The heavenly aroma of barbequed chicken wafted through downtown Montgomery last Saturday as the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company held their latest fundraiser. In addition to selling the chicken dinners, the Junior Firefighters were out on Second Street having a “Fill the Boot” fundraiser, asking passing vehicles for donations. The money collected from Fill the Boot goes to purchase emergency equipment to carry on the fire trucks. Fill the Boot collections take place about three times a year.

For the past year or so, stories have been reported in the news about volunteer fire companies in various parts of the nation who are struggling due to lack of volunteers. The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company is currently in need of volunteers and would welcome community members to serve in variety of ways. The Company has Active members, Social members, the Auxiliary, and Junior Firefighters.

Active members are emergency responders who go out on calls. They can be fire fighters or EMTs. They can hold various offices such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Trustee, and Operations Officers. Social members help with fundraising but don’t respond to emergencies. They can serve as the Treasurer or Secretary. Junior Firefighters are ages 14-18 who are trained to become Active members when they become adults. They also assist in fundraising events such as the semi-annual Fill the Boot.

Auxiliary members serve in various ways but one role is providing food and drinks to firefighters if they need rehabilitation from a situation that may require medical monitoring or attention.

The company would also welcome volunteers that could help out with trade or specialty skills such as plumbing, carpentry, photography, or who could serve as a chaplain. If you are able to volunteer to help out or would like more information, please call the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company at 547-1380.

THOT – “You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.” Seth Parker

Congratulations to Caleb Hipple for being named as the WVIA Performing Artist of the Week. He will be featured on television later this spring. The high school senior is very deserving of this recognition!

Sympathy is extended to the Gruver Family as they mourn the passing of Nancy Gruver. Nancy ran the Christmas Committee for several years and has touched the lives of many people in Montgomery. Her love, kindness, warmth, and service to the community will be long remembered.

If you are interested in joining the Montgomery Lions Club 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. Please specify that it belongs in the Montgomery column.

Montgomery Events

Fri. Mar. 8 There will be Teen Coloring at the Montgomery Area Public Library 4:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 9 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will be having a Second Saturday Open House in the Adam Room Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 9 The Montgomery Red Raider Band will have a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and Basket Raffle at St. John’s Lutheran “Brick” Church from 3-7 p.m. The band is raising money for a trip to Williamsburg, VA this spring.

Mon. Mar.11 Teens and Tweens are invited to the library to make Origami book marks at 4:30.

Mon. Mar.11 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. Mar.12 Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten will be held at the District Office from 8:00-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

Tues. Mar.12 The Nifty Knitters and Crafty Crocheters Club will meet at the library at 6 p.m.

Tues. Mar. 12 Virtuoso will present “Back and Rock Vocal Recital” in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. Classical pieces as well as rock music will be featured. There will be a live rock band composed of some of the teachers. Admission is free.

Tues. Mar. 12 The Mobile Health of Evangelical Bus will be at Surplus Outlet from 9-11 a.m. Free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings will be available. For more information call 1-833-251-0187 or visit www.evanhospital.com/MobileHealth.

Weds. Mar. 13 The library will have Toddler Tales from 11-noon. Children ages 1-5 will be invited to hear story, make a craft, and enjoy a snack. Please preregister at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.