Elizabethtown /townlively
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 45
we are so thankful for our readers and the local businesses and organizations that help to make our communities thrive
Christmas At The Star Barn Village Will Benefit Brittany’s Hope BY CATHY MOLITORIS
ake a train ride to Santa’s workshop or just enjoy the historical setting at Christmas at The Star Barn Village, a benefit for Brittany’s Hope. Christmas at The Star Barn Village will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. To ensure the safety of guests, the event will feature VIP entry with preregistered timed tickets between 7:15 and 10:15 a.m. Additional time slots may be added closer to the event, and readers may get the most updated information at www.brittanyshope.org. Although this event has been held for the last several years, this year will look a little different, said Mai-Lynn Abel Sahd, executive director of Brittany’s Hope. “In the past we did a wonderful VIP breakfast session with Santa, but due to COVID, we are unable to hold it this year,” she explained. “In lieu, we are so excited to introduce a new activity.” This year, attendees will board the Santa Express, an 1860s steam engine train, for a ride to Santa’s workshop. “The train will pull into Santa’s workshop and he’ll board with Mrs. Claus to visit and present each boy and girl with a special gift,” Sahd said. In addition to the train ride, the event will include an opportunity to meet characters from the Enchanted Teapot, a local entertainment company; a brown bag
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
When Jennifer Allen and her husband, Phillip, adopted a baby in 2017, they didn’t know their lives would change in more ways than they could imagine. “My middle son has spina bifida,” said Allen. “He can’t feel from his knees down. … We didn’t know he had a disability until we were picking him up in China.” Jaden, 4, uses crutches to walk short distances and relies on a wheelchair for longer trips. Watching her son try to navigate the world with a disability inspired Allen to create Wonders Within Reach, a travel website and blog focused on travel resources for families with disabilities. Her blog, See Wonders pg 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COVID Derails Train Events . . . . . . . . . . .4 Business Directory . . . . . .6 Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors to Christmas at The Star Barn Village on Saturday, Dec. 5.
I know many are aching for opportunities just to get out,” she remarked. Admission to the event is by preregistration only. To register, readers may visit www.brittanyshope.org.
Holiday Dinner Giveaway Slated . . . . . . .10 House Of Worship . . . . . .12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .12
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Although changes had to be made to this year’s event, the spirit of the day remains the same, Sahd noted. “We are excited that we are able to put on a safe physical event this year for our community, because
Let us show you the difference a caring neighbor can make. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Palmyra | 717-838-9211 Travis S. Finkenbinder, Supervisor
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treat with hot chocolate provided by Food for Thought Catering; and family portraits by Melissa McClain Photography and Nathan Desch Photography. Visitors to Christmas at The Star Barn Village will also have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the property and the buildings on-site, Sahd noted, adding, “Everything will be beautifully decorated for the holidays.” Sahd emphasized that the organizers put a lot of thought into how to put on a physical event and still make the health and safety of guests a priority. “We’ll be limiting crowds and controlling how many people can be in one place at a time,” she explained. “We want to make sure everyone has a safe and magical time.” All events will be held outside, Sahd noted. “We want to make sure people come dressed for the weather and wear good walking shoes,” she recommended. All of the proceeds from Christmas at The Star Barn Village benefit Brittany’s Hope, an Elizabethtown-based organization that focuses on providing aid to abandoned children, including adoption grants for families seeking to adopt special needs children, Sahd said. “We love the opportunity to connect with our community and all of the people who generously support us,” she stated. “This event helps support our mission and our work, which is so critically needed. We serve the most vulnerable people.”
Helping To Bring The World Within Reach
Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory Elizabethtown | 717-367-1543 Thomas W. Ford, Supervisor
Fager-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Middletown | 717-944-7413 Alana A. Ace, Supervisor