feb. The Montgomery Historical Society’s Third Thursday speaker will be Paul Metzger. He will be talking about his new book “Deeds of the Valley”, which is about Alvira and the surrounding area. The talk will be at 6:30 p.m. with an Open House to follow. The event is free and open to the public.

Fri. Feb. 22 The Montgomery ibrary will have Family Story Time at 5:30 p.m.