Celebration will mark Kraybill Mennonite School’s 75th anniversary
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
On Sept. 6, 1949, Kraybill Mennonite School (KMS) opened its doors for the first time. The school, then located in a renovated church meetinghouse, began with 31 students in grades one through 10. Today, although students in prekindergarten through eighth grade now attend in multiple buildings on the campus, the school’s mission is the same. It’s a place that offers a Christ-centered education, preparing students to do God’s work in the world.
To mark its 75th anniversary, KMS will hold a celebration on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the school, 598 Kraybill Church Road, Mount Joy. With a theme of “God’s
Faithfulness Through the Generations,” the festivities will feature exhibits, snacks, games and time for socializing.
Popcorn from Reist Popcorn Company as well as soft-serve ice cream will be offered outside, while displays of memorabilia, including old yearbooks, will be featured inside. Former students may recognize items such as the apron worn by the “Pocket Lady,” who offered small toys and trinkets, or may enjoy reminiscing about their school experiences.
“We’re going to have an opportunity to play jacks,” said Jason Martin, assistant board chair and a member of the anniversary celebration committee, explaining that for many years, students in fourth grade participated in a jacks tournament. “We’re also
going to have some storytelling where previous students will be able to share stories of things they remember from their time here.”
Videos of musicals and Christmas programs from the past will be played throughout the celebration, and an inspirational message will be presented by Susan Hochstedler Mast at 7 p.m.
“We’ll also have a brief hymn sing, and we’ll present the needs of the school in a brief program,” Martin shared. Long-term projects at the school include building updates such as a new roof and new HVAC system. To help fund the work, the school is selling engraved bricks, which will be available to order at the celebration. Additional funds for the school are raised through an
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
When state Rep. Tom Jones hosts the 55 & Up Expo on Tuesday, Sept. 10, he wants it to be an opportunity for people to explore state-related services, programs and resources available in the community. The free expo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy.
Last year, Jones hosted a
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
As a nurse practitioner in the cancer unit of a local hospital, Bainbridge resident Kimberly Dodson saw firsthand how the disease affected families beyond their health.
“As I took care of patients, they would say things like, ‘I can’t afford my chemo. I have to decide, do I take my chemo or do I pay for food for my kids?’ They had to made decisions that they should not have to make,” Dodson recalled.
Inspired to help, Dodson formed the Teal Blanket Fund,
a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises money to help women with gynecological cancer.
The nonprofit formed in March of 2020 after Dodson and other volunteers organized a bingo in 2019 to raise money for patients. The event was so well-received that the group decided to create a formal organization and host regular fundraisers.
The nonprofit’s name comes from the color associated with fighting ovarian cancer, teal, and the goal of the organization.
“One of our patients said,
Kraybill Mennonite School students and a parent with some of the memorabilia that will be displayed at the school’s 75th anniversary celebration
State Rep. Tom Jones (second from right) with representatives from Susquehanna Service Dogs at last year’s Senior Expo
Cub Scout Pack 39 posts recruitment events
Robbin Campbell (center), den leader and committee chairman for Pack 39, instructs Scouts on how to fold the U.S. flag.
Family Cub Scout Pack 39 in Mount Joy is about to start its second year offering activities for boys and girls from kindergarten to fifth grade. The pack, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mount Joy, has planned two events for prospective members and their families, which will be held at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy.
The pack will hold a Cub Scout Carnival on Thurs -
day, Aug. 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot rain or shine. Attendees may set off rockets, fly airplanes, race pinewood derby cars and rain gutter regatta boats, experience a Scout campsite, and make s’mores.
A Cub Scout Roundup will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. While the children spend a half hour with the Cub Scouts and den leaders, parents may learn about the Scouting program. There is no obligation to join. For more information, contact Cubmaster Bob Adams at robertadams28@gmail.com or 717-492-4809.
TREE SERVICE
GEARS sets activities
GEARS has posted its upcoming programs. For more information or to register, visit www .getintogears.org or call 717-367-0355.
GEARS is accepting team registrations for its Fall Coed Slow-Pitch Softball League. League play will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays from Sept. 9 to early
November. Each team will play a 10-game schedule with playoffs. There is a team entry fee. POUND will be held on Fridays, Sept. 13 to Oct. 18, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at Fighting Dragons, 101 Cherry St., Elizabethtown. Led by certified POUND instructor Courtney Lesnick, participants will use Ripstix, lightly
weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercise. The class will combine cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspored movements. Participants must be age 14 or older, and they should bring a yoga mat. Separate fees have been set for residents and for nonresidents.
Fig Tree grant winners announced
Fig Industries recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Fig Tree grants. The grants represent more than just financial support; they symbolize the company’s commitment to nurturing Lancaster city’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
In collaboration with the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Fig Industries established The Fig Tree in 2023. Thanks to additional support from local businesses and individuals, this year’s grant
cycle had $35,000 available for distribution. Through a grant to Lancaster City Alliance, local businesses received $5,000 each to support growth and innovative new ideas.
The Fig Tree 2024 grant recipients are EsōArts, INGOMA Films, Lancaster Gift Box, PAVAA Gallery, Pham Enterprises, Pocket Books Shop and RichStitch Embroidery.
Grant recipients were chosen by an independent advisory committee composed of seven individuals
from across the community. Members of the committee reviewed and scored the responses of all applicants based on their ideas.
Local businesses that invested in The Fig Tree for its first year along with Fig Industries are Work Wisdom, Cargas, and Trout CPA. Several local individuals also contributed.
The next Fig Tree grant cycle will open in March 2025. Find more information and support The Fig Tree at www.lancfound.org/ fund/the-fig-tree.
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Leadership event slated
Live2Lead 2024 will be held on Friday, Oct. 4, at Shady Maple Banquets, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and the event will end at approximately 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Goble Group for the 11th year, Live2Lead is an annual growth-focused gathering where attendees learn via
video rebroadcast from leadership and business experts within various industries. This year’s keynote speaker will be author Jon Gordon, and the event will also feature comedic thought leader and actor Michael Jr.; leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell; four-time Olympian,
author, TEDx speaker, and breast cancer survivor Chaunté Lowe; and journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell. The ticket fee will be discounted through Friday, Aug. 30. For more information, visit www.thegoble group.com/live2lead, call 717-682-3198, or email steve@thegoblegroup.com.
BOSSLER MENNONITE CHURCH: Located at 2021 Bossler Rd., Elizabethtown. Phone: 717-367-5167. Web site: www.bosslermennonite.org Sunday School at 9 am; Sunday Worship held at 10 am. Preschool: 717-537-8192.
CHIQUES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy. Doug Paglia, Pastor. Worship Service at 9-10 am Youth & Children’s Sunday School: 9-10 am. Refreshments & Fellowship: 10-10:30 am. Adult Sunday School at 10:30-11:30 am. Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. For more information, call: 717-653-5175.
CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
GOSPEL OUTREACH (GO) CHURCH: 61 E Washington St, E-town. 717-475-7551. Love God, Love People, Disciple One Another. Sunday Worship: 8-9:15 a.m., Tuesday Bible Study 7-8:30 p.m., Saturday Outreach: 1-2 p.m., Gospel Outreach Training (GOT!): 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Rev. Dr. Kara Werner, Pastor. Visit us online at gochurch22.com
SAINT PAUL’S CHURCH (A united Methodist Congregation): 398 N. Locust Street (North Spruce and Oak Streets), Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Phone:717-367-1889. Sunday Worship: Traditional at 8:30am, Grace Kids (ages 0-12 yrs) at 10:15am, Contemporary 10:15am.Email:office@wearesaintpauls.com Visit us online at: wearesaintpauls.com
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 239 E Market St, Marietta. Church Phone: 717426-3189. Sunday Holy Eucharist 10:30am Handicapped Accessible.
75-133 East High Street, Elizabethtown 717-367-2786. Rev. Albert J. Domines, Jr., Sr. Pastor. Rev. Gerald R. Kliner, Jr., Assoc. Pastor. Liturgies of Holy Eucharist Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 9:30am (Livestream and recorded on YouTube). Fellowship following Sunday Service. Handicapped accessible. Morning Prayer Wed. at 8:30am. www.christlutheran-etown.com
GRACE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF MANHEIM: 1483 N. Colebrook Rd., Manheim. SUNDAYS: Adult Bible Class at 9:30am and Worship Service at 10:30am. Wednesday Evening Prayer is held from 6:30pm-7:30pm For more details, please visit http://www.gcfmanheim.org or call 717-665-7222.
ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Loving, growing, and sharing JOY through Jesus! Sunday service times: 9 and 10:30 a.m. 27 E. Main St., Mount Joy 717-6535493. www.connectstmarks.com Livestream at facebook.com/ConnectStMarks
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: Welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, & Reach Out with us! 331 Anderson Ferry Rd (off Rt. 441 on Rt. 772), Marietta, PA 17547, 717-426-1345, cbcpa.org. Service times are Sundays at 9:00 & 10:45am. The Livestream service is at 10:45am at cbcpa.org.
ELIZABETHTOWN MENNONITE CHURCH:
300 S Spruce St. (corner of S. Spruce & E. Bainbridge) Elizabethtown, PA 17022. You are welcome to join us for Sunday School at 9:00 am and Sunday Worship at 10:00 am - in person or livestreamed on our YouTube Channel. Ph: 717-367-7089 info@etownmennonite.com Visit us online at www.etownmennonite.com
ETOWN GRACE CHURCH, 305 Anchor Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Dr. Rick A. Clark, Pastor. Sunday: SS and Adult Bible Classes 9 am, Morning Worship 10:15 am. Wed night 6:15-7:45 pm AWANA (Children’s Ministry). Website at etowngrace.com
FLORIN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN: Come worship with us! 9:15am Sunday mornings at 815 Bruce Avenue, Mount Joy PA 17552. To view remotely on Zoom, call the church office for access codes. Listen to recorded sermons on our website at www.florincob.org Phone: 717-653-1202 Email: secretary@florincob.org
GLOSSBRENNER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 713 Church St. (located on the corner of Church & Angle Sts.), Mount Joy. Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. live (Livestream & recorded on website); 2nd & 3rd Sunday - Praise Band. Sunday School: 11:15am.; Tuesday Youth Group: 6:30 to 8 pm.; Pastor: Heather Hammel, Children & Youth Director: Jessica Rockey. Church Office: 717-653-5683. "Like" us on Facebook: Glossbrenner United Methodist Church. www.glossbrenner.net
MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (A Roman Catholic Parish): 625 Union School Rd., Mount Joy. Pastor: Rev. Ted Keating. Mass Times: Saturday Vigil 4:30pm, Sunday 8:30 & 11 am; Monday thru Friday 8:30 am. Confessions: Sat 3:30pm. 717-653-4903, visit us online at www.marymotherparish.org
MAYTOWN CHURCH OF GOD: 14 West Elizabeth St., Maytown. Scott Sweigart, Pastor. All are w0elcome! Sunday Worship Service at 9:00 am. Phone: 717-426-3117. www.maytowncog.org
MILTON GROVE CHURCH: 2026 Cloverleaf Road (located N. of Rt. 283 Rheems/ Elizabethtown Exit) Mount Joy. Pastor: Jamie Pietsch. Join us Sundays at 9:30 am for in-person worship and on Facebook live at www.miltongrovechurch.com
PROCLAMATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA): Meeting at Kraybill Mennonite School, 598 Kraybill Church Rd., Mount Joy, PA 17552. Sundays at 10:30am We Welcome You! Visit us online at www.proclamationpca.com
RUHL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: A growing church committed to Christ. Worship on Sunday morning at 8 am for a traditional feel. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 am., 10:30 am. Worship led by praise band. (Nursery available. Handicap accessible.) For more information, please call 717-665-3400 or visit www.ruhlschurch.org Located at 4810 Elizabethtown Rd, Manheim.
SAINT LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 209 S. Market St. at Columbia Ave., Mount Joy. Phone: 717-653-4977. Sunday Holy Eucharist at 11 am. Wednesday Morning Prayer at 10 am in the Education Building. Taize Service 1st Sat. of the month at 5 pm. stlukesmountjoy@gmail.com www.stlukesmountjoypa.org Handicap Accessible.
TBC BIBLE CHURCH: Together Becoming Christ-like, we warmly invite you to join us in our traditional service. Sunday school at 9:30, Morning Worship at 10:30, Wed. evening prayer meeting 7:00 pm. tbcbiblechurch.org Located at 5880 Schoolhouse Rd., Elizabethtown. Phone: 717-433-7585
WAYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 600 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville (near Hempfield High School). Wayside enjoys one combined Summer Sunday Worship Service @ 10am w/contemporary & traditional elements. Family Ministry at the same hour for nursery, children, and youth ages. Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Fritz, Pastor. For more info, visit www.waysidepc.org or (717) 898-1551.
WESTGATE BAPTIST CHURCH: 2235 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 One mile North of Park City. Pastor Robert Zimmerman. A beautifully blended Sunday morning service at 11 AM, under the leadership of Pianist David Ryan & known guitarist Chuck Oetelle. Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM during the school year. Preaching/Teaching focus seeks to be distinctively Biblical, relevant, creative, engaging in the midst of today’s moral/cultural chaos. Find us on Facebook: Westgate American Baptist Church. Website: Westgateabc.com
WORD OF LIFE CHAPEL: 139 Wickersham Rd., Bainbridge. 717-426-1171 Sunday Service - 10:15 am (Children’s Ministry & Nursery Care Provided). Visit us online at www.wordoflifechapel.org We welcome you!
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH/ LANDISVILLE: 85 East Brandt Blvd. 717-898-2911; adminzelc@comcast.net In-person worship at 9am. Live-stream link can be found at zionhempfield.net under the worship tab and on the Zion Lutheran Hempfield Facebook page. Adult Sunday School in-person at 10:15am. Pastor Timothy Seitz-Brown.
Middletown
Pet walk and fundraiser planned
ClassONE Property
Restoration will hold a “Save Our Pets” Project pet walk and fundraiser event on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail in Manheim. The event will include a pet walk, vendors offering pet-related products and services, a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses, a selection of
food trucks, a pet photo shoot and caricature drawings and a fire truck display.
Admission to the firsttime event is free, and people of all ages are welcome, with or without pets. Those who are participating in the pet walk must register in advance and will be asked to pay a fee per pet. Each registered pet walker will receive goodie
bag that includes an event T-shirt as well as a bandana for his or her pet.
The goal of the walk is to raise funds to provide local fire departments and other emergency responders with pet oxygen mask kits, ensuring they can swiftly assist pets that are rescued from burning homes. The event will also support other pet emergency services, such as funding
New scholarships created
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) has created $32,000 in academic scholarships. The scholarships will be split evenly into $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who have also achieved the Student/Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (ST/CHMM) designation and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate
or graduate education in approved schools and who also have the Student/ Associate Safety and Health Manager (ST/ASHM) designation.
IHMM has named this scholarship the Dr. John H. Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship in honor of one of the principal founders of IHMM, who passed away in 2023.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a full-time student who will be enrolled
in a graduate or undergraduate degree program that is an IHMM-approved hazardous materials management or safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) degree program. Applicants should be in good academic standing in their IHMM-approved degree program with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. They must have at least one full academic year remaining at the time of the application deadline, and they must demonstrate
the Pennsylvania Animal Response Team (PART) and ClassONE’s Paw Grants. These grants help cover adoption-related fees for families looking to adopt a pet after losing their own in a fire.
To learn more and register for the walk, visit www.facebook.com/class onepropertyrestoration or www.classoneresto ration.com.
a desire to enter the hazardous materials management or SH&E profession upon graduation.
The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 18. For more information, visit https:// ihmm.org/scholarship/ or email info@ihmm.org.
homesummer improvement
‘When we have to get chemo, a lot of us bring blankets or we are provided with nice, warm blankets,’” Dodson said. “A blanket wraps around the patient to make them feel comfortable, safe and secure. That’s what we’re trying to do with this organization.”
The Teal Blanket Fund hosts a bingo event each fall and a golf tournament each spring. The organization’s fourth annual golf tournament raised more than $10,000 in June.
Bingo will be held on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Londonderry Fire Company, 2655 Foxianna Road, Middletown. Doors will open at noon, and bingo will begin at 2 p.m.
Patients interested in receiving Teal Blanket support fill out a brief application. The organization will provide a portion of the payment toward bills as well as Weis grocery gift cards.
serving women in 10 counties throughout central Pennsylvania.
Gynecological cancers affect women of all ages. According to the American Cancer Society, 66,200 new cases of uterine cancer were diagnosed in 2023, with an estimated 13,030 deaths from the disease.
The National Cancer Institute estimates 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the United States annually, with close to 14,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year.
Now working at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Dodson continues to advocate for women affected by gynecological cancer.
the golf tournament. For more information, email Dodson at jldkad119@aol.
or search
Dodson noted that the Teal Blanket Fund has grown from a small organization helping patients in Cumberland County to
“Women are having to make decisions like, ‘Can I pay for the gas I need to drive to radiation sessions, or do I feed my family?’ and no one should be in that position,” she said. “These women need our love and support.”
The Teal Blanket Fund is always seeking donations as well as volunteers to assist at events and sponsors for
Chorus seeks new members
The Elizabethtown Community Chorus is seeking new members to join the chorus, and people age 15 and up of all voice parts and singing abilities are welcome.
The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:20 p.m. in Leffler Chapel-Musser Auditorium on the campus of Elizabeth -
town College, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown. Rehearsals will begin on Aug. 27, and individuals may join the chorus up until Sept. 10. Concert performances are scheduled for late September and December.
For more information, contact Matthew Fritz at fritzm@etown.edu or 717-361-1112.
com
for “The Teal Blanket Fund” on Facebook.
People enjoy a previous year’s bingo for the Teal Blanket Fund.
similar event called a Senior Expo. The feedback from that event was overwhelmingly positive, with vendors asking to be included in this year’s event and lots of interest from attendees, said Sharon Ogilvie, district office manager for Jones.
“Rep. Jones wants to focus on local resources and services for those 55 and up,” she explained. “He also changed the title of Senior Expo from last year to 55 & Up Expo this year to encourage a larger age group of people to attend. The expo is not just for those in retirement but also for those looking ahead. All ages are welcome to check out the expo and find resources for themselves as well as for older relatives and friends.”
She noted that about 30 vendors are expected at the event, including 14 that are new this year. Returning vendors will include Blessings of Hope, Susquehanna Service Dogs and Masonic Villages. New participants include Catalyst, Central Pennsylvania Cremation Society and MESA.
prizes,” she commented.
“Everyone that participates receives a ticket to be entered for a door prize. A ticket will be drawn every 15 to 30 minutes. A ‘passport’ will be given out for participants to check off as they visit each vendor table. Completed passports
will be turned in and used for a drawing at the end.”
Ogilvie said last year’s attendees commented on the variety of vendors and the wealth of information they received. Holding an event like the expo allows Jones to better serve the 62,000 people who live in the 98th legislative district.
“The expo offers an
opportunity for Rep. Jones to connect with constituents. He also holds monthly Coffees and Conversations to give constituents the opportunity to discuss issues directly,” Ogilvie said, noting that upcoming Coffee and Conversation dates are Thursdays, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12. “Rep. Jones also
hosted a shredding event and pizza/policy in April and even held an ice cream and issues night at Gigi’s in Bainbridge during National Ice Cream Month in July.”
Jones is also hosting a booth at the Elizabethtown Fair this week, providing state-related resources, and he will take a turn in the Cornerstone Youth Center
dunk tank at the fair on Friday, Aug. 23. “Rep. Jones makes every effort to get out into the community by attending local events like parades, block parties, etc.,” Ogilvie said. For more information on the 55 & Up Expo, visit www.reptomjones.com/ events or call Jones’ office at 717-367-5525.
Community Health
ChildProtect Pop-Up Clinic
Community Health
ChildProtect Pop-Up Clinic
children 0-18 years of age: (Medicaid)
“Several government agencies will be present: PA Department of Aging, PA Attorney General, PA Department of Banking and Securities, PA Treasury, Representatives from PA state Sen. Aument’s office and Congressman Smucker’s office,” Ogilvie said, emphasizing that the expo has no political party affiliation and is open to anyone. “The expo is not just focused on health or serious topics. Information on volunteer opportunities with ways to give back to the community will be available.”
Coffee and pastries will be provided, and there will be space for people to sit and socialize during the expo. People may come and go during the two-hour period or stay the whole time, Ogilvie said.
“Generous vendors provided wonderful door
Free immunizations for children 0-18 years of age:
Free immunizations for children 0-18 years of age:
ChildProtect Pop-Up Clinic
•With no medical insurance or
•With no medical insurance or
Free immunizations for children 0-18 years of age:
•With Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
•With Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
•With no medical insurance or
Children with CHIP medical insurance do not qualify for this program.
Birth
2 months
•With Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Children with CHIP medical insurance do not qualify for this program.
Children with CHIP medical insurance do
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP); Hep B; Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib); Pneumococcal diease (PCV); Inactivated poliomyelitis virus (Polio); Rotavirus
4 months DTaP, Hep B if needed, Hib, PCV, Polio, Rotavirus
6 months Hep B, DTaP, Hib, PCV, Polio, Rotavirus
12 months* Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Varicella (VAR), Hib, Hepatitis A
15 months* DTaP, PCV
4-6 years* DTaP, Polio, MMR, VAR
After 9th birthday* HPV
11-18 years*
Meningococcal ACWY; Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis (Tdap) 16-18 years* Meningococcal B
*Yearly flu shots except for first year when two are needed
Susquehanna Family Medicine 1159 River Road, Marietta
Family Medicine 1159 River Road, Marietta
5th
Thurs., Sept 5th 2pm - 6pm
Thurs., Sept 5th 2pm - 6pm
1159 River Road, Marietta Thurs., Sept 5th 2pm - 6pm
MilitaryShare program to offer food
Kraybill
BUSINESS Directory BUSINESS Directory
Those promoting the MilitaryShare program include (from left) Steve Knox, director of the Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown; Jeremy Pearson, programs coordinator with Central Pennsylvania Food Bank; Evan Armstrong, policy research associate with Central Pennsylvania Food Bank; Monica Koontz with the National Guard; and UCEA volunteers Joe Sciacca and Pam Wolgemuth.
Food assistance for local service members, veterans, and their immediate family members is available through the MilitaryShare program, a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and the United Churches Elizabethtown Area (UCEA) Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank partners with military service organizations throughout more than 20 central Pennsylvania counties to help ensure that eligible people can register for the program. Those who qualify will receive boxes of healthy, shelf-stable food
items and fresh items such as milk, meat, eggs, and produce. Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown is used as a staging and distribution point.
The next distribution is set for Thursday, Sept. 12, and registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 5. To register, service members, veterans, and their family members living in the 17022, 17502, or 17552 ZIP codes may contact Monica Koontz, soldier and family readiness specialist with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, at 717-821-4684 or Monica .L.Koontz.civ@army.mil. For more information about UCEA, visit www .communityplaceetown.org.
The 2025 auction will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10.
Over the past 75 years, KMS has weathered ups and downs, including a period a few years ago when there was concern that the school might have to close due to declining enrollment.
Staff members kept the faith, and the school is thriving with a current enrollment of more than 230 students.
The popularity of the school can be attributed to several factors, said Sheryl Keller, assistant principal.
“We’re seeing a lot of former students are now having their own families and are sending their children here,” she stated. “We are also learning that word of mouth is a big influence. People who haven’t been a part of the school are hearing good things about us from their friends and neighbors.”
Principal Janice Greenleaf attributes the school’s longevity to the dedication of the teachers as well as the role the school plays
in the larger community.
“We look at finding ways for students to serve our school, to serve the local community and to serve the global community,” she said, noting that a schoolwide service project is held each fall. “It’s all about connection and community. Visitors tell us when they walk in the door, they feel welcomed. It’s a calm and peaceful environment.”
Martin anticipates the 75th anniversary celebration to attract two groups of people: former students who want to indulge in some nostalgia and new families that are curious about KMS.
“We want people to come and see what we’re all about if they don’t have experience with the school, and we invite people who have attended here to come back and see old classmates and teachers,” he said. “This celebration is open to everyone.” For more information about the celebration or to order a commemorative brick, visit www.kraybill mennonite.org/75.
Navy veteran to speak
The Military Oral History Club of Lancaster County will host John Wolfe as the speaker on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 2435, 401 Manor St., Columbia.
Wolfe served in the Navy during World War II. His training, conducted at many U.S. Naval Air Centers, was on the PV-1 Ventura, a twin-engine bomber. He also served with an operating squad-
ron that conducted anti-submarine patrols. Wolfe remained in the Navy Reserve following active duty and became a commercial pilot. He is also an aviation historian. He recently took part in an AARP program in June that grants the wishes of retired adults.
The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 717-319-3430.
Women’s club sets meeting
The Elizabethtown/ Mount Joy Christian Women’s Connection invites local women to attend a “Sounds of Freedom” brunch on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant, 1050 W. Main St., Mount Joy. The set price is inclusive.
Sharon Jones, a violinist from Harrisburg, will present special music.
Jeanne Herr Cassidy, a Maytown resident who
is also a Civil War re-enactor and a member of the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, will talk about women in the Civil War.
Bobbi DeZarn from Erie will share “What’s in a Word?” DeZarn will speak about a family tragedy and a directionless life.
Reservations and payment must be received by Friday, Aug. 30. For more information or to make a reservation, call Sandy at 717-367-1054.
