Virtuoso, Montgomery Area High School's Musical Theatre Ensemble, held a fundraiser breakfast at the Oak Grove Community Center on Feb. 23. They have been busy preparing for their two upcoming performances, "Bach and Rock II" and "West Side Story." The group is co-directed by Carina McNear and Jessica Carpenter.

Virtuoso, the high school’s musical theatre ensemble, has earned a reputation for providing great entertainment to the community. But last Sunday morning the group proved that they can put on an impressive show in the kitchen, too. The teenage performers held a fundraiser at the Oak Grove Community Center where they cooked up a delicious breakfast buffet for their guests who were eager to support their onstage as well as their offstage efforts.

Carina McNear and Jessica Carpenter, the co-directors of Virtuoso, were co-directing their students in the kitchen. However, they weren’t merely supervising, they were busy cooking as well. They wished to publicly express their thanks and gratitude to the community for their wonderful ongoing support of the Virtuoso program.

Virtuoso is keeping busy this spring, they were heavily involved in “The Lion King Experience” earlier this month that was a big hit. Their next show will be a vocal recital called “Bach and Rock II,” following the pattern set by last year’s “Bach and Rock” which was arguably one of the most unforgettable performances in a long line of fantastic shows. The vocal recital opens with a few students performing some beautiful classical vocal pieces, and transitions into some incredible classic rock performances. The singers will be backed by a live band made up of faculty and staff members. Mrs. McNear shared that the same set of vocal skills are needed to sing opera as well as rock and roll.

This year’s theme will be “’80s Big Hair Bands.” “Bach and Rock II” will be held in the high school auditorium on March 3 at 7 p.m. It truly is amazing that there is such a huge pool of astounding talent in a small school, so be sure to mark your calendars and experience the powerful performances of these gifted and hardworking students for yourself. Admission is free, but there will be a donation basket with the proceeds going towards the school’s Mini-thon that supports the fight against pediatric cancer. The students are also in rehearsals for their Spring Musical “West Side Story” which will be performed April 17-19.

THOT “Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.” Scandinavian proverb

Congratulations to Kylie Beck and Devin DeSantis who were the winners of the bike drawings at the Montgomery Area Public Library’s “Love Your Library” Open House.

Happy birthday to Valerie Hively, who will be celebrating her special day on March 5.

Montgomery Events

Wednesday, Feb. 26-The community is invited to an Ash Wednesday service at the Grace Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. This service will be jointly hosted by the Grace church and the First Presbyterian Church of Watsontown.

Saturday, Feb. 29 There will be a soup and sticky sun Sale at the First United Methodist Church from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Food can be purchased at that time or pre-orders can be placed by leaving a message at (570) 547-6948. Soup choices are: beef vegetable, chicken corn, ham and bean, white chicken chili, and chicken gnocchi.

Sunday, Mar. 1 The Oak Grove Community Center will have an all you can eat breakfast from 8-11 a.m. The menu includes French toast, pancakes, eggs, ham, sausage, sausage gravy, biscuits, toast, fruit, and beverages.

Tuesday, Mar. 3 Virtuoso will present Bach and Rock II in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 4 The library will have Toddler Tales for children ages 1-5 from 11-noon. There will be a story, snack, and craft. Preregister at (570) 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.

Friday, Mar. 6 Career Link Mobile will be parked in front of the library from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 7 – The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company will have a cabin fever chicken barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Meals include half a chicken, a baked potato, beans, a roll, and dessert. Chicken can be purchased without the meal. Eat in or take out.

Fae Herb is accepting Hometown Hero Banner orders. The 15 percent early bird discount will be offered until April 3. Banners placed after that

date will cost $210.

If you want to be alerted of weather warnings, rising river levels, and emergency information that is specific to Montgomery, follow the Montgomery Emergency Management Facebook page. The Montgomery Emergency Management Agency is recruiting volunteers. To learn more, contact Dennis Gruver at (570) 547-6777.

Are you able to join one of our local fire companies? They need individuals to volunteer in a number of roles, from emergency responders to non-emergency support roles. For more information, call either the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company at (570) 547-1380 or the Clinton Township Fire Department at (570) 547-1000.

The Montgomery Lions Club is expanding its membership. To join, contact Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.