LOIS WITH THE MONTGOMERY NEWS, MARCH 22, ‘26

3/15.. The early morning fire that happened on West Hill and took the life of Terje Anderson..it was a tragic loss, and this Community is saddened by the loss. We were getting a snow storm at that time of the morning and understand that those hills going up there were slippery for the trucks and luckily no one went off the roads with their trucks or were hurt. The TV News has kept up on this accident and there fore kept the public of the happenings. This was another Montgomery historical sight..The West Hill School, Kathy Jewett King was telling me both her parents went to school there, Gerald Jewett and Ruth Frazier and later were married; Then Linda Van Gieson said her mother Beatrice Lumbra attended school there. Then David Tryhorne mentioned his mother Pearl Pudvah T. Might have gone there also. In our Town History Book there is a mention of many schools here years ago, My husband went his 8 grades in the big Village School that later became the Montgomery Schoolhouse Wooden Toy Factory, that later burned down. But there were still sidewalks that went to the school..they were buried in the bushes that run along St. Onge fence line and we dug it up and use it and also my Brother Bud took some for his walk way in Enosburg. The big Center School had all grades attending there, Our Children attended school there. I do not remember what year it closed, but that school was taken down and now is the property of the Fire Department, the Town Clerks office, Town Library and a Conference Room, are all occupied there. On Saturdays the parking lot holds garbage day, you bring your garbage in to be hauled away. The East Hill School House is a restaurant. which is now known as, The Belfry. There were many changes made but it’s still visible of being a school house, once upon a time. These are just stories I have over heard or lived through over the 65 years I have been here in Montgomery. The Montgomery History book that has been put out by the Historical Society, I believe still has copies for sale.

Congratulations to Ava Walker. Ava Walker a senior at EFHS was one of three recipients in Vt. Of the WCAX and St. Michaels College Service Scholarship that was awarded $20,000. 00. Ava will attend St. Michaels this fall, with a $20,000.00 a year scholarship for each of her four years there. She already did a semester this year becoming an EMT. She plans to become a Pediatric Dentist upon graduating and continue for her degree. She has been a volunteer for Special Olympics. She recently participated in the Penguin Plunge. Ava is the daughter of Jodi Iannantoni and Trevor Walker. 3/16.. What a wonderful start to a new week with a surprise for my neighbor Ava Walker. I Maggie Elkins am proud to have accompanied her Father Trevor Walker, her grand parents Jon and Barbara Walker to the Awards Ceremony. Ava was awarded $20,000.00 a Service Scholarship from Saint Michaels College which was presented on WCAX television crew and two members of the Administrative Office from St. Michaels. We are all so very proud of Ava and wish her the best in her future with all she plans to do. We Love You Ava!! Ava is spending this summer as a Camp Counselor at Camp Downer, in Sharon, Vt.

3/13-15. Therese Begnoche headed out to Montreal to her cousin Madeleine (Landry) Richard, 100th year old Birthday Party to be held on 3/14. Therese drove to Cookshire on Friday stayed over night with cousin Denyse, then Saturday she drove to her sister Roberte’s to Sherbrooke, who then drove us all to Boucherville. When the guest arrived she was very surprised to see me. (Therese)

It was a very lovely party organized by her two daughters. Her nephew Serge Landry came from New Zealand and her sister Clair from Vancouver British Columbia. There were about 100 people in attendance that included her grand, and great grand children. The weather returning was not the greatest but we made it back safely.

Just received an Event that took place Friday night at the Town Library…I Missed it..Two Meteorologists Robert Haynes & Tyler Danzig were here to let people know how they forecast and observe the weather for us. They provide alerts for Vermont and New York. This event was sponsored by The Friendsofmontgomerytownlibrary…Thank You so much!! (March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. was the beginning of Spring.)

News this week has been all about the weather here and there.… “Whether you like it or not.” That quote was sent to me, had to share it..as I loved it. But in my talking with so many..the News about the weather seems to be the icing on the cake for many. We are weathering the storms!! But it will be Spring soon..it is in California!!!!

3/22..It’s Sunday morning with a snow storm that came in the night time for Northern Vermont…It is a heavy snow and the roads are horrendous driving. There is a lot of traffic going up by on the main road, must be going to Jay Peak skiing, maybe this snow is good for Spring skiing. Maybe for making a snowman..my neighbor Maggie makes them so perfectly. Our Church Service was prepared and Officiated by John Gorton, his sermon was entitled “Redemption Road.” John was not feeling well today and we were all very concerned for him. Just hope all is well and he is home safe and sound. PS…John made it home safely..and went to bed..he needed rest. I am about to send the News..3:10 p.m.

Events coming up: Rabies Clinic….March 28, 2026…will be held at the Montgomery Elementary School parking lot..time: 12:15 – 12:45p.m.

EGG HUNT: Saturday April 4, 2026..Time: 1 p.m. on. Held at the Montgomery Center Rec.grounds. There will be fun games with prizes, face painting, egg hunt for different age groups, A VISIT FROM THE EASTER BUNNY; Hot Dog stand, Proceeds to benefit the Food Pantry. We are asking everyone to bring a non perishable food item to benefit the Food Pantry…THANK YOU!!!

Happy Birthday to: Nancy Lumbra, Lucille Hulbut 3/30; Jeff King, 4/1; Collins Paradee 4/2; Marty Lumbra, Brenda Combs, Sharon Evans 4/3.

Jokes for the week..**1. How much space should you give a fungi? As mushroom as possible. 2. What does a cloud wear under its rain coat? Thunder-wear. 3. What did one rain drop say to the other? Two’s company…three’s a cloud. 4. How to hurricanes see? One eye.***

This is the News for this week..whether it’s good or bad it’s the weather we got to bitch about as one of my readers said to me. Just had to fit it in for her. Have a good day and stay safe…Love To All…