MCC_062624

Morgantown/Honey Brook

Twin Valley High School celebrates graduation

BY FRANCINE FULTON

“This moment has been the destination, the goal all of us have strived for, worked towards, dreamed of and could not wait for,” stated Emma McNamee, salutatorian of the Twin Valley High School (TVHS) Class of 2024, during the opening address at commencement ceremonies held on June 8 at the Santander Arena in Reading.

Emma is the daughter of Brian and Laurie McNamee of Honey Brook. The class valedictorian is Anjali Nair, the daughter of Pradeep Prabhakar and Lakshmi Unnikrishnan of Morgantown. After the welcome, Emma spoke about the accomplishments of the senior class, including plays and musical performances, club fundraisers and the performance

of the school sports teams, specifically the championship-winning girls’ field hockey and lacrosse teams. “Our achievements as a class can only be attributed to two things - our motivation and our fearlessness,” she remarked. “We took the circumstances that faced us, worked hard to obtain our goals, putting in countless hours and having sleepless nights and every ounce of fight in us to reach for the stars.”

Next to speak was TVHS principal Bill Clements, who talked about the successes of the Class of 2024, including honors and awards at state and national competitions in FFA and the Technology Student Association. He also acknowledged TVHS student musicians, student artists and members of the theater arts club, as well as student-athletes who have

earned all-league, all-state and all-American honors and team championships in various sports, including football, cross-country, field hockey, softball, track and field and volleyball.

“(The student-athletes) have exemplified the highest ideals of leadership and sportsmanship,” Clements stated. “They have remained humble in victory and gracious in defeat and consistently represented Twin Valley with the dignity and class that our ‘Raider Pride’ motto demands.”

He added that the seniors planned spirit weeks, a powderpuff game, a junior-senior prom and homecoming. They collected items for food banks, provided holiday gifts for children and raised funds for local charities.

“In a remarkable campaign, the senior-led Mini-THON shattered their goal and their previous

See Twin Valley graduation pg 4

Story time program features live animals

BY FRANCINE FULTON

Youngsters who participated in the recent story time program offered by the Boone Area Library were able to meet and interact with live animalsall without leaving the building.

As part of its Summer Reading Program, a special presentation was offered by Travis Gale, owner/educator and animal care director of Eyes of the Wild, an animal rescue based in New Jersey. During the program, students were introduced to four animals rescued by the facility - a hedgehog, a baby alligator, a baby wallaby and an Arctic fox.

pets that people have acquired illegally, animals that are injured and can no longer live in the wild or animals that have been taken out of abusive situations.

Gale explained that animals rescued by Eyes of the Wild are

“These animals are not my pets. I run a rescue called Eyes of the Wild and we rescue exotic animals,” Gale told the children.

See Live animals pg 5

St. John’s Church to host annual car show

BY FRANCINE FULTON

Not only will the upcoming car show at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church feature a display of vehicles, but it will also include a menu of homemade food, children’s activities, craft vendors, an opportunity to win prizes and a flea market.

“We like it to be for families, not just adults,” said Carol Kincaid, car show committee chair.

“We try to (offer) as much as we can for the kids, too.”

St. John’s, located in the village

of Gibraltar, will hold its 14th annual car show on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of all makes, models and years of cars and trucks are welcome to participate.

Vehicle owners will be asked to pay a registration fee upon arrival, and spectators will be admitted free of charge. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 vehicles, and trophies will be awarded in various categories. Vehicle owners will also be entered into a drawing to win small door prizes.

See Car show pg 8

Anjali Nair

Emma McNamee

Travis Gale from Eyes of the Wild displays an Arctic fox.

Daniel Boone Homestead to host Evening on the Green

The Daniel Boone Homestead will bring back its traditional summer event - Evening on the Green - on Saturday, June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The newly envisioned, after-hours event will feature a pop-up biergarten by Sly Fox Brewing Company as well as wine and mead by Ridgewood Winery and Stonekeep Meadery. Also offered for sale will be food, frozen treats and non-alcoholic beverages from WOW Wagon and Mister Softee.

The Boone House and Bertolet Log House will be open all evening for tours, and visitors are invited to stroll the grounds as dusk falls. Visitors young and old will be given an opportunity to try their hand at

Colonial toys, lawn games and tavern games in the historic area. Music on the lawn will be provided by the Haycreek Valley Gold Band, which will perform traditional folk music, and Days of Old, which will present bluegrass and folk tunes.

The Regimental Brewmeister will be on hand to offer an authentic Colonial beer brewing experience. This process is a lengthy one and takes several hours to complete. The Brewmeister, aka Michael Carver, will be on-site beginning at 11:30 a.m. the day of the event to get the process started early and allow for enough time to finish creating his brew. Even then the process will not be complete as the beer will need to ferment off-site for about 10 days before bottling. Carver uses the brewing methods available in 1750 to interpret the craft of a simple journeyman brewer.

There will be an admission fee for Evening on the Green, with separate prices for adults, seniors age 65 and over and youths ages 6 to 17. Children age 5 and under and members of the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates (DBHA) will be admitted for free. No pets except service animals will be admitted, and smoking is prohibited.

For more information, visit www.thedaniel boonehomestead.org or www.facebook.com/daniel boonehomestead. The event is being sponsored and presented by the DBHA.

The Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, is located halfway between Reading and Pottstown, 1 mile north of Route 422 near Baumstown. For more information or make a donation, contact the Daniel Boone Homestead at 610-582-4900.

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Hopewell Furnace to host yoga classes

The Friends of Hopewell Furnace will hold two evening yoga classes on Saturdays, July 20 and Aug. 17, at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. The Friends-sponsored events are free to the public and support the Healthy Parks Healthy People movement founded on the idea that parks can be gateways to good health for people and the planet. The July 20 class will be led by Dragonfly Yoga and Fitness of Pottstown and the Aug. 17 class will be led by Wellspring on Main of Douglassville.

The hourlong classes will begin at 6 p.m. Registration will begin one month before each respective class. Those interested in participating can register by calling

610-582-8773 or emailing HOFU_Superintendent@ nps.gov. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and their own yoga mat or beach towel to the class. More information is available at www.nps.gov/hofu.

The mission of the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is to support the operation, preservation and interpretation of the resources of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Annually the Friends group has assisted the National Park Service in carrying out the goals of the park to protect and serve the landscape and to provide for its enjoyment by this and future generations through supporting various activities related to the park.

Hopewell Furnace, which was established as a National Historic Site on Aug. 3, 1938, preserves the late 18thand early 19th-century setting of an iron-making community, including the charcoal-fueled furnace and its natural and cultural resources. The community illustrates the essential role of industrialization in the growth of the early United States.

The park’s facilities are open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hopewell Furnace is located at 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, about 5 miles south of Birdsboro off Route 345. Admission to the park is free. For more information, call 610-582-8773 or visit the aforementioned website.

Shoes & Boots For The Whole Family

Arby’s donates to Berks County agencies

Twin Valley graduation

from pg 1

Throughout 2024, the Arby’s Foundation will donate $4.5 million to organizations that support youth leadership, career readiness and childhood hunger initiatives. Of the total donation amount, $1 million will go toward No Kid Hungry, $500,000 to Folds of Honor and $3 million to support hundreds of other local community groups throughout the U.S.

Locally, the Arby’s Foundation donated $8,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and $8,000 to Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, both located

in Reading.

Through the end of July, Arby’s Foundation will match up to $250,000 on all donations to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. The Arby’s Foundation believes access to meals is important to a child’s success, especially in the summer, a time when children and communities need additional resources when school is not in session. To donate, visit www.nokidhungry.org/ arbysfoundation to have a contribution matched through July.

More information about the work that the Arby’s Foundation does throughout the year is available at www.found ation.arbys.com.

records by collecting over $61,000 for the kids, supporting families and funding research in the fight against pediatric cancer,” Clements reported.

He also recognized the TVHS internship program designed to prepare students for future careers and college dual-enrollment programs. “This class was offered over $5.4 million in grants and scholarships and awarded more than $127,000 in local scholarships thanks to our local community’s generosity,” he stated, adding that 56 TVHS graduates will join the workforce, 175 will pursue postsecondary education and 10 will join the nation’s armed forces. He concluded by extending a challenge to the graduates: “Lead an ethical life, grounded in honesty and integrity,” he said, adding a quote from Thomas

Jefferson: “In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

Other speakers included school district board president Gary McEwen, class speaker Elisa Brown, class treasurer Morgan Raines and secretary Jonathan LaBruto. Elisa and Morgan announced that the senior class gifts are a new water fountain and bottle-filling station in the high school stadium and a flower garden in the senior lounge. The TVHS chorus, band, choir and orchestra offered musical performances. In addition to the previously mentioned class officers, Clark Gaynor was president of the senior class and Camrynn Owens was vice president.

To view the entire TVHS graduation ceremony, visit www.youtube.com and search for “2024 Twin Valley Commencement.”

“Out of the 170 animals we have, about 95% are straight rescues. Some of them I get from people who were not very nice to them. People can be scary and dangerous to animals.”

First up was an African pygmy hedgehog. “Its name tells a story. It comes from Africa; pygmy means small. This is the smallest type of hedgehog there is,” Gale said. “Hedge is a row of bushes (where hedgehogs may live), and he has a nose like a hog or pig. That nose is important because hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they usually come out at night, and they sniff around to find their food.”

He noted that when hedgehogs hear a predator, they will protect themselves with pointy hairs called quills. “When a hedgehog gets nervous, it rolls up in a tiny ball and it hides its face and soft tummy,” Gale explained. “Then they tighten up the muscles in their body and that keeps the points of the quills facing out. When they do that, it hurts to touch them.”

Since the hedgehog did not feel threatened and did not have his quills out, Gale brought the hedgehog around for the children to touch, noting that his fur feels like uncooked rice.

Next, Gale brought out a pure white Arctic fox named Sylvie. “Usually she is not white at this time of year. But she has not shed her winter coat,” he explained. “Usually by this time of year she is gray and looks about 20 pounds lighter. Under this white fur is gray fur that Arctic foxes wear year long. The white fur grows over the gray fur in the fall.”

He said both “fur coats” protect the fox in winter. “In the winter where this animal lives it is a type of cold that is hard to imagine,” Gale stated. “Where she lives in can be -65 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Gale has taught Sylvie to “sit,” a task usually performed by pet dogs. “Training her to sit took over 100 days and working on it every single day,” he noted.

The baby alligator was the next animal that Gale

displayed. He explained that alligators and crocodiles are different in appearance. “Alligators have a round U-shaped snout. Crocodiles have a longer, thinner V-shaped snout,” he noted.

He added that alligators are not as dangerous to people as crocodiles are unless they are approached or provoked by people, especially if they are protecting their young. “Fullgrown (female) alligators are over 400 pounds and have about 75 teeth. Boy alligators are 15 feet long and can weigh over 700 pounds,” he added. “Adult alligators and crocodiles bite harder than any animal alive, including sharks, lions, tigers and hyenas.”

The final animals on display were a baby wallaby, which Gale kept in a pouch, and a chinchilla, which he allowed the chil -

dren to touch.

To learn more about Eyes of the Wild, visit www.eyeswild.com.

The Boone Library will hold another story time on Wednesday, June 26, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Featured will be Mister Mike who will present “Makin’ Music.”

Boone Area Library is located at 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro. For more information about Summer Reading Program activities, visit www.facebook .com/boonearealibrary.

United Way of Chester County recently held its third annual Chester County Stronger Golf Classic fundraiser, which brought in $105,000 for programs and services that help to reduce food insecurity. The sold-out event brought together golf enthusiasts and community members to support the cause.

The event featured various hole contests, on-course refreshment

Community Calendar

June 26. Stories in the Shade Honey Brook Community Library, 10 to 11 a.m.

Patrons of all ages are invited to join Miss Jennifer in the library’s backyard for stories and a craft. Attendees should bring chairs or blankets for seating. Those with questions may call 610-273-3303 or email jspade@ccls.org.

June 28. All About Bats

Daniel Boone Homestead

400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, 6 p.m. Attendees will learn about the bats that live at the homestead. The program will be held in the Wayside Lodge. www.facebook.com/danielboonehomestead

June 29. Chicken Barbecue

LANDSCAPE DESIGNING

St. Peter United Church of Christ 1920 Ridge Road (Route 23), Knauertown, 3:30 to 6 p.m. The takeout meals will include half of a chicken, a baked potato, a vegetable, applesauce, a roll and dessert. For tickets, call 610-469-9690.

June 29. Lego Club

Village Library

207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown, 10 a.m. The Lego-building club is open to families. www.facebook.com/VillageLibraryofMorgantown

June 29. 14th Annual Car Show

St. John’s Lutheran Church

1035 Old River Road, Birdsboro, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All makes and models of cars and trucks are welcome. Also featured will be food, music, a flea market, craft vendors, a baked goods sale, children’s games and more. Donations will be collected for the Berks Animal Rescue League. Call 610-582-3655 or 610-823-2730 for details and to register. Craft and flea market vendors are welcome to reserve a space.

July 7. Concert in the Park

Honey Brook Borough Park

71 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook, 5:30 p.m. Featured will be the Tommy Froelich Band, which will perform classic rock and blues tunes from the ’60s and the ’70s. In lieu of an admission fee, nonperishable food donations will be accepted for the Honey Brook Food Pantry.

July 14. Bike and Car Cruise-In

Presented by the American Legion Riders Post 625, Birdsboro

Michael’s Restaurant

1211 Benjamin Franklin Highway, Douglassville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit veterans. To learn more email alriders626@gmail.com.

July 20. Takeout

Chicken Barbecue Nantmeal Methodist Church

359 Nantmeal Road, Glenmoore, 3 to 6 p.m. The meal will include a halfchicken, a baked potato, coleslaw, homemade apple sauce, a roll with butter and dessert. A fee will be charged per meal. Call or text 610-613-2657 to reserve tickets. Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins will be welcome until sold out.

The Community Calendar is a weekly feature of the Community Courier. Submit your meeting or event for consideration in writing at least two weeks prior to the event. Email submissions to ffulton@ engleonline.com.

ROUTE 10 ROADSIDE MARKET

Car show

“If it’s nice day, we will get 200 cars,” Kincaid said, noting that the vehicles will be located in the parking lot and the grassy area surrounding the church.

Since church members will prepare a large quantity of food available for purchase during the show, it will be held rain or shine. “Last year, we did have some downpours during the car show, and believe it or not, we had 80-some cars and they stayed for the entire show,” said Kincaid, noting that food sales were brisk. “(Some people) come for the food year after year.”

This year, the edible offerings will include hamburgers, hot dogs, hamburger barbecue, pizza, Italian sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches. “Everything is prepared by the church, except for the hoagies and the pizza. That comes from Italian Delite in Birdsboro,” noted Kincaid.

There will also be sales of homemade baked goods, including cakes, muffins, cupcakes and brownies. Slices of pie will also be available for purchase.

Those who attend the event are encouraged to bring donations of dry or

canned dog and cat food for donation to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL), which will be represented at the event. “We (select) a different nonprofit every year, and 10% of our proceeds will go to the ARL,” Kincaid said, adding that the proceeds from this year’s show will also help pay off the cost of repaving the church parking lot. “We recently had our parking lot resurfaced, and that was a big expense. It was the original parking lot from when the church was built about 62 years ago.”

Children will be able to enjoy crafts at a vacation Bible school (VBS) table. “We put a little race track up and they can race some little cars that we provide, and we will have crafts they can put together,” said Kincaid, adding that children may take part in the activities while their parents view the cars. “If (parents) want to walk around, we will make sure the children stay with us, and we will keep them busy.”

Craft vendors will offer items for sale, and there will also be a flea market and a

drawing, where attendees can win prizes donated by congregation members and local businesses.

Another attraction will be a Belgian sheepdog show featuring dogs performing tricks and agility demonstrations. “We have had them for at least 10 years,” Kincaid said. “They put on a show and the kids love them and they are such friendly dogs. Kids can pet them.”

Among the groups that will have emergency vehicles on hand are the Penn-

sylvania State Police, the Gibraltar Fire Company, the Robeson Township Police Department and Tower Health. St. John’s is located at 1035 Old River Road, Birdsboro. For more information, call the church office at 610-582-3655 or visit www.stjohnsgibraltar .org. Handicapped-accessible parking will be available during the show. Craft vendors interested in reserving a space may contact the church office up until the day of the event.

Sierra Club announces grant recipients

As part of its activities celebrating Earth Day, April 22, the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group, announced the names of 11 more Lancaster County 501(c) (3) organizations that have been awarded its Green

Project Grants. In submitted proposals, each of the organizations expressed a need for support of a venture intended to promote sustainability, expand environmental awareness, and improve green infrastructure. With this latest round of awards, each up to $500, a total of 95 Lancaster County organizations have received Green Project Grants from the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group over the past nine years.

Those awarded 2024 grants, along with their projects, include Columbia Public Library, acquiring Nature Explorer Bags and

the items that go in them, to be used by both children and adults while on outdoor educational excursions; Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County, purchasing hands-on materials for a three-day professional development workshop for public and private teachers on how to incorporate environmental studies into their classes; and Historic Poole Forge, revitalizing several embankment areas to improve water drainage and stabilize steeper sections that had been covered with non-native honeysuckles and grass.

Also, Homefields Care

Farm, Millersville, purchasing native Saskatoon berry plants that will be grown at its farm and at the Perfect Gift Community Garden in Columbia; Immerse International, Millersville, installing more native plants in its campus garden that encourages curiosity, exploration and appreciation of nature; and Lancaster County Therapeutic Riding Inc., a.k.a. Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center, purchasing Fly Predators, a pesticide-free alternative that uses non-stinging, non-invasive wasps to kill fly larvae and adult flies that can spread disease to horses and clients.

Also, Let’s Go 1-2-3, in partnership with Northeast Neighbors United and Lancaster Cemetery, supporting its fall community event at the Lancaster Cemetery in northeast Lancaster city that will bolster efforts to clean up, replant, and maintain the

Visitors can expect to see a variety of cars and trucks.

Golf event

stations, lunch, a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and awards. Brumbaugh Wealth Management was the presenting sponsor.

The winners include Walter Mahowsky, Sean Scull, Justin Scull, and Matt Brooks from Abel Brothers Towing, first place; Bill Straub, Jake Straub, Matt Bulley, and Rich Bulley from All4, second place; Christina Wagoner, Brett Rubinstein, Tom Digati, and

Matthew MacDonough from United Way of Chester County, third place; Jesse Easton, closest to the hole; Justin Scull, men’s longest drive; Cristina Barsony, women’s longest drive; and Mark Gentilotti, closest to the hole million dollar contest.

Next year’s event will be held on April 28, 2025, at Penn Oaks Golf Club. To learn more, visit www .LiveUnitedInGolf.org or call 610-429-9400.

Sheriff’s Office deputy completes training program

Chester County Deputy Sheriff Kelly McGonigal recently completed the Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training Program offered by the Department of Homeland Security. A four-year veteran of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, McGonigal was motivated to advance her career in law enforcement through this training course, reinforcing her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training Program is a physically demanding and intensive training program. It provides foundational training to prepare new instructors to deliver law enforcement training in critical areas such as arrest and control tactics and techniques, intermediate weapons, and defense against spontaneous attacks. The program also includes instruction on threat assessment and response, use of force, injury management, and familiarization with electronic

Sierra Club from pg 8

cemetery’s gardens and trees; Let’s Go 1-2-3, in partnership with the Southeast Community Green Team, purchasing native plants and signage for use during its Southeast Nature Fest on June 1 at Lancaster’s Hazel Jackson Middle School; and Spanish American Civic Association (SACA), designing and purchasing environmental education signs that use a monarch butterfly theme and will be placed in a narrow grass strip of land between the sidewalk and Tec Centro, SACA’s workforce devel -

opment facility.

Also, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lititz, developing new programming and purchasing supplies for maintenance and further development of its 3-acre Sacred Grounds project; and Thomas Wharton Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization, moving ahead with its North Mary Edible Garden and Tree Initiatives that will improve underutilized spaces on its campus.

The grant proposals, submitted to the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group

PUBLIC REAL ESTATE AUCTION

control devices. Through the program, McGonigal sought to acquire a comprehensive understanding of these tactical techniques and communication skills with the goal of being able to effectively manage challenging situations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

McGonigal’s completion of the training program highlights the Chester County Sheriff’s Office ongoing commitment to excellence and the advancement of law enforcement standards.

Auctioneers: Daniel F. Stoltzfus, 717-442-9493 JD Fisher, 484-614-8992

Sellers:

John Riehl, 717-278-2510 Amos Stoltzfus Jr., 717-475-9397 Lic. #AY002397 Announcements Day Of Sale Take Precedence Over Any Printed Material.

Public Auction PERSONAL PROPERTY SAT., JUNE 29TH • 9 A.M.

Location: 161 Old Racetrack Rd., Coatesville, PA 19320

Directions: From red light on RT 10 (Limestone RD) Turn east on Highland Rd to Old Racetrack Rd, turn right to sale. LARGE QUANTITY OF TOOL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, AND COINS Tools: Troy-Bilt chipper w/8 hp. Briggs eng; Airens front tine tiller w/4hp Briggs eng; Electric cement mixer; Makita miter saw; Craftsman 10” band saw; 10” drill press; 12” band saw/sander; Roto zip kit; planer; Dewalt electric hand planer; Dewalt, Boseh, Ryobi sawzalls ; Milwaukee heavy duty hammer drill; several vices; Veto pro pac; Buffalo drill press; Touchest 18v cutout tool; 12 ton shop press; John Deere lawn tractor seat; 8 sheets ¾” good one side ply wood; shop vacs; Senco air framing nailer; bench grinders; Lg. quantity utility knives; wrenches; sockets; screw drivers; pliers; taps; ratchets; lawn & garden tools; ladders; C clamps; scroll saw; joiner. Coin: Several Franklin halves 1948 – 1963; lg quantity foreign coins; 1953 & 1954o Seated Liberty Halves; 1903 Barber Half; (3) 1917, (2) 1918s, 1934, 1937, 1941s, (2) 1942, 1943, 1943s, (2) 1944, 1944s, (2) 1945, 1946s Walking Liberty Halves; Barber dimes; Roosevelt silver dimes; several Mercury dimes; 1891 Seated Liberty dime. Jewelry: Several pieces of Sterling & Costume Jewelry. Household & Antiques: Dinner bell w/sm. crack but still has good tone and no yoke (Eagle bell 3 Nisley & Bro Lebanon Pa); Early dental tools; wooden spike tooth harrow; pully behind single bottom plow; several strap hinges. Lots of china & glassware boxed in storage to be unpacked along with furniture to be unloaded.

Picture of furniture and glassware to follow closer to date of the sale.

*Auction Note: Lot of tools from a closed used tool store all in working condition. Coin, household & glassware from one estate*

*Announcements day of sale take precedence over previous listing*

*Food will be provided day of sale*

*Not Responsible for accident* Check www.auctionzip.com #1320 for pictures.

Kenneth Griest Auctioneer Auctioneers: Kenneth Griest - Lic. AU-003929-L 610-857-3187

over the past several months, were evaluated on criteria such as environmental objective, unique aspect of the project, quality of submission, and how the Lancaster Group might be involved.

The grants were in the past financed primarily with funds generated by the group’s Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike and more recently were funded with money donated to the Group by its participation

in the ExtraGive. Charitable, educational, or business organizations in Lancaster County that demonstrate a commitment to the Sierra Club’s mission of “exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet” are eligible to apply for a grant.

For complete details about the Green Project Grant Program, visit http://lancastersierraclub .org/grant-program/, call 717-475-0586, or email jimsmeenan@gmail.com.

LEFEVER & HART AUCTIONS LLC UPCOMING AUCTIONS

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 • 9:00 A.M. 110 Fernwood Road, Cochranville, PA

Terms: Cash or Approved Check No Out-of-State Checks

SATURDAY, AUG. 3 • 10:00 A.M. 10 State Line Road, Nottingham, PA

ACRES ZONED INDUSTRIAL (CURRENTLY FARMED ACT 319) This land has MANY by-right & conditional uses. See website or call for more information & pictures. 1% Broker Participation Offered. Sale For: Two Boys LP

SATURDAY, AUG 24 • 10:00 A.M.

270 Little Britain Road S, Nottingham, PA

REAL ESTATE ON 1.9 ACRE LOT

Very nice split-level home with detached three-car garage. Mature landscaping w/many flower gardens. A must see. Solanco Schools.

See website or call for more info & pictures. 1% Broker Participation Offered.

Sale For: Randy & Kate Price

TUESDAY, SEPT. 3 • 6:00 P.M.

3069 Irishtown Road, Ronks, PA REAL ESTATE ON 1.3 ACRE LOT

Nice Cape-Cod home on large flat lot offering main level bedroom & bath. Partial finished basement. Outbuildings.

See website or call for more info & pictures. 1% Broker Participation Offered.

Sale For: Susan Reinacher/ Beth Workman/ John Workman TWO-DAY AUCTION

FRI., SEPT 6 • 4:00 P.M. & SAT., SEPT 7 • 8:30 A.M.

137 Pilottown Road, Peach Bottom, PA

LARGE collection John Deere Lawn Tractors/ Signs/ Die Cast Toys/ Pedal Tractors/ Golf Cart/ Household Items & Many Other Collectables. See website for listing & pictures. 10% Buyer Premium.

Sale For: Mike & Stephanie Trout

SATURDAY, SEPT 14 • 9:00 A.M.

445 Hopkins Mill Road, Quarryville, PA

REAL ESTATE ON 2.0 ACRE LOT – PERSONAL

Participants in the Chester County Stronger Golf Classic fundraiser included (from left) Brian Threlfall, Nancy Threlfall, Kim Brumbaugh and Mark Brumbaugh from Brumbaugh Wealth Management.

Kelly McGonigal

Anti-violence program honored

Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project has been selected as a 2024 Love & Light honoree by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Love & Light Recognition Tour spotlights individuals and organizations that exemplify love, light and upliftment in the community. Not One More was selected for its commitment to the Berks County community.

The Love & Light Recognition Ceremony was held on May 1 in Philadelphia. Ebonie Cunningham Stringer, associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Berks and executive director of Not One More, received the award on behalf of the program.

The mission of the Not One More program is to help eradicate violence in the city of Reading. In 2023, Penn State Berks was awarded a $1.62 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to establish a youth violence intervention and prevention program, a new initiative that will employ evidence-based strategies to serve youths ages 14 to 21 in Berks County. In addition to establishing the program, objectives of the grant include working with community partners to identify youths who are at risk of committing violence, as well as violence interrupters, called peacemakers. The multi-year grant will run through 2025.

Stringer is the principal investigator on the grant along with co-investigator Laurie Grobman, distin -

guished professor of English and women’s studies.

Not One More: A Peace and Justice Project was created to facilitate work on the grant and beyond. Stringer and Grobman are working in collaboration with Edna Garcia-DiPini, executive director of RIZE Above Bars, a nonprofit youth organization in Berks County. Stringer serves as the executive director of Not One More; Garcia-DiPini is director of programs, and Grobman is director of special projects and story project facilitator.

Not One More facilitates the newly formed Berks Youth Anti-Violence Coalition, a collaborative working group consisting of youth-serving community organizations, faith communities, schools, community leaders, and government-sponsored agencies that work to eradicate violence in Berks County. The coalition’s mission is to reduce the duplication of services, address gaps in services to youths, promote information sharing and connect youths to community resources from which they may benefit, all in an effort to help create a community in which all youths can live, flourish, and develop to their full potential without fear of violence.

Specific project goals for the grant include reducing violent crime and gun violence among people ages 14 to 21; developing and monitoring violence prevention plans for 40 youths at risk of violence; changing

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Collectibles

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Ebonie Cunningham Stringer (center), associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Berks, is recognized by Ebony Wortham (left), executive assistant United States attorney for community engagement, and Jacqueline Romero, United States attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

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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.

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ITEMS WANTED

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Program

community norms about violence through education, training, the arts, and nonviolent messaging; empowering residents and youths who have committed or been impacted by violence to share responsibility for reducing violence; and facilitating the Berks Youth Anti-Violence Coalition.

• Citronella Plants (helps repel mosquitos)

Hanging Baskets • Planters

King Road Greenhouse

BANGOR EPISCOPAL-FOUNDED 1722. 4 mi. W of Morgantown on Rt. 23 in Churchtown. Sunday Holy Eucharist at 10am. All are welcome. Handicap accessible. Parking lot adjacent to the church off Water Street. For additional info., www.bangorepiscopal.org

BETHANY GRACE FELLOWSHIP: 400 Reading Road, East Earl (at the corner of Rt. 625 & Union Grove Rd.) Join us for worship, Sundays at 9 & 10:35AM. Adult, Youth, 56 Club classes at 10:35. Options for nursery-grade 4 during both time slots. Check us out at www.bethanygf.org or call 717-4456644 with questions. To Thrive | To Impact | To Unify.

BRICK LANE COMMUNITY CHURCH:52 S. Brick Lane in Elverson, welcomes visitors to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare through age 2 and children’s worship during the sermon for PreK-Grade 3 available. Learn more at www.brick52.org or call the church office 610-286-6790. For those unable to attend in-person, see our livestream on www.youtube.com/bricklanecommunitychurch

CHURCHTOWN UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH: 2170 Main Street, Narvon (Churchtown). Phone: 717-445-5585, umcchurchtown@gmail.com. Pastor Dave Kling, dklingclm@gmail.com 5 mi East of New Holland on PA 23. Sunday worship at 9 am. Handicapped Access.

FAIRVIEW EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- 800 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA (intersection of Fairview & Little Conestoga Rds.) Rev. Tim Latham. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15am; Worship Service at 10:30am Nursery provided. Christian Education, Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies, Music Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Small groups... and much more! As growing disciples, we continue to Worship, Connect, Know and Serve God. For more info, find us online at www.FairviewEPC.org or call the office at 610-942-2640

LIVING GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH: 3200 Horseshoe Pike, 3 miles east of Honey Brook. Handicap accessible. Please join us for worship each Sunday at 9:30 am and Children’s Sunday School at 9:30 am. Nursery care is provided. If you are unable to attend in-person, join us via livestream on YouTube.

MT ZION UMC: 753 Mt. Zion Rd., Narvon, PA. Pastor: Ian Solodky, Worship Leader: Joe Liptock, Praise Band “3:16”. Adult Bible Study 9 am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Child Care Provided. We teach the traditional Gospel of Jesus Christ. All are welcome! Enjoy the views of our beautiful rural setting. Facebook.com/mtzionroad/ Instagram: Mt.Zion_narvon

PARKESBURG WORD OF FAITH CHURCH

Sunday Service 10 am & Wednesday prayer at 7:30 pm - at 501 Lenover Rd., Parkesburg, PA 19365. Call 610-593-2277 www.parkesburgwordoffaith.org

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

Stringer said she is motivated by the desire to continue to refine evi -

dence-based models that other cities can use to eradicate violence.‚ Her program uses the evidence-based Cure Violence model, which takes a public health approach to eradicating violence by detecting and de-escalating conflict before violence erupts, targeting and providing treatment services to youths who are at the highest risk of violence as victims or perpetrators, and changing

community norms that promote violence.

Stringer is also interested in getting religious and civic organizations, as well as businesses, invested in the fight against community violence.

Grobman has taken on the primary role of collecting and sharing the community’s stories about violence. She believes that people need to hear stories about how violence impacts

members of the community in both direct and indirect ways; sharing stories may inspire fellow community members to join efforts to stop violence. She said she hopes storytelling will also help individuals better understand their experiences and the power of their voices.

For more information, contact Stringer at 610396-6018 or at ECS296@ psu.edu.

Commissioners award preservation grants

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe approved the awarding of nearly $6.7 million in open space preservation and park improvement grants at a recent public commissioners’ meeting. The grants are made available through Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program, which offers funding to municipalities and nonprofit land preservation organizations.

A total of 16 grants are included this year, ranging from $11,533 to $2 million. The grants include the following sites and projects.

East Coventry Township will receive $11,533 for environmental restoration at the East Coventry Nature Preserve. The project will help address streambank erosion, flooding, and invasive species removal.

East Vincent Township will receive $226,750 for the acquisition of a 25.6acre woodland property located in the Hopewell Big Woods. Future use will be a nature preserve with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature exploration.

East Whiteland Township will receive $870,000 for the acquisition of 52.1 acres in East Whiteland, West Whiteland, and East Goshen townships for a future East Whiteland Township park, which will include hiking and walking trails.

London Britain Township will receive $199,187 for improvements to Nichol Park to include replacing an existing playground structure with a handicapped-accessible version, new playground

surfacing, and resurfacing an existing basketball court.

Penn Township will receive $250,000 to construct the third phase of the Penn Township Sports Park, which includes three youth baseball fields and two multi-purpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey, along with more parking spaces. All facilities will be handicapped-accessible.

Pennsbury Township will receive more than $1.8 million to purchase a 100acre addition to the adjacent Pennsbury Township Park for passive public recreation, including hiking and birdwatching. The property supports diverse natural resources, including woodlands, meadows, and part of Rising Run, which flows into Brandywine Creek.

West Grove Borough will receive $100,000 for the installation of an artificial turf field at Memorial Park plus the addition of trees, understory plantings, seating, stadium lights, and a new equipment storage building.

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust will receive a total

of $623,765 for four projects: $72,900 for the purchase of a conservation easement on 23.3 acres in East Coventry Township with an extensive stream corridor and woodlands; $128,300 for the purchase of a conservation easement on 24 acres in East Coventry Township, which will include a public trail corridor to eventually lead to the East Coventry Nature Preserve; and $201,565 for the purchase of a conservation easement on 55.6 acres across North and South Coventry townships, which includes a publicly assessable trail and trailhead to connect Coventry Woods and Woody’s Woods, two woodland preserves that are a part of the Hopewell Big Woods. An additional $221,000 will be given to fund the purchase of a 126-acre conservation easement on the Camp Innabah property in East Vincent Township to supplement a prior county grant of $640,000.

Natural Lands will receive a total of more than $2.2 million for three projects: $188,184 for the purchase of a conservation easement

on 109 acres in South Coventry and Warwick townships located within the Hopewell Big Woods; $50,000 for the planting of over 10,000 trees in the Peacedale Preserve in Franklin Township to improve stormwater management and create habitat; and $2 million for the acquisition of 493 acres in Wallace Township, which will be transferred to the state and managed as part of the William Penn State Forest. This site will eventually connect to Marsh Creek State Park and Chester County Water Resource’s Barneston Dam property along the county’s future Struble Trail North. The project will provide significant opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. Willistown Conservation Trust will receive a total of $296,170 for two projects: $46,170 toward the installation of a bioretention basin to better manage runoff from Rushton Farm in the Rushton Woods Preserve in Willistown Township and an additional $250,000 toward the purchase of 90 acres to create a publicly accessible nature preserve, which will include new public trails. The latter amount supplements a $500,000 Preservation Partnership Program grant given by the county in 2023.

Chester County has funded the preservation of more than 65,000 acres of farmland, open space, nature preserves, and parks in partnership with farmers, municipalities, nonprofits, and landowners in all 73 municipalities.

The site of the future Pennsbury Township Park expansion