Donations

food by Helping Harvest and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Volunteers will also sort and unload food items from local donations and food drives. Stocking volunteers will work for approximately two hours.

On distribution day, volunteers will meet at the church at 3 p.m. About 30 volunteers are needed for the evening for setup, distribution and cleanup. The work is usually completed at approximately 7 p.m. Volunteers may work the whole evening or volunteer as much time as they can.

See TVFP pg 2

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TVFP

Sarah Kolb, TVFP administrative assistant, explained that the distribution of food to clients begins at 5 p.m. “We have returned to our ‘client choice’ model, where individuals can come into the building and shop for groceries,” said Kolb, noting that a drive-up distribution was utilized during the pandemic.

According to the monthly food pantry newsletter distributed by Kolb, who is also the office administrator at Conestoga Mennonite Church, TVFP served 100 families in January, representing 458 people.

The

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Kindness Rocks frompg 1

Gisone noted that Montgomery County was added to the group’s name to include rocks found in that area.

Those who paint and hide rocks are asked to include a message, either by creating a label or by writing on the back of the rock with a marker. The message states: “You found it! Keep it or hide it, but first post it to Kindness Rocks Chester and Montgomery County.”

Since the group’s formation, rocks have been placed and found throughout Chester and Montgomery counties at locations such as Kerr Park in Downingtown, the Parkesburg POINT youth center, St. Peter’s Village in Pottstown, the Brandywine Trail and convenience stores and other local businesses.

“Sometimes I will leave (rocks) outside a craft store or supermarket. I leave them at parks when I go for walks and outside libraries. Wherever I go, I carry them in my purse and leave one,” said Gisone, adding, “The first rock I ever found was at a Starbucks in Exton.”

In addition, rocks that originated locally have made their way to other states and even other countries. “People take them on vacation,” said Gisone, noting that painted rocks have been placed in Florida; Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and even Egypt.

Service

Kindness Rock gardens have also been established at local libraries and businesses. “People have rock gardens in their front yards. There was a chiropractor in Parkesburg that had one outside their business, and we had a Scout build a rock garden at Twin Valley High School, as part of her Eagle Scout Project,” Gisone noted.

Some rocks feature an image of a sports team or a favorite pet or loved one that someone has lost. “We have a woman who lost a baby, and she paints butterflies on rocks and leaves them everywhere. It can help people who have been hurt; it is an outlet for them and a way for them to (honor) the person’s memory,” Gisone said. “People have discovered that painting rocks is therapeutic and creates peace and joy in their lives.”

Gisone noted that the Facebook group continues to grow. “Every day there are random people posting,” she said. “(We are) a group of people who really believe and love the group and what it stands for. What we are doing matters.” on a practice piece of cloth. “Sometimes when we are quilting, visitors will come in and talk to us about their experiences with quilts. It is always fun to learn more,” said Beth Shugar, a member of the Hopewell Quilters. “I find (learning about) what their grandmother used as a quilting frame to be fascinating. Some of them had quilt frames that were on pulleys so they could be pulled up to the ceiling (when not in use). Some of them had a room that was dedicated to quilting. The ladies would come in and chat and have their own quilting time.” the TVFP - please consider joining us (in February).”

To learn more and to view or post photos of found rocks, join the “Kindness Rocks Chester and Montgomery County (KRCMC)” Facebook group.

Hughes concluded the program by having audience members make their own fabric yo-yos. “We will give you a needle and thread and a circle of fabric. You fold the fabric (around the perimeter) a quarter of an inch and then stitch around the edges. When you pull it, it will form the yo-yo,” Hughes said, adding that creating the yo-yos is a perfect way to use leftover scraps of material.

The pantry is also seeking financial contributions, as well as donations of food and other items. Items can be dropped off at the Conestoga Mennonite Church office on Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who cannot drop off food donations at the designated times emailing sarah.kolb.tvfp@gmail.com.

The Friends of Hopewell Furnace meet on the second Sunday of the month at 2 p.m., with the exception of May, September and October. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/ FriendsofHopewellfurnace.

More information about the quilting group is available by searching for “Hopewell Quilters” on Facebook.

Items that are needed by the pantry include sugar, cereal, canned goods and instant mashed potatoes, as well as paper products, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap.

TVFP was formed in 1994 as an outreach ministry of the church. In March of 2021, the TVFP became registered as its own nonprofit organization governed by a community-based board of directors. The pantry primarily serves families in the Twin Valley School District. Since some of food supplies to the pantry come from state programs, clients must meet certain income guidelines.

For more information about the pantry, including volunteer opportunities, email Kolb or pantry director Howard Moss at hamoss@ptd.net. More information is available at www.facebook.com/twinvalleyfood pantry.org and www.twinvalleyfood pantry.com.

Feb. 23. Chatty Crafters

Honey Brook Community Library

687 Compass Road, Honey Brook. The group meets every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The community is invited to join the group to crochet, knit, crossstitch, color, craft and chat. Any kind of craftmaking is welcome.

Feb. 24. Senator Katie Muth’s Office Hours

Honey Brook Community Library. A representative from Muth’s office will be at the library from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to address questions or concerns from the community.

Feb. 24. Sewing with Ms. Nancy

Honey Brook Community Library, 6 to 8 p.m. Ms. Nancy is on hand every Friday to help people with basic sewing skills or they may chose a pattern or project from the library’s many sewing books. To register or for more information call 610-273-3303 or email nconner@ccls.org.

Feb. 24. Community Dinner

St. Peter United Church of Christ

1920 Ridge Road, Pottstown, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner is free, but a freewill offering will be received. For more information, call 610-469-9690.

Feb. 24. Harry Potter Book Night

Boone Area Library

129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, 6 to 8 p.m. There will be crafts and activities centered around the theme, “Triwizard Tournament.” This is a family event so all ages are welcome. Costumes are encouraged. www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary

Feb. 25. Stitches Craft Group Village Library

207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown, 9 a.m. to noon. Anyone who wants to learn how to knit or crochet is welcome. Supplies are included. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/VillageLibraryofMorgantown/events and choose “Stitches Craft Group.”

March 3. Raise A Reader

Honey Brook Community Library, 10 a.m. Program is for children up to age 36 months. Rhymes, fingerplays, music and books are featured. The program is limited to 10 children plus their caregivers. For more information or to register, call 610-273-3303 or email jspade@ccls.org.

March 5. All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet Geigertown Fire Company

3433 Hay Creek Road, Robeson Township, 7 to 11 a.m. www.geigertownfireco.com or www.facebook.com/geigertown firecompany

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