Elizabethtown
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord
Most High.”
Psalm 7:17
All aboard for Christmas magic in miniature
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Talk about attention to detail. Visit the Masonic Village & Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club, and you’ll see firsthand the hours of work and passion the members have put into the tiniest details of the expansive train display. From hand-painted signs to period-specific materials, the exhibit brings the past to life, all in miniature.
The club will host holiday open houses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, as well as from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.
“What we’ve been doing over the last six years or so is getting rid of the toy aspect and bringing things into scale, so everything is more realistic,” said club president John Monti. “People don’t realize how long it takes to do some of this and the level of detail we put in.” One recent section the group worked on required more than 300 hours to complete, he said.
The layout fills multiple rooms in the building on Freemason Drive on the campus of Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.
“One thing that is unique about our club is most clubs only run one gauge of trains,” said Bill Fishel, club treasurer. “When we host an open house, we have seven different gauges of trains
operating.” The display features the small Z-scale - so tiny it fits as a display within the display - to the largest Standard scale.
Scenes feature towns, seasonal activities, local landmarks and more.
A new Masonic Lodge has recently been added, with a group of Masons posed in front of the building. Each man wears a tiny Mason apron, hand-painted by Monti to reflect what Masons wear at their meetings.
When Monti joined the club, he thought he’d focus on construction and electrical aspects of the display. Instead, he’s discovered he loves contributing to the scenery and painting.
“I’ll also source materials,” he shared, noting that pieces come from all over the world, including Canada, Vietnam and Hungary. He points out that the display is truly a team effort. When installing a new period-specific gas station, for example, Fishel recalled
that stations of the past had a hose customers would drive over, ringing a bell to signify their presence, so a tiny hose was added to the display.
The club formed in 1997, and it currently includes about 60 members. “It’s split almost 50/50 down the middle, with half of the club members being residents here at Masonic Village and half residents from the surrounding community,” Monti remarked. It’s open to men and women
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
The phrase “happy holidays” can be heard everywhere in the weeks leading up to the new year, but for some people, this season is anything but merry. Jeri Culbertson, the owner of Naturally Gifted by Jeri in Elizabethtown, wants to help. She will host a series of grief support groups in December. “Speak Your Peace: A Sanctuary of Solace for the Healing Heart” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, with the possible addition of Dec. 29 if there is enough interest. The sessions will be offered free of charge at Naturally Gifted by Jeri, 1 Market St., Suite 103. A freewill offering will be accepted to cover the cost of refreshments and supplies.
“I want people to know that it’s OK to not be OK,” Culbertson said. “I want to provide people with some tools to help them cope with grief, stress and other triggers that happen for some people during the holidays.” She will guide participants through breathing exercises and meditation and provide a comforting presence.
“I can’t fix everything, but just knowing someone is there
Inviting people to an open house are (from left) Bill Fishel and John Monti.
Serving seniors at Christmas
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
For more than 35 years, Helen Bechtold has been providing free Christmas dinner to seniors age 55 and up throughout the region. This year she’s back at it again - and she could use community help.
“This year, more than ever, we need community donations,” Bechtold said. “With the cost of living on the rise, help is needed more than ever.”
Donations are needed for both the meal fixings and additional items given to the seniors such as hygiene products and paper products. For the meal, each senior will receive turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a vegetable and a dessert.
Meals will be available for takeout only at the Hambones Social Club of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., Columbia, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
Last year, Bechtold and
other volunteers, including longtime cook Sis Luzader, distributed more than 100 meals, and Bechtold expects to do even more this year.
“There is definitely a need for this,” she said. “The older population of this area is growing.”
She emphasized that the meal and additional items are available to anyone age 55 and older, no matter their economic status.
“This is not only for low-income seniors,” she said. “It’s for everyone 55 and up who is alone on Christmas or who just doesn’t feel like cooking. It’s for anyone who wants to come out and talk with someone and spend some time with other people while they pick up their meal.”
And although the meal is offered in Columbia, it is available for seniors anywhere.
“It’s a community effort,” Bechtold remarked. “It’s not only for people in Columbia. It’s for Lan -
caster, Maytown, Marietta, Washington Boro, anywhere in Lancaster County and beyond. I’ve had people from Virginia that come every year.”
Bechtold worked for the Columbia Senior Center for more than two decades, and her desire to serve seniors continued after her retirement.
“Seniors need socialization,” she said. “For a lot of people, Christmas Day is one of the hardest days of the year. This is a way to help.”
Preparation for the meal begins weeks in advance when Luzader starts some of the dishes and freezes them, Bechtold said.
“Sis does all the cooking. I love to cook, but I’m not cooking for a hundred and some people,” she said with a laugh. Instead, Bechtold takes care of soliciting donations and rallying volunteers to help.
“We have a great group of volunteers, some of whom have been here for a very long time,” she said, calling out individuals including Robin and Jack Gamby and Chuck Kloidt. “We set up on Christmas Eve and have the Donegal wrestling team
help out. They volunteer every year, and they’ve been doing that for so long.”
Bechtold emphasized that the meal is just one way she works to support seniors.
“If I have a senior who comes in that day and says, ‘need help,’ I’m there to try to help them,” she stated. “I try to connect them with community resources.”
She’s also started a group called Friends of Lancaster County for seniors who want to go out for lunch once a month.
Giving back to her community is just part of who she is, Bechtold said, adding that she sometimes feels like a celebrity when she’s out in public.
“Every time I go downtown, people say, ‘I know you! You’re the Christmas lady!’” she said with a smile. “I give up part of my Christmas to do this, but
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Helen Bechtold
See Seniors pg 4
of all ages, and currently the group has three junior members who are under age 18. The club operates its public display from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month from October through April, in addition to its Christmas open houses.
All of the members contribute to the display, providing ideas at monthly business meetings. Parts of the display change regularly throughout the year, including a seasonal section that currently features a Christmas tree lot but will be replaced with a spring scene in a few months as well as a Halloween scene in the fall.
For the members, nothing beats the joy they feel when people experience the trains in action.
“I really get a kick out of the adults that come in here and the kids that go, ‘Wow! Look at that!’” Monti said. “The adults will say, ‘I was here last month, but I didn’t notice that particu -
lar thing.’”
Fishel agreed, adding, “That’s what keeps us going - watching the faces of the kids when they see this.”
The club does not charge admission for its open houses, but donations are accepted to keep the project running.
Members are on hand at the open houses to answer questions or provide more information for people who might like to join the group.
“We have no problem staffing our open houses, because the guys want to share what they love about this,” Monti said. “I like to say to adults when they come in, ‘Did you have trains when you were a kid?’ and when they say, ‘Yes, we took them out at Christmastime,’ I’ll say, ‘You need to see us because this is open almost all year-round.’”
The train display building is handicapped-accessible, with plenty of room for walkers, strollers or wheelchairs to navigate
Nominations sought for heater giveaway
An individual or family in need in Pennsylvania will receive a new heating system this winter during the Gift of Warmth Annual Heater Giveaway sponsored by Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
Each winter, millions of people in the United States face life challenges and cannot afford to heat their homes or replace failing heating systems. Not having an operational heating system poses a significant safety concern during the extreme cold. Community members are invited to nominate someone to win a heater. People may write a short essay or make a short
video nominating anyone who is experiencing tough financial times, an illness in the family and multiple medical bills, or a job loss. A senior on a fixed income, a U.S. veteran, or a single parent caring for children are also eligible. A nominee must be a legal adult, a Pennsylvania resident, and a homeowner. People may not nominate themselves. A winner will be selected and notified on or before Monday, Dec. 9. For more information and to submit a nomination by Sunday, Dec. 1, visit https://andreasplumbing. com/gift-of-warmth/. Details are also available by calling 610-377-5261.
it. On Dec. 7, 14 and 21, a free shuttle bus will transport visitors between the Masonic Village display and a train display located in the lower level of the Eliz -
abethtown Public Library. For more information on the Masonic Village club, visit www.mvemodel railroadclub.com or email mvetrainclub@gmail.com.
Students to present holiday concerts
Elizabethtown Area School District will present holiday concerts showcasing the talents of its students throughout December. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. Bear Creek School, 1459 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, will host its chorus and orchestra concert on Thursday, Dec. 5, and its band concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Both events will be held in
the cafeteria.
The auditorium at Elizabethtown Area High School (EAHS), 600 E. High St., Elizabethtown, will be the site of the EAHS band, chorus and orchestra concert on Monday, Dec. 9; the Elizabethtown Area Middle School (EAMS) band concert on Thursday, Dec. 12; and the EAMS orchestra and chorus concert on Monday, Dec. 16.
The display features local landmarks such as the Star Barn. The display fills an entire building on the Masonic Village campus.
Some parts of the display change seasonally, such as this Christmas section.
from pg 2
it’s to make others happy. We want to make
Reservations are required to receive the Christmas meal, and they must be made by Monday, Dec. 16.
Women’s
To make a reservation or to donate to the project, call Bechtold at 717-3422903 or Luzader at 717475-2562. To learn more about Friends of Lancaster County, contact Bechtold.
group to hold brunch
The Elizabethtown/ Mount Joy Christian Women’s Connection invites local women to attend a “Snapshots of Christmas” brunch on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Gus’s Keystone Family Restaurant, 1050 W. Main St., Mount Joy. The set price is inclusive.
Sylvia and Glenn Weaver, vocalists from Mount Joy, will share Christmas
music. Bill Tilghman from Millerstown will give safety tips for preparing a home for Christmas. The speaker, amateur photographer Pam Tilghman from Millerstown, will share “Snapshots of Life.”
Reservations and payment must be received by Friday, Nov. 29. For more information or to make a reservation, call Sandy at 717-580-5421.
Flower club meeting to feature silent auction
The Elizabethtown Flower Club will meet at noon on Monday, Dec. 2, at the Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. A silent auction will be featured. Members are encouraged to bring seasonal decorations, puzzles, books, cookies, treats, plants and other things to sell at the auction. Guests are welcome. Reservations and cancellations must be made by noon on Wednesday,
Scouts to host Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Girl Scout Troop 71686, which meets at Conoy Brethren in Christ Church, 1722 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown, will present a Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the church to help the troop offset the cost of its upcoming Girl Scout trip in June.
The Pancake Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7. There will be three seating times at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. Santa
will be on hand for free photo opportunities. Tickets ordered in advance will be discounted. Tickets will also be available at the door. Children age 2 and under will eat for free.
To order tickets in advance, scan the QR code that can be found at www.facebook.com/ GSLeader16. Those with questions may call 717-725-2082.
Women’s group to meet
Nov. 27, by calling Barb Mowrer at 717-684-5331. The cost of the lunch is set.
This will be the last meeting until March 2025.
Women of all ages and preschool children are invited to attend Neighbors Sharing and Caring, a women’s ministry of the Chiques Church, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
Joanne White will speak on the topic “Without a Net,” which will focus on trusting in the Lord with all of one’s heart, soul and mind. Joanne is married
to Gene and lives in York County, where she is involved at LCBC York. She is a graduate of Manheim Central High School and is retired from Kellogg’s. During the program, child care will be provided for infants through prekindergartners. Readers may contact Bonnie at 717-361-2613 or Veronica at 717-626-7603 for more information and a copy of this year’s schedule.
Holiday toy drive slated
Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County (MESA) is partnering with Toys for Tots to collect new, unwrapped toys at various locations in Lancaster County through Thursday, Dec. 5. MESA has coordinated with various Lancaster County organizations and businesses to be drop-off locations. In addition to MESA, 380 W. Bainbridge St., Elizabethtown, dropoff locations include the Conoy Township office, 211 Falmouth Road, Bainbridge; East Donegal Township building, 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta; Elizabethtown Public Library, 10 S.
Market St., Elizabethtown; Cultural Center in Masonic Village, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown; Design Data Corporation, 1195 Strickler Road, Mount Joy; Dollar General, 840 N. Hanover St., Elizabethtown; and Marietta Borough Office, 111 E. Market St., Marietta. Since 1947, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program has been working to make the holiday season special for children in need. In December, Toys for Tots coordinators collect the donated toys, sort them by age and gender, and distribute them with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and
other local community agencies. To date, the program has distributed 677 million toys to 301 million children.
The Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County provides 911
emergency medical services previously provided by Northwest EMS to member municipalities in northwest Lancaster County. For more information, visit www.mesa lancasterpa.gov.
Chorus to celebrate 90 years with holiday concerts
The Hershey Community Chorus will present “Cheers to 90 Years” Christmas concerts. The performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Hershey Story Museum, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Hershey Free Church, 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown. There is a fee, with a discount
for students. Children under age 5 will be admitted free of charge. Tickets may be preordered from any chorus member, by emailing info@hershey communitychorus.org, or by calling 717-534-3712. Tickets will also be available at the door. For further information, visit www.hershey communitychorus.org.
The Hershey Community Chorus was founded in 1934 and has served the greater Hershey community for the last 90 years. The chorus has been rehearsing since August in preparation for its holiday concerts, which will feature holiday musical selections connected to the year 1934. Connections include birth dates
or death dates of composers or performers, the release of works,
Chorus pg 6
Suzette Kreider (left), compliance coordinator with MESA, and Luci DeBord, administrative assistant for MESA, display toys that will be distributed to kids in need during the holiday season.
See
improvement homefall
Shop, dine and give back at annual Christmas Bazaar
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
For one-of-a-kind gift items and some delicious food, stop by the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Peter Catholic Church. The event will be held at the church’s Parish Center, Second and Union streets in Columbia, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. It will also run on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We have handmade items made by women of the parish, basket (giveaways), and White Reindeer items,” said Claire Storm, event volunteer. “The White Reindeer table contains gently used and new items for purchase.”
Saturday’s festivities will feature the items for sale, and Sunday’s event will include a full-course dinner, served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The dinner menu will include ham, scalloped potatoes, a vegetable, a roll, coffee, tea or water, Storm said. “Desserts made by parishioners are also available for purchase,” she stated.
The dinner is open to the public and will be available for eat-in or takeout.
Displaying some of the items for sale at the upcoming Christmas Bazaar are (from left) Kathy Arndt, Ginny Bentley and Fran Redman.
parish activities as well as worldwide initiatives,” Storm remarked. “Funds were recently sent to the diocese of Asheville, N.C., to aid those affected by the recent hurricane and also to aid the poor in Haiti. Locally, we support Off the Streets and Our Lady of the Angels School.”
The bazaar also offers a way for the church members to connect with the community, Storm said, inviting everyone to attend.
“It’s a perfect time to purchase Christmas gifts, enjoy a reasonably priced dinner and socialize with friends and family,” she said.
Comfort
from pg 1
to listen can help,” she said. “Grief can be so isolating. People think, ‘Nobody understands what I’m going through.’
There are people out there who do understand, and I want to validate those feelings.”
Culbertson knows firsthand what she’s talking about. She lost several family members over the years in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. She’s also an ordained Presbyterian deacon who often holds workshops and groups on a variety of topics, and she has attended grief support programs in the past.
“It’s not an easy road to get through grief,” she said. “It’s very hard to find joy in this season when part of your heart is missing. I want to be that light for somebody in the darkness. I’m very thankful for the people who were the light for me.”
She believes the need for a program like hers is more important than ever.
you are loved. You are supported,” she shared.
“If these five minutes right now are hard, maybe the next five minutes won’t be as hard. I want to find ways to lift others up and help them see that there is light, there is hope they can hold on to.”
Registration is not required for the sessions, and people can attend as many or as few as they like.
“It’s very informal. Just show up,” Culbertson said. “There is no judgment. If I can help, I want to help.” For more information on the program, call 717-449-0336.
The bazaar is sponsored by the Parish Council of Catholic Women, with assistance from the men of the parish. Proceeds benefit missions of the church.
“Proceeds support the
Chorus
from pg 5
the presentation of concerts, and the founding of groups.
The chorus rehearses on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. under the direction of Matt Dickinson with
Cash or checks will be accepted at the bazaar and dinner. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door. For more information, search for “St. Peter Catholic Church” on Facebook.
Karen Kline as accompanist. No auditions are held, with the only requirement being a love of singing traditional choral music. Members of the Hershey Community Chorus hail from not only Hershey itself, but also from the surrounding area. Middletown, Harrisburg, New Cumberland, Landisville, Elizabethtown, Palmyra, Columbia, Hummelstown, Camp Hill, and Lebanon are all represented among the 80 members who will perform. The chorus has grown significantly in the last two years. New members are welcome.
For more information, visit www.hersheycommunity chorus.org or email info@ hersheycommunitychorus.org.
“This has been a really hard year for a lot of people,” she said. “So many people are struggling, whether it’s from loss of loved ones, loss of a job, loneliness. I hear it when people come into my shop. I want to build up this community and let people know I’m here. I can listen.”
She said the sessions will provide validation and a sense of understanding for participants.
“I want people to know
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Jeri Culbertson outside her shop in Elizabethtown
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 METHODIST CHURCH: 1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy. Doug Paglia, Pastor. Worship Service at 9-10 am 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
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 8:15am service. Sunday school for all ages at 9:45. 2nd service: 11am. Handicapped accessible. Morning Prayer Wed. at 8:30am. www.christlutheran-etown.com
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more 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 CHURCH: 713 Church St. (located on the corner of Church & Angle Sts.), Mount Joy. Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am (In-Person or Live Streamed). Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. Sunday School for all ages: 11:15 am. Pastor: Heather Hammel. Church Office: 717-653-5683. "Like" us on Facebook: Glossbrenner Church. www.glossbrenner.net
GOSPEL OUTREACH (GO) CHURCH: 61 E Washington St, E-town. 717-475-7551. Love God, Love People, Disciple One Another. Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m., Tuesday Bible Study 7 p.m., Saturday Outreach: 1 p.m., Gospel Outreach Training (GOT!): 11:30 a.m. on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Rev. Dr. Kara Werner, Pastor. gochurch22.com
Winterfest will bring community together
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
“The community looks forward to Winterfest,” said Ferne Silberman, describing the annual Mount Joy event. “It’s really a community event, and so many groups come together to make it happen.”
Winterfest will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, along Main Street in Mount Joy, from Market to Barbara streets.
This year’s event features an earlier start time than past years, and it will also showcase an expanded area.
“The road has always been closed down to Barbara Street, but we’ve never had anything from the clock down to Barbara Street,” said Linda Eberly, event volunteer. “This year, we’re adding a holiday market that’s going to be in that area.”
The market will feature at least 15 vendors, all specializing in unique goods.
“These are artisans with handcrafted items,” Eberly shared. “Most of them are local, and they will sell jewelry, pottery, painted gourds, wooden items, candles, glass -
ware. It’s all quality items and a variety of items.”
Winterfest will also host a food court set up on Delta Street with overflow onto East Main Street. Participants will include Blue Stone Bakery, Bube’s Brewery, Noel’s Café, Piper Belles BBQ, Rotary Club Fry Wagon, Savory’s Pumpkin Funnel Cakes, Spud Muffin, The Donut Guys, Two Cousin’s and the Mount Joy Lions Club. Local restaurants within the event area will also be open during the day, as well as Mount Joy retail establishments. JB Hostetter & Sons will provide tables and chairs in the food court area.
The Reist popcorn wagon will give away popcorn at the entrance to the holiday market, and Santa Claus will greet children and hand out treats at Sheetz Funeral Home. He will be joined by clowns creating balloon art.
Additional children’s activities will be staged at Mount Joy Church of God and will include a petting zoo, featuring Valais blacknosed sheep and alpacas; a Little Shoppers area for children to purchase cashonly gifts; face painting by Faith Outreach Center; a train layout; a RAISE28
prize wheel; a Bible2School giant prize snowman; a Fellowship of Christian Athletes penguin craft; and Little Notes music and instruments for kids to play. Members 1st will also sponsor a coloring contest.
Coloring pages can be picked up at the Members 1st table at Winterfest.
The festivities will also feature a variety of entertainment for people of all ages.
“The music lineup is terrific,” said Silberman, who is the event chair.
“Susquehanna Stage is going to perform musical selections from ‘Frozen.’
We’re also bringing back children’s choirs from the local churches.”
lead the crowd from the stage to the Rotary Clock for a carol sing-along followed by a tree-lighting ceremony. Chris Silvestri from Members 1st, the event’s major sponsor, will serve as master of ceremonies for the tree lighting, which will end the evening.
The Mount Joy Borough Police Department will hold a Toys for Tots gift drive located at Marietta Notary, and Fire Department Mount Joy will have apparatus on-site.
The main stage, located in front of the borough office, is sponsored by Guardian Barriers and will feature entertainment beginning at 1:30 p.m. Groups in order of appearance will be Ukulele Uprising, Trinity Lutheran Church children’s choir, Guitars on Main, Susquehanna Stage, Mary Mother of the Church children’s choir, SweetLife Music, Sandy Heisey on the keyboard, Donegal Rhythm Singers and Donegal Alumni Band.
The alumni band will
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF DONEGAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Please be advised that all 2024/2025 Real Estate taxes must be paid or postmarked by December 31, 2024. As required by law, any unpaid taxes after December 31, 2024 will be turned over to the Lancaster County Tax Claim Bureau for collection. Additional fees and interest may be assessed by the Tax Claim Bureau resulting in additional cost to the taxpayer.
Not receiving a bill does not relieve the property owner from payment of this tax.
Payments must be US postmarked by December 31, 2024. They may also be paid in person with bill stub at the Elizabethtown Mid Penn Bank branch or online at www.donegalsd.org by December 31, 2024.
If you have any questions concerning these bills, please call the Tax Office as soon as possible at 717-492-1310.
Tables from nearly 50 local nonprofit organizations, school groups and churches will be set up throughout the downtown area. Many of the groups will sell items as a fundraiser for their organizations. Mount Joy-area businesses will also have stands with promotional materials, prize wheels, drawings and giveaways.
Silberman and Eberly noted that it takes a large group of volunteers to pull off a successful event. Event leadership is made up of people from the Rotary Club, Lions, Kiwanis, Voyage Mount Joy, Friends of Donegal and Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce, along with other volunteers. In addition to Members 1st, event sponsors include Gold Sponsor The Gathering Place.
Eberly noted that organizers received positive feedback when they moved last year’s event earlier in the day, and they decided to build on that this year, starting even earlier.
“Winterfest is a great community event for people of all ages,” she said. “It’s a great time to come out, support local organizations and businesses, get in the holiday spirit and have fun.”
For more information, search for “Voyage Mount Joy” on Facebook.
Members of the Winterfest committee and a representative from event major sponsor Members 1st
“Buzzing Around Bethlehem” to highlight the Christmas story
Etown Grace Church, 305 Anchor Road, Elizabethtown, will host a family-friendly event, “Buzzing Around Bethlehem,” on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Walking tours will begin every 15 minutes throughout the event. During the tours, the birth of Jesus will be observed from various perspectives at 10 stations. Guests will meet in the center square of Bethlehem and be greeted by a Bethlehem Tourist Bureau guide. The tourists will be led on a journey featuring drama and music and inviting them to meet some of the key eyewitnesses to Jesus’ birth, including Isaiah, who wrote the prophecy of Jesus’ birth; Simeon, who blessed Jesus and predicted His future; Elizabeth; Joseph; Mary; and
CREMATION
other key people from the biblical account of Jesus’ birth.
The event is handicapped-accessible. Refreshments will be available at the end of the tour. There will also be door prizes.
“Buzzing Around Bethlehem” is free of charge. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.etowngrace.com. Space is limited, and walkins will be accommodated as space is available.
CHARTER BUS DRIVERS
Gov. Quirinius will be played by Mick Herroseph.
Pastor Bryan Hoover will portray Joseph.
CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED General
CAREGIVERS NEEDED: CNA'S, HHA's & care assistants, make a difference in the life of a senior & put your caregiving experience to work. All shifts available. Visiting Angels at 717-393-3450.
Regional community news and events
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YOUR ATTENTION
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your Free Author’s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit: dorranceinfo.com/macnet.
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ELDER CARE
ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY, caregivers provide hygiene assistance, meals, light housework in your home. Insured, Bonded, RN owned & operated. Call Visiting Angels, 717-393-3450.
FOR SALE
Bldg. Materials
ASPHALT MILLINGS AND CRUSHED CONCRETE FOR SALE. Call PAVWORX® at 610-929-9971 pavworx.com/millings.html
Collectibles
BUYING TOYS & COLLECTIBLES www.DNRCollectibles.com PA’s Largest Buyer of Toys & Collectibles 27 E Lancaster Street, Red Lion, PA Hours: M-W 8am-4pm, Th.-F by appt. 717-329-8167 • rhoward1771@gmail.com Toys Vintage or Modern, New or Used, Hess Trucks, Barbies, Diecast, Hot Wheels & Matchbox, Action Figures, Models, Trains, Sports Cards/Memorabilia, Movie/Music Memorabilia, Video Games & much more!
Lawn & Garden
EARTHWISE LANDSCAPE & TREE CARE Spring clean-ups. Edging, seeding, fertilization, mulching, shrub & tree pruning. 717-626-2541 (PA 088021) FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
Musical
GUITARS, AMPS, PA SPEAKERS, Fender Stratocastor Orange Sparkle $650, Music Man Ernie Ball Sterling Cutlass $350, Gibson Les Paul Classic Lite $2,200, Port City Guitar Cab 2x12 w/Celestions $550, Bergantino HT 310 Bass Cab $500, Gibson BR 6 amp 50’s $750, Fender Pro Reverb amp NEW $800, Vox Handwired Wah $100, Seymour Duncan 805 drive pedal $75, EV & QSC PA speakers/offers, 717-615-6158
PUBLIC AUCTION
Pets
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for HAPPY JACK® TONEKOTE® supplement for dogs & cats dull, dry coats. BRANDTS FARM SUPPLY 717-367-1221 www.happyjackinc.com
TOY SCHNOODLE PUPPIES
Mom is family dog. 10 lbs. or less full grown. Ready 12/6. $1,100. 717-617-4471
Sporting Goods
GUNS WANTED INSTANT PAYMENT
1 gun or collection - will travel Kinsey’s Outdoors, 717-653-5524
Miscellaneous
DENTAL INSURANCE FROM Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus.com/macnet #6258
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DON’T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall, or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1855-465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Miscellaneous
DISCOUNT BUILDING MATERIAL: Lumber, Plywood, Composite Decking, Flooring, Metal Roofing & Siding, Construction Lag Screws, etc. Ephrata, Pa. Email: sales@7174455222.com, 717-445-5222
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton© PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value). Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855-556-2581
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GARAGE SALES
NOTICE: It is recommended that you begin your garage or yard sale ad with the town, then street address, dates & times.
STOVERDALE
NATIONAL
AGING ROOF? NEW Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091.
AMERICAN LOG HOMES DEVELOPER LIQUIDATION SALE! Log Home kits selling for balance
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover
that
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Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE info. kit. 1-866-477-9045.
PUBLIC AUCTION
PUBLIC AUCTION
NATIONAL
DON'T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595.
DONATE YOUR CAR to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398.
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HOME BREAK-INS TAKE less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1-844-591-7951.
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/29/24.) Call 1-844-501-3208.
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NATIONAL
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
REPLACE YOUR ROOF w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234.
SAFE STEP NORTH America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1,600 Off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306.
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1888-872-2809. Have zip code!
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833.
WE BUY VINTAGE Guitar’s! Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prarie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote. 1-866307-5404.
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 1-833-308-1971.
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
SEASONAL
COAL/WOOD/PELLET STOVES & Inserts, New & Refurbished. Over 300 models in stock. $100-$800 & up. Buy/Sell/Trade. Call 717-577-6640
SEASONAL
SEASONED FIREWOOD: HARDWOOD Cut, split, stockpiled, $80/half cord skid, $150/Cord. Delivery available. 1161 Clay rd Lititz 717-341-8715 call/text
LOST & FOUND
FOUND AN ITEM? Place a FREE 15 word ad in your local issue to locate the owner of your found item. 1-800-428-4211
SERVICES RENDERED
CLOCK REPAIR - TRAGER 717-786-7053
GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Additions, Siding, Replacement Windows & Doors. 15 Yrs Exp. Sylvan Miller - 717-468-2693
GUTTERS, GUTTERS
SERVICES RENDERED
A DRYWALL COMPANY Hanging, Finishing & Repairs KENT SAUDER, LLC, 717-989-2069
AFFORDABLE ELECTRICAL SERVICES
• New/Older House Wiring • Sec. Cameras • Hookup for Generators • Hookup for EVs • New Elec. Services/Panel Upgrade. Fully Insd. | FREE ESTIMATES | PA01947 Call 717-875-7972
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING FALL CLEAN UP EXPERT TREE TRIMMING! Tree/Shrub Removal • Pruning
Mulching • Edging • Planting EMERGENCY STORM CLEAN UP Fast, reliable service. Lic/Insd. Sr. Disc.! Free Estimates! 717-208-2265
AFFORDABLE PAINTING. Drywall Instl./Repairs, Lite Carpentry. Wallpaper Removal. Call Damien 717-940-5912 PA032157. Call for Fall/Winter Discounts
ITEMS WANTED
CORVETTES WANTED 1953 thru 2019 Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
POWERWASHING POWERWASHING & DECK SEALING/REPAIR By Steve, 717-892-7411
ALLEGIANT TREE CARE
Honest pricing w/25 yrs. exp.! Fully ins. Tree pruning/removal • Stump grinding. FREE ESTIMATES! Call: 717-598-9857
AMISH MOVING COMPANY AMISH CLEANOUTS
Will move households (will go out of state). Fair prices for Clean Outs of Attics, Basements. 717-442-3301
ANDY’S DRYWALL
Interior Remodeling, Hanging, Finishing, Framing, Painting, Basements, Additions, Insured. PA 022669. 717-587-4102
DO YOU KNOW what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little as one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1866-996-1526
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626
Clean, Repair, Gutter Guards. Property Maint. by Steve. 717-892-7411
HANDYMAN - VETERAN OWNED INSURED • SMALL JOBS • LAWNS BY HOUR/QUOTE: 717-562-8638
HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING & INSTALLATION Since 1996. Affordable. Superb work. Licensed. woodfloor.simdif.com 717-468-1164
HAUL YOUR JUNK AWAY Home, yard waste, appliances; Whatever! Also Shed Removal. 717-669-7854
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/29/24.) Call 1844-826-2535
JUNK REMOVAL
Basements, garages, attics, appliances. Five Star Property Service, 717-278-1030
SAFE STEP. NORTH America’s #1 Walk-In
Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-833-356-1954.
STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391.
STUMP GRINDING
Free estimates. Insured. Call or text Mitzel’s Stump Grinding 717-858-9347
STUMP GRINDING/REMOVAL!
Top soil if desired. Reasonable pricing. FREE ESTIMATES! Call: 717-598-9857
EARTHWISE LANDSCAPE & TREE CARE
We use modern pruning techniques for the health & safety of your trees & shrubs. Certified arborist on staff. Also removals, storm damage, & yard cleanup. 717-626-2541 (PA 088021)
WE TRANSFORM YOUR kitchen in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. Call today for a free estimate. 1-844887-5145 (PA017137).
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
ITEMS WANTED
ALWAYS BUYING Classic, Muscle & Sports Cars Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!
PINBALL MACHINES & ARCADES WANTED. Any condition, working or not. Call Matt: 717-538-9485, thanks.
WANTED! MOTORCYCLES & MINI BIKES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
REAL ESTATE
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act which makes it illegal to advertise a preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap (physical or mental) or familial status (people with children) or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This publication will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law Our readers are hearby informed that all dwellings advertised in this publication are required to be available on an equal opportunity basis.
*NOTE TO OUR CUSTOMERS* When placing your real estate ad please describe the property only, not who you wish to occupy it.
For Rent
2BR-1 BATH APT. w/gar., all appliances, $1,200/mo., W/S/T/Heat incl., no pets/ no smoking, Groff Ave., Elizabethtown, 717-554-7633.
