Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville townlively.com
DECEMBER 4, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 40
Powering up hope and fighting food insecurity BY CATHY MOLITORIS
While touring a shelter at Columbia Presbyterian Church last year, Tony Lewis had an aha moment. “We walked through downstairs, and they said, ‘This is the Power Packs area,’ and I was like, ‘What’s a Power Pack?’” Tony recalled. “And that’s how it started.” Tony and his wife, Helen, soon learned more about the Power Packs Project, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that provides free food and a recipe for a meal weekly to families in need. They were determined to bring the program across the river, and in March 2023, Power Packs began supporting students in Eastern York School District. Still, the couple was not content to stop there. They expanded the program to include The Giving Table, supplementing the Power Pack distribution.
Chris Cauler shows off a drive-in theater in the Lower Susquehanna Valley Modular Railroaders display.
All aboard for fun at Columbia train displays
T
here’s a detailed replica of Columbia as it looked a hundred years ago located upstairs at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society. It’s just one part of what you’ll discover at the Columbia and Susquehanna Model R ailroad - and that organization is one of two train groups using the space at 21 N. Second St. in Columbia. The lower level holds an elaborate display by members of the Lower Susquehanna Valley Modular Railroaders. Both displays will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 5, 2025.
The displays provide entertainment for visitors and an opportunity for club members to share their passion for the hobby. “I love all the details in the display,” said Chris Cauler, treasurer of the Lower Susquehanna Valley club. “I remember as a kid putting my trains up under the Christmas tree. Now we get to be bigger kids as adults but come and run trains. It’s the best.” Cauler, who has extensive train layouts set up year-round in his own home, said his favorite part of the open houses is seeing the reactions of people when they walk in the room. “Sometimes, I’ll hand a remote to a kid and let them try running the train themselves,” he said,
Along with bags of food, Power Pack families can choose nonperishable food and other items from the table when they pick up their packs. “This is God’s work,” Tony shared. “This is what we should be doing.” When he says “we,” he means it. The work of Power Packs and The Giving Table is truly See Food pg 3
noting that one of his favorite parts of the display is a newly constructed mountain section that features an underground hobo camp. “We’re continually adding to the display.” Other unique features of the lower-level exhibit include a drive-in movie theater, complete with a light-up concession stand and movie screen. Upstairs, the display features the miniature town of Columbia along with other area attractions and scenes. It’s been housed at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society for decades, and it’s located in the former sanctuary of a church built in 1850. Stainedglass windows provide a colorful background for the display, which
Serving seniors at Christmas BY CATHY MOLITORIS
For more than 35 years, Helen Bechtold has been providing free Christmas dinner to seniors age 55 and up throughout the region. This year she’s back at it again - and she could use community help. “This year, more than ever, we need community donations,” Bechtold said. “With the cost of living on the rise, help is needed more than ever.” Donations are needed for both the meal fixings and additional items given to the seniors such as hygiene products and paper
See Train pg 2
products. For the meal, each senior will receive turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a vegetable and a dessert. Meals will be available for takeout only at the Hambones Social Club of the Columbia Borough Fire Depar tment, 726 Manor St., Columbia, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Last year, Bechtold and other volunteers, including longtime cook Sis Luzader, distributed more than 100 meals, and Bechtold expects to do even more this year. “There is definitely a need for See Seniors pg 8
Whether running is your hobby or your lifestyle, we have what you need to get the most out of your hard work.
Shop Anytime from Home at insidetrackpa.com
6301 Grayson Rd. 6200 Carlisle Pike Harrisburg Mechanicsburg 717.564.2770 717.697.2476
R113174
Dashing thru the Snow POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER DEC. 4, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
C WM
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Students prepare breakfast burritos at a recent cooking class.