Familiar Tale With a Fresh Wonderland Twist
BY CAT SHANNON
When Columbia Borough School District’s theater department presents its fall play, audiences will see some familiar characters on stage in a well-known setting but presented in a completely new way. “Alice in Wonderland” will be performed on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and on
Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 and 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium, 901 Ironville Pike, Columbia.
The show is a fast-paced smash-up of two Lewis Carroll classics - “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.”
“It’s the story of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ about a girl who goes down a rabbit hole and meets a
bunch of characters, but there are also characters from ‘Through the Looking Glass,’” explained Kayla Peters, who portrays one of the characters from the latter work, the Red Queen.
And while it’s a play, it features original music written by local musicians Steven and Elizabeth Roldan.
“It’s almost like talk-singing,”
BY CAT SHANNON
“It’s a great day to be a kid in Columbia,” said Paul Resch, Janson Foundation director, during opening remarks at a ribbon cutting for a new playground in Janson Park. The ceremony, held in late September, officially opened the site for community use.
Constructed with input from students at nearby schools, including wish lists from fourth-graders at Park Elementary and Our Lady
BY CAT SHANNON
Within the walls of Manos House in Columbia, a new generation is finding its footing. At the nonprofit residential program for young men ages 14 to 20 with drug and alcohol histories, transformation happens every day through structure, compassion and a belief in second chances.
“We focus on a holistic approach,” said executive director Chris Runkle. “We serve their needs from the substance use side, but we also serve their educational and emotional health needs as well.”
Manos House has been guiding young men through that challenge since 1972. Originally founded as a halfway house for adults transitioning out of prison, the organization shifted its focus to adolescents, offering substance use treatment, counseling and education under one roof.
The education piece was especially needed, Runkle said.
“Our kids are coming in highly deficient in academic credits,” he explained. “We may get an 18-year-old who has zero high school credits.”
To remedy the issue, Manos House opened Prospect Grove High School, an on-site school with certified teachers and a small student-to-teacher ratio.
Although the school helped with one piece of the problem, the young men needed support in another area as well.
“We were seeing the young men being discharged after completing their program, but then we realized the homes they were
The cast and crew of “Alice in Wonderland.” Photo by Cat Shannon
Beginnings
going to weren’t supportive,” Runkle said. “There might be addiction in the home, or they might be going back to a peer group and social network that’s not good for their recovery efforts.”
To address the issue, Manos House opened a supervised independent living program, providing inpatient residential care as the men transition out of high school.
Manos House originated in downtown Lancaster, but even after one move in the city, it outgrew the space.
being successful?’”
Today, the Manos House campus spans 14 acres and includes residential housing, classrooms, therapy spaces and an independent living program. It can accommodate up to 43 young men in the program, with an additional 18 beds in independent living. Students come to Manos House from across the state and into Maryland. Days are highly structured. Each morning begins with a 6 a.m. wake-up call, followed by breakfast in the cafeteria and high school classes until noon. After a family-style cafeteria lunch, students spend time in therapy sessions focused on their specific needs.
After school and on the weekends, residents may participate in activities ranging from more therapy to recreational time to play basketball or enjoy the on-site rec room. Evening programming during the week focuses on partnerships Manos House has developed with community groups. Students might participate in writing circles led by a retired Hempfield English teacher. Columbia Christian Fellowship, which leases space on the property for church services, offers Cell 13, a faith-based Wednesday night program. The guys also work with Lancaster Art Room, which is located on the property; complete service projects with their neighbors at St. Anne’s Retirement Community; and meet weekly with Mennonite families that come in for Bible studies, games and socializing.
The young men also enjoy community outings to football games or corn mazes before lights out at 8:30 p.m. during the week.
only receives state funding for a typical 180-day school year. Since students come to Manos House all year long, it’s important for them to be able to jump right into school even if they arrive in July, Runkle said. Finding funding for teachers, staff and other expenses during that time is an ongoing challenge.
“We don’t turn individuals away,” Runkle said, “but we need support for those cases where there’s no insurance or where we have extra funding needs.”
“We are a strong proponent of not telling you what you need to do,” Runkle commented. “We would much rather come alongside you and say, ‘You’re here. You probably don’t want to be here, but what are some things you want to work on? Can we build a treatment plan around you
Manos House operates as a 501(c)(3), and the program relies on insurance, grants and community donations, including support from Lancaster’s ExtraGive, happening on Friday, Nov. 21. In a typical year, Manos House might see a deficit of $100,000 that’s unfunded by any of its revenue streams, but families are never billed for services.
The on-site school also operates year-round but
Students may spend just a few months or up to a year at Manos House, with some transitioning to the resident program beyond that. But every young man who walks through the doors has the same opportunity to transform his life, Runkle said.
“We’re planting seeds here,” he shared. “We’re setting them up with what they need to be successful in life, and we’re doing that alongside them. Facing addiction
as a 14- to 20-year-old is difficult. Addiction at any age is difficult. But we’re telling a teenager, ‘Everything that’s ever worked for you is nearsighted and doesn’t serve you in the long run. Everything that has provided you comfort in the past, we need you to give that up.’ Naturally, they struggle with that. But every day, we work on those struggles with care and compassion.”
To learn more about Manos House, visit https:// manoshouse.com.
Organizations To Provide Christmas Food Boxes
The Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers will deliver Christmas food boxes in Columbia and surrounding areas again this year. The registration deadline to receive a box is Sunday, Nov. 30, or whenever the registration reaches 600 families. Families may register at www.columbialions.org /christmas or by emailing ColumbiaChristmasFood Boxes@gmail.com. The food box delivery will take place on Sunday, Dec. 21. Each family will receive all the fixings for a traditional
Christmas dinner, including a turkey, mashed potatoes, filling, and canned goods, as well as pantry staples such as eggs, milk, butter, and cereal.
Families in Columbia and the surrounding areas with ZIP codes 17512, 17547, 17368, 17554, 17582, 17575, and 17538 are eligible to receive a food box.
The Christmas food box project began with the Columbia Jaycees in 1982. Over the years, the distribution has grown significantly, and the orga-
Manos House residents work together to build a boat as part of a new program at the organization.
Manos House residents enjoy a hike.
Columbia Lions Club and Sunsnapper members (from left) Jeff Groff, Steve Haldeman, and Josh Birk.
space features swingssomething the kids asked for and something that was previously absent from any Columbia park - as well as climbing structures, slides and spinners. Dedicated play areas have been created for 2- to 5-year-olds and 6- to 12-year-olds.
The original playground in the park at the corner of Sixth and Cherry streets was installed in 2002. After more than 20 years of active use, it needed repairs and updates. The new playground project took three years to complete and was made possible with the help of a nearly $150,000 state grant and more than $170,000 in donations from businesses and individuals.
“The revitalized playground is more than just a place for children to play; it’s a vibrant community hub that fosters connection and well-being among families and young people,” said Columbia mayor Leo Lutz. “The investment in this new playground reflects our community’s commitment to ensuring that children have a safe, welcoming place to enjoy the outdoors.”
Lutz, like others who spoke at the ribbon cutting, grew up near the park and recalled playing there as a child.
“This is truly a park for all generations,” he said. “While the kids play, the parents can sit and talk, and that’s what we need - neighbors who know each other.”
In addition to the upgrades, the project addresses several community needs, including providing a safe, inclusive space for children to play and grow; enhancing local recreation options for
Food from pg 2
be available closer to the December date.
Club members solicit local businesses and individuals for donations to help cover the cost of the food boxes, along with contributing Lions Club money collected throughout the year.
Volunteers will also deliver a hot Christmas dinner on Sunday, Dec. 28, to residents of local senior apartments in lieu of a food box. These meals will be prepared by the
families and schools; promoting health, wellness and social connections in a centrally located park; and supporting the long-term vitality of the borough by increasing property values and fostering community pride.
“Local parks like this are the most popular places for outdoor recreation in our state,” said Lori Yeich, recreation and conservation manager for the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, who spoke at the ribbon cutting. “They strengthen our local economy, increase engagement, reduce crime and provide opportunities for outdoor activity. The investment in green space is not only important; it’s invaluable.”
Brightspeed, a fiber internet provider, donated $15,000 to the Janson Foundation for the park renovations.
“We are deeply grateful to dedicated partners like Brightspeed, who share our mission of enriching the lives of Columbia residents and strengthening the fabric of our community,”
Resch said. “From delivering reliable, high-speed fiber internet to local families and businesses to enhancing shared spaces such as the playground,
these initiatives are vital to ensuring our town thrives and operates seamlessly.”
Supporting the park project was important to Brightspeed, said Sabrina Anderson, local marketing manager.
“The new Janson Park playground is a welcoming place for families and individuals to come together, stay active and create lasting memories,” she said. “Brightspeed’s support reflects our dedication to Columbia, and we are proud to be a part of efforts that enhance the quality of life for all residents and help uplift the community. We look forward to witnessing the ongoing success and joy this facility brings to the area.”
Members of the community also stepped in to support the playground project through a personalized brick program. The bricks will line the walkway connecting the two play areas.
To learn more about the playground initiative, visit www.jansonfoundation.org.
COLUMBIA PARK RANGERS
would like to thank the following businesses, and community partners for their support of the Columbia Downtown Stars and Stripes Flag Project 2025-26
• Chickies Rock Moose #307
• Columbia Fraternal Association
• Columbia Lions Club
• Columbia-Middletown BPOE #1074
• Columbia American Legion Post 372
• Columbia Re-Uzit Shop
• Columbia Masonic Lodge #286
• Columbia Presbyterian Dream Center • Columbia Water Co.
• Foresters of America
• Geltz Gotz Goodeze LLC
• Hambones CBFD Social Club
• Kindred Collections
• Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP
• Seibert Real Estate Group
• State Rep. Brett R. Miller
• Stovers Newsagency
• Sunsnappers
• Total Exterminating Services
• Wrightsville Social Club
Flags are flown on Locust St. and Third St. on 12 holidays & events each year.
Enjoy Our
Christmas Open House
• Thursday, Nov. 13 (9-6)
• Friday, Nov. 14 (9-6)
• Saturday, Nov. 15 (9-5)
Foresters of America and delivered by the Columbia Lions Club, Sunsnappers, and other community volunteers. Christmas dinners will be delivered to residents of apartments and personal care homes including Trinity House, St. Peters Apartments, Our Home of Hope, Marietta Senior Apartments, Sylvan Retreat Apartments, Faith Friendship Ministries, Hershey Mill Home, and Landisville Apartments.
SANTA HERE Sat., Dec. 13 10-2
• Home Décor: Pictures, Candles, Wreaths & Other Decorative Items
• Primitive Handmade Santas, Trees, Snowmen, Mice & More!
• Jewelry • Handmade Goat Milk Lotion
• Super Stocking Stuffers for all the special people on your list!
3590 Blue Rock Rd., Lancaster • (717) 871-6149 (just west of Millersville, on Rte. 999) Reg. Hours: Wed.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 thru “End of Season” Dec. 20
EVE’S GARDEN
The new Janson Park playground. Photo by Cat Shannon
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Children Invited to Discovery Zone Event
Dayspring Discovery Zone invites children ages 3 to 6 to a hands-on learning experience on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dayspring Christian Academy, 120 College Ave., Mountville.
This month’s theme is “The True Story of … The Pilgrims,” and children will explore history through stories, interactive crafts, games, and activities. Par-
ents are welcome to enjoy refreshments while their children learn.
The program is part of a monthly series designed to teach young children and their families the true story of various historical events and how God is at work through them.
To register or for more information, call Karol Hasting at 717-285-2000.
Program To Focus on Sunchokes
said Gage Wolf, who plays the White Knight and the Caterpillar in the show.
“It’s Lewis Carroll poems set to music.”
The production features approximately 60 students in grades one through 12.
“This is one of our biggest shows we’ve done in a while. It’s a huge cast,” said Gage, noting that typical Columbia High School productions are open to students in grades seven through 12.
“It’s been really fun having the little kids be part of this show.”
the theater in the street - the original 10 years of Ghosts of Columbia, a haunted lantern tour - and various shorts of historical fiction,” explained Wood, who also serves as the show’s costumer. “This ‘Alice’ adaptation was done for a community summer theater in the park. Combining both books gave the maximum number of characters, and I liked the story flow.”
Bringing the Roldans on board was an easy decision, she said.
Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. PO Box 500, Mount Joy, PA 17552 TOWNLIVELY.COM
The Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, York, will present “Sunchokes: From Foraging to Fermenting” on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the history, ecology, and edible uses of sunchokes, a hardy and reliable winter food. After harvesting sunchokes from the Horn Farm, the class will move to the kitchen for preparation and sampling, focusing
on one favored method for enjoying the tubers: fermentation.
Participants will leave with their own prepared jar of sunchokes for fermenting and fresh sunchoke tubers for eating or planting at home.
There is a fee, and registration is required at https://hornfarmcenter .org/classes/. For more information, call 717-7576441 or email education@ hornfarmcenter.org.
CHRIST CHAPEL: 3515 East Prospect Rd., York, PA 17402. Worship held Sundays at 10:30 am and Wednesdays at 6 pm. Pastor: Clark Hollingshead. 717-318-6283.
COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 360 Locust St. in Columbia, Rev. David C. Powers, phone: 717-684-6271, Sunday Morning Worship 10am. Handicap accessible. 4th Street Cafe Coffeehouse 1st & last Sunday @5pm with community meal. Free Clothing Bank Mondays 9-11am & Tuesdays 5-7pm.
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.
FAITH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 151 Donnerville Rd., Lancaster (one block south of Columbia Avenue). Pastor: Keith M. Long. 8:45 am Sunday School (with nursery and classes for children, youth and adults); 10:15 a.m. SundayWorship Service (with nursery and children’s church). Wed.: 6:30 p.m. AWANA Clubs (K6); Wed.: 6:30 pm Youth Group 717-285-1900. www.faithbfc.com
OPEN DOOR MISSION MIRACLE LIFE CHURCH: 201 S 2nd St. Wrightsville Bridging gaps, Uplifting Lives, Revealing God's Love. Pastor Stephen Rambler Sundays 10:30AM & 6:30PM ODMMLC.COM 717-854-1220
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH: Sixth & Locust St., Columbia. Pastor: Rev. Richard Whitesel. In-Person Worship Schedule: Wed. 10:15 am, Sun. 10:15 am. Sunday service is also available on Facebook live & YouTube. Holy Eucharist at all services. Handicap accessible. Meals on Wheels ministry 717-684-4244, church office 717-6842763. www.stjohnscol.org
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 243 Hellam Street in Wrightsville. (717-252-2417) Sunday morning service at 9:15am with Holy Eucharist. Handicap accessible. We can be found on Facebook.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF LANCASTER: We have been a liberal religious community in the county for more than 123 years. Our services start at 10 AM, and everyone is welcome to join us for Coffee Hour afterward. 538 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 717-393-1733 | admin@uuclonline.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
Some of the cast members include Zooey Minnick as Alice; Ethan McNair as the White Rabbit; Amaya Farley as the Queen of Hearts; Danny Jones as the Mad Hatter; Sullyvan Peterson, Kylie Kuhn and Adalie Vanaulen as the Cheshire Cats; Sarah Shetrompf as the White Queen; and Conner Cless and Charlotte Warfel as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, respectively.
Along with lots of unique characters in colorful costumes and a unique set that features all of the whimsy and magic you might expect in Wonderland, the show will entertain audiences from a technical standpoint as well, said Jessie Fisher, a member of the tech crew.
“There’s going to be a lot of cool effects that people will see during the show, especially with lighting,” Jessie said.
The play has been adapted for the stage by director Janet Wood.
“I’ve done original work for the stage and scripted
“Elizabeth and Steven Roldan are professional musicians. Elizabeth teaches choir at Columbia,” Wood noted. “Steven plays in our pit and has had a number of his compositions premiered in Europe.”
Columbia participates in the International Thespian Society (ITS), and once the play wraps up, some of the students involved will travel to the ITS state conference in January to perform a one-act play, “Flowers for Algernon.”
In the meantime, the cast is gearing up to present audiences with a familiar story performed in a new way.
“It’s a really great show, and everyone should come see it,” Jessie said. “We worked really hard on it, and it’s going to be a lot of fun for people to see.”
Tickets for “Alice in Wonderland” will be sold at the door. There are separate prices for adults, students and senior citizens.
Garden Club Sets Events
The Women’s Garden Club of Lancaster County will present “Cooking With Herbs and Spices” on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Road, Lancaster.
Stacy Reed, a Penn State Extension expert in health and home food preservation, will share her knowledge of cooking tips and storage preservation. Attendees will learn basics of flavor profiles using various herbs and spices.
Refreshments will be available following the meeting. Guests are welcome to attend, and there is a fee.
The club will also hold
its annual greens workshop and lunch at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m.
Members and up to 10 guests will learn how to make a holiday wreath and will take home a ready-tohang one. For a fee, guests will be provided with the wire form, greens, ribbons, and embellishments. Attendees are encouraged to stay for lunch following the workshop. Participants are invited to wear a festive sweater or top to compete for the ugliest, prettiest, and most original outfit. To make reservations, call Nancy at 717-951-5446.
Dayspring To Present “Thanksgiving Exposed”
Dayspring Christian Academy, 120 College Ave., Mountville, will present “Thanksgiving Exposed: The True Story of the Pilgrims” on Friday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the school. Guests will select a specific time slot for a living history walkthrough tour that will take about one hour.
This live re-enactment of the true story of the Pilgrims is based on primary sources, including the original manuscript recorded by William Bradford, governor of the Plymouth settlement.
Thanksgiving Exposed takes guests first through a timeline that starts with Jesus Christ being the focal point for all of history. The story traces the Gospel from Jesus to the Apostle Paul and onward. Guests briefly learn about the impact of historical figures and events like King John and the signing of the Magna Carta, John Wycliffe translating the Bible into English, and Martin Luther and his 95 Theses. The tour moves on to the Reformation and Elizabeth I and James I, when persecution began for reformers in England, setting the stage for the rise of the Separatists.
Several re-enactors portraying passengers aboard the Mayflower prepare to sign the Mayflower Compact during last year’s Thanksgiving Exposed living history tour.
Registration Open for Ag Literacy Week
The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation has opened registration for the 2026 Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week, scheduled for March.
The featured book will be “Cows Can Moo! Can You? All About Farms,” part of The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library series. The book takes students on a tour of a farm while introducing them to the people, animals, and science behind agriculture.
Ag Literacy Week connects volunteers from the agricultural community with classrooms across the state. Volunteers read the featured book, share their experiences, and help students understand how agriculture impacts their daily lives.
Registration will be open through Friday, Dec. 12. Volunteers and community partners may register and purchase their book and classroom resources at www.pfbfriends.com.
Guests then move through six stations that highlight God’s hand in establishing the Plymouth Colony in New England. The stations tell the Pilgrim story from the Pilgrims’ beginnings in Scrooby, England, through their escape to Holland and their voyage to the New World. “Thanksgiving Exposed” enables guests to witness how the seeds of Christian self-government were planted and later gave rise to the United States of America.
For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation at 717-7612740 or visit the aforementioned website.
The event is free and open to the public, but
reservations are required by visiting www.dayspring christian.com. Many of the earlier time slots are full, but a waitlist is available for those who do not receive their desired time slot. For more information, call the school at 717-285-2000.
SNHA Awards Grants
The Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) has announced the recipients of its 202526 Heritage Partnership Program grants, awarding a total of $100,000 to six local organizations with projects that will enrich the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the region. The projects will support initiatives from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster, Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education,
LancasterHistory, Mennonite Life, Rivertownes PA USA, and York County History Center. These grants support initiatives that connect people to the rich stories and landscapes of the Susquehanna River region through interpretive signage, exhibits, historic preservation, and public education. This year, SNHA received nearly $190,000 in funding requests, a sign of the strong interest and
need for heritage-focused investment in the region. The Heritage Partnership Program is funded by the U.S. National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Partnerships Program.
For more information on the projects funded by this year’s grants, visit https://susqnha.org/2025 -heritage-partner-grants -awarded.
Support Group To Meet
Senior Commons at Powder Mill, 1775 Powder Mill Road, York, will offer a free and confidential dementia education and support group for older adults with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as well as their family care partners, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m.
The topic will be “Balancing Safety and Independence.” The Senior Commons team will discuss strategies for determining when to intervene for safety while preserving a person’s independence for as long as possible
All attendees must register by Tuesday, Nov. 18; call 717-741-0961 or email dadams@powder mill.com to register.
Adriana (left) and Angela Goss lead guests to a secret church service as part of the 2024 Thanksgiving Exposed event at Dayspring.
Row House Forum Sets Event
The Row House Forum will host a conversation-style presentation with twin brothers Andrew Gunnar Norquist, an artist, and Benjamin Norquist, an author, on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Square Halo Gallery, 37 N. Market St., Lancaster.
In “This Sacred Ground: Stories From Soil and Scripture,” Andrew will display and discuss his new series of large-scale graphite drawings of ancient trees - works that invite viewers to encounter creation as both fragile and enduring, temporal and transcendent. Drawing on themes from his forthcoming book “Every Somewhere Sacred: Rescuing a Theology of Place in the American Imagination,” Benjamin will provide a critical framework for reflecting on these artworks, raising questions about beauty, place, and the theological significance of the Earth. Andrew is gallery coordinator for The Rhode
Island School of Design in Providence, R.I. He blends drawing, sculpture, and installation with a deep sensitivity to place, memory, and meaning. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from The Rhode Island School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in studio art from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minn. Benjamin is a writer, researcher, and educator whose work explores the sacredness of place at the intersection of land, story, and faith. He is a director at Churches for Middle East Peace and serves on the executive leadership team of Church at the Crossroads in Chicago. Refreshments will be available. Tickets are available in advance for a discount or at the door for full price. Row House members will receive free admission for themselves and one guest. To reserve a seat or learn more, visit www.therowhouse.org.
Little Free Library Unveiled
in Columbia
Brightspeed, which provides broadband and telecommunications services, and Little Free Library unveiled a new community book-sharing box for neighbors in Columbia’s historic downtown.
To celebrate the launch of the North Second Street library, Brightspeed and local steward Kayla Wilkinson hosted a family-friendly event featuring a Halloween theme. Sierra Bedwell, local children’s author, read her latest book while kids enjoyed Brightspeed-themed coloring pages, cider and doughnuts. Wilkinson also hosted a small bake
sale during the event, with proceeds benefiting the shared box.
The Columbia Little Free Library is part of Brightspeed’s national initiative to bridge both the digital and literacy divides, sponsoring libraries in 28 underserved cities across 20 states. By partnering with Little Free Library, Brightspeed aims to bring books and access to knowledge to communities known as “book deserts,” where reading materials are limited.
For more information about Brightspeed, visit www.brightspeed.com.
Accordion Group To Meet
The First Lancaster Accordion Group (FLAG) will meet on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George St., Millersville. For additional details, contact Miranda Hoffman at 717-940-4762.
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All Are Invited to Community Thanksgiving Dinner
BY CAT SHANNON
While Thanksgiving is a time of joy for many people, the holiday is harder for others. They may find themselves alone without friends or family to celebrate with. That’s where St. John’s Episcopal Church comes in.
The church, located at 239 E. Market St., Marietta, will host a free Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, Nov. 27, following its 10 a.m. service.
“We plan to start serving at 11:30 a.m., and people should try to attend at that time,” said Nancy Kulman, vestry secretary. “We will serve until 1 p.m. We will offer traditional Thanksgiving fare - turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, drinks and dessert. The food will be prepared by the members of St. John’s congregation.”
This is the first time the church is hosting this event, but the congregation hopes to make it an annual event, she said.
“We felt called to offer a meal to those who do not have family or friends to have a meal together for this holiday,” Kulman noted, adding, “But everyone is invited to join us for a community meal. Members of the congregation plan to attend also.”
She emphasized that people do not need to attend the church service to share the meal.
St. John’s Episcopal Church operates with the
motto “The small church with a big heart.” Services are led by the Rev. Martha Ambrose, rector. Worship services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Sunday school for children of all ages begins at 10:15 a.m. Midweek Eucharist is held on Tuesdays at noon. Morning Prayer takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursdays in the parish hall. Bible Study Formation is held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays following the Morning Prayer,
also in the parish hall. Reservations are not required for the Thanksgiving dinner, but they are encouraged so organizers can prepare enough food. To make a reservation, call the church at 717-4263189 and leave a message with your name, phone number and the number of people attending.
For more information on St. John’s Episcopal Church, visit https://st -johns-marietta.diocpa.org.
Older Wiser Learners Programs Planned
The public is invited to Older Wiser Learners (OWLs), a series of talks featuring local experts, held in the chapel at St. John’s Herr Estate, 200 Luther Lane, Columbia. All programs will take place on Mondays at 2 p.m.
On Nov. 17, the Rev. Stephen Herr, Bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will speak on a topic yet to be decided. The talk on Dec. 15 will focus on the Columbia Borough Christmas church walk. The program on Jan. 19 will feature Dr. Charles Scharnberger, professor emeritus at Millersville University and St. John’s resident, speaking on “Why Does a Compass Needle Point North (or Does It Always)?” On Feb. 16, Stephen Medvic,
professor of government at Franklin & Marshall College, will present “What Hath Elbridge Wrought? The History of Political Gerrymandering in the United States.” On March 16, the Rev. Maria Erling, United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg, will speak on “Push and Pull: Causes of Immigration in United States History.” The program on April 20 will feature Columbia Borough Mayor Leo Lutz speaking on “Columbia, Now and in the Future.” On May 18, Talor Walsh, associate professor of geology at Millersville University, will discuss “Pennsylvania’s Dynamic Tectonic History and Why It Matters.”
Visitors should park in the Personal Care lot and use that entrance to access the programs.
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Members of St. John’s Episcopal Church invite the public to a Thanksgiving Day dinner.