Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville
DECEMBER 4, 2019
IN THIS ISSUE: AUXILIARY TO HOST CRAFT SHOW page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 48
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townlively.com for information about upcoming events and happenings in your community and throughout the region!
Chester and Berks counties •Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill, Reading - Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 29 •Christmas at Joanna, Historic Joanna Furnace Iron Works, Geigertown - Dec. 6 to 8 •Christmas at Langoma, St. Mary of Providence, Elverson Dec. 14 Dauphin and Lebanon counties •“The Homecoming” at Hershey Area Playhouse - select dates from Dec. 5 to 15 •“Joy to the Burg: A Live Christmas Concert” at Rose Lehrman Performing Arts Center at HACC, Harrisburg - Dec. 8 •Wreaths Across America ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery - Dec. 14
Servant Stage Sets “ Joy To The World” pg 6
By Chelsea Peifer
Susquehanna Grace Community Church (SGCC), 6694 Sunrise Ave., Wrightsville, will host the Road to Bethlehem from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. The live Nativity will consist of 11 scenes, with 60 actors and live animals depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. The outdoor event is free and open to people of all ages. Donations of nonperishable food items, as well as household and personal items, and monetary contributions will be accepted for Hearts for Hunger food pantry, which is located at Pleasant View Church in Red Lion. SGCC has been presenting the Road to Bethlehem for the community for decades. This year, Pauline “Polly” Almoney, the mastermind behind the event, turned 85. Forty years ago, the idea came to Almoney to create an
•Performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” Memorial United Methodist Church, Quarryville Dec. 15 York County •Christmas Magic - A Festival of Lights, Rocky Ridge County Park, York - through Dec. 31 •The Midstate Ballet of Greater York Dance’s “The Nutcracker,” Appell Center, York Dec. 15 •Winter walks at Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry select dates starting Dec. 20
event that focused on the true meaning of the holiday season: the birth of Jesus Christ. “I just got it in my head; I could just picture it,” recalled Almoney. What Almoney pictured was one manger scene in front of SGCC, but the embodiment of her vision has now grown to 11 scenes. “She is a lovely lady and considerably humble The Road to Bethlehem, an outdoor Nativity featuring actors, live animals, music, and when you try to give 11 scenes leading up to and including the birth of Jesus Christ, will take place from her accolades for her 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Susquehanna Grace Community Church in Wrightsville. The hard work,” remarked event is free and open to people of all ages. Rebecca Smith, who helps to organize the Road to Bethlehem. church, I’m grateful for Polly’s idea, is now a major ministry for our “As a mom of a young child in this because what was an idea in her head church.” See Road To Bethlehem pg 6
Seniors Welcome At Annual Holiday Meal By Chelsea Peifer
The Columbia-Lancaster Christmas Ladies will host the annual free Christmas lunch for seniors age 55 and older on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 10th and Manor streets, Columbia. More than 125 senior citizens from throughout Lancaster and York counties attended last year’s Christmas meal. For Helen Bechtold and Sis Luzader, known to attendees as the Columbia-Lancaster Christmas Ladies, the vision for the meal is ultimately to ensure that no one spends Christmas alone. Doors will open at 10 a.m. for a time of socializing and sharing coffee, tea, punch, and snacks. Lunch will be served at noon and will include ham and turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, and dessert. Individuals age 55 and older who do not have other plans for Christmas Day
The Columbia-Lancaster Christmas Ladies, Helen Bechtold (above) and Sis Luzader (not pictured), invite seniors age 55 and older who do not have plans for Christmas Day to a free meal at the Columbia Borough Fire Department. are invited to attend. Organizers emphasize that the event is for seniors See Christmas Lunch pg 2
SSC To Debut “Children’s Christmas Carol” By Chelsea Peifer
Director Jim Johnson wanted to be sure that Susquehanna Stage Company (SSC) performed something unique for its first major children’s production in the Eater Theater at Marietta Center for the Arts, 133 W. Market St., Marietta. Instead of performing a show that was pegged outright for youths, he opted for an adaptation of Charles Susquehanna Stage Company will perform “A ChilDickens’ “A Christmas dren’s Christmas Carol” at the Marietta Center for the Carol.” Arts on the weekends of Dec. 6 to 8 and Dec. 13 to 15. SSC board member Asher Johnson, who is also Jim’s son “It’s pretty true to the Charles Dickens and regularly appears in SSC produc- version and has the same characters, tions, wrote the original adaptation, “A but we wanted something that was Children’s Christmas Carol,” which is more tailored for younger kids,” filled with Christmas carols and songs. commented Asher. See Susquehanna Stage pg 3 The
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•Gifts That Give Hope Lancaster Alternative Gift Fair, The Junction Center, Manheim Dec. 7
Model Railroad Display Planned pg 2
“Road To Bethlehem” To Depict Birth Of Jesus Christ
Lancaster County •The Train Guys’ holiday train display at Elizabethtown Public Library - select dates in December
Watershed Steward Training Slated pg 3