We Are Montgomery Township

On this week's episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Community and Recreation Center Director Floyd Shaffer to discuss his background in the recreation field and how he came to run the bustling CRC we see today. Shaffer also helped rebuild the CRC attendance after the Covid-19 pandemic. From pickleball to the splash pad, get an inside look on what makes our CRC so special.

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Director of Public Works Greg Reiff to discuss how the Public Works Department helps keep Montgomery Township safe, clean, and running smoothly. Reiff explains the roles and responsibilities of the department's three divisions: Roads, Parks, and Facilities. He also addresses common misconceptions about the work these crews do every day. The conversation previews upcoming road, park, and infrastructure projects planned for the coming year and explores how the department adapts to unexpected challenges while keeping essential services on track. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Township coordinates snow and ice removal to keep roads safe during winter weather.

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Special Events and Facilities Coordinator Jenna Bertoti to discuss Montgomery Township's Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff: America 250 event! From new food and beer vendors to spectacular fireworks, Carolyn and Jenna detail how this celebration stands out from the rest.What is our Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff: America 250 Event? We're glad you asked!Montgomery Township is proud to celebrate America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. That’s why this year our Stars, Stripes, and Remembrance Event is being renamed Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff: America 250. So, bring a blanket, bring your family, and join us as we kick off Memorial Day Weekend while celebrating 250 years of American independence right here in Montgomery Township!Key DetailsDate: Friday, May 22, 2026Time: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.Location: William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae (1147 Kenas Road)Cost: FREE

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Community Policing Officer Jason English to discuss the role of community policing and how local law enforcement builds relationships with residents. Officer English shares his path to becoming a police officer, what drew him to outreach and public engagement, and why connecting with the community is such an important part of modern policing. The conversation also highlights the Montgomery Township Citizens Police Academy and other outreach efforts designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at police work, strengthen trust, and encourage meaningful dialogue between officers and the community they serve.--------------------------Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Tanya Bamford to talk about leadership, decision-making, and community engagement in Montgomery Township. Bamford shares her path to elected office, her approach to leading the Board as chair, and the importance of transparency, communication, and consensus-building. The conversation also explores how township policies are shaped, why good governance takes time, and how residents can make their voices heard. Bamford reflects on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of investing in staff and training, and her vision for continuous improvement and stronger connections with the community in the years ahead.--------------------------Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, host Derek Muller sits down with Township Manager Carolyn McCreary for an inside look at how the 2026 Montgomery Township budget comes together. They break down the process in plain language—from long-range planning and capital priorities to grants, staffing needs, and the legal requirements of a second class township. Carolyn walks listeners through why certain projects rise to the top, how the Township balances limited revenue with aging infrastructure, and what major improvements are coming in 2026, including traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian safety projects, culvert replacements near local schools, and the revitalization of Whistlestop Park. Whether you're curious about how decisions are made, how tax dollars are used, or how to follow the budget process from home, this episode offers a transparent, accessible look at the blueprint that guides Township operations every day.--------------------------Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett to discuss how her office serves the community and why state government matters in our everyday lives. From her unique journey as an attorney and nurse to her current role in Harrisburg, Senator Collett shares how her background shaped her passion for public service. Together, they cover everything from constituent services and senior resources to understanding the legislative process and the importance of civic engagement. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of how state government works and how to connect with the services available to them.--------------------------Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

Montgomery Township is at a pivotal moment in how it delivers emergency services. In this episode, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary speaks with Fire Chief Bill Wiegman about the growing challenge of maintaining safe and timely fire response amidst declining volunteerism, modern construction risks, and increasing emergency call volumes.The conversation outlines a proposed transition to a fully staffed, 24/7 combination fire department — a change designed to improve response times, increase firefighter safety, and better serve the community. This proposal includes the hiring of 19 career firefighters. Township staff are seeking consensus from the Board of Supervisors to include it in the 2026 Township Budget. If included in the budget, it would require a real estate tax increase to fund the expansion.Learn what’s at stake, what the data shows, and how the Township is planning for the future of public safety — with residents' lives, property, and dollars in mind.---------Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

In this special episode of We Are Montgomery Township, we take a heartfelt deep dive into The Wall That Heals—a traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial coming to Montgomery Township in July 2025. Host, Co-Chair, and Township Manager Carolyn McCreary and Co-Chair Deb Rivas sit down with Tim Tetz, Director of Outreach for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, to discuss The Wall’s significance, its impact on communities, and why Montgomery Township was chosen as a host site. Together, they explore themes of remembrance, education, and healing, while highlighting how local volunteers, veterans, and organizations are coming together to support this powerful event. Whether you're a veteran, student, or community member, this episode will leave you inspired to participate in a truly moving experience. Montgomery Township is honored to host The Wall That Heals from July 10th to July 13th, 2025. The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., that travels across the country. The exhibit honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. For more information visit: https://www.thewallthathealsmontgomerytwppa2025.org/Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn

In this episode of We Are Montgomery Township, Township Manager Carolyn McCreary sits down with Kristine Willard, HR Administrator, to explore the evolving landscape of hiring, workplace culture, and staff engagement in local government. Kristine shares her professional journey from police administrative support to earning a doctorate in organizational leadership, and how that shaped her human-first approach to HR. The conversation covers challenges in public sector recruitment, creative strategies for outreach and internships, and the importance of building an inclusive, connected culture in a multigenerational workforce. From staff retreats and Friday lunches to onboarding practices that prioritize connection, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how Montgomery Township supports its employees while staying fiscally responsible. Kristine closes with heartfelt reflections on what makes Montgomery Township feel like “a warm hug”—a place where people genuinely care and thrive.Please subscribe to the We Are Montgomery Township Podcast. You can also connect with us on the following channels:WebsiteEmail Newsletter (E-News)Facebook: Montgomery Township, PAInstagram: @MontTwpLinkedIn