Our town is blessed with many unsung heroes who volunteer their time to make the town a better, safer place. Tuesday, August 6, was National Night Out, and many of the town’s groups came to the carnival grounds to meet new people and demonstrate what they do. The police and fire departments were there, along with the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency, the Montgomery Area Historical Society, the Lions Club, Girl Scouts, and Summer Alive. Little kids thoroughly enjoyed getting to see police cars and emergency vehicles close up, and a vehicle extraction was demonstrated.

The Montgomery Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was there, and they are currently looking for some volunteers who are willing to step up and join their ranks. The current organization grew out of the efforts of two brothers who began serving the community in the 1960s. Les Gruver began serving in 1964 as Montgomery’s Civil Defense Director after being appointed by the Governor, and Dennis Gruver joined him in 1969 when he was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Civil Defense Director. Both men have served the town faithfully while transforming Montgomery’s Civil Defense into the EMA.

More volunteers have been added over the years, and the EMA serves in emergencies such as manning the Instant Management Unit ,which is a mobile communication station that allows them to coordinate with rescue teams during floods, wildfires, searches for missing persons, and any other situation that requires their assistance. Not only do they serve in Montgomery, but they are on-call with seven different counties. They develop plans to assist victims in large-scale emergencies, monitor the river levels during flood watches and warnings, respond to emergencies, provide emergency information to the community, help with recovery after natural disasters, and a host of other critical situations.

They have a website at www.montgomeryboroughema.org where you can learn more. If you are interested in joining the EMA, please call the EMA Coordinator Dennis Gruver at 547-6777.

THOT “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” – Author Unknown

Birthday wishes go to Amber Wilt, who marks the anniversary of her grand debut on August 17.

If you see Lori Wallis on August 17, be sure to wish her a happy birthday. Many happy returns, Lori!

Happy birthday to Nicole Keen, who will be celebrating her special day on August 20.

Many thanks to Montgomery Borough and all of the Borough emergency responders and community organizations who came together on August 6 to make National Night Out a big success!

Our local fire companies need volunteers to serve as emergency responders and as behind-the-scenes supporters. Please call either the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company at 547-1380 or the Clinton Township Fire Company at 547-1000 to learn more.

If you want to be notified immediately about severe weather conditions or emergency information about Montgomery, please follow the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency Facebook page.

Hometown Hero banner order forms are available at the Borough Office and Montgomery Weis Market. Orders and payment must be handed in to Fae Herb by September 6.

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) 584-2134 or e-mail it to news@muncyluminary.com. Please specify that it belongs in the Montgomery column.

Montgomery Events

Wed., Aug. 14: The Montgomery Area Public Library will have Toddler Tales for children ages 1-6 from 11-noon. Children will enjoy a story, snack, and craft. Preregister at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.

Fri.,Aug. 16: he library will have a Blackout Poetry event for teenagers from 4:30-5:30. This unique activity combines writing, crafting, and repurposing discarded books. Materials are provided.

Sat., Aug. 17:The Clinton Baptist Church will have their monthly Community Lunch from 12-2. The event is free and the public is welcome.

Sun., Aug. 18: The First United Methodist Church will have their annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway for students in all grades from 6:30-7:30 p.m., or while supplies last. Students are welcome to come and select a new back pack and fill it with school supplies of their choosing.

Mon., Aug. 19: The Construction Club will meet at the library from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tue., Aug. 20: The Teen Advisory Group will meet at the library at 6:30 p.m. This group is for ages 12-17 and they meet to discuss what books and movies should be added to the library’s collection as well as suggesting ideas for teen activities they would like to see the library offer.

Wed., Aug. 21: The library will have Toddler Tales from 11-noon.

Wed., Aug. 21: The Montgomery Area School District will have Red Raider Night for fall sports at the football stadium at 7 pm.

Fri., Aug. 23: A Back to School Family Program at the library from 4:30-5:30 p.m.