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JANUARY 24, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Celebrate Groundhog Day with Acorn Acres BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
100 years of giving 100% BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Bill McIlwaine was born on Jan. 4, 1924 in Fall River, Mass., marking the star t of a remarkable life that would span more than a century. Bill’s journey eventually led him to Lancaster, where he recently celebrated his 100th bir thd ay with his children and close friends. In the many decades that Bill has called Lancaster home, the retired professor and decorated combat veteran has left a major impact on On Jan. 4, Bill McIlwaine (center) celebrated the community and his 100th birthday with his children, the people in it. (clockwise, from bottom left) Bill graduated from Deb Shenk, Meredyth Van Scherpenseel, high school in 1942, David McIlwaine and Doug McIlwaine. and he enlisted in the armed around the globe for another forces in 1943. The United States two years. Bill was assigned to had officially entered World War the United States Army 80th II only a few years prior, and the Infantry, where he saw combat conflict would continue to rage in a few of the war’s bloodiest See 100th birthday pg 2
Become a friend to bees BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Elliott the groundhog, Acorn Acres’ mascot, will make his first official prognostication during this year’s Groundhog Day celebration.
be available to purchase from a cash bar before the party wraps up. Traditionally, Acorn Acres celebrates Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt in Lancaster city. The event was created in 2021 by the organization’s founder, Betsy Shank, who sought a way to support local businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I happened to have an Emmy-nominated and very cute groundhog, so I used Poppy’s
popularity to draw people to downtown businesses,” Shank said. Poppy acquired national fame after she appeared alongside Bill Murray in a commercial for the National Football League championship game in 2020. Shank decided to change the format of the event after Elliott took over as Acorn Acres’ mascot. Although Poppy was always comfortable in the limelight, Elliott is a younger and much more reserved groundhog. With this See Groundhog Day pg 4
“Hone y b e es p ollinate a third of everything we eat,” said Master Beekeeper Denny Gorman. “Without them, we wouldn’t have most of the fruit we eat. Honey bees also pollinate 100% of the almonds grown in this country.” Gorman, who is vice president of the Lancaster County Beekeepers Society, is passionate about the insects. He invites other people who are interested in learning more to attend the 2024 New Beekeeper Workshop. It will be held on Saturday,
Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. The event will cover everything people need to start the hobby of beekeeping. “We provide a continental breakfast and a very nice lunch,” Gorman said. “I personally teach a class in honey bee biology and hive biology. We teach classes in how to extract honey, where to place your hives, a little bit on diseases. We try to prepare a new beekeeper with the basic info they need to start beekeeping.” Gorman has been a beekeeper for seven years. He started the See Beekeeping pg 2
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illersville-based wildlife rehabilitation center Acorn Acres will host its annual Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2, in downtown Lancaster. The festivities will kick off at Ville & Rue, 8 W. King St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The celebration will continue with an all-ages Groundhog Day party from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Imperial, 26 E. Chestnut St. Both events will be free to attend. At 11:30 a.m., Acorn Acres ambassador Elliott the groundhog will predict the weather forecast for the remaining winter months. This will be Elliott’s first prognostication, as the yearly ritual was previously completed by the wildlife center’s former mascot, Poppy. After Poppy’s death last February, Elliott has taken over the late groundhog’s responsibilities as the face of Acorn Acres. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available at Ville & Rue, and Poppy-themed items such as pillows, tea towels and tote bags will be available to purchase. Once the party moves to the Imperial, guests may enjoy various family-friendly activities including groundhog-themed crafts, cornhole, Jenga and live entertainment. A game of bingo will begin at 5 p.m., but there will be a twist: Players must yell “groundhog” to redeem a winning card. At 6 p.m., an educational program featuring Elliott will be held to offer guests information on groundhogs, followed by Elliott’s second prognostication at 7 p.m. for this year’s National Football League championship. Tickets for a prize drawing will be available until the winning numbers are selected at 8 p.m., and food and drinks will
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