Jade Heasley

Do you ever get on board game kicks? Lately I’ve been on a big kick with Monopoly.

Usually I’m a pretty good Monopoly player, but lately, I have been on a losing streak. And yet I can’t stop playing. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing one other person, or if it’s a family event and I’m playing against five other people, I have been losing.

I have to ask myself why I keep persisting. Is it a sign that I’m a glutton for punishment, an eternal optimist, or too stubborn for my own good? Or maybe a combination of all of the above?

Either way, I’m hoping by the time that this column goes to print and you read it, that I can say that I’ve finally won a game of Monopoly and my losing streak has become a winning streak.

Events and Announcements

Amber Wilt is sent good birthday wishes for her special day on Aug. 17.

Many happy returns are wished to Lori Wallis, who has a birthday on Aug. 17.

Happy birthday to Nicole Keen, who is celebrating on Aug. 20.

Donations are needed for the Odyssey Angel Box. The box is on Henry Hand Drive near the Montgomery Borough Garage. The Odyssey Angel box is a large wooden cupboard that supplies food and toiletries to anyone who needs them. The public may help themselves at any time of night or day. If you would like to make donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, or baby items, please put them in the box or leave them on the front porch of 14 W. Houston Ave.

The Montgomery Emergency Management Agency posts weather and emergency updates on their social media feeds. You can follow them on Facebook at Montgomery Emergency Management, and on X (formerly Twitter) at @montgomeryema. Updates are also posted on their website, www.montgomeryboroughema.org.

Montgomery Untamed is collecting items for Birthday Bags. The are accepting the following items: foil cake pans, cake mix, icing, candles, tablecloths, party plates, cups, napkins, utensils, balloons, decorations, party favors and small gifts. The individual items are complied into Birthday Bags, and each one has everything that a child needs to have a birthday party. Birthday Bags are donated to the Footprints of Montgomery Food Pantry for the children of their clients. Birthday Bags are given to children ages 1 through 18. Items can be taken to the Montgomery Area Public Library during operating hours or dropped off on the front porch of 14 W. Houston Ave.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company and the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company would appreciate donations of Gatorade and bottled water during the summer. These beverages help to keep them hydrated while extinguishing fires in the summer heat and humidity.

• Wednesday, Aug. 14 — The library will have Book Buddies at 11 a.m. There will be a story, craft and a snack. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Saturday, Aug. 17 — The Montgomery Area Historical Society will open the Adam Room Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to enjoy this free admission museum dedicated to preserving the history of Montgomery, the surrounding townships, and White Deer Valley. The museum is located at 3 W. Houston Ave. below the library. • A Chicken BBQ will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Oak Grove Community Center. Guests may eat in or take out. The dinner features half a chicken, macaroni salad, baked beans, and a dinner roll. Half chickens may be bought without a meal. • Everyone is invited to the Clinton Baptist Church for a free Community Lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Eat in or take out. • Trivia Night will be held in the social hall of the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company. The games begin at 7 pm but the doors will open at 6 p.m. There will be food and beverage sales from the kitchen and bar (outside food and beverages aren’t allowed). Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. Teams may have up to six players and can be of any age.

• Sunday, Aug. 18 — The First United Methodist Church of Montgomery will have their annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway from noon to 1 p.m. Children and teens are invited to choose a brand-new backpack and a variety of school supplies. • A Back to School Clothing Giveaway will be held by Montgomery Untamed at the Montgomery Area Public Library from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests are asked to please provide their own bags.

• Monday, Aug. 19 to Saturday, Aug. 24 — The library will give away free Windchime Take & Make craft kids to children on a first come, first serve basis.

• Monday, Aug. 19 — The Footprints of Montgomery Food Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept donations. All food donations are welcome, but during the month of August they are requesting peanut butter, jelly, and canned pasta. They are also gladly accepting donations of fresh produce from gardeners. • The library will host the Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary at 2 p.m. This family program will feature a variety of reptiles.

• Wednesday, Aug. 21 — The library will have Book Buddies at 11 a.m. There will be a story, craft, and a snack. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Saturday, Aug. 24 — The Adam Room Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

THOT — “Happiness is not a goal… it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” -Eleanor Roosevelt