“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
Yurick hopes to inspire others with new podcast
BY FRANCINE FULTON
“Our mission is to normalize sobriety and inspire those who are self-medicating in a harmful way,” said Joe Yurick, who recently started a podcast titled “This Sober Vet,” which features firsthand stories told by veterans who have overcome issues with addiction. His goal is for listeners to think, “If these veterans got through it and are sober, maybe I could do that.”
Yurick, who is celebrating two and a half years of being sober, recently completed the first recording of the podcast, themed “Joe’s Sobriety Story,” during which he provides listeners with biographic information. His co-host for the podcast is Theresa Thomas, a mental health therapist who served with Yurick in the United States Army. She will also co-host upcoming podcasts.
With no definitive plans for after graduation, he enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. He then went to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for Advanced Individual Training, graduating with honors as a Patriot Missile System operator/maintainer.
He was deployed overseas as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in Qatar, Baghdad and later Kuwait.
“All we are doing is planting seeds of inspiration and hope.”
“Our main mission was to protect central command,” he explained. “A Patriot Missile launch (shoots down) enemy aircraft out of the sky.”
He was honorably discharged in 2004 and did not choose to re-enlist despite a promise of being stationed in Germany. “I came back with my limbs and my sanity, so me and Uncle Sam were square,” he commented.
Yurick is a 2000 graduate of Octorara Junior-Senior High School, where he describes himself as having been the “class clown.” “Every classroom was an audience, and I had my own desk in the in-school suspension room,” he joked.
He said his drinking began in high school and it continued through his service and when he returned. With the help of his wife, Katelyn, he decided to give up the drinking for the sake of his family.
To celebrate his sobriety, he would go on Saturday morning hikes wearing his rucksack. “I
BY ANN MEAD ASH
would rucksack 4 or 5 miles in the woods, hoping for inspiration. I challenged God, (saying), ‘Here I am sober. Please use me in whatever way You can,’” Yurick recalled. “I turned this corner that I had hundreds of times and heard in my mind as clear as day, ‘This Sober Vet.’ I started brainstorming and (thinking) a podcast is a cool idea.”
He then solicited the help of Thomas, his veteran colleague, and rented out recording space
On Saturday, Dec. 14, as part of the Wreaths Across America (WAA) effort, which places wreaths on the graves of those who served in the military, 3,000 wreaths will be distributed to cemeteries in the Pequea Valley and Octorara school districts. This is the sixth year that Gap resident Paula Diem has coordinated the project, which involves Pequea Valley schools, the Gap Fire Company, and about 100 members of the area Boy and Girl Scout organizations. “This year, we are honoring the Scouts who are our feet on the ground,” said Diem. The Scouts will be honored during a special ceremony, which will be held at noon at the Pequea Valley Intermediate School (PVIS), 166 S. New Holland Road, Kinzers. The 30-minute ceremony will feature a speaker, wreaths presented by eight veterans, and a 21-rifle salute. Representatives of Parkesburg VFW Post 4480 will present the colors, and Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) sophomore Spencer Groff will play taps. The event is free and open to the community.
Wreaths Across
Joe Yurick
Scholarship applicants sought
Books by local author featured at Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop
The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County has announced the search for students who reside in the Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to apply for the Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarship. The scholarship, previously granted in amounts of $1,000 or more, is awarded to students who are seeking higher education in the human health care field. Last year, more than $110,000 was granted to area students who
received the scholarship. Award recipients planned to study in fields such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, sonography and occupational therapy.
The Alma Newlin Scholarship grants onetime undergraduate awards to college-bound high school seniors, current college students and adults pursuing continuing education. Also eligible are students entering postgraduate studies, including additional one-time awards to previous scholarship recipients seeking postgraduate education in health care. Students must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in previous studies and be accepted for study in health care-related professions.
The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Alma Newlin, a longtime resident of Kennett Square. The fund is administered by the Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County. Applications may be obtained at www .HWFSCC.org under the funding link. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically by Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. For more information, contact Constance K. Logan at almanewlinscholarship fund@gmail.com.
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Among the items featured at the Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop at Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC) this holiday season are three books by Cochranville author Iris Gray Dowling. Two of the books, “Let’s Open Our Eyes & Find a Luna Moth” and “Nature Stories #2” are new and were released this month. The third, “Days Gone By (Life in 1930s and 1940s),” which details the beginnings of Cochranville, was published earlier this year.
This year, the shop at OPC will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition, the shop will be open on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., during which time Dowling will be on hand offering signed copies of her books, which will remain available to purchase in the shop. She will also be available to speak with shoppers about the writing process.
Like her picture book, “Keep Your Eyes Open (Discover the Cecropia Moth),” “Let’s Open Our Eyes & Find a Luna Moth” details the moth’s life cycle. “I added other pages about different kinds of moths, and I drew all of the drawings myself, even the cover,” said Dowling. “It’s a picture book really, but it offers very good information.”
from her personal experiences when writing books.
“‘Nature Stories’ has a lot of good stories about growing up ... things that happened in the yard or the small farm where I grew up,” she noted.
Dowling has written more than 17 books, including “History of Churches and Worship Groups in the Oxford Area” and “Mission Stories from Upper Oxford Township,” which details true stories from people in the Upper Oxford and Cochranville areas who served as missionaries.
“(Writing) keeps me busy and keeps my mind occupied. I look forward to the day (when I am writing). It’s part of my life,” she shared.
Dowling, who has spent more than 65 years as an educator, author and play director, added that she is not done writing books. “I
have another one in the back of my mind. I have a story to tell and a message to give, and that is what I am doing in this stage of my life,” she said, adding that she prefers reading physical copies of books, including her own, rather
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“Nature Stories #2” is a sequel to “Nature Stories #1,” which she wrote about 10 years ago. “This is more of a reading book (rather than a picture book), with a lot of stories about nature,” said Dowling.
Both books are designed to encourage children to learn, experience and enjoy nature. “They are children’s books because there are pictures and children can learn from them,” she noted. “They are great for homeschooling. The luna book has bigger pictures and should be studied with a parent. ‘Nature Stories’ would definitely be readable for (students) in upper grades or a good reader in third or fourth grade.”
Dowling uses stories
Cochranville author Iris Gray Dowling will be on hand to sign copies of her books on Dec. 6.
See Author pg 6
“It’s a great ceremony,” said Erik Orndorff, Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) superintendent.
After the ceremony, the eight wreaths presented to honor the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, and POW/ MIAs will be transported to the Gap VFW building by Dick Martin for display by the VFW auxiliary.
To distribute the wreaths to graves in 30 cemeteries, Diem contacted Orndorff and John Trovato, PVHS principal. Each year, the district sends several students to the Gap Fire Company, where the wreaths will be delivered this year by a Tyson truck at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.
“(The students) help, along with the community volunteers, to unload the wreaths and arrange them by cemetery so they are prepared to be delivered,” said Diem.
“On Friday night, a team of eight volunteers mark each box of wreaths in four places,” reported Diem. On Saturday, Dec. 13, representatives of fire companies located in PVSD and Octorara School District will pick up the wreaths and deliver them to cemeteries.
Orndorff and Trovato visit a different cemetery each year to help with the effort. This year, Diem suggested they place wreaths on the graves of Revolutionary War veterans. “We have (a total of) 100 Revolutionary War veterans (in the area), and each (grave) gets a wreath,” noted Diem.
The relationship between the Gap WAA chapter and PVSD dates back to 2019 when Diem first organized the chapter. Diem asked PVSD for help, and Orndorff and Trovato stepped up to provide. Trovato was quick to point out that two PVHS teachers have been devoted participants. “We have two facilitatorsRob Dorshimer and Tyler Espie - who help support this really worthy cause,” said Trovato. “They feel this is an important cause, and they recruit kids they think should be part of this.”
and businesses. Readers who would like to help with the local WAA effort may call 717-5871315. More information about WAA may be found at www.wreathsacross america.org.
WAA has its roots in Maine in the early 1990s. In 2005, the project began to gain national attention. Diem began her efforts in the Gap area after attending several WAA ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C. “We had six months to prepare,” recalled Diem. “We started with 1,250 wreaths.” The costs of the wreaths are covered by
John Trovato (left) and Erik Orndorff (right) have been helping Paula Diem (center) with the Wreaths Across America Gap effort since 2019.
3-5
6-9 Books: 15% OFF • 10 or More: 20% OFF
• Boxed Cards (Including Christmas Cards): 15% OFF
Community Calendar
Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. Bible Study Group
Parkesburg Mennonite Church
Dec. 7. Christmas Bazaar
Leacock Presbyterian Church
• Gift Items-Games-Puzzles: 10% OFF
TUESDAY: Bible Storybooks/My Bible Friends: $30.00 OFF while supply lasts
WEDNESDAY: Bibles/Bible Covers 20% OFF
THURSDAY: DVDs: 20% OFF CDs: 10% OFF FRIDAY: 10% OFF Everything w/exception of sale items
• Sing to the Lord songbook Reg. $10.99/Sale 50% OFF
• A Time To Eat Cookbook: Reg. $24.95/Sale $19.95
• All Books by Elizabeth George: 40% OFF
• 2025 Daily Planner/Calenders: 15% OFF
**Check our selection of cape dresses, nursing-friendly dresses, skorts, and more upstairs!**
We also have veils from Joyce Long and Esther Martin!
•
off on Tuesday ONLY)
44 E. Second Ave., Parkesburg, 10 a.m. The Bible study will focus on Ephesians. The topic on Nov. 27 will be “Becoming New People with One Another.” The topic on Dec. 4 will be “Becoming New in Our Personal Hearts and Lives.” Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Nov. 27. Kacie’s Cause Support Group
Parkesburg Baptist Church
103 West St., Parkesburg, 7 to 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/KaciesCauseParkesburg
Nov. 28. Narcotics Anonymous
IMPACT Church
101 E. First Ave., Parkesburg, 5 p.m.
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop
Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford. The shop will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, as well as Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Items offered for sale will include handmade jewelry, seasonal decorations, ornaments and pottery. Local author Iris Gray Dowling will sign copies of her books on Dec. 6. www.facebook.com/OxfordPresbyterian
Dec. 1. Church Service, Free Meal
New Beginnings Church of the Cross
1 Penn Ave, Christiana. Sunday morning worship will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a free smorgasbordstyle meal. www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsCross
3181 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured will be holiday gifts, craft vendor tables and a used toy sale. Food, including soups and bonbons, will also be offered. For more information or to rent a table, call 301-452-2215.
Dec. 7. Christmas Bazaar
Presented by the Gap Town Clock Lions Club
Gap Fire Company
802 Pequea Ave., Gap, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured will crafters, a food truck and free crafts for children. Santa will be on hand for photos. For more information or to reserve a vendor spot, contact Steve Wenrich at steverw23@gmail.com.
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. For more information, call 800-800-1833, ext. 6018.
Thanksgiving Eve service planned
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Compass, located at 1520 W. Kings Highway, Gap, will hold a candlelight Thanksgiving Eve service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. For more information, email stjohnscompass@ gmail.com or call 717442-4302 and leave a message.
KIDS’
CHRISTMAS EVENT
from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This is a free event, and all children from the community are welcome to attend; however, they must be accompanied by an adult. Children will be able to visit with Santa, hear the Christmas story, make crafts, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Bring your camera to get your own personal pictures with Santa! At 4:45 p.m., we will have our Christmas Tree Lighting.
Hammond-Cahill
The wedding of Amy Cahill and R. Scot Hammond Jr. took place on Sept. 28 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Coatesville. The Rev. Eder Estrada officiated at the 1 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Steve and Kim Cahill of Peach Bottom. The groom is the son of Randy and Bonnie Hammond of Christiana. The couple resides in Lancaster County.
Community warned of scams
Members of the public are encouraged to use caution to avoid scams during holidays.
Matt Schiltz, staff attorney for the Midwest regional office of the Federal Trade Commission in Chicago, said impostor scams are the most frequently reported type of fraud. For example, fraudsters may use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of someone known to the victim, such as a friend or family member.
Schiltz explained that fraudsters create new, more persuasive scams by improvising on old ones. In a recent scam, a person posing as a bank employee contacted potential victims and informed them that they needed to move their money into another account for protection against tampering or government seizure.
Fraudsters may also use weather disasters, such as the recent hurricanes, to lure unsuspecting people to shell out dollars to a fake charity. Consumers are encour -
Holiday toy drive posted
aged to visit www.ftc .gov/imposters to learn more about the different types of scams. Anyone with knowledge of a scam should contact the agency at www.report fraud.ftc.gov.
The office of state Sen. Carolyn Comitta is collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Donations will be accepted in the atrium at Comitta’s West Chester district office, 17 E. Gay St., through Wednesday, Dec. 11. The office is open on Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit https://chester-county -pa.toysfortots.org/.
Since 1947, the United State Marine Corps Reserve has operated Toys for Tots, a nonprofit charity, to help
distribute toys to families facing financial hardship. Hundreds of local Toys for Tots campaigns are conducted annually in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. During the 2023 holiday season, the Chester County Toys for Tots distributed nearly 41,000 toys to more than 16,000 children.
State Sen. Carolyn Comitta displayed a donated toy that will be given to a child in need.
in Lancaster. “We have four podcasts in the works. Three are Army vets, and we will have one female Air Force vet, which will touch a whole different audience,” he stated. “I am excited to have all branches on so (listeners can) hear their
journey and how they got through it and how they got on this side of sobriety.”
He recently encouraged his upcoming guest to relax and be honest about his experience during the upcoming recording session. “(I told him) we are
SINGING SPRING FOODS
just having a conversation. It’s low-pressure and lowkey in hopes that someone can relate to your story,” Yurick said. “Be authentic. Everyone’s story is different.”
In addition to the podcast, Yurick is the owner
of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Lancaster. “Any items that we can repurpose we have in a warehouse in Willow Street, and we drop them off free of charge to veterans (and other people in need),” he stated, adding that the podcast is just another way to help veterans. “All we are doing is planting seeds of inspiration and hope. It’s a labor of love. I want to inspire people.”
There is no charge to listen to the podcast. For more information on how to access the podcast, visit www.thissobervet.com or search for “This Sober Vet Podcast” on Facebook. Those with questions may email thissobervet@gmail.com.
Author from pg 2
than reading on a tablet or device. “I want to see it and feel it and turn the pages.”
Grocery Aisle
Ten Thousand Villages offers home decor, accessories and gift items made by artisans around the world. A founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization, the Ten Thousand Villages organization ensures that artisans receive a fair price for their work, while offering shoppers an opportunity to buy unique handcrafted items. According to www .tenthousandvillages.com, every purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker in a developing country.
Oxford Presbyterian Church is located at 6 Pine St., Oxford. For more information about the Ten Thousand Villages Shop, visit www.facebook.com/ OxfordPresbyterian or call the church office at 610-932-9640.
For more information about the books or how to obtain a copy, email Dowling at dowlingiris013 @gmail.com.
scan this code for more local news townlively.com
CDC helps kids comprehend reading in entirely different ways
BY JEFF FALK
Dyslexia is something that we might not fully understand. Dyslexia may be something we don’t talk enough about. Dyslexia might be more prevalent than we realize.
It’s a learning disorder that Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC) of Lancaster can help manage and, in some instances, even overcome.
“What everyone needs to understand is that (dyslexia is) neurological, it runs in families and it affects language
processing,” said Heather Brown, who’s been CDC of Lancaster’s director for 10 years. “What it’s not is reading backwards. It’s about how kids process language, how the brain processes language. Words and sentences look the same, but it’s daunting to read. Students work so hard to get through paragraphs that by the end of them they don’t remember the meaning. You have to break the reading code. We teach kids how to break that code, so it frees the brain up.”
Located at 213 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, CDC of Lancaster teaches schoolage children with dyslexia from Lancaster, Dauphin, York, Chester and Lebanon counties how to read, write and spell. Much of the work is performed in one-on-one settings after school.
CDC of Lancaster also trains adults how to tutor kids with dyslexia. All of its services are provided free of charge.
“(The number of people affected by dyslexia is) a hard number to quantify,” said Brown. “It’s estimated that between 10% and 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia. I’d say that half of our parents are undiagnosed dyslexics. But only 8% of the population is getting tested.”
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the literacy rate among adults in the United States is 79%.
CDC of Lancaster, which employs about a dozen instructors, works with about 20 kids with some
form of dyslexia each semester, or about 40 per year.
“They come here after a day of school and push through an hour of hard tutoring,” said Brown. “For a lot of our kids, it takes them two or three times longer to read than their peers. When they see how easy it is for their peers, it becomes frustrating. They’re on the same level, but they’re putting forth so much more effort. But you need to read to succeed. We accomplish our goals by putting one step in front of the other every day. We teach kids how to be confident readers and writers.”
“Most of our students are born with dyslexia, so it can be hereditary,” Brown continued. “It’s neurological. It’s how we’re born. Somebody can be really good at math and others not as good. It’s the same with reading. For some kids, it takes longer to read. There are even different kinds of dyslexia. We teach kids the steps to overcome the challenges with dyslexia.”
A regional organization associated with the Scottish Rite of Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, CDC operates more than 40 centers in 13 states in New England, Pennsylvania, Ohio and parts of the Midwest. Since being established in 2002, CDC of Lancaster has helped more than 260 kids with dyslexia, 150 of whom have graduated from its program.
“The science behind this
A student works with an instructor on reading at Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster.
Students invited to apply for advisory council
High school juniors who are interested in public service, policy, and the legislative process are invited to apply for state Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s third annual Student Advisory Council. The purpose of the council is to bring together students from across Chester County to learn about the roles and responsibilities within a state senate office as well as to gather youth perspectives on issues facing communities in Chester County and across the commonwealth.
Council members must live in the 19th Senatorial District and are expected to be available for a weekly meeting every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. from Jan. 29, 2025, through the beginning of April.
Students may apply at www.pasenatorcomitta .com/studentadvisory council2025. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. Upon submission of an application, students may be contacted for an interview.
Student applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated passion for service, prior experience and volunteer opportunities, and enthusiasm for progress through public policy.
For more details, contact Comitta’s director of constituent services, Ethan Shaffer, at ethan.shaffer@ pasenate.com.
Tree Tenders training planned
Penn State Extension will offer a Tree Tenders training webinar series on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 to Feb. 19, from noon to 1 p.m.
Through the Tree Tenders training program, developed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in partnership with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters, people may gain the skills needed to restore and care for their community’s tree canopy. Individuals learn how to plant, prune, and maintain trees. Tree Tenders work to increase environmental health and sustainability, enhance green spaces, and increase tree cover in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.
Since 1993, PHS has trained thousands of Tree Tenders in more than 200 neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has supported the program since 2004. In 2008, the program
expanded to Pittsburgh and smaller metropolitan areas, and by 2013, it became available statewide. Since then, thousands more have been trained throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Each participant will receive a printed copy of the Tree Tenders Handbook, published by PHS.
To register by Friday, Jan. 3, visit https:// extension.psu.edu/ and search for “Tree Tenders Training.”
State Sen. Carolyn Comitta (front, third from right) and members of her 2024 Student Advisory Council visited the Senate Chamber at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.
ENCOUNTER CHURCH: 300 Hideaway Drive, Quarryville, PA 17566
Sunday Service & Kid's Church held at 8:30 am and 10:45 am. Church e-mail: office@encounterchurchpa.org www.encounterchuchpa.org Church phone: 717-786-2756
FAITH BIBLE CHAPEL: “Ordinary People Serving An Extraordinary God.” Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. (Children’s Service during Pastor’s Message). Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 6:30 p.m. We are located at 140 Bernard Ave., Cochranville. Pastor Scott Althouse 610-593-6333 fbchapel@zoominternet.net
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Dedicated to the serious preaching & teaching of God’s Word. Traditional hymns & praise songs accompanied by guitar. Sunday Service 10:40am. 53 Hurley Rd, Parkesburg, PA 19365. 610-593-7123. www. gracecommunitychurch-parkesburg.com for messages, ministries and directions
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH: 1 EAST HIGHLAND RD., PARKESBURG PA 19365
610-857-1670 www.highland-bc.org
Sunday Services: Sunday School for all ages 9:30 am, Morning Service 10:45 am (nursery is available), Prayer Service 4 pm Wednesday Youth programs 6:30-8:00 pm. Thursday Ladies Bible Study 10:00 am
IMPACT CHURCH: IMPACTING lives with the Hope of Jesus Christ. Sunday Gatherings at 9 am & 10:30 am. 101 East 1st Ave., Parkesburg. Pastor Mike Bailey. 610-857-3887. Visit us online at WWW.IMPACTPA.CHURCH
LITTLE BRITAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
255 Little Britain Church Rd., Peach Bottom (between 222 and 272). Sunday School Classes all ages 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Youth Groups for Elementary, Jr. High and Sr. High, Choir, Bell Choir, Small Groups. Rev. Thomas Milligan, 717-548-2266. Web site: www.littlebritainchurch.org E-mail: lbpc1732@gmail.com Hearing assistance devices.
MANOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)
“Come find spiritual life in Christ for your family.” Cochranville: Rte. 926, halfway between Rte. 41 & Rte. 10. Rev. Daniel Henderson, Pastor. Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 am. Fellowship & Refreshments from 10:15-10:35 am. Worship with classes for infantsPre-K at 10:45 am Kidsworship for K5th is held during the sermon time. Youth Group for 6th-12th grades twice a month at 6:30 pm 610-869-2402. www.manorpresbyterian.com
Attend Church this Sunday
Goodeaux selected to serve on statewide council
PLACE AN AD
MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE CHURCH: 549 Swan Rd., Atglen. 610-593-6658, Lead Pastor: Mike Clemmer, Music Minister: Matt Chambers. Sunday School 9am, Sunday Worship 10am, Children’s Church, Nursery. Youth Group Wed., 7pm. Christian Preschool. Visit us online at: www.maplegrovemc.com
MIDDLE OCTORARA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1199 Valley Road Quarryville. Sunday Services: Sunday School 9 AM; Blended Worship 10:30 AM. 717-786-3402 Visit us online at www.middleoctorara.org
MT. VERNON CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Growing Deeper, Reaching Farther. 1 Lighthouse Dr, Kirkwood. Pastor Tony Murrin. Sunday School- all ages 9am, Worship 10:00am. Handicap Access. Phone: 717-529-4102. Visit us online at mtvernonchristianchurch.com
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
ROCK CHURCH: A Spirit-filled, Full Gospel Church Family. 32 E. State St in Quarryville. Sunday service at 10am. More info at RockChurchLC.org Phone: 717-847-6872
SANDY HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH :
420 S. Sandy Hill Rd., Coatesville 610-857-3959; www.sandyhill.net. Sunday service: 10:15am; Bible teaching, music; Children’s classes, staffed nursery; Adult classes, 9:15am, Youth Min., Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm. Small Groups. A Friendly, Christ-centered church. Preschool: Enrolling-2 1/2-5 years, 610-857-1922
ST. CHRISTOPHER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Where everyone can find a place to belong! 116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford (Rt. 472 at the Rt. 1 bypass ramps). Sunday inperson Holy Communion Service at 10:00 AM, also live-streamed. When people warmly welcome you, you will know you have found a church home where you can come just as you are. The Episcopal Church is Catholic in the way we worship and Protestant in the way we think. You’ll find beautiful music, good preaching, and an inclusive community in which to worship God. YOU BELONG HERE! Check out St. Christopher’s website, YouTube, or Facebook for updates and links. Rev. Dr. Mary Ann Mertz rector@stchrisoxford.org 610-932-8134 www.stchrisoxford.org
UPPER OCTORARA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (EPC): 1121 Octorara Trail (on Rt. 10 a mile south of Rt. 30), Parkesburg. Christ-centered, Handicapped accessible. Sunday School all ages 9:30 am (Sept-May). Sunday Worship (Blended style) 10:30 am. Youth Group & a variety of adult groups. Dana J. Smith, Pastor. (610)857-5787 www.uopc-epc.org Find us on Facebook. Christian Preschool: (610)857-0236
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
Chester County park ranger Jessa Goodeaux has been selected to serve on the NextGen Advisory Council, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Council members assist DCNR with ensuring that all Pennsylvanians, especially the next generation, can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation. Goodeaux noted that her goals include increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for young veterans and women.
Goodeaux embarked on a career in parks and recreation after witnessing the role that open spaces had on the public’s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes her life’s purpose is to serve others - as both a Chester County park ranger and an Army
Reserve officer.
The DCNR launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives and engagement opportunities to help to inform department programs and operations.
Event set for senior drivers
A CarFit Event for Mature Drivers will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at Goshen Fire Company, 1299 Boot Road, West Chester. The program is sponsored by the Chester County Highway Safety Project, the Chester County Health Department, and Paoli Hospital.
Developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), CarFit offers senior drivers the oppor-
tunity to check out how well their cars fit them and to become aware of community-specific resources and activities that could make the fit better. CarFit is a free, individualized safety check to help drivers increase vehicle control and comfort. Participants may discover easy adjustments that may protect them behind the wheel.
For more details or to schedule an appointment, contact Denae Diaz at 610-344-4461 or dediaz@ chesco.org. Space is limited.
Servic-
Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your Free Author’s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit: dorranceinfo.com/macnet.
INFLATION IS AT 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans.
Jessa Goodeaux
Katie Kuffner (back, right) and Elizabeth Riley (front) from the Chester County Health Department speak to a community member at a past CarFit event.
Lawn & Garden
FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
PINE SHAVINGS, RAILROAD TIES, Fence Posts/Fence Supplies. Large/Small Quantities. Call For Prices. Holtwood Supply, 717-284-0883.
Pets
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
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo. for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos. (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086.
DISCOUNT BUILDING MATERIAL: Lumber, Plywood, Composite Decking, Flooring, Metal Roofing & Siding, Construction Lag Screws, etc. Ephrata, Pa. Email: sales@7174455222.com, 717-445-5222
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.
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 PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
NATIONAL
AMERICAN LOG HOMES DEVELOPER LIQ-
UIDATION SALE! Log Home kits selling for balance owed. Up to 50% off. Design plans can be modified! No time limit on delivery. Call 1-866-307-5491, M-F 9am-5pm ET.
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE info. kit. 1-866-477-9045.
BATH & SHOWER updates in as little as 1 DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189.
BECOME A PUBLISHED author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads.
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurancenot just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-5261060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258
DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max incl. for 3 mos. (w/Choice Package or higher) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405.
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.
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING Forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% Off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936.
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.
MOBILEHELP, AMERICA'S PREMIER mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936.
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!
NATIONAL
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
SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD: $215/cord Delivery avail. 717-442-6346 lv. msg.
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
READ YOUR AD THE FIRST WEEK IT APPEARS
This publication will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of any advertisement.
SERVICES RENDERED
A DRYWALL COMPANY Hanging, Finishing & Repairs KENT SAUDER, LLC, 717-989-2069
A LOCAL HANDYMAN
Plumbing • Electrical • Carpentry Licensed & Insured, 610-547-7789
A NOTHER TREE SERVICE
Quality work. 43 yrs. servicing Chester Co. Reasonable rates! Insd. 610-383-5520
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
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
BOOT ROAD TREE SERVICE
Expert tree removal, stump grinding & Trimming. Fully Insured 610-656-5880
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
SERVICES RENDERED
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
GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Additions, Siding, Replacement Windows & Doors. 15 Yrs Exp. Sylvan Miller - 717-468-2693
GUSLER TREE SERVICE PARKESBURG, PA 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL STUMP GRINDING ►CALL MARK 610-613-1885◄
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
PAINTING By Triple P Int/Ext, Res/Com, 30 yrs. exp. FREE ESTIMATES, Fully insured Eric, 717-615-6442 PA 116089
PAINTING DONE RIGHT Int/Ext. Res/Com
Detailed custom painting. 33yrs. exp/Refs. All related services, etc. 717-286-5464
ROOFING ~ Amish Quality 10 yr. workmanship warranty. Lic. & Ins. EDGE VIEW ROOFING, 717-940-0501
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.
TONE’S SOLID CONTRUCTION
Remodel • Basements • Additions Decks • Fences, etc. We do it all! Insd./PA176621 | 717-984-3865
717-768-0114
◄
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
A BUYER SEEKS Old Books, Postcards, Photos, COSTUME JEWELRY, Pottery, Antiques, Complete Estates. Call Cara at 610-918-2528 or 484-356-3123
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
improvement homefall
Dyslexia
from pg 8
isn’t fancy,” said Brown. “It’s breaking down the reading code, and a lot of it hasn’t changed. We want to build confidence in our students so they can succeed. We teach the why behind language to make meaning of it.”
CDC of Lancaster performs its work independently and is not associated with any public or private schools.
“It costs money to treat (dyslexia), and it’s expensive,” said Brown. “The good news is that
Pennsylvania is starting to recognize it and they’re starting to teach the science of reading. They are requiring reading teachers to take classes in the science of reading.”
“I wish we didn’t exist,” Brown added. “I wish we didn’t have to have a Children’s Dyslexia Center because schools were teaching their students with dyslexia.”
For additional information, go to www .childrensdyslexiacenter oflancaster.org.
