Garden Spot townlively.com
JULY 7, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 29
Creating Confident Students CrossNet Backpack Giveaway Scheduled BY ANN MEAD ASH
“We are going back to a more normal (back-to-school) event,” said Lisa Kerstetter, CrossNet Ministries director of marketing and events. By normal, Kerstetter means a backpack, school supplies, and more giveaway that will include an introduction to community resources and allowing more than 25 people at a time into the facility where the event is held. This year’s Back-to-School and More Student Backpack Giveaway will be held at the CrossNet Ministries Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Backpacks filled with school supplies are available for all ELANCO School District students in kindergarten through grade 12 who are participating in free and reducedcost lunch programs. Proof of residency in the school district such as an electric or phone bill will be necessary to receive a free backpack. In addition to backpacks,
resources such as free haircuts, Anchored Ministries Clothing Closet, and information from an ELANCO School District representative will be available. Free food items, which will be provided while supplies last, will include snacks and a beverage and a free ice cream cone. CrossNet backpack drives through several local organizations began on July 1, but individuals are welcome to donate backpacks and school supplies at the CrossNet Ministries offices at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland. Requested items are new, sturdy backpacks for students of all ages, pens, spiral tablets, pocket folders, rulers, notebook paper, three-ring binders, highlighters, water-based markers, safety scissors, crayons, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, index cards, glue sticks, erasers, and small tissue packets. Financial donations will also be accepted. For those who prefer to shop online, items may be shipped to CrossNet.
Area organizations and businesses collect backpacks and school supplies for the CrossNet Backpack Giveaway (top left photo). About 500 area students receive backpacks each year (bottom left photo). Voluteers help fill and sort backpacks for the annual event (right photo).
County Treasures: Seiverling Museum Specializes In Pedal Cars
Pastor Witmer Retires From St. Stephen BY ANN MEAD ASH
BY ANN MEAD ASH
At 66 Lancaster Ave., Ephrata, just a stone’s throw from Ephrata Hospital, is a small building that holds treasures to make the eyes of most children and many adults grow large with delight. The Seiverling Museum - Car and Pedal Car Museum holds 150 pedal cars from all over the world, plus three full-size classic cars. “This was put together by my great-uncle Richard Seiverling,” said Darren Seiverling, who, along with his family, oversees the museum See Pedal Car pg 3
Tim Witmer, shown with his wife, Barbara, recently retired from St. Stephen Reformed Church in New Holland.
In 2014, Tim Witmer and his wife, Barbara, were shopping at a local grocery store when they met Barbara’s cousin Carol Sprecher. The Witmers, who were originally from New Holland and who had become a couple when Stan Deen cast them as leads in “Brigadoon” in their senior year at Garden Spot High School, had just purchased a house in the area. Tim had recently stepped down from pastoring a church in Upper Darby, and the pair was looking forward to retirement.
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“Little did we know what God had in store for us,” said Tim. Sprecher wanted to know if Tim would help to pastor at her church, St. Stephen Reformed on Main Street, which was in a transitional period. Tim agreed to begin pastoring the approximately 60 attendees, and in November 2014, the church voted to change denominational affiliation to Presbyterian Church in America and to call Tim as parttime pastor. “Our son said, ‘You’re a general in God’s army, and He has another assignment for you,’” said Barbara.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Car Show Will Focus On Muscle . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 A Tale Of Two Siblings . . .3 Business Directory . . . . . .3 Meals On Wheels Seeks Volunteers . . . . . . .4 House Of Worship . . . . . . .9 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .10
See Witmer pg 5
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See Students pg 6
