Conestoga Valley /townlively
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 42
Forgotten Friend To Offer Virtual Reptile Shows Scholarship Fund Can Help Provide Programs For Students BY ANN MEAD ASH
Market manager Annaruth Diller invites people to visit the Ephrata Farm and Art Market open Saturdays through October.
Market Benefits Ephrata Farm And Art Market Open Through October
When COVID-19 restrictions hit, businesses with services related to live entertainment lost business. Brian Gilpin, owner of Illusion Sound and Lighting of Ephrata, was among them. Looking to diversify, Gilpin contacted business acquaintance Annaruth Diller in mid-July. ByJuly 25, Diller had organized Ephrata Farm and Art Market, which is now held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1185 Division Highway (Route 322), Ephrata - Gilpin’s place of business. “We’re still growing as people become more aware of (the market),” said Diller on a recent Saturday when about a dozen vendors had set up awnings at the spot. “Normally we have about 18 vendors,” noted Diller. Vendors are located on the west side of the
building, with parking on the right. “The chicken barbecue is here weekly,” said Diller, referring to the origin of a pleasant aroma from the stand located closest to Route 322. Other food vendors include two bakers, and some stands carry produce. “We have artists who are here every week,” Diller noted. Vendors who sell knitted items such as hats, scarves, and shawls are on-site alongside jewelry crafters, and makers of home décor. Jewelry vendors - both handmade and home business representatives also take part in the market. Diller listed makers of floral arrangements, soaps, spices, and woodcrafts among other vendors who have taken part. Beginning Sept. 19, a percentage of market proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay
For Life. The benefit will continue through the end of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “The more vendors set up, the more donation,” said Sharon Harsh, a member of the Misfits on a Mission Relay team. “Of course, we want shoppers to stop out (too),” added Harsh, who will have a table set up at the market to benefit the American Cancer Society. “We will have gift baskets, earrings, as well as (chances) to win cash.” Looking ahead, Diller said the market is hoping to offer monster truck rides before the venue closes for the year following the Oct. 31 market. “We plan to open up again in April 2021,” said Diller. Readers who would like to learn more may search for “Ephrata Farm And Art Market” on Facebook or Instagram.
“The kids get to meet some of the same animals (as a live show), but they get to meet some different animals as well,” said Jesse Rothacker, founder and president of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary in ManSee Forgotten Friend pg 3 heim, who pointed out that Gila monsters have been part of all the virtual programs the organization has done since COVID-19 restrictions kept him from doing live shows. Rothacker sees benefits in the change. “We don’t usually bring venomous lizards, but now that we’re doing it virtually, (students) can be up close to the nose of a Gila monster and actually see the beady texture of their skin without liability or concern for the schools or teachers.” To allow Rothacker to Jesse Rothacker of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary holds a Gila monster in front of the greenscreen he uses for virtual presentations.
Local Author Debuts “Fruit Fables” BY ANN MEAD ASH
On her website, Shelleen Weaver describes herself as an author, speaker, singer, songwriter, wife, mother, friend, and daughter. She is also a New Holland resident and one who loves the Word of God. On Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m., Weaver will launch the first installment of her children’s series “Fruit Fables,” published by her own Haste Laud Press, the company she founded to help her share the
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DEBORAH’S CIRCLE FORMS AT TEMPLE . .7 BENEFIT RIDE TO AID SMUCKER FAMILY . . .2 HOUSE OF WORSHIP . . . . . . . .11 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .13
See Local Author pg 4
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BY ANN MEAD ASH
bring more information about a number of different types of reptiles, including box turtles, boa constrictors, alligators up to three feet, geckos, and tortoises, to students from prekindergarten through college, across the county and beyond,