Garden Spot townlively.com
DECEMBER 15, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 52
A Hot Meal And A Warm Welcome BY ANN MEAD ASH
here is no need to register in advance for the free community meal held monthly at New Holland United Methodist Church, 120 W. Main St., New Holland. Up to 40 cars line up at the church on the third Thursday of each month beginning at 5:15 p.m. According to church pastor Ray Voran, many of the meal recipients come regularly to the drivethrough. “At least 75% are people that we recognize,” said Voran. “It’s not unusual for people to drive up and talk to us about prayer requests, so we get to know what they’re facing,” he said of the relationships that have developed. Prior to the advent of COVID-19 restrictions, the meal was held inside the church as a sit-down event, but for more than a year now, the food has been served takeout style. Voran noted that the size of the fellowship hall has prevented a move back to sit-down meals. He said that during nice weather the church may put tables outside for
Sweet Family-Style Fun
Volunteers at New Holland United Methodist Church prepare a free community meal for takeout once a month.
A New Pet For Christmas? BY ANN MEAD ASH
Does anything push the cuteness quotient like a puppy or kitten under a fully decorated Christmas
Valentine’s Banquet To Feature Local Talent BY ANN MEAD ASH
Jaime Santiago, founder and executive director of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), is looking forward to a bit of a change in this year’s Valentines Sweetheart Banquet. The event, which in the past has been solely for couples, will be a little more open. “ We thought we would have a little See RTCM pg 11
Alexis Vollmer of the Humane League of Lancaster County helps match pets and owners.
tree? Probably not, but is it wise to bring a pet into the home during the holidays only to fully grasp the reality of pet ownership when life returns to normal in January? Alexis Vollmer, an animal care technician, with the Humane League of Lancaster County, said that the last couple of years the organization has been lucky following Christmas. “We had quite a few less returns compared to how many were adopted out,” noted Vollmer, who credits the matchmaking skills of league members and staff with that low number. See Humane League pg 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Church Plans “Carols & Cocoa” . . . . . . .2 A Thrill Of Hope . . . . . . . .4 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .12 House Of Worship . . . . . .16
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those who wish to eat on the premises. For November, Voran and a crew of eight volunteers prepared a Thanksgiving-type meal to hand out. Individual meals of turkey and stuffing casserole, potatoes, and mixed vegetables were dished into containers, and each was accompanied by a side of fruit and bagged cookies. The turkeys were cooked ahead of time, but the meal was assembled in the church kitchen. Voran said he often starts cooking the hot meal in the morning. Volunteers arrive between 3 and 4 p.m. to start packing, and the meals are handed out at 5:15 p.m. According to Voran, about 100 meals are handed out monthly. “With takeout we can serve more (than we did with an indoor meal),” he said, adding that with the number of volunteers available, the takeout system works well. “There are a lot of (meal recipients) who appreciate the takeout,” he said. More information on the church is available at https://nhumc.us.