Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville
townlively.com
DECEMBER 8, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXII • NO 43
Honoring Veterans With Wreaths BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Susquehanna Grace Community Church (SGCC) will host the Road to Bethlehem.
The Christmas Story Comes To Life BY CATHY MOLITORIS
n Saturday, Dec. 11, pile the kids in the car and take in the Christmas story when Susquehanna Grace Community Church (SGCC) hosts the Road to Bethlehem. The drive-through outdoor live Nativity will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church, 6694 Sunrise Ave., Wrightsville. “ We will have 11 scenes that people can drive through to see the story of the birth of Jesus,” said Becki Buser, event coordinator. “It begins with Caesar describing the decree he has sent out that everyone must be taxed and counted, which is why Mary and Joseph are going to Bethlehem.” Additional scenes will include the heavenly hosts, the wise men and the innkeeper, and the final manger scene will feature Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Sixty volunteers from SGCC and Pleasant View Church in Red Lion will portray various characters in the scenes, which will also feature live animals. “ We have countless people working behind
“It’s a nice family night and a way to get into the spirit of the holiday.” SGCC has been holding the event for more than 30 years, and Buser’s family has been a part of it for almost half that time. She noted that this year’s drive-through will be held in tribute to Mary Caldwell, a longtime organizer of the event who passed away earlier this year. Monetary and nonperishable food donations will be accepted for Hearts for Hunger, a food pantry located at Pleasant View Church. The pantry is especially in need of
kids’ cereal, hot chocolate mixes, boxed rice, chips or other snacks, flour and sugar, among other items. Buser noted that the Road to Bethlehem began as a way for the church members to share their love of Christmas with the community. “We wanted to show the true meaning of Christmas from a biblical standpoint,” she explained. In the past, the event has included indoor activities as well as the outdoor scenes, but only the outdoor portion was held last year due to the pandemic. This year’s event is being held outdoors only, but Buser noted that organizers hope to bring back the indoor component next year. In the meantime, she encourages families to come out and enjoy the beauty of the luminarias that line the driveway before taking in the Christmas scenes. “It’s a nice family night and a way to get into the spirit of the holiday,” she said. For more information, search for “Road to Bethlehem 2021” on Facebook or “contagiouschurch_sgcc” on Instagram.
Mount Bethel Cemetery will participate in Wreaths Across America.
and Albert Storm, representing prisoners of war and those who were missing in action. There will be a color guard, Jerry Breneisen will play taps, and Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard will provide a rifle salute. See Wreaths pg 3
Making Christmas Merry For All
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4-H Clubs Begin Plans For 2022 . . . . . . . . .2 Business Directory . . . . . .2 Gift Card Donations Sought . . . . . . .4
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Columbia Presbyterian Church and Hands Across the Street want to make Christmas joyful for local families. Kidz Christmas will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church, 360 Locust St., Columbia. The event offers a chance for families in need to get Christmas gifts, See Merry pg 2
House Of Worship . . . . . . .8
scan this code for more local news
Picture Perfect
FRASER FIR www.cherryhillorchards.com Follow us
• Trees • Wreaths • Garland • Greens
PLUS
lots more for your decorating! Mon.-Sat. 8-6
R078783
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER DEC. 8, 2021
Postal Patron
CWM
O
the scenes, from directing traffic to making food to taking care of the animals and making sure they have everything they need all throughout the event,” Buser stated, noting that the volunteers range from young children to senior citizens. “This event is for all ages, and all ages are helping with it.”
On Saturday, Dec. 18, community members are invited to place wreaths on the graves of veterans throughout Mount Bethel Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. The ceremony will begin at noon at the cemetery, 700 Locust St., Columbia, and will honor veterans from all branches of the military. “This event honors our fallen veterans,” said Claire Storm, a member of the Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery. “It is our duty and our privilege to honor them. Many gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.” Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Spike Gaylord Grant will serve as master of ceremonies. Retired veterans who will participate in the program are Harold Thomas, representing the Coast Guard; Sandra Duncan, representing the Air Force; LuAnn Grant, representing the Army; Harry Knighton, representing the Navy; Jason Price II, representing the Marines; George Biagio, representing the Merchant Marines;