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JUNE 10, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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VOL XXXII • NO 11
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Students Showcase Model Dream Homes In Virtual Competition By Francine Fulton
Each year, fifth-graders from throughout the Delaware Valley, including Berks and Chester counties, create three-dimensional homes to compete in Habitat for Humanity of Chester County’s (HfHCC) “Build a House … Build a Dream” contest. This year, however, because of the coronavirus pandemic, contest organizers had to make the 17th annual event virtual. Instead of bringing their model homes to Church Farm School in Exton on March 23, participating students were invited to
What do you appreciate most about your dad? What makes him the best? Make your dad smile with an early Father’s Day gift by sharing your answers to these questions, along with a cherished memory and/or photo, at www.townlively.com/ fathers-day-form/. Your tributes will be posted on townlively.com in time for Father’s Day, June 21!
Happy Father's Day!
Fifth-graders throughout the area, including Keira Tolbert, were invited to submit entries to this year’s virtual “Build a House … Build a Dream” contest sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. For her entry, Keira designed a treehouse.
By Francine Fulton
Even with the stay-at-home and physical distancing orders, the Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County is still providing one-to-one
Like other local nonprofit organizations, It Takes a Village has begun offering new services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who place nonperishable food items in the organization’s Community Food Boxes are now donating additional products, including masks and
Even though parts of the state of Pennsylvania have been under a stayat-home order, Bridge of Hope Chester County remains active in its mission to serve families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As part of the program, each Bridge of Hope client receives support from a group of six to eight trained, churchbased Neighboring Volunteers. “We are considered an essential business, so we have been working through this from the beginning,” noted Kathy Beiler, director of strategic engagement. “More than ever the families in the program really need Neighboring See Bridge Of Hope pg 8
By Francine Fulton
protective face coverings. “People are putting in masks, diapers and other household products more than ever before,” said Ruby George, a member of the board of directors. “We know that people are using the boxes, and we’ve seen a lot more people making an effort to fill them.” It Takes a Village currently maintains four Community Food Boxes along the
During World Wars I and II, Americans were urged to plant “victory gardens” as the nation faced potential food shortages. At the time, fresh vegetables were grown in people’s yards and at public parks, churches and schools. Today, a new movement to create “coronavirus victory gardens” has begun locally and nationwide. Since nurseries and garden centers have been designated as essential businesses in most places, gardeners are able to purchase necessary supplies, including soil and starter plants. Locally, the Penn State Chester County Master Gardeners are promoting “victory over virus” gardens, a term used by Master Gardener Tony Buck. Local residents are encouraged to plant vegetables for themselves and to share the harvest with neighbors. “Victory gardens were promoted by
See It Takes A Village pg 2
See Gardens pg 3
English language classes to adult learners, while continuing to offer services and support to its students and tutors. Many student/tutor pairs are continuing to meet for one-to-one English See Volunteer English Program pg 6
It Takes A Village Serves The Community By Francine Fulton
By Francine Fulton
Time To Plant “Victory Over Virus” Gardens
Volunteer English Program Moves To Online Learning
“Victory over virus” vegetable gardens, like these created by Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Chester County Master Gardener coordinator, can be grown in containers.
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Dads have many great qualities. With Father’s Day on the way, townlively.com is giving you an opportunity to honor your dad by sharing what you love about him.
submit a video or photo of their construction projects, along with a 100word description explaining the inspiration behind their designs. “The event was scheduled for March 23, and the stay-at-home order went into effect on March 16. That Friday, (March 20), we made the decision not to have the event publicly,” said Becki Patterson, HfHCC marketing and communications manager, noting that the event regularly draws approximately 350 people and more than 150 entries. “We had the sponsorships lined up and the programs printed. We knew all the participants See Students pg 4
Bridge Of Hope Continues To Support Clients