Ring in 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church
BY CAT SHANNON
On New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to wait until midnight to ring in 2026. Just head to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church’s festivities, and celebrate at 7 p.m.
Welcome 2026 will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 75 E. High St., Elizabethtown. The celebration will kick off with a chicken barbecue, available for dine-in or to go. Meals will include a half chicken, a baked potato, applesauce, a roll with butter and water. There is a charge for the barbecue meal.
Susquehanna Service Dogs will be on-site from 4 to 6 p.m. in the church parlor.
“People can meet them and learn
about what they do,” said pastor A.J. Domines. “They’ll have some ambassador animals here.”
From 4 to 6:30 p.m., a variety of activities for people of all ages will take place. Free hot dogs, soup and water will be served in the church social room. Bingo will be held in
the Lutheran Lodge on-site. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will be available in a trailer outside the church, along with free s’mores in the church parking lot.
Just down the street, Winters Heritage House Museum will host children’s crafts and balloon twisting
See Ring pg 8
Uniting To Lift Lunch Debt Burden
BY CAT SHANNON
With a son at Bear Creek Elementary School, Amy Karr regularly attends Elizabethtown Area School District school board meetings. When she learned that hundreds of students in the district had accrued lunch debts they couldn’t repay, she felt compelled to help. With support from Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren (COB), efforts are underway to wipe out
more than $34,000 in student lunch debt in the district - and the community is invited to help by choosing a star from a Lunch Debt Giving Tree, located in the church lobby at 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown.
“E-town COB is committed to acts of service in a variety of ways,” said Karr, who is the chair of the church board. “While we have not specifically done a targeted campaign for lunch debt, we
Buzz Into 2026 With Beekeeping Skills
BY CAT SHANNON
Looking to try a new hobby in 2026 and help the planet at the same time? Sign up for the Lancaster County Beekeepers Society’s New Beekeeper Workshop. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. Doors will open at 7:15 a.m.
“Beekeeping is a deeply rewarding hobby that has a meaningful impact on the environment,” said Kim Fairfield, secretary/communications director for the society. “For some, this can be a lucrative enterprise, but for most hobbyist beekeepers, the reward is in the calming, hands-on care for the bees that improves pollination in our communities, encourages stewardship of nature and promotes individual mindfulness. Of course, there’s also the sweet, golden reward of harvesting your own honey and beeswax!”
During the workshop, participants will receive all the essential information they need to begin beekeeping.
“We will cover topics that include the biology of bees, how to source your bees, how to set up and position your hives, caring for your bees, beekeeping equipment and costs, pest control, honey extraction and more,” Fairfield shared. “Attendees have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with seasoned beekeepers, win door prizes and enter (giveaways) to win hives and other equipment.”
The workshop fee will include lunch and all materials and take-home handouts, as well as
Members of the event committee invite people to Welcome 2026. Photo by Cat Shannon
Inviting people to choose a star from the Lunch Debt Giving Tree are (from left) Peggy Shaffer, chair of Witness Commission, and Amy Karr, church board chair.
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GEARS Posts Activities
GEARS will offer activities to the community. Unless otherwise noted, there is a per-person cost, with a discounted rate for residents. To register or for more information, visit www.getintogears.org or call 717-367-0355.
A Winter Art Workshop will be held on Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 6 and 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the GEARS Community Center, 70 S. Poplar St., Elizabethtown. The workshop is designed for children ages 6 to 12 to explore their imagination while creating winter-themed art projects. All materials will be provided.
A Home School/Cyber School Gym Class Heroes program will be offered for youths ages 6 to 17. Sessions will take place on Fridays from Jan. 9 to Feb. 27 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the gym at the GEARS Community Center, with no class on Jan. 16 or Feb. 13. Each week will feature a new sport, including basketball, soccer, pickleball, floor hockey, and classic gym class games like kickball and dodgeball.
membership in the Lancaster County Beekeepers Society (LCBS) for 2026.
“This membership gives access to our monthly meetings featuring professional speakers, a members-only monthly newsletter and swag store and monthly hive checks where we gather to examine the LCBS hives and ask questions from our experienced hosts,” Fairfield explained. “Members can also use the club’s 15-frame radial extractor at no fee, sign up to be on our swarm collectors list and have access to a certified kitchen to bottle salable honey for a nominal fee.”
The New Beekeeper Workshop has been a popular public offering of the society for many years, Fairfield said, noting that early registration is recommended since space is limited and the workshop typically sells out.
Lancaster County Beekeepers Society is a member organization, but the group also focuses on public awareness and services.
“This year we are particularly excited to be celebrating our 150th anniversary, making us the oldest known beekeeping club in the United States,” she commented. “We have some special celebrations planned for 2026, so it’s a great year to be a part of the organization.”
Community members can also support the efforts of the group by contacting the club to safely remove a swarm of bees or by sponsoring the society’s upcoming celebrations.
“One of the key ways we do this is by providing education for aspiring beekeepers in order to promote and endorse safe, responsible and ethical beekeeping practices that protect the community and the environment,” Fairfield said.
The upcoming year is an important one for the club.
“If you aren’t quite ready to start your own hive, please consider joining LCBS,” Fairfield said. “You don’t have to be a beekeeper to be a member, and this is a great way to learn a lot about honey bees and beekeeping and gain hands-on experience with the club hives. You can also follow us
on Facebook at ‘Lancaster County Beekeepers Society’ and Instagram at @LancasterBeekeepers for fun, educational content and to learn about our activities.”
To register for the workshop, visit www.lancasterbeekeepers .org/workshop. Email workshop@ lancasterbeekeepers.org for more information.
An Advent lessons and carols service will be presented at Christ Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. This tradition of Scripture and song tells the story of God’s promises with carols and choral music in preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The service’s readings and music will reflect the theme of light shining in the darkness. The performance will take place in the church’s newly renovated worship space and is part of its Music on High concert series that brings free musical performances to the community. After the program, there will be a high tea served in the downstairs social room. The church is located at 125 E. High St. Parking is available in the lot next door. For more information, contact the parish office at 717-367-2786.
Members of the Lancaster County Beekeepers Society check on their hives.
Lancaster County Beekeepers Society member Jordan Shenk volunteers at a community farm show stand.
BOSSLER MENNONITE CHURCH: Located at 2021 Bossler Rd., Elizabethtown. Phone: 717-367-5167. Web site: www.bosslermennonite.org Sunday Worship held at 10 am. Preschool: 717537-8192.
CHIQUES METHODIST CHURCH:
1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy. Doug Paglia, Pastor. Worship Service at 9-10 am Children’s Sunday School: 9-10 am. Refreshments & Fellowship: 10-10:30 am. Adult Sunday School at 10:30-11:30 am. Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. For more information, call: 717-653-5175.
CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 75-125 East High Street, Elizabethtown 717-367-2786. Rev. Albert J. Domines, Jr., Sr. Pastor. Rev. Gerald R. Kliner, Jr., Assoc. Pastor. Liturgies of Holy Eucharist Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 8:15am & 11am. Sunday school for all ages 9:45am Handicapped accessible. Morning Prayer Wednesdays at 8:30am. Visit us online at: www.christlutheran-etown.com
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.
ELIZABETHTOWN MENNONITE CHURCH:
300 S Spruce St. (corner of S. Spruce & E. Bainbridge) Elizabethtown, PA 17022. You are welcome to join us for Sunday School at 9:00 am and Sunday Worship at 10:00 am - in person or livestreamed on our YouTube Channel. Ph: 717-367-7089 info@etownmennonite.com Visit us online at www.etownmennonite.com
ETOWN GRACE CHURCH, 305 Anchor Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Dr. Rick A. Clark, Pastor. Sunday: SS and Adult Bible Classes 9 am, Morning Worship 10:15 am. Wed night 6:15-7:45 pm AWANA (Children’s Ministry). Website at etowngrace.com
FLORIN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN:
You are welcome here! Worship service is at 10:15am Sunday mornings at 815 Bruce Avenue, Mount Joy PA 17552. Now LiveStreaming on YouTube - Search for us @florinchurch For more information, visit us at www.florincob.org Phone: 717-6531202 Email: secretary@florincob.org
GLOSSBRENNER CHURCH: 713 Church St. (located on the corner of Church & Angle Sts.), Mount Joy. Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am (In-Person or Live Streamed). Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. Sunday School for all ages: 11:15 am. Pastor: Heather Hammel. Church Office: 717-653-5683. "Like" us on Facebook: Glossbrenner Church. www.glossbrenner.net
GRACE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF MANHEIM: 1483 N. Colebrook Rd., Manheim. SUNDAYS: Adult Bible Class at 9:30am and Worship Service at 10:30am. Wednesday Evening Prayer is held from 6:30pm-7:30pm For more details, please visit http://www.gcfmanheim.org or call 717-665-7222.
MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (A Roman Catholic Parish): 625 Union School Rd., Mount Joy. Pastor: Rev. Ted Keating. Mass Times: Saturday Vigil 4:30pm, Sunday 8:30 & 11 am; Monday thru Friday 8:30 am. Confessions: Sat 3:30pm. 717-653-4903, visit us online at www.marymotherparish.org
Heart, Humor and Hope in “Steel Magnolias”
MAYTOWN CHURCH OF GOD: 14 West Elizabeth St., Maytown. Scott Sweigart, Pastor. All are w0elcome! Sunday Worship Service at 9:00 am. Phone: 717-426-3117. www.maytowncog.org
MILTON GROVE CHURCH: 2026 Cloverleaf Road (located N. of Rt. 283 Rheems/ Elizabethtown Exit) Mount Joy. Pastor: Jamie Pietsch. Join us Sundays at 9:30 am for in-person worship and on Facebook live at www.miltongrovechurch.com
PROCLAMATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA): Meeting at Kraybill Mennonite School, 598 Kraybill Church Rd., Mount Joy, PA 17552. Sundays at 10:30am We Welcome You! Visit us online at www.proclamationpca.com
RUHL’S CHURCH: A growing church committed to Christ. Worship on Sunday morning at 8 am for a traditional feel. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 am., 10:30 am. Worship led by praise band. (Nursery available. Handicap accessible.) For more information, please call 717-665-3400 or visit www.ruhlschurch.org Located at 4810 Elizabethtown Rd, Manheim.
SAINT LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 209 S. Market St. at Columbia Ave., Mount Joy. Phone: 717-653-4977. Sunday Holy Eucharist at 11 am. Wednesday Morning Prayer at 10 am in the Education Building. Taize Service 1st Sat. of the month at 5 pm. stlukesmountjoy@gmail.com www.stlukesmountjoypa.org Handicap Accessible.
SAINT PAUL’S CHURCH (A united Methodist Congregation): 398 N. Locust Street (North Spruce and Oak Streets), Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Phone:717-367-1889. Sunday Worship: Traditional at 8:30am, Grace Kids (ages 0-12 yrs) at 10:15am, Contemporary 10:15am.Email:office@wearesaintpauls.com Visit us online at: wearesaintpauls.com
ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Loving, growing, and sharing JOY through Jesus! Sunday service times: 9 and 10:30 a.m. 27 E. Main St., Mount Joy 717-6535493. www.connectstmarks.com Livestream at facebook.com/ConnectStMarks
TBC BIBLE CHURCH: Together Becoming Christ-like. 5880 School House Rd., Elizabethtown. We are a friendly, family-like atmosphere welcoming you to join us for Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 am & worship at 10:30 am. (jr. church included). Afternoon / evening gatherings meet on various Sundays for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Wednesday prayer meeting at 7:00pm. Monthly men’s and women’s Bible studies offer an opportunity to grow deeper in the Word and to fellowship with others. tbcbiblechurch.org or call 717-433-7585
THE ENCOUNTER CHURCH: A gathering of imperfect people seeking to know and encounter God. Sunday morning prayer at 9 am & worship at 10 am. 221 N. Front St., Bainbridge. www.encounter-connect.org
WORD OF LIFE CHAPEL: 139 Wickersham Rd., Bainbridge. 717-426-1171 Sunday Service - 10:15 am (Children’s Ministry & Nursery Care Provided). Visit us online at www.wordoflifechapel.org We welcome you!
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
BY CAT SHANNON
In “Steel Magnolias,” one line captures the heart of the story: “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion,” says Truvy Jones, the beauty salon owner at the center of the tale. It’s a promise the show keeps. When Susquehanna Stage brings the play to life, audiences can expect a ride full of humor, heartache and, above all, love.
“The emotions in this show are very up and down,” said director Chris Koslosky. “It’s a really funny show. It starts out as a comedy, but then it takes a turn.”
“Steel Magnolias” focuses on six very different women who bond during their sessions in Truvy’s salon.
Truvy, played by Vicki Schneider, works alongside her eager assistant Annelle, portrayed by Libby Hardesty.
The women welcome in wealthy widow and former first lady of the town Clairee, played by Lisa Lawmaster-Hess; curmudgeon Ouiser, portrayed by Robin Payne; loving mom M’Lynn, played by Becky Groff; and M’Lynn’s daughter, Shelby, portrayed by Libby Casey-Stauffer.
Shelby is in the midst of planning her wedding, and the women share wit, wisdom and heart as they chat during their appointments.
The show is set in the 1980s, which presented a bit of a challenge for Koslosky, she said.
“I’m almost an interpreter besides a director,” she said with a laugh, noting that she often had to explain time-period-specific references in the script. “There’s a lot of nostalgia in this show.”
Audiences may be familiar with the show from the Golden Globe-winning movie of the same name, which starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, among others.
“One of the challenges of presenting a show like this is
half the audience is going to want to see the movie on stage, and the other half will be expecting a play,” Koslosky said.
The play packs a powerful emotional punch, she said, noting, “It’s a very well-written play. It’s based on a true story, and that makes it all the more poignant.”
Assistant director Heather Strunk said audiences can expect to see six strong characters who come together and support each other as the story takes place over many months.
“I think in all of its ups and downs, what I like about the show is it shows real people,” she said. “It’s six real women who are really strong, feisty women. They don’t all start out that way, but as a community of strong women, they build each other up.”
Courage and optimism run through the play, with the actors portraying characters audiences will connect with, she said.
“It’s a dynamic cast of six really
See Magnolias pg 8
The cast of “Steel Magnolias”
Elizabethtown Winter Sports Kickoff
Basketball
Boys' Schedule
Tue. 12/2 vs Lebanon 7:30 pm
Fri. 12/5 Lebanon Tourn. 6:00 pm
Sat. 12/6 Lebanon Tourn. 6:00 pm
Mon. 12/8 at Lampeter-Strasburg 7:30 pm
Tue. 12/9 vs Ephrata 7:30 pm
Thu. 12/11 at Red Lion 7:00 pm
Mon. 12/15 vs Solanco 7:30 pm
Thu. 12/18 vs Northern 7:30 pm
Mon. 12/22 vs Twin Valley 6:30 pm
Fri. 1/2 vs Cocalico 7:30 pm
Sat. 1/3 vs Manheim Central 2:30 pm
Mon. 1/5 at Warwick 7:30 pm
Wed. 1/7 at Conestoga Valley 7:30 pm
Fri. 1/9 vs Governor Mifflin 7:30 pm
Tue. 1/13 at Ephrata 7:30 pm
Tue. 1/20 at Solanco 7:30 pm
Thu. 1/22 vs Garden Spot 7:30 pm
Mon. 1/26 at Donegal 7:30 pm
Tue. 1/27 at Cocalico 7:30 pm
Fri. 1/30 vs Warwick 7:30 pm
Wed. 2/4 vs Conestoga Valley 7:30 pm
Girls' Schedule
Tue. 12/2 at Manheim Central 7:30 pm
Wed. 12/3 at East Pennsboro 7:00 pm
Fri. 12/5
Sat. 12/6
Elizabethtown Tourn. 7:30 pm
Elizabethtown Tourn. 5:30 pm
Mon. 12/8 vs Lampeter-Strasburg 7:30 pm
Tue. 12/9 at Ephrata 7:30 pm
Mon. 12/15 at Solanco 7:30 pm
Wed. 12/17 at Big Spring 7:30 pm
Fri. 12/19 vs Garden Spot 7:30 pm
Mon. 12/22 at Lebanon 7:30 pm
Fri. 1/2 at Cocalico 7:30 pm
Mon. 1/5 vs Warwick 7:30 pm
Wed. 1/7 vs Conestoga Valley 7:30 pm
Fri. 1/9 at Palmyra 7:00 pm
Tue. 1/13 vs Ephrata 7:30 pm
Tue. 1/20 vs Solanco 7:30 pm
Mon. 1/26 vs Donegal 7:30 pm
Tue. 1/27 vs Cocalico 7:30 pm
Fri. 1/30 at Warwick 7:30 pm
Wed. 2/4 at Conestoga Valley 7:30 pm
Bowling Rifle Wrestling
Thu. 12/4 vs Manheim Central 4:00 pm
Tue. 12/9 at Garden Spot 4:00 pm
Thu. 12/11 vs Wilson 4:00 pm
Tue. 12/16 vs Conestoga Valley 4:00 pm
Thu. 12/18 at Manheim Township 4:00 pm
Tue. 1/6 vs Governor Mifflin 4:00 pm
Thu. 1/8 vs Ephrata 4:00 pm
Tue. 1/13 at Manheim Central 4:00 pm
Thu. 1/15 vs Garden Spot 4:00 pm
Fri. 1/16 vs Juniata 4:00 pm
Tue. 1/20 at Wilson 4:00 pm
Thu. 1/22 at Conestoga Valley 4:00 pm
Tue. 1/27 vs Manheim Township 4:00 pm
Thu. 1/29 at Governor Mifflin 4:00 pm
Tue. 2/3 at Ephrata 4:00 pm
Mon. 12/1 at Penn Manor 3:30 pm
Wed. 12/3 at Ephrata 3:30 pm
Mon. 12/8 vs Warwick 3:30 pm
Thu. 12/11 vs Cedar Crest 3:30 pm
Tue. 12/16 vs Dallastown 3:30 pm
Wed. 12/17 at Conestoga Valley 3:30 pm
Fri. 12/19 at Manheim Township 3:30 pm
Mon. 12/22 at Shikellamy 2:00 pm
Mon. 1/5 vs Lebanon 3:30 pm
Thu. 1/8 at McCaskey 3:30 pm
Wed. 1/14 vs Conestoga Valley 3:30 pm
Fri. 1/16 vs Hempfield 3:30 pm
Thu. 1/22 at Lebanon 3:30 pm
Fri. 1/23 vs Donegal 5:30 pm
Mon. 1/26 at Ephrata 3:30 pm
Wed. 1/28 at Spring Grove 2:30 pm Fri. 1/30 at Warwick 3:30 pm
Boys' Schedule
Wed. 12/10 vs Lampeter-Strasburg 7:00 pm
Sat. 12/13 vs Central Dauphin Tourn. 9:00 am
Wed. 12/17 vs Garden Spot 7:00 pm Sat. 1/3 Elizabethtown Tourn. 9:00 am
Tue. 1/6 at Cocalico 7:00 pm
Thu. 1/8 at Warwick 7:00 pm
Wed. 1/14 at Manheim Central 7:00 pm Fri. 1/16 vs Conestoga Valley 7:00 pm
Wed. 1/21 vs Donegal 7:00 pm Sat. 1/31 Eastern York Tourn. 8:30 am
Girls' Schedule
Wed. 12/10 vs Lampeter-Strasburg 6:00 pm Sat. 12/20 Elizabethtown Tourn. 8:00 am
Tue. 1/6 at Warwick 7:00 pm
Wed. 1/21 vs Donegal 6:00 pm Tue. 2/3 at Elizabethtown 6:30 pm
Swimming
Thu. 12/4 vs Central York 7:00 pm
Tue. 12/9 at Manheim Central 7:30 pm
Thu. 12/11 at Milton Hershey 4:30 pm
Wed. 12/17 at Lancaster Catholic 7:30 pm
Thu. 12/18 at Ephrata 4:00 pm
Mon. 12/29 at Cumberland Valley 9:30 am
Tue. 1/13 vs Conestoga Valley 7:00 pm
Thu. 1/15 vs Manheim Township 7:00 pm
Tue. 1/20 vs Lampeter-Strasburg 7:00 pm
Thu. 1/22 vs Cedar Crest 7:00 pm
Tue. 1/27 vs Cocalico 7:00 pm
Thu. 1/29 vs Lower Dauphin 7:00 pm
Content represents the schedule available at press time.
Sports
consistently look for ways we
New data gathered from the district shows that 328 students currently carry a lunch debt, with balances as low as 10 cents and as high as $940.
A variety of factors contribute to the rising meal debt. One of the most significant comes from recent changes to the free and reduced-cost lunch program requirements. Parents who previously remained continuously enrolled were required to reapply this year, resulting in many children unknowingly accruing debt. Even when families requalify, the assistance is not applied retroactively, leaving parents responsible for the outstanding balance.
Meal prices also add up quickly: $2.55 per meal for elementary students and $2.65 per meal for students in grades six to 12. While Pennsylvania law ensures that no student is denied a standard meal, families can still fall behind. Many parents request payment plans from the district office, and while the office works hard to accommodate them, managing numerous payment arrangements creates an additional administrative strain.
“When we reviewed the district data and saw that more than 300 students carry over $34,000 in meal debt, we knew our community could make a difference,” Karr said. “Behind every balance is a student, a family and a real need. Our goal is simple: lighten the load and make sure every child can walk into the cafeteria free from worry.”
lunch balances of $200 or more, and organizers hope partnering congregations will help eliminate these larger debts to ensure the biggest possible impact.
“We would love for local congregations to adopt those balances and encourage the congregation to raise the total. We know to achieve our goal of eliminating the entire debt of $34,000, we will need help,” Karr said. “We would also love for local businesses to participate as well! For example, the local yoga studio Wild & Free Yoga adopted a debt of over $850 and are currently raising money to pay it off.”
People who would like to support the effort may stop by the church lobby on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon to choose a star from the tree. They can also email givingtree@ etowncob.org to coordinate a donation.
Service
Friday, December 12 7:00pm
Advent Night of Prayer & Adoration
Monday, December 15 7:00pm
Christmas Eve Masses
Wednesday, December 24 4:00pm, 6:00pm & 10:00pm Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25 10:00am Solemnity of Mary
Working in partnership with the church’s Witness Commission, whose focus is outreach and ministry, the congregation created the Lunch Debt Giving Tree, which will be available through Thursday, Dec. 25. Each paper star on the tree represents a specific student’s outstanding balance. Congregants and community members are invited to select one or more stars and pay the balance directly to the school district.
“Each lunch debt has a unique student ID, which only the district office knows what student that debt is tied to,” Karr explained. “The giving program allows families to maintain complete confidentiality.”
Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren is encouraging other local churches to join in the effort to address this often unseen burden on families. There are approximately 56 students with
Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
Etown Common Sense is planning a gift wrapping fundraiser to benefit the Elizabethtown Area School District (EASD) facility dog program on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown.
Participants may bring laundry baskets or bags with unwrapped gifts and drop them off at the church under the portico in a drive-through format. Extra baskets will be available.
Proceeds will benefit the Elizabethtown Area School District facility dogs.
Attendees will be asked to answer a few questions about their wrap preferences. Or, they may wrap their own presents using supplies that are provided or wait while their gifts are wrapped.
Guests can visit with the facility dogs, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and shop for stocking stuffers and baked goods that will be available for purchase. Donations will be accepted by cash, check or credit card. All proceeds will benefit the facility dog program.
The EASD facility dog program relies on community financial support. EASD has five facility dogs, one at each of the district’s schools. Over the past four years, Etown Common Sense has raised almost $10,000 for the facility dog program, supporting students, teachers and pups.
More information about the event is available at www.etown commonsense.org. Additional details about each of the facility dogs and the job they do can be found at www.etownschools .org/culture-of-belonging/ facility-dog-program.
Those with questions may email etowncommonsense@gmail.com.
Women’s Meeting To Feature Craft, Bible Study
Women of all ages and preschool children are invited to attend Neighbors Sharing and Caring (NSAC), a women’s ministry of the Chiques Church, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
The day’s program was originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 2 but was rescheduled due to snow. As part of the program, participants may pick either a craft or a Bible study.
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BUYING TOYS & COLLECTIBLES www.DNRCollectibles.com
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27 E Lancaster Street, Red Lion, PA Hours: M-W 8am-4pm, Th.-F by appt. 717-329-8167 • rhoward1771@gmail.com Toys Vintage or Modern, New or Used, Hess Trucks, Barbies, Diecast, Hot Wheels & Matchbox, Action Figures, Models, Trains, Sports Cards/Memorabilia, Movie/Music Memorabilia, Video Games & much more!
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SAUDER TWIN MATE'S BED WITH TWO INTERCHANGEABLE UNDER THE BED DRAWERS. USED ONLY 16 MONTHS. MATTRESS IS INCLUDED. IT WAS IN A PET/SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT. $300 FIRM. FCFS, NO HOLDS. YOU PICK UP. ONLY SERIOUS INQUIRIES PLEASE. CONTACT 717-383-3484
The Bible study will be “Growing Deep Roots in Winter” led by Christy Shenk, a member of Chiques Church. The Bible study will juxtapose strategies for getting the most enjoyment out of the winter season and practical approaches for enduring and even valuing times of spiritual testing. During the program, child care will be provided for infants through prekindergartners.
Readers may contact Bonnie at 717-361-2613 or Veronica at 717-626-7603 for more information and a copy of this year’s schedule.
The craft will be a wire Christmas Nativity led by Paige Haldeman of Manheim. For this craft, participants will twist metal to create a unique piece of art that can be used as a Christmas decoration.
EXP. FT/PT DRIVERS Straight truck drivers, Class C non-CDL. Retirees also welcome. Punctual Services Inc. 717-252-0487
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CARPENTER WANTED with min. 2 years' experience in trim and framing. Text 717-330-9772 for details.
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at 47 E. High St. from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Local musician Corty Byron will perform from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the newly renovated church sanctuary. A freewill offering will be received during his performance.
The festivities will conclude with a star raising and fireworks at 7 p.m. on the church lawn.
“It’s a really great fireworks show,” said Cammy Anderson, who is on the event committee. “It’s spectacular.”
This is the 12th year Christ Lutheran Church has hosted the New Year’s Eve event, and Clark noted it takes a village to pull off a successful celebration.
“We couldn’t do this without the police, EMS and the fire department helping, as well as our volunteers and sponsors,” he said.
Hosting the event is important to the church, Anderson noted.
The timing of the event is intentional, shared volunteer Phil Clark. “That’s when it’s midnight in Letterkenny, Ireland - 7 p.m.,” Clark said, noting that Letterkenny had been the sister city of Elizabethtown for many years before the partnership lapsed. Work is in progress to restore the relationship and rekindle the connection between the two towns.
“We also have a lot of Masonic Village residents and other older folks who come out, and they can have an early dinner and enjoy the evening and not be out until midnight,” Domines shared.
The timing is also good for families with young children who don’t want a late night out.
Magnolias
incredible women who are playing the roles of six incredible women who are the epitome of love and friendship and care, all while being absolutely hilarious,” Strunk shared. “If you want a good laugh, it’s your show. If you want a good cry, it’s your show. It runs the gamut, all held together by these six incredible characters.”
Ultimately, “Steel Magnolias” is about the power of female friendship.
“In the end, you walk away feeling proud of those women
Breakfast With
Santa Planned
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 239 E. Market St., Marietta, will host Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8 to 10 a.m.
Santa Claus will be available at the pancake breakfast to greet guests and take wish lists from children. With the help of Mrs. Claus and an elf, Santa will give out small gifts to each child under age 12. Parents are encouraged to take pictures.
The breakfast will include pancakes, sausages, fruit, homemade goodies, juice, and coffee. There is a fee; children under age 5 may eat for free.
Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the church’s outreach programs. For more information, call the church at 717-426-3189.
“It’s a huge community outreach for us,” she said. “We want everyone to come and have fun together.”
Clark emphasized all are invited to attend Welcome 2026.
“Even though the church hosts it, it’s really a community event,” he said. “This is for everyone.”
Tickets for the chicken barbecue are on sale now at the church office, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. Tickets will also be sold after Saturday and Sunday services, as well as at the door. Preorders are encouraged but not required.
For more information, call the church office at 717-367-2786 or visit www.christlutheran -etown.com.
from pg 3
and what they’ve accomplished and how they have supported and lifted each other up, despite sadness,” Strunk said. “They didn’t let the sadness define who they are. They’re too strong for that.”
“Steel Magnolias” will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20, as well as at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 14 and 21. For more information, visit www.susquehannastage.com.
